Smithville Cumberland Presbyterian Church 201 South College Street Smithville, TN Newsletter

Transcription

1 Smithville Cumberland Presbyterian Church 201 South College Street Smithville, TN Newsletter Volume 16 No 11 November 1, 2017

2 Smithville Cumberland Presbyterian Church Vol No. 11 November 2017 Ruth went to her mail box, and there was only one letter. She picked it up and looked at it before opening it, but then she looked at the letter again. There was no stamp, no postmark, only her name and address. She read the letter: Dear Ruth: I'm going to be in your neighborhood Saturday afternoon, and I'd like to stop by for a visit. Love Always, Jesus Her hands were shaking as she placed the letter on the table. "Why would the Lord want to visit me? I'm nobody special. I don't have anything to offer." With that thought, Ruth remembered her empty kitchen cabinets. "Oh my goodness, I really don't have anything to offer. I'll have to run down to the store and buy something for dinner." She reached for her purse and counted out its contents. Five dollars and forty cents. "Well! I can get some bread and cold cuts, at least." She threw on her coat and hurried out the door. A loaf of French bread, a half-pound of sliced turkey, and a carton of milk...leaving Ruth with grand total twelve cents to last her until Monday. Nonetheless, she felt good as she headed home, her meager offerings tucked under her arm. "Hey lady, can you help us, lady?" Ruth had been so absorbed in her dinner plans, she hadn't even noticed two figures huddled in the alleyway. A man and a woman, both of them dressed in little more than rags. "Look lady, I ain't got a job, ya know, and my wife and I have been living out here on the street, and, well, now it's getting cold, and we're getting kinda hungry and, well, if you could help us, lady, we'd really appreciate it." Ruth looked at them both. They were dirty, they smelled bad, and frankly, she was certain that they could get some kind of work if they really wanted to. "Sir, I'd like to help you, but I'm a poor woman myself. All I have is a few cold cuts and some bread, and I'm having an important guest for dinner tonight, and I was planning on serving that to Him."

3 "Yeah, well, okay lady, I understand. Thanks anyway." The man put his arm around the woman's shoulders, turned, and headed back into the alley. As she watched them leave, Ruth felt a familiar twinge in her heart. "Sir, wait!" The couple stopped and turned as she ran down the alley after them. "Look, why don't you take this food. I'll figure out something else to serve my guest." She handed the man her grocery bag. "Thank you lady. Thank you very much!" "Yes, thank you!" It was the man's wife, and Ruth could see now that she was shivering. "You know, I've got another coat at home. Here, why don't you take this one." Ruth unbuttoned her jacket and slipped it over the woman's shoulders. Then smiling, she turned and walked back to the street...without her coat and with nothing to serve her guest. Ruth was chilled by the time she reached her front door and worried too. The Lord was coming to visit, and she didn't have anything to offer Him. She fumbled through her purse for the door key. But as she did, she noticed another envelope in her mailbox. "That's odd. The mailman doesn't usually come twice in one day." She took the envelope out of the box and opened it. Dear Ruth: It was so good to see you again. Thank you for the lovely meal. And thank you, too, for the beautiful coat. Love Always, Jesus The air was still cold, but even without her coat, Ruth no longer noticed. Daylight Saving Time Ends Sunday November 5th Remember to fall back one hour!

4 If your birthday and/or anniversary has been omitted, please check with the Church Secretary November Birthdays 11/03 Jenni Reichenbach 11/05 Teresa Trapp Brown 11/07 Elizabeth Smith 11/07 Keith Duvenage 11/10 John Ingram 11/13 Madison Judkins 11/13 Wes Rogers 11/19 Phillip Hendrix 11/20 Melody Rogers 11/22 Robert Watkins 11/27 Brett Schrock 11/29 Isaac Gray What you get by achieving your goals is not as important as what you become by achieving your goals. Zig Ziglar Anniversaries 11/11 Mr. & Mrs. Daniel Mountain 11/24 Mr. & Mrs. Tommy Webb 11/25 Mr. & Mrs. Thomas Anderson 11/28 Mr. & Mrs. Ronnie Turner Thursday CPC Day Trip - November 2nd Van leaves at 9:00 a.m. Christmas Is Coming! Any of you who wish are invited to sing with us. We will practice on Wednesdays at 7:30 p.m. Join us as we prepare to present Jesus, There s Something About That Name The Christmas Program will be presented December 17th at 6:00 p.m. This program will have the same format as the previous two years showcasing some of the many talents in our church. CPWM November 14th Fellowship Hall Light Lunch Provided All Ladies invited to attend. Easy Tithe Is Here For those of you who like to do things electronically, or who would like to set up a weekly (monthly) tithe amount and just let it happen every week, Easy Tithe is available. Go to the our web site: and select on-line giving. Jim Hodges Prayer Our church website includes a prayer request section. You can post prayer needs or pray for ones that are already posted. Click get involved at the top, then choose Prayer Wall.. Acolytes for November Robert Wheeler Darrah Ramsey Bill Miller Jake Ramsey Operation Christmas Child Packing Party Sunday November 12th 3:00 p.m.

5 Equipping the Saints In Ephesians 4 (NRSV) Paul talks about pastors and other leaders as gifts that God has given the church to equip the saints for the work of ministry, for building up the body of Christ. Stephen Ministry has given us an organized way to equip those gifted for caring ministry so that they can build up the body of Christ by providing Christian care and support to those experiencing a difficult time. SCPC is wrapping up on the selection process for Stephen Ministers for our upcoming class. Soon training will start and we hope to commission our first class of Stephen Ministers in March. Please continue to pray for SCPC s Stephen Ministry. Pray for our Stephen Leaders who will be training the new Stephen Ministers, and pray for the Stephen Ministers. That when the training is over that we will all be highly equipped for the work God has for us to do. If you were thinking about becoming a Stephen Minister but didn t talk to us about it yet, worry not! There will be more classes in the future. Continue to pray for guidance on what the right place for you is in this new ministry at SCPC and come talk to Susan Gray or Kelly Brown so we can share more information with you and perhaps explore other ways you can help with the ministry. Family Fun Night was great fun! Looking forward to the next one. Missionary Birthdays Luz Dary Rivera, Nov. 26 Mexico Daniel Jacoba Rivera Nov. 13 " Kay Jang Nov. 8 Philippines Christian Sims Nov. 20 Brazil Check it Out! Our new website at smithvillecpc.com Upload prayer requests, Donate tithes and offerings, Contact church staff Listen to recent sermons Each month, let s commit to memory a passage of scripture. Below is one of my personal favorite. Tell me what yours is and we will use that in upcoming Newsletters. Memory Verse Psalm 122:1 I was glad when they said unto me, let us go into the house of the Lord.

6 Missionaries of the Month Daniel & Kay Jang Phillipines Rev. Daniel (WonJeon) Jang and Kay(Seunghee Ji) have been Church Planters in Iloilo, Phillipines for 11 years. They have two children: Younjei, 13 and Junha,11 They feed and care for many children and this day there were 100! The SCPC Young Adult Class has adopted them. Pray for the Jangs as they continue to share God s Light and the Love of Jesus. Contact them: goingup129@hanmail.net

7 November Health Corner I started to write these Health articles back in January of this year, and I can t believe it is already November. In January I wrote about making small steps changes in diet and exercise to improve health. As we go thru the next 8 weeks we will be celebrate 3 Holidays. Holidays are the most difficult time of year to stay on track with healthy eating and enough exercise. We will prepare all of our best recipes and eat a lot of food. Many people end up with weight gain during this festive time of the year. I am going to once again focus on small steps for a healthier Holiday. Here are some ideas for having a healthier Holiday. Be realistic do not try to go on a diet to lose weight over the holidays. Instead try to maintain your current weight. Don t skip meals. Eat 7 or more servings of fruit and vegetables each day. They ll satisfy your stomach without adding empty calories, and the fiber will help you feel full. Eat until satisfied not stuffed, small portions, sit down, and get comfortable enjoy. If you over eat one meal cut down on the next. It takes 500 extra calories per day above your normal calorie intake to gain a pound. Turn making candy and cookies into doing holiday projects instead like making wreaths and other decorations. Remember you can cook healthier versions of your favorite recipes by decreasing salt, sugar, and fat. Clear your home of the tempting holiday goodies. When you bake, keep a small amount for your family. Then give the rest away. Share any gifts of food you get with others. If you indulge in a holiday treat keep the serving small. If you over indulge compensate later by reducing calorie intake or burning a few extra calories through exercise. Here are some party tips for the Holidays. Do not go to a party hungry. Eat 1 serving of fruit, fat free yogurt, or raw nuts before you go to a party. Approach the party food only if you feel hungry. Take your time and choose wisely. Use a smaller plate. Bypass the rich sauces, and foods high in fat. When at a party survey food choices first, then pick only your favorite food and add some veggies and fruit. If the party is potluck bring a heart healthy appetizer or dessert so you will have at least 1 healthy option. Learn to politely say no. You don t have to eat foods high in calories. Try to focus on socializing not food. Conversation is calories free, and both standing and walking burn more calories than sitting. Don t forget drinks can be high in calories. Over the holidays don t forget the exercise. We are so busy this time of the year it is hard to find time for organized exercise. A moderate and daily exercise can help partially offset holiday eating. Try brisk walk minutes twice daily. Remember you can add exercise into daily routine like park in the back of the parking lot to increase walking, use the stairs instead of the elevator. Walk at work during your break time. It will relieve holiday stress and prevent weight gain. Organize an activity for you and your family that gets everyone moving. Living healthier is a life long journey. It is never all or nothing. Don t worry if indulge too much or don t have time to exercise once in a while. Each day is a new opportunity to make healthier choices. Each time you make a healthier choice you are one small step closer to a healthier you. Most of all enjoy the holidays, plan time for activities, eat some healthy meals, use some of these tips, and don t restrict yourself from enjoying your favorite holiday foods. Health Nurse, Debra Geier RN The Cumberland Presbyterian Women held it's scheduled meeting on October 17, Eleven ladies were present prayer was given and a light lunch prepared by Sharon and Sammye was enjoyed by all. Diane opened the meeting providing an update on the Simulcast fundraiser and asking on the balance in the CPWM treasury. Treasurer's Marie report: Old balance was $ after disbursements were made left $ not including today s offerings. The Simulcast balance after signage disbursements was $ with deposit from fundraiser is presently $ Old business: It was asked if we would be giving a donation to Lighthouse this year. After discussion it was motioned, seconded and approved by all on donating to Lighthouse. The trip to the Ark and Creation Museum was postponed until the spring. Chili Cook-Off needs baked goods at the Church by 10am. The Fifth Sunday Dinner items were discussed, Natalie will cook two hams other items are needed along with volunteers. New business: November 5 th is National prayer day for Voice of the Martyrs. Diane provided all with handout with ten ways to pray for VOM. Marie volunteered to host the next meeting and Natalie will do dessert. Pastor has requested date for Christmas decorations and time. Discussion on best day were discussed; Monday, November 20 th at 9am. Plans for Christmas Brunch were discussed, Diane and Natalie will check on locations and bring back to the next meeting. There was discussion on the future President of CPW and the need for a VP. It was decided to pray for guidance, survey our ladies and discuss later. Natalie provided update from the Crystal Springs Retreat, items the Sacred Sparks Ministry need and upcoming retreat information. Details will be provided as they become available. There was also discussion on the need to purchase additional dish towels to restock the kitchen. It was motioned, seconded and approved by all for Lenora to buy ten of each. The meeting was adjourned with no additional business to conduct. Submitted by Dinah Ross, CPW Secretary