JJ White Memo'al Presbyte'an Church

Transcription

1 JJ White Memo'al Presbyte'an Church November 2014 Newsle!er Pra"e # Lord! Oh give $anks to # Lord, for he " good, for h" %eadfa% love endures forever! Psalm 107:1

2 a word from our pastor... word from our pastor... The Reverend Bob Phelps Thankful... It s that time of year again. The rush is about to set in. There are so many things to do between now and the end of the year that we all wonder how we ll get them all done. We probably won t. But hopefully in all the rush we ll find time to pause and reflect on the things for which we are most thankful. Let me tell you about one of those things for me. Like most of you, I m thankful for lots of things and people. But as I look at our work together, I am particularly thankful for one particular aspect of how we go about doing ministry. It s been rough being a Presbyterian in recent years. It s rough enough for those of us who have committed ourselves to this way of living in God s grace, and it s not made any easier by all those people on the outside of our tradition who seem to know more than we do about how we think and how we ought to. In the midst of all this struggle, I continue to be thankful for the way we tend to think about ministry as opportunity to affirm people rather than condemn them. I remember a couple who were considering membership in a church I served several years ago. They were regular in attendance and participation, but they were hesitant to commit to membership. When we talked about it, they said they were waiting to see who we were against. In their former church, they said they spent a lot of time talking about who they were against. They knew what it was about the Catholics they were opposed to, and they were pretty clear about why they weren t several other brands of Christian. In our church, though, they weren t sure what they were supposed to believe about other people s faith and practice. We talked a lot, and I m not sure they ever completely agreed with me that it was far more important for us to figure out what we believe about God and God s call in our lives than it was to speculate about what others believed, but they eventually did join our church and were very active in it. We don t spend a lot of time judging one another as we go about responding to God s call together. I m thankful. When we lived in Florida, we grew attached to the young couple who lived next door to us. He is a pilot in the Navy. She is a teacher. Their first child was born while we were neighbors. In the months we waited for his arrival, they were also training a new dog that had become part of their family. The dog was huge, especially for a Florida-sized yard. They worried about how he would interact with the baby, and they were committed to his obedience training as they prepared for the baby s arrival. Every morning and every afternoon, I d watch one of them go through the drills they did with that beautiful dog every day. Around and around the back yard they walked until they had worn a path all the way around it. I don t know much about dog training, but I watched and learned how it was all based on affirmation and positive reinforcement. Good dog! they d say when he did what he was supposed to. Usually a treat of some kind accompanied that affirmation. When the dog was disobedient, there was a firm, No! but no beating or haranguing. Patiently, they d start around the yard again, give another command, and reward good behavior. Week after week, I watched the path around the yard get worn down. I remember hoping that they would somehow find the same level of patience they had with that hound when the hard work of parenting came. They did, so far as I know. They have two children now, and are doing well rearing them without our help.

3 In our vision for ministry, it seems far more important for us to find ways to remind people that God loves them and that God has good plans for them than to call them to question whether they are worthy of God s grace. They re not; none of us are. But that s not the way it works. Whoever we are, wherever we have been, whatever we have done or left undone, we belong to God and God will never abandon us. Our hope is that affirming that wonder over and over, people will see themselves as loved and will want to live in that relationship in much the same way that that dog next door learned the benefits of pleasing and enjoyed its rewards. I m thankful that I don t have to rage and fume in the pulpit, trying to convince people what they need to do to avoid Hell s flames. I m not sure how effective I d be at it. I m thankful to be part of a community and a broader church grounded in grace. I hope you ll join me in giving thanks for our distinctive kind of ministry in this season and beyond. Special Thanks We have enjoyed several special events recently, and we often forget all the hard work that goes into making those times so meaningful for all of us. Thanks to all who helped us host the Palmer Home children and adults for lunch during their recent visit. Carol Wood coordinated this event, and we are grateful for all who helped her with it. Thanks to all who helped make the Church Picnic such a wonderful afternoon. To Bryan and Kathy Harbour for hosting in such a beautiful location; to Billie Nance and her faithful crew of kitchen folk; to Phil Terrell for smoking pork and brisket; to Bill Mitchell, Phil, and others who helped get tables, chairs, and all the other things we needed delivered and returned; to all who brought food; and to all who came thanks for a great afternoon! What would the end of October be without Ron and Beverly Yates transforming the Fellowship Hall, gym, and other spaces into Fall Fest? All our regulars and many friends and guests enjoyed an evening of food, fun, and fellowship thanks to Ron and Beverly s dedication to this event. And they even come back and clean up when it s over. Thanks, friends. And, of course, a big thanks to the crew that keeps us fed every Wednesday evening so that we can participate in the various activities of those evenings.

4 JJ White s Fall Picnic 2014 Rick, Noggin, and Bob love picnics! Whit, Lydia, Natalie, Adeline, and Alleigh picnicking Hayden, Brian, and Henry having fun Lydia has the right boots for this. Kristen rides as Bryan keeps everyone safe.

5 Phillip Terrell (l.), the brisket champ, with our host Bryan Harbour; and Ally, Howard, and Steven Allred Burke and Alleigh take a ride. Kathy, our hostess, and John Natalie and Kennon pet their new friend Howard explains his amazing music machine invention to Steven and Susan. Andrea on the rings!

6 Rejoice with those who rejoice...romans 12:15a Births Rowan Stuart Robinson Rowan Stuart Robinson was born on October 8, His parents are Bethney and Casey Robinson of New Orleans. His maternal grandmother is JJ White member Rusty Whittington. No picture of Rowan is available for the newsletter at this time, but it is a sure thing if you check with Rusty she will have one to show off her new grandson. Congratulations to Rowan s family on his birth! Katy Layne Gatlin Katy Layne Gatlin was born on October 5, Her parents are Keri and Tom Gatlin of McComb. Layne is the granddaughter of JJ White member Linda Miller (Tom s mom) and grand-niece of our friend John Miller. Layne is pictured with her two delighted big sisters, Lola and Taylor Gatlin, and with her proud Uncle John. Congratulations to this family on the birth of Layne!

7 Baptism Pictured l. to r. are Johnny Nance, Phillipʼs grandfather; Hunter Nance, his Dad; Billie Nance, Phillipʼs grandmother; Phillip and Reverend Phelps Phillip Lewis Nance Phillip Lewis Nance was baptized at JJ White Memorial Presbyterian Church by Reverend Bob Phelps on Sunday, October 5, Phillip recently completed the Confirmation class led by Reverend Phelps and is welcomed into the membership of JJ White. Phillip participates in a recent Boy Scout activity He is the son/stepson of Hunter and Marissa Nance and the grandson of Johnny and Billie Nance. Phillip is home schooled and is a seventh grader who likes science and is a whiz at video games. He is at least a fourth-generation J. J. White participant and enjoys being part of church activities. His church family welcomes him with joy as he is now an official member!

8 The Treble Makers Perform at JJ White The Treble Makers from Palmer Home for Children sang for the congregation on a recent Sunday. This choir travels to many churches, civic, and community events throughout the year. Palmer Home is one of the programs supported by JJ White s mission funds. It was our pleasure have this group with us to share their music. Notes from Deanna Phelps, Music Director What a wonderful time of year this is, and the music of the church helps us experience it all! As we wind down another church year, we ll be singing some great old hymns of the church, and the choir will add to our worship each week with songs appropriate for the season. We ll be singing a newer piece as an introit this month. It s called Give Thanks with a Grateful Heart. I m not sure what else a grateful heart would do besides giving thanks, but the song challenges us to be thankful for all of God s goodness. We ll be singing it all month. We d love to have new singers join us as we sing our thanks together and continue to prepare for the upcoming Advent and Christmas seasons.

9 of JJ White Presbyterian Women of JJ White met on Tuesday, October 14, for their regular monthly meeting. The group enjoyed lunch, fellowship and Bible study together. The women agreed to contribute $100 to Mission Haven - a facility owned and operated by Presbyterian Women in Alabama, Florida, Georgia, Mississippi, South Carolina and Tennessee, Mission Haven is a home away from home for missionaries of the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.) working in one of many countries around the world. Located adjacent to Columbia Theological Seminary in Decatur, Georgia it provides short-term lodging for missionaries on furlough, those studying in the area, or those who are in transition after retirement or the end of their term. PW of JJ White also contributes to the Fellowship of the Least Coin-The least coins become grants for special projects among women and relief throughout the world. Information was provided about the annual Winter Retreat for women in the Presbytery of Mississippi. All women are invited to attend this spiritual retreat at Chatawa on January 16-17, For more information on making a reservation etc. contact Suzi Drummond. The next monthly meeting of PW of JJ White will be on Tuesday, November 11, at 11:30 a.m. in the Fellowship Hall. All women are welcomed and encouraged to attend and be a part of this casual, friendly group. 20th Annual Winter Retreat Presbyterian Women - Presbytery of Mississippi Friday-Saturday, January 16-17, 2015 St Mary of the Pines - Chatawa, Mississippi How Does Your Garden Grow? Catherine Cook, Retreat Leader (Contact Suzi Drummond for more info.) New Elders Elected In a congregational meeting on October 26, we elected three new elders. Robbie DeCoux, Liz Terrell, and Margy Wicker will serve terms on the Session beginning in January, 2015 through We are happy to welcome them to the leadership team. All three of them have been involved in various kinds of ministry in our congregation for a long time. Robbie has served on the Session before. Both Liz and Margy are new to this office, but are certainly no strangers to the work of the church. We will be spending some time with them helping them prepare for their service, and we will schedule a service of ordination and installation soon. Please keep Robbie, Liz, and Margy in your prayers, together with Bill Jones, Jose Simo, Noggin Wild, Bob Arnold, Melisa Decoux, and Wayne Hutchison, the elders they will join to comprise the Session in January. Give thanks also for the ministry of Bill Mitchell, Billie Nance, Kennon Singley, and Randy White, who will complete their terms on the Session this year.

10 November Schedules and Lists ELDER of the MONTH: Noggin Wild CHILDREN S CHURCH 2 Carol Rawlings 9 Billie Nance, Meredith Singley 16 Melisa DeCoux, Marissa Estes 23 Joanna Barr, Brandy Dyess 30 Sara Beth Williams, Alison Allred MEN S INTERDENOMINATIONAL BREAKFAST GROUP 5 Bill Mitchell, Jim Alford 12 Randy Burris, Tommy Ratcliff 19 John Drummond, Randy White 26 off (Thanksgiving holiday) SUNDAY MORNING BREAKFAST 2 Sharon White 9 16 Beth Wild Mary Ann Ratcliff USHERS/GREETERS Tommy Ratcliff, Captain Robbie DeCoux John Drummond Stacey Moak Mark Statham Johnny Nance Phil Terrell FLOWERS 2 Emily Austin 9 Jane and Tommy Walman 16 Stacy Moak 23 Van Simmons 30 Hanging of the Green service November 1 Alleigh Lewis Trudy Statham 4 Scott Burris 7 Howard Anderson JJW Janitor 20 Libby Simo 21 Chase Wolff 22 Whit Grace Joan Kennedy Elizabeth Robinson 23 Amanda Lewis Carl McDaniel 28 Elise Reeves 29 James Cato Heather Economides 30 J.C. Johnson December 4 Will Kimmel 6 Kristen Allred 6 Delores Feldman 7 Bob Phelps 7 Carol Rawlings 8 Colin Catchings 9 Tommy Walman 10 J. W. Burt 11 Marie Catchings 14 Sharon Burke 14 Carol Wood 15 Bob Arnold 16 Eleanor White 17 Chip Gibbes 21 Norma Ann Williams 25 Billie Nance 27 Hunter Nance 28 Jacob Ray 29 Rusten Lewis 29 Phillip Nance 30 Julia Arnold

11 November 2014 Sunday Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday Saturday 1 2 (End of DST) :00 Breakfast 9:30 SundaySchool 10:30: Worship Communion 7:15 am Men s Breakfast 5:30 supper ; adult and children s activities choir practice Bible Study with Rev. Phelps 10:30 am Knutty Knitters 7:00 PM 9 9:00 Breakfast 9:30 SundaySchool 10:30: Worship 6:00 Session PW Noon Bible Study Circle 11: :15 am Men s Breakfast 5:30 supper ; adult and children s activities choir practice 13 Bible Study with Rev. Phelps 10:30 am Knutty Knitters 7:00 PM :00 Breakfast 9:30 SundaySchool 10:30: Worship :15 am Men s Breakfast 5:30 supper ; adult and children s activities choir practice 20 Bible Study with Rev. Phelps 10:30 am Knutty Knitters 7:00 PM :00 Breakfast 9:30 SundaySchool 10:30: Worship No Wed. night activities Church Office closed 30 MICA 9:00 Breakfast 9:30 SundaySchool 10:30: Worship - Hanging of the Green Service