November The Chimes. R e f l e c t i o n s F r o m P a s t o r D e n n i s

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1 The Chimes November 2012 C O M M U N I T Y P R E S B Y T E R I A N C H U R C H R e f l e c t i o n s F r o m P a s t o r D e n n i s Praise the LORD! Oh give thanks to the LORD, for He is good; For His loving kindness is everlasting. (Psalm 106:1) November is traditionally a time for giving thanks and we have a lot to be thankful for. Here s some of the things I m thankful for: God who was, who is and who will always be and has expressed his deep love for us by sending his son. Jesus, who was willing to give his life for our life, so that our sins could be forgiven and we could be given life. The Holy Spirit which is always with us and helps guide and direct us in all our ways. Phyllis, my wife, who continues to love me and go through the ups and downs of life with me. Our sons and their families. Grandchildren Mackenzie and David. God s continued call for me to be pastor of Community Presbyterian Church and the community of Forsyth. All the members and friends of Community Presbyterian Church, each of you make this a very special place to serve God. Denise Carr the church s administrative assistant who helps all of us so effectively in the church office. Leslie Wyman who has served and is serving as the clerk of our session and Clayton Cooper who serves as our treasurer. Each helps the church through all they do and for each I give thanks. The many riches God has blessed me with financial and personal gifts. The United States of America and all the freedoms and responsibilities that come with being a citizen of this great country. Another opportunity to vote upon who is going to serve our country in leadership as president, senator, representative, state senator and representative, and county leadership. Each and everyone is important. I encourage each of us to exercise our freedom of vote. Pray before you vote either before you go to the polls or as you enter the polls. Be informed to the best of your ability and then vote as God leads you to vote. Wednesday, November 5 th when we know the winners and losers and the political ads will cease, at least for another two years. I give thanks for daily food which God does provide and for Thanksgiving Day a day to gather with family and friends around the Thanksgiving meal. If you don t have family coming in, please join others at Community Presbyterian Church for our annual Thanksgiving meal on Thanksgiving day. See info in this newsletter. That s not my complete list of the who and what I am thankful for. It s the highlights. The list could go on and on and on. I once read that the most effective prayer we can pray is two simple words; Thank you. And so I conclude with this prayer Thank you, O God for all the blessings and gifts you have given to me, to us. May we be responsible with all your good gifts. Amen. Here is a couple of Psalms of Thanksgiving that you might want to read throughout this month; Psalm 136:1-9 or/and Psalm 100. Friends give thanks with a joyful heart. --Dennis

2 Session Digest Stated Meeting October 18 th, 2012 Meeting opened with prayer and devotion around Psalm 29 lead by Pastor Dennis. Pastor Dennis reviewed his current work with the elders and noted that this is a season of weddings for him. Seems to get a request for another one every couple of weeks or so. He also noted the homes communion visits he had made in the last month. These are always a joy for him to go out and perform with an elder. The elders reviewed the current financial reports of the church and noted that we re running a little behind in general income as to expenses, and that the congregation has been very helpful with expenses related to updates around the church. Treasurer Clayton Cooper also noted his appreciation of Denise Carr, church administrative assistant. Plans for Consecration Sunday, October 21 st were reviewed by the session and it was noted that Pastor Dennis and members of the church will be assisting 1 st Presbyterian Church, Harrison, Arkansas with their Consecration Sunday on November 4 th. Because of his being away the first Sunday in November, the communion service at Community Presbyterian Church will be held on the 2 nd Sunday of the month November 11 th. The elders will begin working on the church budget for 2013, so that it can be approved before the end of the year. Under Committee reports: Mission: Cindy Werner reported on the homeless situation in our area. She has been in touch with several organizations asking what needs were not being addressed. She will report her findings at the November session meeting. Pastor Winzenried asked if the session would approve $ be donated to Taney County Ministries for assistance given to individuals this year. Care of Members: Several cards, letters and phone calls made to different members and cards sent to those serving overseas in the military. Parish Activities: Cindy Werner reported the Thanksgiving dinner is all set for November 22 nd. On December 11 th the Christmas Dinner/Party will be held at the church. It will be catered. Worship: Communion was served on Sunday, October 7 th with 97 people attending services and 89 people were served communion. The next communion Sunday will be held on Sunday, November 11 th, Veterans Day. Building and Grounds: Ralph Taylor reviewed with the session what building improvements had been completed; roof gable in the back and the crawl space door. Ralph wished to express his appreciate of the work Ed Hawkins has done in the building. Ralph reported on the progress of getting the second bid to replace the outside door at the back of the church. The elders approved moving forward on this project. Next session meeting will be on November 15 th (3 rd Thursday) at 6;30 pm. 2

3 Benevolence Fund Report: During October we helped 8 families: 3 with utilities, 2 with rent, 2 with transportation and 1 with a family expense. We also received several donations including 1 from a congregation member in memory of Ray McKee. Thank you for your support! If you would like to make a donation to the Benevolent Fund, please do so by marking your check special gift - benevolent fund. Those who receive our assistance greatly appreciate your gifts! Diabetes Focus Group The monthly meeting of the Diabetes Focus Group will be held on Monday, November 5 th, 2012, at 10:00 A.M. Jack Kinkade will lead the second part of a three part series regarding A1c, EAg and utilizing blood sugar test results. There will also be an open discussion period for questions, confessions, and other topics of interest. Plan now to join us! 3

4 Seniors Did you know? By Debra Robbers The Forsyth Senior Center can provide Life Alerts for those who qualify. You must be at least 60 years of age. Any service that is provided by the senior center requires that you be at least 60. I believe there is still a waiting list. They had only 2 persons trained to install the Life Alerts. Jim and I have volunteered to get trained so we can help with the installation. We want to insure that those who need the Life Alerts get them in a timely manner. If you need one or know someone who does, call and speak with Mary Prewitt at ! If you would like to get trained to install Life Alerts, Mary can help with that also! NEW ADDRESS: We received an from Dale & Billie Utesch saying they are settled and doing fine. They always enjoy hearing from friends in Forsyth and wanted you to have their new address: dbutesch@centurylink.net FOUND GLASSES Are you missing your glasses? About a month or so ago, these were found after worship one Sunday. We ve called and we ve ed, but have yet to find the rightful owners. Are these yours??? 4

5 Plan now to join us on Thursday, November 22 2:00 P.M., in the church Fellowship Hall. Turkey, Ham, Dressing, Mashed Potatoes, Gravy, Rolls & Drinks will be provided. Please plan to bring a covered dish as follows: A thru G --- Salad H thru O --- Vegetable P thru Z --- Dessert Hope to see you there! RSVP to by Monday, November 19 th if you plan to attend. 5

6 I have come to believe that I have moved to Missouri during a perfect time of the year. As I travel the roads of the Ozark Mountains, the mosaic of colorful trees often draws my eyes to the rolling hills. The beauty of this time of year is incredible. I have to say that Kansas has its share of beautiful trees as well and traveling along the lesser traveled roads is quite a joy wherever you happen to be going. The cool thing is that there are no two trees that have exactly the same coloring. Some limbs may be one hue and others a more brilliant hue and still others a totally different color. It reminds me of the diversity of gifts that exists in every church in JCP. While some churches have excellent musicians, other churches may have great organizers, and still other churches may have those who are strong in visual arts. All of these gifts work together for the glory of God. No gift is more important than any other. We are all needed to proclaim the gospel of our Lord. That is one of the wonderful things about being a Christian we work together for God. In JCP, that concept of being connected is very important. While each of our 55 churches is important and works for Christ in their own communities, when we work together as Presbyterians in Southeast Kansas and Southwest Missouri, God can use us in ways we never dreamed. Just as the diversity of the fall trees creates a mosaic of red, yellow and orange beauty which gives glory to God, we, in JCP, can be beautiful as we give God glory together. I encourage each church to give prayerful consideration to how we can work together to become God s mosaic of beauty and begin steps that will help to make that mosaic possible. Looking forward to seeing many of you at the November 3 Presbytery meeting. Susan Rosenbaum Yoga Classes Ongoing The current series of Senior/Limited Mobility/Restorative Yoga classes is in progress but Robyn would like to remind everyone that new attendees can join in it any time at a pro-rated fee. Classes meet on Tuesday morning 9:00 a.m. in Fellowship Hall. From Robyn s website ( I LOVE Robyn. She knows her yoga and even more evident, she knows her GOD. Grace, love, and acceptance flow through the room as we practice Christ Centered yoga. I have experienced so many benefits, physically, mentally, and spiritually! Alana Yoga has made me stronger. As a retiree, my life slowed considerably, as did my activity. With walking, and Robyn s yoga class, I ve regained some mobility and strength, and feel good. -Inez Andersen For more information, please call the instructor, Robyn Hurst, at Or if you prefer, you can her at vesselsofclayyoga@gmail.com. 6

7 Christmas Candlelight Dinner Tuesday, December 11, :30 p.m., Fellowship Hall Catered by Forsyth Flower Cottage and Tea Room Entrée Choice of: Pecan Crusted Chicken Breast with Cream Sauce OR Baked Pork Roast with Gravy Green Salad Mashed Potatoes Almandine Green Beans Hot Rolls and Butter German Chocolate Cake Holiday Pie Chocolate Mousse (Sugar Free) Non Alcoholic Wine, Water, Coffee Cost $15 Per Person, includes gratuity RSVP by Friday, December 7, 2012 **Must specify chicken or pork when you RSVP** Call the office at or 7

8 NOVEMBER CELEBRATIONS! BIRTHDAYS! 11 Pete Frantzen 12 Nathan Winzenried 18 John Keith 20 CJ Gailey 22 Aage Jensen 23 Bonnie Hawkins, Debra Robbers 24 Truman Persinger 26 Howard Gathman 27 Pat Hibben 28 Jim Berry, Barbara Graham We ll be replacing the two outside downstairs doors at a cost to the church of $2,600 and any special gifts from members to help with this expense would be appreciated. Called Congregational Meeting, Nov. 11 th There will be a congregational meeting on Sunday, November 11th, immediately following worship. ANNIVERSARIES! 11/5 George and Nancy Iden 29 years HEY FAMILY, I am still thinking about the many ways you people showed me love during my pilgrims journey to your church, it was God there is no doubt about it and I am so glad. I have been shown so much love from a church! From the entire congregation! I only know one other church that has been so good to me, of course my church family here in VA. You exemplify how God wants a community church to serve in his name. Everyone gave to me words of encouragement, things for my cottage (which I was able to give most of it away). I was glad that I let God send the people he wanted to have the many things I had left. Because of the love you showed me I wanted to give back! I was not going to mention names but I must acknowledge Pat and Marilyn for starting the love first and they have not stopped. Also John and Marie for making the trip to VA to bring my stuff, just for me they did that. I was so filled with love for all of you that even now I felt a quickening in the spirit. God will say well done. THANKFULLY, SISTER WANDA The meeting is for the Nominating Committee to present the slate of candidates to serve on the session starting next year. Candidates are: CJ Gailey, Judy Gathman, Ken Bavuso and Pat Seals. 8

9 Sun Mon Tue Wed Thu Fri Sat Every Sunday Sunday School 9:00 am Worship 10:30 am 1 Bar Assoc Lunch 11:30 am 2 3 JCP Meeting Fort Scott, KS 4 90 Days through the Bible 4:00 pm Days through the Bible 4:00 pm Days through the Bible 4:00 pm Days through the Bible 4:00 pm 5 Diabetic Group 10:00 am 12 Esther Circle 11:00 am 19 RSVP due for Thanksgiving Dinner! 6 Election Day Yoga 9:00 am Prayer Group 10:00 am Master Gardener Class 1:00 pm 13 Yoga 9:00 am Prayer Group 10:00 am 20 CHIMES Deadline Yoga 9:00 am Prayer Group 10:00 am Prayer Group 10: 00 am 7 Wmn s Breakfast 8:15 am Men s Breakfast 8:30am Hannah Circle 1:00 pm Choir 7:00 pm 14 Wmn s Breakfast 8:15 am Men s Breakfast 8:30am Chamber Lunch 11:30 am PW Meeting 1:30 pm Choir 7:00 pm 21 Wmn s Breakfast 8:15 am Men s Breakfast 8:30am Choir 7:00 pm 28 Wmn s Breakfast 8:15 am Men s Breakfast 8:30am PW Sewing 9:30 am Choir 7:00 pm 8 Master Gardener Class 1:00 pm 15 Master Gardener Class 1:00 pm Session Meeting 6:30 pm 22 Thanksgiving Dinner 2:00 pm

10 COMMUNITY PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH P.O. Box 486 Forsyth, MO Community Presbyterian Church C O M M U N I T Y P R E S B Y T E R I A N C H U R C H PO Box Main Street Forsyth, Missouri (417) Dennis Winzenried, Pastor Website: compresby@centurytel.net Staff Members Pastor...Dennis D. Winzenried Secretary...Denise Carr Choir Director.Arliss Stillings Organist.Linda Stillings Custodian....Paul Weeks Sunday School Sunday Worship Service 9:00 am 10:30 am 10