A Journal. October, A Journal. October, A Journal. March, 2019

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$06 \ A Journal. October, 2016 A Journal.$ March, 2019 2019 LENTEN HUNGER OFFERING Our Lenten Hunger Offering, a practice begun in the early years of the church, is one of the ways in which we support a variety of' agencies in our local

March, 2019 2019 LENTEN HUNGER OFFERING Our Lenten Hunger Offering, a practice begun in the early years of the church, is one of the ways in which we support a variety of' agencies in our local

1 06 \ A Journal. October, 2016 A Journal. October, 2016 A Journal. March, LENTEN HUNGER OFFERING Our Lenten Hunger Offering, a practice begun in the early years of the church, is one of the ways in which we support a variety of' agencies in our local community and in other areas of the world that have developed creative programs to address the issues of poverty and hunger. Each Sunday in Lent the Minute for Mission will describe one of the programs, and we ll be invited to bring our offerings to the altar and place them in the hunger jar. The offerings will be divided equally among those listed below: 03/10 Urban Ministries of Durham Sue Regier 03/17 Puerto Rico, JunteGente.org Alex Hawkins 03/24 The Congo Initiative Dale Herman 03/31 TABLE Liz Evans 04/7 Kinder USA Sharon Shohfi Bread for the World Offering of Letters 04/14 El Centro Hispano Sharon Mujica 04/21 Easter Sunday, One Great Hour of Sharing Sue Regier Inside Adult Education... 2 Children s Sunday School... 2 Many Ways to Pray... 3 Sanctuary Fundraiser... 3 Financial Update... 3 In Search of Pastoral Musicians... 3 New Hope Camp... 3 Children & Youth Updates... 4 Children s Sunday School... 4 Vacation Bible Camp... 4 We Are Live by Karen Miller... 5 Disciples Schedule for Lent... 5 March Responsibility Schedule... 6 March Calendar... 7 Earth Care Committee - Update... 8 And More! Church of Reconciliation Presbyterian Church, USA 110 North Elliott Road Chapel Hill, NC (919) s: churchrec@churchrec.org pastor@churchrec.org karen@churchrec.org keithddove@gmail.com Web Page:

2 Adult Education Classes Please come and join us on Sunday mornings from 9:45 10:45 to study and learn together. We meet in the Parish House Chapel. Here is what we have scheduled in March.

of Ephesians 6:12 For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in

2 2 Adult Education Classes Please come and join us on Sunday mornings from 9:45 10:45 to study and learn together. We meet in the Parish House Chapel. Here is what we have scheduled in March. March 3 and 10 Systems of Power and Connections to Violence (Keith Dove) These sessions will focus on the intersectionality of systems and structures of violence and will be viewed through the lens of Ephesians 6:12 For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms. In the first session, we will explore in depth the way that structures of power work together and compound off of each other, revealing that violence always goes deeper than we might think. In the second session, we will focus on more specific issues, such as nuclear weapons and climate change. These topics will be used as case studies to point toward the wide breadth of the web of violence. Finally, we will brainstorm together for action that might address violence at a macro level. March 17 Feminine Wisdom, Part III (Ann Loomis) On St. Patrick s Day, Ann Loomis will wrap up our series on the feminine principle by exploring how Celtic Spirituality can be a model for balancing the masculine and feminine. With the spring equinox right around the corner, consider what has sprouted and blossomed within us from our study of the feminine. Can we hear Her voice calling to us? What is She trying to say? As we listen and discern together, we will discuss how Her wisdom can guide our personal lives as well as the life of the church. March 24 Slavery and Class in the American South (Bill Andrews) Bill will share insights and perspectives that he gained while writing his latest book. He will talk about the complexities of social strata and class differentiation among the enslaved people in the antebellum South. He will also explore some of the ethical implications of this topic, such as the moral dilemmas that some fugitive slaves recorded when they contemplated running away and the survivor s guilt others experienced after they reached the North. March 31 The Four Agreements (Bron Skinner) Perennial wisdom can be found in many spiritual traditions throughout the world. One example is The Four Agreements, which are grounded in a tradition of indigenous wisdom found among the ancient teachings of the Toltec. In this session we will explore what the Four Agreements are as taught by Don Miguel Ruíz. Then we will discuss their significance as a simple, but powerful, framework for living one s life authentically and ethically. The next Adult Ed Committee meeting will be March 6:30 in the Library. You are invited to join our meetings any time. Contact Bron Skinner ( ) for more information, or if you have ideas you want the Committee to consider for Adult Sunday School. -- Submitted by Bron Skinner, Adult Education DISCIPLES SUNDAY SCHOOL Disciples Sunday School for kindergartners through 5 th graders meets on Sundays, 9:45-10:45, in the Education Building. This winter/spring we continue our study of Jesus' life and ministry, with Director of Children and Youth Ministries Karen Miller leading us in Godly Play and reinforcing art activities, and Scott Miller teaching us Holy Yoga on first Sundays. Questions? Theo Jass: theo.l.jass@gmail.com Patricia Sawin: pesawin@gmail.com Karen Miller: karen@churchrec.org

MANY WAYS TO PRAY You are cordially invited to join us for Wednesday Evening Prayer Reimagined, as we explore Many Ways to Pray.

Each gathering will be unique, with time for silence, for intercession and for learning a new prayer practice. We meet in the Sanctuary Chapel. Everyone is welcome: Come as you are, whenever you can.

at 7:30 PM in the Sanctuary. All are welcome! LET S DO THE NUMBERS Each month, Session will report key financial data about our church s budget.

3 MANY WAYS TO PRAY You are cordially invited to join us for Wednesday Evening Prayer Reimagined, as we explore Many Ways to Pray. Join us on the second Wednesday of the month, from 7:00 to 7:45 (April 3). Nancy Corson Carter will be the facilitator. Each gathering will be unique, with time for silence, for intercession and for learning a new prayer practice. We meet in the Sanctuary Chapel. Everyone is welcome: Come as you are, whenever you can. Facilitators: Carol Eckerman, Nancy Corson Carter, Mark Davidson, and Allison Davidson Everyone is cordially invited to a SANCTUARY BENEFIT CONCERT by the Raleigh Flute Choir on Saturday, March 30, at 7:30 PM in the Sanctuary. All are welcome! LET S DO THE NUMBERS Each month, Session will report key financial data about our church s budget. December 2018 revenue: $73,635 Jan - Dec 2018 revenue: $404,743 December 2018 expenses: $54,324 Jan - Dec 2018 expenses: $404,013 If you have questions, please be in touch with John Rupp, Session Liaison to Finance Committee, or Finance Committee Chair Jim Spaeth. IN SEARCH OF PASTORAL MUSICIANS The Rec is extremely fortunate to have two highly-skilled pianists who currently provide musical leadership during our weekly worship services. Akiko, a paid accompanist for the New Voices Choir and worship services, and Dale, a volunteer, are beyond fabulous, and we are so thankful for their gifts and their generosity in sharing them with us. However, we need a deeper bench now that Allen, another wonderful volunteer pastoral musician for the Rec, has decided to step out of the regular rotation. Every once in a while, there will be Sundays when neither Akiko nor Dale is available, and we need to be prepared. So the Worship Committee wants to know: 1) Are you an accomplished pianist who would be able to prepare and play up to 12 pieces (mostly leading congregational hymns, with some solos) for a worship service from time to time? 2) Do you know an accomplished pianist who might occasionally fill in as the Rec's pastoral musician? We have some funds to pay for guest musicians. 3) Do you play another instrument, such as guitar, that would enable you to lead congregational singing in lieu of piano accompaniment? If the answer to any of these questions is "yes," let's talk! You can contact Courtney Chávez at (919) or cwchavez7@yahoo.com or talk to any other member of the Worship Committee. Thanks much! 3 FROM NEW HOPE CAMP AND CONFERENCE CENTER It is with sadness that the Board says good bye to Robbie Blue. She has served faithfully as Church of the Reconciliation s representative for many years. Thank you Robbie. She does send us Craig Carlson to take her place. Thank you Craig for stepping up to be a part of the Board. Thank you to all that responded to our end of the year financial appeal. We had a good response and are now on our way to building a better New Hope Camp. As we continue to raise funds to complete Phase 1 of our Master Plan, a Welcome Center and office complex, we will continue to fulfill and grow the ministry of New Hope Camp. We are currently taking applications for summer staff. It is a great place for a college student to spend the summer affecting young lives. Applications are available on our web-site. We are also looking for lifeguards for the pool. Tastes and Tunes, our spring fundraiser, will be on April 6 from 5:30 to 7:30 pm.music will be by UP CANE CREEK. The food will be great as will the fellowship. Come see and buy the handcrafted items and support the ministry at New Hope Camp.

4 YOUTH GROUP MARCH MEETINGS 12:15 2 PM Middle school youth 5th-7th/8th grade High school youth 8th/9th - 12th grade First & Third Sundays of the Month: High School Youth meet Second & Fourth Sundays

mission trip for 7 th grade and up next summer. They are currently collecting donated homemade crafts to sell after worship with profits going to their trips.

A form will be out soon for people to make their own offerings to our auction.

4 4 YOUTH GROUP MARCH MEETINGS 12:15 2 PM Middle school youth 5th-7th/8th grade High school youth 8th/9th - 12th grade First & Third Sundays of the Month: High School Youth meet Second & Fourth Sundays of the Month: Middle School Youth meet Fifth Sunday of the Month: No meetings YOUTH GROUP FUNDRAISERS The youth group is working to raise money for the senior high trip to Montreat this summer and a mission trip for 7 th grade and up next summer. They are currently collecting donated homemade crafts to sell after worship with profits going to their trips. If you are crafty and want to donate, please see Karen Miller! The youth will be putting together a Silent Auction in May full of donated goods and services. A form will be out soon for people to make their own offerings to our auction. You could offer babysitting, yard clean up, handmade items, lessons/tutoring, meals, artwork, even stays at vacation rentals. We hope you will be thinking about what you and your family are able to donate. All proceeds from the auction will go to the youth group summer trip fund. MCY SURVEY Soon a survey will be in the bulletin, newsletter, and website that MCY is hoping will give us insight into our members and their gifts that may help us provide intergenerational activities. Please take a moment to fill it out and return it to the church office, the offering plate, or to Karen Miller or a member of the MCY committee. We truly appreciate your feedback. CHILDREN S SUNDAY SCHOOL EDUCATION BUILDING 9:45 10:45 AM In March we will be trying some new things in Sunday school. We are excited to draw the children in to the Bible stories further through Godly Play and wondering art. The children will be encouraged to use their imaginations and create art with various mediums to explore our weekly story further. On first Sundays, we will explore the Bible story by getting our bodies and minds active through yoga. VACATION BIBLE CAMP Save the date! The Rec s Vacation Bible Camp will be June 17 21, st grade 6 th grade. Stay tuned for more details but mark your calendar now! Information and Registration Forms coming soon! Questions? See Karen Miller (karen@churchrec.org)

5 WE ARE ALIVE I love so many things about The Rec, but I have to say one of my favorite things is that our children worship with us. I have never worked in a congregation where this is the case and I am ecstatic. I have spent many hours trying to explain the benefits of our children worshipping with us, but always fell on deaf ears as the children continued to exit to Sunday school after the Children s Sermon. I taught class after class and wrote article after article about the importance of parenting in the pew, but children are often seen as a burden. Sure, kids are noisy, squirmy, and most likely bored during the service, but that should never trump the gift they are to our worship space. It should never be an excuse to deprive them of the rituals, prayers, and community we create in the Sanctuary. They are also a part of this family we created, they have a seat at the table with us. I ll never forget a couple of years ago I cancelled Sunday school on any 5 th Sundays during the year so children could worship. Some parents were less than thrilled, and I started to worry once I realized I was going to have to sit next to my own noisy, squirmy, bored 7-year-old. Nash swiped a notebook and pencil from my office and set out to ignore everything in the service to write his own novel entitled Captain Underwear, a complete knock-off of the Captain Underpants series. Too young to understand his obvious plagiarism, he scribbled and moved, put his feet on the pew in front of him, laid on me, complained he was bored, laid down you name it, he did it. I was ready to pull my hair out by the end of the service, but then I looked down at his notebook. There was a picture of a huge tree and next to it was a little dot with an arrow that said, mustard seed. He was listening to the sermon. It became clearer to me how important it was for children to worship with us when at around the same age, Nash had never seen communion before, and Bella had only seen it a couple of times. Preteens would show up at Confirmation class not knowing the Lord s Prayer because it was always recited after they had left the Sanctuary. Sunday school during worship was keeping them from worshipping until after Confirmation. This was jolting to me because we ask them to become members of a church they have rarely worshipped at. But that was the way they had always done it. It is hard to change habits and minds. There have been countless times I had gotten anonymous complaints about noisy children in worship and how they were disruptive. Yes, worship is a sacred space, but it is for everyone. Noise in your worship means that your church is alive! I am grateful to be part of a congregation that celebrates that noise, encourages it, and makes a little of their own as well. -- Karen Miller DISCIPLES SUNDAY SCHOOL SCHEDULE FOR LENT The Disciples Sunday school class will be entering the mystery of Lent this month. Here is a glimpse into what we will be exploring: March 10 - We will learn about Palm Sunday through Godly Play and other stories in our Jesus Storybook Bible. Each child will make a Lenten Passport to keep with us throughout our journey and add to each week. March 17 - We will learn about Ash Wednesday and its meaning through the Godly Play baptism story. From there we will read from our Jesus Storybook Bible and learn more through Holy Yoga. We will add about our journey in our Lenten Passports. March 24 - We will learn the Mystery of Easter through Godly Play and about Jesus praying in the garden in our Bibles. Using our Lenten Passports, we will learn to make prayer beads based on the Jelly Bean Prayer to help us pray at home. March 31 - We will expore God's Big plan through a special Godly Play and stories from our Bible. In our Lenten Passports, we will solve a Scripture mystery to make an Easter snack mix. April 7 - We will learn more about the Last Supper and the meaning of Communion through the Bible, Godly Play, and Holy Yoga. Our Passports will lead us on a scavenger hunt for special Easter eggs. April 14 - It's Pretzel Sunday! We will meet in our class room, but then move to the Fellowship Hall to learn about the Pretzel Prayer and make our own pretzels as we recap Communion. Our Lenten Passports will lead us in a Five Finger Prayer Activity. 5

6 MARCH RESPONSIBILITY SCHEDULE: Worship at 11:00 AM on Sunday mornings If you have a conflict with this schedule please call others on the list and make a swap.

6 6 MARCH RESPONSIBILITY SCHEDULE: Worship at 11:00 AM on Sunday mornings If you have a conflict with this schedule please call others on the list and make a swap. Then inform the church office of these changes at or churchrec@churchrec.org. THANKS! LITURGISTS 3 rd Jane Hare 10 th Youth Sunday 17 th Meri-Li Douglas 24 th TBD 31 st TBD ELDER-ON-CALL 3 rd Jordan Haywood 10 th Evan Carlson 17 th Gene Johnson 24 th John Rupp 31 st Jordan Haywood GREETERS 3 rd Ellen Davis, Lil Royal 10 th Nancy Gustaveson, Desiré Volkwijn 17 th Willie and Sandra Burt 24 th Robbie Blue, Sue Regier 31 st Mary Cason, Gene Johnson SANCTUARY ASSISTANT 3 rd Sandra Burt 10 th Lil Royal 17 th Paula Rogenes 24 th Lisa Anthony 31 st Gene Johnson WORSHIP COORDINATOR 3 rd Meri-Li Douglas 10 th Sandra Burt 17 th Anne Lutes 24 th Michael Jokich 31 st Courtney Chàvez CAREGIVERS 3 rd Megan Canady, Marty Propst 10 th Mary Cason, Molly Farrow 17 th Robbie Blue, Doris Murrell 24 th Diana Barefoot and Geoff Manley 31 st Ken and Mary Hoover MUSICIANS 3 rd Dale Herman 10 th Dale Herman 17 th Akiko Yamazaki Haywood 24 th Dale Herman 31 st Akiko Yamazaki Haywood OFFERING COUNTERS 3 rd Jim Spaeth, John Rupp 10 th Sue Regier, Mary Anne Dooley 17 th Lisa Anthony, Alex Hawkins 24 th Alex Gordon, Marty Propst 31 st Sue Regier, Ellen Davis CHANCEL ASSISTANTS 3 rd Meri-Li Douglas 10 th Nancy Gustaveson 17 th Rose Crawford 24 th Libby Johnson 31 st Sharon Mujica FLOWERS 3 rd Sandra Burt 10 th Beth Welton 17 th Nona Thompson 24 th Juliette Elia 31 st Rose Crawford SOUND TECHNICIANS 3 rd Bella Miller 10 th Marcus Murrell 17 th Anne Lutes 24 th Michael Jokich 31 st Anne Lutes LOCK-UP 3 rd Marty Propst 10 th Charron Andrews 17 th Beth Bale 24 th Ken & Lory Brockenbrough 31 st Mike & Julie Byerley SIGNING CHECKS 3 rd Paula Rogenes 10 th Gene Johnson 17 th Lucy Richardson 24 th Raymond Farrow 31 st Paula Rogenes Childcare Providers should be in their rooms by 10:45 AM Worship at 11:00 AM March 3 rd Ike Bonin March 10 th Caleb Jones March 17 th Major Bonin March 24 th Gideon Jones March 31 st Cooper Spaeth

7 March, 2019 SUN MON TUE WED THUR FRI SAT 12:15 PM Pupusas Fundraiser (FH) 12:15 PM High School Youth (EB) 3 Youth Sunday 10 12:15 PM Middle School Youth (EB) 17 12:15 PM Pupusas Fundraiser (FH) 12:15 PM High School Youth (EB) 24 12:15 PM Middle School Youth (EB) 12:45 PM Caregiver Appreciation Luncheon (FH) 11:00 AM Hymn Sing 31 12:15 PM 5 th Sunday Market (FH) No Youth Group 11 Pastor s Bible Study 12:00 PM (FH) 18 Pastor s Bible Study 12:00 PM (FH) 25 Pastor s Bible Study 12:00 PM (FH) Join us on Sunday mornings for Sunday School at 9:45 AM and Worship at 11:00 AM followed by Community Fellowship at 12:15 PM 4 5 Rec Mardi Gras Pancake Supper 5:30 PM (FH) Elliott Woods Tutoring 6 PM (EB) 12 Elliott Woods Tutoring 6 PM (EB) Stephen Ministry 6:30 PM (FH) MCY 7:00 PM (SN) 19 Elliott Woods Tutoring 6 PM (EB) MCY 7:00 PM (SN) 26 Elliott Woods Tutoring 6 PM (EB) Ash Wednesday 6 Worship 7 PM (SN) Many Ways to Pray 7:00 PM (SN) Deadline for Bulletin Announcements is 10 AM on Wednesday 13 New Voices Choir 7:00 PM (PHC) Deadline for Bulletin Announcements is 10 AM on Wednesday 20 RPC 5:00 (FH) Deadline for Bulletin Announcements is 10 AM on Wednesday Session 6:00 PM (FH) 27 Deadline for Bulletin Announcements is 10 AM on Wednesday KEY -- SN: Sanctuary FH: Fellowship Hall PHL: Parish House Library PHC: Parish House Chapel EB: Education Building YR: Youth Room (Ext. EB) YL: Youth Lounge (EB) L & S 7:00 PM (PHL) 7 Salaam-Shalom Event Nakba Tour :00 PM (FH) 14 Adult Ed 6:30 PM (PHL) 21 JPC 7:00 PM (FH) Deacons 7 PM (EB) Earthcare 7:00 PM (PHL) 1 Deadline for Weekly Rec is 10 AM on Friday Deadline for Weekly Rec is 10 AM on Friday 8 15 Newsletter Deadline 10:00 AM Weekly Rec 10 AM on Friday 22 Deadline for Weekly Rec is 10 AM on Friday 2 Rec Work Day! 9 AM Noon Pupusas Prep 9:00 AM (FH) 6 9 PM Session Retreat 9 AM - Noon Pupusas Prep 1:00 PM (PH) My Lai Memorial Exhibit (SN/FH) 7:00 PM Wednesday 6 PM Saturday Raleigh Flute Choir Benefit for our Sanctuary Program 7:30 PM (SN) NOTE: The deadline for getting articles in to the church office for the April Reconciler will be Thursday, March 15 th. Calendar dates are needed by that time too! You may leave a message, or fax at your convenience! (churchrec@churchrec.org)

8 8 Dear REC Friends We Did It Again! Your representatives of God s good Earth in four areas of the church Worship, Education, Facilities (Land & Structures), and Outreach filled out re-certification forms describing our congregational life in the past year. As a result, we ve just received the announcement that The Church of Reconciliation qualifies as an Earth Care Congregation for the 9th year. We were, in fact, among the first 10 in the US to receive the honor as well as the responsibility entailed in this certification when the program began in the PCUSA in Please note our certificate signed by Session in the Narthex; it contains the Earth Pledge we are committed to observing. The Pledge reminds us that The earth and all creation are God s. God calls us to be careful, humble stewards of this Earth, and to protect and restore it for its own sake, and for the future use and enjoyment of the human family. We are currently planning our annual Earth Sabbath on May 5 a worship with communion Sunday we will celebrate at New Hope Camp and Conference Center. You are encouraged to join us at our 3rd Thursday meetings to help plan ahead for other upcoming programs, such as the 2 nd Native American Sunday in September. To learn more of this last year s Native American program, including our Earth Sabbath speaker, please see the Rec website special report about the Doctrine of Discovery; it s under Reflections on the home page with a link to Honoring Indigenous People." Also check out the plaque, HONORING FIRST PEOPLE AND THE LAND, in the Narthex. Thanks to you all for your faithful caring in large and small ways for God s creation! The Earth Care Committee humbly leads in these efforts in whatever ways we can. We are a small but enthusiastic (en-theos) group! Peace, for All God s Earth, Nancy Corson Carter, facilitator, Earth Care Committee, nccarter@nc.rr.com Church of Reconciliation 110 North Elliott Road Chapel Hill, NC (919) Web Page: Please join us on Sunday mornings for Sunday School at 9:45 AM and Worship at 11:00 AM! Web Page: Phone: (919) s: churchrec@churchrec.org; pastor@churchrec.org; karen@churchrec.org

A Journal. June, 2018

006 \ A Journal. June, 2018 Inside Summer Preaching Schedule... 2 Kings Bay Plowshares Update... 2 Many Ways to Pray... 2 Vacation Bible Camp... 2 Photos for Rec Directory... 3 Photographs Needed... 3