The. Briarwood Vision Rev. Charles N. Bowdler, Senior Pastor Volume 15 Issue 8. August 2014

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1 The August 2014 Briarwood Vision Rev. Charles N. Bowdler, Senior Pastor Volume 15 Issue 8 Dear Briarwood Family of Faith: I have exciting news to share with you. In January of this year, we formed an ad hoc committee to explore the possibility of installing stained-glass windows in the upper square panel of the sanctuary s twelve windows. The members of the Committee were Carol Busbee, Bill Carlisle, Jane Gerber, Walterine Odom, and me. We also included Vance Clemmer who was the Architect of the sanctuary. We began working with the Pearl River Glass Studio, a local stained-glass window company to create possible designs. Mr. Andy Young, the proprietor of Pear River Glass Studio, and his assistant Ms. Lacy Barger created truly beautiful renderings for us to consider. The committee presented the proposal to the session for approval, and the session unanimously and enthusiastically voted to approve the project. The basic color structure of the windows is the four colors of the liturgical year (Purple, White, Red, and Green). The unifying theme of the windows is the three crosses of Calvary. Jesus cross is in the middle of each pane. One of the thieves crosses touches Jesus cross symbolizing the criminal who said, Jesus, remember me when you come into your kingdom. Jesus responded, This day you will be with me in paradise. The other thief s cross does not touch Jesus s cross. It symbolizes the criminal who mocked Jesus with the crowd and was lost. The windows call for a theological decision from the viewer. Superimposed on this basic pattern are prominent symbols drawn from our beautiful liturgical banners. There will be six designs s that will mirror each other on the twelve sanctuary windows. Another vital piece of the good news I bring is that Ralph Hines and his children, Claire Philips, and her brothers Todd, Scott, and Kirk Hines have decided to fund the project to the glory of God and in loving memory of Shirley Hines. It is a wonderful tribute, tailor made for Shirley. She loved her church and delighted in beautifying the sanctuary through the wonderful floral arrangements of the Flower Committee. These windows will be a lasting memorial to her life, faith, and good works. We are deeply grateful to the Hines Family for their great generosity. This is the first major beautification of the sanctuary in many, many years. Please mark your calendars for Wednesday, August 6. We will gather at 6:00 p.m. for a catered meal, followed by a special presentation by Andy Young and his assistant Lacy Barger at 6:45. Let us give thanks to God from whom all blessings flow and pray God s special blessings on Ralph and his family. Yours with Christ, Newsletter 1

2 Annual Gathering Brunch August 16 11:00 a.m. All Briarwood women are invited to the Annual Gathering Brunch. New leaders will be installed at this time, and the new Bible Study books and directories will be distributed. Please make your plans to attend. Your $10.00 check is your reservation. On July 1, Briarwood PW hosted the wonderful performance of MARTHA. It was a great evening with a donation of $510 collected for the Fish Tale Group Ministry Horizons Bible Study Alabama/Mississippi Women s Conference Spanish Fort, Alabama, July Reconciling Paul: A Contemporary Study of 2 Corinthians by Elizabeth Hinson-Hasty Paul's writings are some of the most influential in Christianity. Revisiting the struggles Paul faced and the authenticity and integrity of his theology is an essential task for churches today in the midst of great change. Paul, like us, wrestled with and questioned his faith as he tried to live as authentically as possible in an ancient world that, like ours, was also in the midst of great change. What can we learn from visiting 2 Corinthians and considering Paul's theology and ideas as they relate to the context of our time? Corinne Fox, Dorothy Daniel, PWP Moderator, Linda Jabour and Gail Howell. Elizabeth Hinson-Hasty invites us all to read Paul's letter afresh in light of today's issues. Concepts of shared partnership, power in weakness, healing, reconciliation, love, and a new apostolate all figure prominently in her reading of Paul. Newsletter 2

3 SERVING THIS MONTH ELDERS OF THE WEEK 3 Clint Lee & Susan Sumrall 10 Marcia Magee & David Jensen 17 Rick Barker & Anne Dreher 24 Warren Dorsey & Debra Kinser 31 David French & Doris Schneider Clarence Melton Art Magee USHERS Anne Dreher Mara Kirby Warren Dorsey (warrendorsey@comcast.net) is chair of the Usher Committee. Call him or your usher captain if you need to change a day. Then inform the office. FLOWER TEAMS 3 Stephens Harber, Naylor 10 Bailey, Forkin, Elmore 17 Bailey, Forkin, Elmore 24 Carlisle, Planch, Coleman 31 Carlisle, Planch, Coleman SANCTUARY PREPARATION 3 Joretta Meyer 10 Joy Clemmer 17 Marcia Magee 24 Nancy Bailey 31 Emily Cox 4 Rosanne Fischer is chair of Sanctuary Preparation Committee. If unable to serve, please contact her at or fischerro@hotmail.com EXTENDED CARE VOLUNTEERS 3 Mary Pope 10 Courtney Hogue 17 Sarah Banta 24 Sarah Banta 31 Sarah Randall 1 Matt Fontaine 3 Audrey Primos Frances Smith David Jensen 4 Kit Stilley Linda Blackledge Eddie Barnes 5 Doug Odom Bonnie Everett 6 Marimae Coleman Audie Dodson Mark Bailey Mara Kirby 8 Clark Stribling 9 Josie Moore 11 Stephanie Smith 15 Wes Busbee Maggie Fontaine 16 Mary Pope Susan Cox 18 Don Sikes 19 Heather Williamsen 20 Janet Wagner 21 Joy Lightsey Mary Brooks Gerber 23 Jeanne Hulsman 24 Patsy Griffith Holly Wagner 25 Michael Wagner 26 Lee Breeland Paul Colman Abby Hogue 27 Philip Jabour 28 Margaret Stricker 30 Charles Planch Doris Schneider 31 Webb Henry If you have a birthday this month and don t see your name, contact the office. Budget Snapshot June Y-T-D Budget Offerings $47, $228, Budget items spent ($39,775.64) ($243,119.33) Income over (under) $ 7, ($15,049.48) July 2 A Meal $ An updated Church Directory will be available Rally Day Sunday, September 7. Please make sure the church office has all your current contact info. It s time to start collecting School Supplies for Lizzie s Kids. Bring your donations to the Fellowship Hall and help Lizzie get her Kids off to a great start this school year. Newsletter 3

4 SUNDAY SCHOOL NEWS No Sunday School, August 31 st Labor Day Weekend Rally Day September 7 th Pancake Breakfast, report on classes, installation of teachers beginning at 9 AM. YOUTH BACK TO SCHOOL PARTY Come enjoy time with your friends before everyone gets back in the routine of homework, extracurricular activities and school activities. Stay tuned for exact details. 5 th SUNDAY GATHERING: Sunday, August 31 st. Briarwood Youth are inviting the youth of Jackson-area PCUSA churches to join us for a time of food, fellowship and fun from 5-7 PM. This is a quarterly event held when there are five Sundays in the month. Our last event in June had more than 30 people attend. Classes resume September 8 th with a study of God s Perfect Plan Exploring Bible Prophecy from Genesis to Revelation. This course will consider Old Testament prophecies and where they are fulfilled. The course has a two-fold purpose: first, prophecy proves that He is God, not only wise enough to describe the future before it arrives but also powerful enough to make things happen exactly as He has promised. Secondly, to reveal Jesus. Contact Stephanie Smith or Susan Sumrall if interested in participating, so the correct number of books may be ordered. Books will be distributed the last week of August. Monday morning and Monday night classes are planned; both men and women are welcome. THE LITTLE LIGHT HOUSE Sept. 4-7 Meetings with Parents (8:30 am-4 pm) Sept. 7 6:30 pm New Parents Meet & Greet Sept. 11 Staff Begins New School Year Sept. 12 Children return / classes begin Sept. 14 6:30 pm Parents Meeting This begins the 3 rd year that Briarwood has hosted TLLH and what a blessing they have been to us! Please keep the Staff and Students in your prayers as this new year begins. There are several changes in Staff as well as a large number of new students arriving. SPECIAL WEDNESDAY NIGHT FELLOWSHIP PRESENTATION August 6th 6 pm Join us for a special presentation by Andy Young of Pearl River Glass describing an exciting project to beautify our sanctuary. Enjoy a delicious catered meal of Pasta-Spinach-Chicken casserole, fruit salad, rolls, and dessert before the program. Cost is just $6/adults; $3/children under 12; $15/family maximum. Programs for children and youth; nursery provided. MS PRESBYTERIAN CURSILLO It s not too late to sign up for the next Cursillo weekend October 30- November 2 at Gallman, MS. You may complete the on-line application at under Pilgrim Application or see anyone who has attended for help applying. No cost to first time participants. Sept. 20 th Youth Outing to Gourd Festival, Raleigh. Oct. 18 th Fall Festival (4-6 PM) Oct. 25 th TLLH 5K Walk/Run at Jackson Academy Newsletter 4

5 How Does Your Garden Grow? In Vermont, farmers say that the corn needs to be knee high by the 4 th of July in order to have a good crop before the first frost. When they realized my Mississippi fascination with snow, they asked me to please not pray for snow until the corn was in and things readied for winter. Being a pastor in a rural farming community has left me with a real appreciation for the rhythm of the seasons as well as for all that farmers have to do at different times in the year. The Bible is full of illustrations about planting and harvesting. Last Sunday my sermon, entitled Dirt, was about Jesus parable of the soils, recorded in Matthew 13. The parable reminds us that God s word is always good seed, but that it takes root and grows only in hearts that are prepared and receptive - like a fertile field prepared for sown seed. This is true of our hearts when we first hear the gospel. It is true all through our lives here on earth. In Isaiah 28:23-29, the prophet appeals to God s people to appreciate the ways and timing of God s work with an illustration about raising different crops. 23 Listen, and hear my voice; Pay attention, and hear my speech. 24 Do those who plow for sowing plow continually? Do they continually open and harrow their ground? 25 When they have leveled its surface, do they not scatter dill, sow cumin, and plant wheat in rows and barley in its proper place, and spelt as the border? 26 For they are well instructed; their God teaches them. 27 Dill is not threshed with a threshing sledge, nor is a cart wheel rolled over cumin; but dill is beaten out with a stick, and cumin with a rod. 28 Grain is crushed for bread, but one does not thresh it forever; one drives a the cart wheel and horses over it, but does not pulverize it. 29 This also comes from the LORD of hosts; he is wonderful in counsel, and excellent in wisdom. Just as God gives farmers wisdom to use tools when they plant and harvest that will not destroy crops in the process, so God gives us wisdom for spiritual growth. For spiritual formation we need to provide resources and structures that work for people of different ages and who learn in different ways. One way to have both helpful structure and flexibility is to maintain a big picture approach to learning. Think about the tools, the nutrients, and the growing conditions God has given you to help His word take root, grow, and bear fruit in your life. How do you grow best? How do you best help others grow in Christ? I once helped a young neighbor in Nashville plant flower seeds in an old coffeepot on the porch of our duplex so that we could watch them grow. The next day when I came home from campus, I noticed some dirt around the pot so I swept it up. The next day I once again found dirt scattered at the coffee pot s base. It was not, as I suspected, a squirrel hiding acorns. My young friend had been digging up the seeds to see if they had grown overnight! I explained that we had to let them sleep and have some space to grow and that digging them up daily was not a good way to get flowers. If we don t provide water and nourishment for the soil in our gardens, plants do not thrive. If we try to plant without preparing the ground, vegetables, herbs, and flowers may not survive much less flower or bear fruit. If we get impatient and do not give seeds time to take root, we disturb the growth God is bringing about unseen. As Isaiah reminded Israel, the God who guides farmers also knows the best way to grow the relationship between God and His people. When I met last week with the Chair of Briarwood s Christian Education Committee, we talked about what is already happening at Briarwood that helps people grow in grace and knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ. This fall, we will be looking at how these things fit into the larger picture of spiritual formation, and what we could add or provide that will be helpful. Think about the things you plan to do as we begin a new Sunday School year. How do they fit into the following aspects of Christian Growth: Knowledge (Knowing God, God s Word, and God s Ways); Practice (Who we are and what we do in response to what we know of God and God s Word); and Experience (Experiences alone or with others that enable knowledge and practice). Are there places where we could use better tools?.... be more patient about growth?... provide a context in which God could grow us in a new way? God bless you as you finish up vacations and as we start a new church school year. Catherine Cook, Parish Associate for Spiritual Formation Newsletter 5

6 Dear Briarwood Family: What a blessing to have the entire congregation sing Happy Birthday to me on the occasion of my 90 th birthday! Thank you, thank you, thank you, and thanks always for your love and prayers. You make me feel so young!!! Blessings, Evelyn Stevens To My Briarwood Family, I am so grateful for my Briarwood family. Thank you all for the help I received and am still receiving while undergoing two visits in the hospital and one more to go. The rides to hospital, the calls, cards, prayers, flowers and visits--you all were so supportive and that means more than you can ever imagine. I was told the next surgery will probably will be easier. God Bless you all. Thank you Briarwood Family. Sincerely, Freddie Dean Ussery In Memory of Elizabeth Laryea Given by Rebecca Ansah Be sure and give the church office your new college address. You ll want to receive The Briarwood Vision and certainly don t want to miss out on the delicious cookie boxes Presbyterian Women send out each year!! Are you Mission Minded? Looking for a way to do your part? Well your Mission Committee needs you! Contact Rick Barker, Mission Committee Chair, and tell him you want to help make a difference in the lives of others. Rick at wrbarke@gmail.com or call the church office. Memorial Weekend Picnic Sunday, August 31 The grilling team will be cooking hamburgers and hot dogs, and we ll have a Make Your Own Sundae dessert. So bring your favorite side dish to accompany the burgers & dogs! Wear casual clothes and bring $2 per adult and $1 per child under 12, with a maximum of $6 per family to help cover the cost of the meat Of course we will have lemonade, tea, and water available. There will be no Sunday School that day, but come for worship at 10:25 and stay for the picnic and fellowship in air conditioned comfort. Newsletter 6

7 Sunday Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday Saturday Sunday School Fellowship Time Morning Worship PWCT Congregational Care Mtg. Special WNF 6:30 LLH Parents Meeting 10 Sunday School Fellowship Time Morning Worship 11 Congregational Care Mtg 12 LLH Classes begin 13 Committees Meet 14 6:30 LLH Parents Meeting Sunday School Fellowship Time Morning Worship Commitment Committee 18 Congregational Care Mtg 19 PW Leadership Training 6pm Annual Gathering Brunch - 11:00 am 24 SS & Choir Rehearsal Fellowship Time Morning Worship Stated Session Meeting 25 Jxn Quilters Congregational Care Mtg Communion Casual Sunday SS does not meet Choir Rehersal Staff Schedule Larry Coleman vacation/personal time - August Newsletter 7

8 The Briarwood Vision Briarwood Presbyterian Church 620 Briarwood Drive Jackson, MS Non Profit Org. US Postage Paid Jackson, Ms Permit No. 452 Faith is to believe what we do not see; the reward of this faith is to see what we believe. --St. Augustine August 31 Preparation Team Sandy French Joretta Meyer T.H.I.N.K. British evangelist Alan Redpath suggested these five helpful questions to ask yourself before you speak: T Is it True? H Is it Helpful? I Is it Inspiring? N Is it Necessary? K Is it Kind? Newsletter 8