Annual Meeting And Beginning of Lent Are In February

HEBRON HERALD Volume 27, Issue 2 February 2018 Annual Meeting And Beginning of Lent Are In February By Rev. Frank Wyche, Pastor The Annual Meeting of the Congregation of Hebron Presbyterian Church will be held on Sunday, Feb. 4, following morning worship. (See story on back page.) Lent, the season of preparation before Easter, will begin on Ash Wednesday, February 14. Lent is the 40 days before Easter (not counting Sundays). It is a time for penitence and reflection for Christians before they celebrate Easter. Easter is April 1 this year. Lent is usually observed in three ways: by penitence (self-examination and self-denial); by increased almsgiving (and other good works); and by increased devotional activities (attending regular and special worship services, and increased prayer and devotional study). The English name Lent originated before 1000 A.D. and came from the Old English word lencten or lengten, which literally meant lengthening (of daylight hours) and came to mean spring since daylight hours lengthen during the season of spring, which is when Easter occurs. Many people give up something for Lent. The idea is not simply to practice self-denial or self-discipline, but to re-direct one s thoughts and activities toward God, instead of everyday thoughts and activities. For example, if someone decided to give up sodas or If Church Needs To Be Canceled... If winter weather is ever severe enough to make us need to cancel church, we will notify television station WHSV-TV3 in Harrisonburg to announce the cancellation. Also, in the event that church is canceled because of severe winter weather, we will put a message on the church answering machine, so you can call the church office at 885-1648. The decision on whether to cancel church will be made by 9:00 a.m. In any case, please use common sense when we have severe winter weather, even if you don t see an announcement! Above all, be safe! If your own driveway or street or road is hazardous, please do not take any foolish or unnecessary risks. Sunday, Feb. 4 Annual Meeting of the Congregation following Morning Worship Sunday, Feb. 11 Transfiguration Sunday with the Lord s Supper celebrated during Morning Worship Tuesday, Feb. 13 Mardi Gras; Circles 1 & 2 meet at 1:30 p.m. in Fellowship Hall Wednesday, Feb. 14 Ash Wednesday, first day of Lent; Valentine s Sunday, Feb. 18 1st Sunday in Lent Sunday, Feb. 25 2nd Sunday in Lent Wednesday, Feb. 28 PEP Club, 1:00 p.m. soft drinks for Lent, they would take the money that would have been spent on those beverages, and use it to make an extra charitable contribution to the church or some other worthwhile cause. Also, every time one felt the desire for the beverage, it would be a reminder to think about God instead of our own wants and appetites; and to engage in prayer and devotional activities in the time we would have been drinking the beverage. Many cultures celebrate Carnival as a time for celebrations and parties before the self-denial and extra devotional acts of Lent. The last day of Carnival is Mardi Gras (literally, Fat Tuesday in French), which is the day before Lent begins. The idea is that if we are to deny ourselves for 46 days (Lent is 40 weekdays, plus six Sundays), let s have one last time of fat and plenty before the lean days ahead. The last Sunday before Lent begins is Transfiguration Sunday, which remembers Jesus commitment to going to Jerusalem to give his life to save humanity from sin and death. During Lent, we, too, are called to go on a spiritual journey which will culminate in the cross of Good Friday, and joy of resurrection on Easter Sunday. We are called to follow Jesus examples of humility, faith, and obedience as we proceed, and to commit ourselves more deeply to God as we prepare to observe and celebrate Easter. Pastor Frank

2 Minutes For Regular Session Meeting Held Dec. 21 The Session of held its stated monthly meeting on Thursday, Dec. 21, 2017. Minutes were approved Jan. 26 and are printed here: Present: Elders Mike Fallin, David Obenschain, Martha Sieck, Anita Tuttle, Robert Christian, Nancy K. Cook, Mike Ruleman, Hannah Bush, Allen Martin, Tracy Mayer, Brenda Smiley, Moderator Rev. Frank Wyche, and Clerk of Session Robin Moyer. Excused: Elder Lori Malcolm. Absent: Elder Scott Martin. Guest: Elders-elect Charles Buchanan, Lorrie Dean and Theresa Moore. A quorum being present, the Moderator opened the meeting at 7:00 p.m. by welcoming Elders-Elect and proceeded with prayer and devotions from Matthew 2:12-18. The Moderator discussed and explained the constitutional questions for ordination/installation with the officers-elect. As an examination, the officers-elect answered all the constitutional questions in the affirmative. After time for questions to the officers-elect, Session approved a motion by Nancy K. Cook to approve the examination and proceed with their installation during morning worship on January 14, 2018. The Pastor said he would set a Called Session Meeting for January 14, 2018, at 10:40 a.m. to examine Elder-elect Doug Trimble before installation, since he was unable to attend the Dec. 21 meeting. Clerk s Report: A motion by Mike Fallin was passed to approve minutes from the Stated Meeting on November 16. Treasurer s Report: A handout was provided by Treasurer Michael Ruleman with a detailed Report of Fund Balances as of December 21, 2017. The general fund continues in the red at (-$47,111.30). The total in our checking and savings stands at $93,662.82. Presbytery Report: Presbytery met Nov.28 at Third Presbyterian Church in Staunton. A summary Called Session Meeting Jan. 14 The Session of held a Called Meeting on Sunday, Jan. 14, 2018, in the Session Room. A quorum being present, the meeting was called to order and opened with prayer by the Moderator at 10:42 a.m. Present: Elders Mike Fallin, Martha Sieck, Anita Tuttle, Nancy K. Cook, Michael Ruleman, Hannah Bush, Allen Martin, Tracy Mayer, Scott Martin, Moderator Rev. Frank Wyche, and Clerk of Session Robin Moyer; and guest elder-elect Doug Trimble. Excused: Elders David Obenschain, Robert Christian, Brenda Smiley, and Lori Malcolm. The purpose of the meeting was to examine elder- minutes of the meeting are posted on the internet at the web address: shenpres.org/meeting-documents/. Elder commissioner Mike Fallin and alternate Martha Sieck reported on the installation of the Rev. Bronwen Boswell as the new General Presbytery and Stated Clerk, and presbytery s commemoration of the 500th anniversary of the beginning of the Protestant Reformation. Old Business: Session approved a General Budget for 2018 which had been put before Session by the Stewardship/Finance Committee at the November meeting. In association with presenting the budget to the congregation at the annual meeting, Session reviewed Pastor s Terms of Call. A motion by David Obenschain was passed to increase the salaries of the pastor, sexton, and music director by 3%. The Treasurer will show those proposed increases in the budget to be presented to the congregation, and the congregation will act on the Pastor s Terms of Call at the annual meeting. Session passed a motion by Mike Ruleman for the Annual Meeting of the Congregational Meeting to be held on Sunday, Feb. 4, 2018, following morning worship. Committee Reports Fellowship/Service: (Nancy K. Cook, Lori Malcolm, Scott Martin, Tracy Mayer, Anita Tuttle): Thanks to the (Continued On Page 3) elect Doug Trimble regarding his faith prior to being installed as Elder in the Class of 2020, the other elderselect Charles Buchanan, Lorrie Dean and Theresa Moore having been examined and approved at the Dec. 21 Stated Meeting of Session.The Moderator discussed and explained the Constitutional ordination questions to Doug, and he expressed his understanding of the questions and answered all the Constitutional questions in the affirmative. After a time for questions a motion by Mike Ruleman passed to approve the examination and to proceed with Doug s installation during morning worship on Jan. 14, 2018. Session having acted on the business for which the meeting had been called, the meeting was closed with prayer by the Moderator at 10:47 a.m.

Minutes of Dec. 21 Session Meeting (Continued From Page 2) committee for all the hard work for the reception following the Community Thanksgiving Service on Nov. 22. Personnel (Mike Fallin, David Obenschain): The church office will be closed Monday and Tuesday, Dec. 25-26, for Christmas; and on Monday, Jan. 1, for New Year s. Property (Hannah Bush, Robert Christian, Allen Martin, Anita Tuttle): Guttering on left side of church needs new downspout in center. There was discussion on light for front of church, plaster repair in Session Room, and a new collapsible coat rack in hallway in Fellowship Hall. Stewardship/Finance: (Hannah Bush, Allen Martin, Mike Ruleman): The committee met but most matters were covered in discussion of budget during Old Business. Worship (Nancy K. Cook, David Obenschain, Tracy Mayer): A Candlelight Christmas Eve Communion Service will be held Sunday, Dec. 24, at 8:00 p.m. Ramona Bosserman will be our speaker during worship on Jan. 7, 2018. Cemetery (Anita Tuttle): Handrails are needed for the new steps in the cemetery. Christian Ed (Scott Martin, Mike Ruleman): Thanks to the committee for all the hard work on the Christmas luncheon on Dec. 10. Action Bible Christmas Story pamphlets were distributed to the Legacy, Valley Mission and Salvation Army. Commitment/Witness: (Mike Fallin, Martha Sieck): Last meeting minutes were emailed to members of Session. Session approved a committee recommendation that $6,500 be allocated as mission spending to Shenandoah Presbytery in 2018 (the presbytery had requested $6,472.41), with $4,500 coming from General Benevolent Giving, $1,500 from Dr. Riley s benevolent account, and a $500 contribution from a church member. The missionary support of $4,500 to Mark Hare and Jenny Bent in Haiti and the Dominican Republic will continue. Congregational Ministries (Lori Malcolm, Martha Sieck): Contacts and visits are ongoing. A motion by Anita Tuttle was passed to help a member of the congregation with a gift of $1,000 from the Community Assistance Fund. Pastor s Report: Pastor Frank will be out of the pulpit on Sunday, Jan. 7, because of his daughter s wedding Jan.6; Ramona Bosserman will be the guest speaker; he will preach Dec. 31, miss Jan. 7, and return Jan. 14. New elders will be installed during worship on Sunday, Jan. 14. The Lord s Supper will be celebrated Jan. 21. Sometime between Jan. 1 and 14, he will take a February Birthdays February birthdays are: Frank Kirtley 1 Henley Predmore Shull 1 Jeff Simmons 1 D. W. Cash 2 Tom Cook 2 Jessica Rathburn 2 Martha Sieck 4 Jon Arneson 5 Walker Breeden 8 Cory Cline 8 Kamela Malcolm-Smith 8 Jennifer Sieck 8 Donna Kirtley 11 Glenn Kennedy 12 Ruth Rathburn 12 Katlyn Cook 13 Bill Drumheller 15 Shara Shiflet 18 Noah Turnage 20 Vicki Drumheller 22 Ryan Shiflet 23 Wil Shiflet 23 David Obenschain 24 Philip Sieck 25 Tracy Mayer 26 Richie Moyer 27 Glenn Mader 28 week s vacation. In addition to preparing for worship, next week he will be working on the January newsletter so that it can be available for pick-up on Sunday, Dec. 31. Bible study will resume in January with a new topic of the participants choice. Pastor Frank participated in a half-day presbytery Permanent Judicial Commission workshop on Dec. 8. Elaine and Pastor Frank are very grateful for everyone s care, concern and understanding during Elaine s recovery from her broken ankle of Oct. 28; she has an appointment with the orthopedist next week and expects her to be released from his care, though her physical therapy may continue. New Business: Motions by Mike Ruleman were approved to place an advertisement for Hebron in the Staunton News Leader for the first quarter of the year at $11 per week; and to establish a Membership Committee as a subcommittee of the Commitment/Witness Committee. Both actions are part of work to increase church membership. The next Stated Meeting is scheduled for Thursday, Jan. 25, 2018, at 7:00 p.m. The blessings and prayer concerns of the congregation, friends, and relatives were shared by Session for prayer. Special thanks went to outgoing elders Mike Fallin, Scott Martin, David Obenschain, Martha Sieck, and Anita Tuttle. The meeting was adjourned with prayer by the moderator at 9:25 p.m. PEP Club Will Meet On February 28 Hebron s PEP Club (People Enjoying People) will meet on Wednesday, Feb. 28, in the church Fellowship Hall at 1:30 p.m., weather permitting. Please prepare a dish or two and come join us! 3

HEBRON HERALD 423 Hebron Road, Staunton, VA 24401 Church Office: (540) 885-1648 Church FAX: (540) 885-9512 E-mail: myhebronpc@gmail.com Website: www.hebronpc.com Rev. Frank H. Wyche, Pastor Hannah Bush, Music Director Ministries available to all ages Sunday Services: Sunday School, 9:55 A.M. Morning Worship, 11:00 A.M. Bible Study: Friday, 10:00 A.M. Annual Meeting of the Congregation Will Be February 4 The Annual Meeting of the Congregation of Hebron Presbyterian Church will be held on Sunday, Feb. 4, immediately following morning worship. The three items of business for the meeting are: 1. Presentation of the Annual Report (the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.) requires Sessions to give reports of activities to their Congregations); 2. Presentation of the 2018 Budget (the budget is adopted by the Session, but the Congregation must be given the information contained in the budget); and, 3. Acting on the Pastor s Terms of Call (the PCUSA requires the Congregation to review the pastor s terms of call annually, and any changes to the terms of call can only be made by the Congregation). The Session reviewed the pastor s terms of call as part of preparing the budget for 2018 and at the Dec. 21 meeting voted to recommend that the Congregation approve a 3% increase in salary (not total package) for the pastor, and the Session included in the budget a 3% raise for all church employees. Presbyterian Women To Prepare College Goodie Boxes The Presbyterian Women will fill goodie boxes for college students at the Feb. 13 circle meeting. If you would like to help the Women of the Church with this project, or if you are a PW member unable to attend the Feb. 13 meeting, please bring your donations to the church kitchen before Tuesday, Feb. 13. Mark Hare and Jenny Bent Newsletter Posted on Mission Board The latest newsletter from missionaries Mark Hare in Haiti and Jenny Bent in the Dominican Republic been posted on the Mission bulletin board outside the Choir Room next to the coffee supplies.

February 2018 Sunday School 9:55 A.M./Worship 11 A.M. Sun Mon Tue Wed Thu Fri Sat February is American Heart Month, Black History Month, and Children s Dental Health Month 1 2 Groundhog 3 4 Annual Meeting of the Congregation of Hebron following Worship 11 Transfiguration of the Lord Celebrate the Lord s Supper in Worship 18 First Sunday in Lent 5 6 7 8 9 12 13 Mardi Gras 19 Presidents Circles 1 & 2 Meet, 1:30 p.m., Pack Student Goodie Boxes Children s Church Leaders 4: Tracy Mayer 11: Donna Moyer 18: Hebron Youth Group 25: Julia & Scott Martin 14 Ash Wednesday, First of Lent Valentine s 20 21 22 15 16 Lunar New Year / Chinese New Year Session Meets, 7:00 p.m. 23 10 17 24 Presbytery Meets at Tinkling Spring PC, 9:30 a.m. 25 Second Sunday in Lent 26 27 28 PEP Club Meets, 1:30, Fellowship Hall