THE MESSENGER - FRANKLIN PRESBYTERIAN...
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Inside this issue: Community Outreach 1 Presbyterian Women 2 Prayer Requests 2 Church Snapshot 3 July Celebrations 3 Assisting with Worship 3 News Briefs 4 Session Update 5 Congregational Corner 6 Calendar 7 Franklin Presbyterian Church THE MESSENGER JULY 2014 We are a community of believers called by God to live humbly in the spirit of Christ and to act as His voice and hands in our world. REVEREND LOU VENTURA STATED SUPPLY PASTOR It’s officially summer! I’m writing this on the eve of Independence Day, and the first hurricane of the season, Arthur, is headed in our general direction. All indications are that we will just get glancing winds and maybe some rain this far inland, but those hurricanes tend to have a mind of their own, don’t they, so we’ll have to wait and see. I am looking forward to some vacation time in early August— different scenery is extremely renewing for me. I’m especially excited that Ron and I are driving down to St. Pete’s Beach, FL for the PC(USA) confer- ence “Evangelism and Church Growth.” I am enrolled in the Evangelism track, and I signed up for what sounds to be a fascinating break-out session: Continued on page 4 COMMUNITY OUTREACH: NEIGBORHOOD BLOCK PARTY HELD JUNE 28 TH I just want to give a big shout out to everyone that made the block party a suc- cess. It takes a lot of work, time and money to put on events of this caliber. Whether you gave money, your time, or both, I thank you! For a church this size to do two huge events in two months is really awesome. Sometimes I feel that I ask a lot of this congregation when I ask people to step out of their comfort zone and meet our neighbors; but I believe that when we do, we live the type of life that Jesus wants us to live, and we practice the mis- sion statement that we reaffirm every Sunday: “To be Christ’s voice and hands in our world.” But the church has never let me down, from our first ever Block Party, through all our Sharing Days, to this most recent Block Party, you have always given more than what was needed. Sometimes, I don’t think we move as fast as I would like, but I know that we move at the speed God wants us to. While I was grilling Saturday, I had an opportunity to talk to a couple that came to our Sharing Day a month and a half ago, and then happened to come to the Block Party. Let me tell you, it is great to hear words of encouragement from our neighbors. I was told that “FPC really does a lot for this community, and that it’s a great thing the church is doing today.” We may never get church members from doing these events, but that’s not why we do them: we do them to let the community know that we are here, and to show Christ ’s love. I believe we did that last Saturday, and again, I thank you! Estimates were that we had at least 80 people attend Saturday, but I bet it was closer to 100. When I looked out at the pavilion, all the picnic tables were full, the long tables we set out were full, and the bounce house was full. In my eyes, the event was a huge success, and it couldn’t have been done without your sup- port. Thank you! — Benjamin
Transcript of THE MESSENGER - FRANKLIN PRESBYTERIAN...
Inside this issue:
Community Outreach 1
Presbyterian Women 2
Prayer Requests 2
Church Snapshot 3
July Celebrations 3
Assisting with Worship 3
News Briefs 4
Session Update 5
Congregational Corner 6
Calendar 7
Frankl in Presbyterian Church
THE MESSENGER JULY 2014
We are a community of believers called by God to live humbly in the spirit of
Christ and to act as His voice and hands in our world.
REVEREND LOU VENTURA
STATED SUPPLY PASTOR
It’s officially summer! I’m writing this on the eve of Independence Day, and the first hurricane of the season, Arthur, is headed in our general direction. All indications are that we will just get glancing winds and maybe some rain this far inland, but those hurricanes tend to have a mind of their own, don’t they, so we’ll have to wait and see. I am looking forward to some vacation time in early August—different scenery is extremely renewing for me. I’m especially excited that Ron and I are driving down to St. Pete’s Beach, FL for the PC(USA) confer-ence “Evangelism and Church Growth.” I am enrolled in the Evangelism track, and I signed up for what sounds to be a fascinating break-out session: Continued on page 4
COMMUNITY OUTREACH: NEIGBORHOOD BLOCK PA RTY HELD JUNE 28 TH
I just want to give a big shout out to everyone that made the block party a suc-cess. It takes a lot of work, time and money to put on events of this caliber. Whether you gave money, your time, or both, I thank you! For a church this size to do two huge events in two months is really awesome.
Sometimes I feel that I ask a lot of this congregation when I ask people to step out of their comfort zone and meet our neighbors; but I believe that when we do, we live the type of life that Jesus wants us to live, and we practice the mis-sion statement that we reaffirm every Sunday: “To be Christ’s voice and hands in our world.” But the church has never let me down, from our first ever Block Party, through all our Sharing Days, to this most recent Block Party, you have always given more than what was needed. Sometimes, I don’t think we move as fast as I would like, but I know that we move at the speed God wants us to.
While I was grilling Saturday, I had an opportunity to talk to a couple that came to our Sharing Day a month and a half ago, and then happened to come to the Block Party. Let me tell you, it is great to hear words of encouragement from our neighbors. I was told that “FPC really does a lot for this community, and that it’s a great thing the church is doing today.” We may never get church members from doing these events, but that’s not why we do them: we do them to let the community know that we are here, and to show Christ’s love. I believe we did that last Saturday, and again, I thank you! Estimates were that we had at least 80 people attend Saturday, but I bet it was closer to 100. When I looked out at the pavilion, all the picnic tables were full, the long tables we set out were full, and the bounce house was full. In my eyes, the event was a huge success, and it couldn’t have been done without your sup-port. Thank you!
— Benjamin
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PRAYER REQUESTS
To add or remove a name or to request continued prayers, please
contact the church office. Thank you.
Though the Presbyterian Women are on a short summer break from their regular monthly meetings and Bible study, all Presbyterian Women are asked to meet in Brenner Hall on Tuesday, July 8th at 10:00 am. At this gathering, we will discuss preparations for the PEVA presbytery meeting that will be held on Tuesday, July 22. We will discuss set up of tables in Brenner Hall as well as refreshments. Our PW Circle Meetings will resume on Tuesday, October 7, 2014, with the Bible study “Reconciling Paul: A Contemporary Study of 2 Corinthians” by Elizabeth Hin-son-Hasty. Following is a brief introduction of the study, which promises to generate good discussion. All women of the church are invited to the Circle meetings. We are living in a world that is experiencing a great deal of change. Change is not new,
but there are distinctive contours to the change we experience today. Technological advances, easy access to information and cross-border trade, encounters with peoples representing a variety of per-spectives and cultures—all are aspects of our daily lives. We can’t avoid seeing the divisions forged along lines of race, class, gender, and nation. Revisiting the struggles Paul faced and the authenticity and integrity of his theology is an essential task for the churches today. Paul, like us, wrestled with and questioned his faith as he tried to live as authentically as possible in an ancient world that was also in the midst of a great deal of change. This study invites us all to ask whether or not we under-stood Paul’s writings clearly in the past and to read his letter afresh in light of the issues we face in our time. Concepts of shared partnership, power in weakness, healing, reconciliation, love, and a new apostolate all figure prominently in the author’s study of Paul’s letter.
Christian Paul Eischeid Krista Slane
Melvin & Barbara Gray Anna Cabell Wiley
Angela Drewry
Kathryn Padgett’s friend
Connie Beale
Sister of Jimmie Rose
Frances Wilber Wayne & Earlene Sprouse
Joe Jenkins
Tiffany Matteson’s cousin
Katherine Weaver
Wayne Matney & Family
Kaye Weaver’s friend
Cindy Petrowsky
Tiffany Matteson’s aunt
Isaiah Baggett
Friend of Deloris Joyner
Cheryl Petrowsky
Tiffany’s aunt
Hunter Brinkert
Nephew of Tiffany & Benjamin Matteson
Mel Matteson
Grandpa of Benjamin Matteson
Jennifer Pollard
Daughter of Mike and Carolyn Pollard, friends of the Christies
Ann Marie Wisher
Friend of Lou Ventura
Rick Gantly
Brother of Diana Conco
Paul Conco
PRESBYTERIAN WOMEN By V iv ian Chris t ie , FPC Presbyter ian Women Moderator
ASSI ST ING WITH WORSH IP IN JULY
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2014 CHURCH
SNAPSHOT
JULY BIRTHDAYS & ANN IVERSARIES 10. Taylor Harper 12. Bettie Bass 13. Denise Kien 16. Reesa Gilbert Moore 17. Cody Thomas 24. Nicholas Kien 27. Asa Johnson, Tiffany Matteson 30. Betty Jones
Average
New Worship Total Total
Month Members Attendance Offering Expenses
January 0 37 $8,226.00 $7, 406.64
February 0 38 $7,234.00 $9,422.64
March 0 34 $10,370.26 $6,705.79
April 2 39 $9,291.00 $9,213.17
May 0 35 $7,495.25 $9,414.38
June 0 34 $15,444.05 $6,907.23
2. Carol & Jim Holland
23. Pat & John Griffin
06. Bobbi Thomas & Betty Jones Lead Lector: Carolyn Boothe
13. Jim Vasoti & Asa Johnson
20. Deloris Joyner & TBD
27. Harry Christie & Frank Padgett
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From the Pastor Continued from page 1
News Briefs Manse update: We have FINALLY received a tax ID number for the corporation from the IRS—
a big thank you to trustee Lauren Harper for her persistence in obtaining it! Now she will be working on transferring the manse property from the church to the corporation, which has to be done before the manse can be sold.
Pastor Lou on vacation: Beginning Monday, August 4 through Sunday, August 17, Pastor Lou will be taking vacation. During the second week, she and Ron will be headed to St. Pete’s Beach, FL, to attend PC(USA)’s Evangelism and Church Growth Conference. They’ll then visit Panama City, where Lou was born a milestone number of years ago. The Session’s Worship Team is already working on filling the pulpit for the two Sundays (August 10 and 17) with occasional supply.
“Krispy Kreme/White Castle/Brisket/Bud Light: Do-ing Evangelism in a Culturally Diverse Context.” Here’s what the description says:
Participants will explore the principles and perceptions of transformation by looking through the lens of geographical, cultural, and generational norms. Participants will work through concepts identified in the En-gage curriculum, beginning with reclaiming their own stories of transformation and the story of God’s redemptive mission found in Scripture. Participants will be asked to hon-estly describe expectations of church and ministry needs as defined in their local con-text and to gather ideas and innovations from other workshop participants who might have a good idea that will work “back home.”
It makes me wonder: what is your story of trans-formation? Many of you have been Christians and active members here for several years; it’s easy to get into a church routine (notice I did not say “rut!”☺) to the extent that perhaps we may rarely think about how our faith has transformed us. It is those stories that are the most powerful, not only for us, but for those who have not yet come to faith, who are still desperately seeking meaning. The latter part of the description above says that I will be required to “honestly describe expectations of church and ministry needs as defined in [my]
local context.” In the coming weeks before I leave on vacation on Monday, August 4th, I would wel-come your thoughts on what you see as our church and ministry needs—specifics appreciated! I have my own opinions, of course, but other perceptions are equally valuable. If you have something in par-ticular you’ve been wondering or thinking about re-garding our ministry here at FPC, please share it with me. I can keep an eye out for similar ideas at the conference and report back. During this Evangelism track, I will have the op-portunity to explore my own personal transfor-mation, as well as to attend workshops on “Knowing and Following Jesus,” “The Value of Community,” and “Joining Jesus in Mission.” It’s interesting to see these workshop titles and recognize that over the past few months we’ve discussed similar topics; I am looking forward to hearing new ideas and bring-ing those back for us to consider together for our own church and ministry. I hope that you had the opportunity to meet PEVA’s Transitional General Presbyter Reverend Liza Hendricks when she worshipped with us last Sunday, June 29th. She was mightily impressed with our hospitality, and she and many others from PEVA and the churches in our presbytery have told me they are looking forward to our PEVA meeting here at FPC on Tuesday, July 22. The meeting begins at 1:00 p.m., and it goes without saying that you are all invited! Joyfully yours,
Lou
THE MESSENGER
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SESSION UPDATE
At its stated meeting on June 18, 2014, the FPC Session:
Was notified that the piano in the Norfleet side hallway of the church has been donated to a member of the community; plans are to remove the piano after the 4th of July.
Approved a Service of Healing and Wholeness to be held on Wednesday, July 30, at 6 p.m. in the church sanctuary.
Approved vacation requests for Pastor Lou for Monday, August 4 through Sunday, August 17; and Monday and Tuesday, October 6 and 7. Supply pastors will be sought for the two Sundays (August 10 and 17).
Approved a motion to have Keith Vaughan’s company provide lawn care for the manse during June and August while the Boothes are out of town.
Noted with gratitude that a peephole has been installed in one of the double doors between Brenner Hall and the staircase to the church office suite.
Prioritized a work list for the church building and grounds and approved a church work day on Saturday, July 12 beginning at 9 a.m.
Noted with joy the collection of $470.00 for the Pentecost Offering, of which $188.00 will be donated to Franklin’s Children’s Center.
Received Pastor Lou’s evaluation of the Session’s performance and fulfillment of contract terms; provid-ed evaluations of Pastor Lou’s performance and fulfillment of contract terms. Discussed Pastor Lou’s terms of call and verbally agreed upon renewal; paperwork is to be completed and sent to PEVA before September 4.
MEET OUR SEXTON: BARBARA JONES
Barbara Jones with her
granddaughters Ayarni Benn
and Cali Jones at the FPC
Block Party on Saturday, June
Tell us a little about yourself. I used to be a professional cook.
Before working here, what was the most unusual or interesting
job you’ve ever had? Working at For Pete Sakes restaurant.
What kinds of hobbies and interests do you have outside of
work? Going to church. What is one thing you couldn’t live without? Jesus Christ What is your hidden talent? Doing/Styling Hair What is your biggest pet peeve? When people lie. What is your favorite movie and book? Favorite Book: The Bible
Favorite Movie: Good Time
Editor’s Note: Barbara usually works on Wednesday mornings; if
you are out and about one Wednesday, stop in and say hello!
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THE BLOCK PARTY IN PICTURES
Tattoo artist Faye Springfield
applies a (temporary) tattoo on a
satisfied guest during the block
party.
Harry Christie’s popcorn machine was
a favorite among the block party guests
AND congregation members (that’s
Kathryn Padgett on the right).
Lauren Harper leads Kathryn Padgett on a quick
walk on Rascal, Lauren’s horse.
THE MESSENGER
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THE BLOCK PARTY IN PICTURES CONTINUED
Grillmasters Ron Ventura and Benjamin Matteson
keep the burgers and hot dogs coming for the hungry
crowd—Ray Thomas and Bill Boothe (left) and Harry
Christie and Frank Padgett (right) are supervising.
Cathy Eischeid mans the tables with sides, tea,
and lemonade. Carol Holland (right background)
keeps an eye on things as well.
That’s Lauren and Rascal again….and, yes,
that’s Cowgirl Ann Marie Brotzman, who game-
ly hopped up for a quick ride to show our young-
est guests that riding is great fun! Sarah Lester tattoos a young guest while
another guest looks on.
CONGREGATION’S CORNER
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Why did the light switch get mad?
What do the Armed Forces and baseball fields
have in common?
Why did the tree cry?
-It went off!
-They have bases.
-It was a weeping willow.
Ray’s Joke
Corner by Ray Terrell
Sun Mon Tue Wed Thu Fri Sat
1 2
Village Prayer Group 10:00 am
Weight Watchers 5:00 p.m.
3 4 5
6
Worship 11:00 am Holy Communion
7 8
Presbyterian Women 10:00 am
9
Weight Watchers 5:00 p.m.
10 11 12
Church Work Day 9:00 am
13
Worship 11:00 am
14 15 16
Weight Watchers 5:00 p.m.
17 18 19
20
Worship 11:00 am
21 22
100th PEVA Meeting at FPC 1:00 pm
23
Weight Watchers 5:00 p.m.
24 25 26
27
Worship 11:00 am
28 29 30
Weight Watchers 5:00 p.m.
Service of Healing & Wholeness 6:00 pm
Session Meeting 6:30 pm
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JULY 2014
Birthdays: Anniversaries:
10. Taylor Harper 12. Bettie Bass 13. Denise Kien 02. Carol & Jim Holland
16. Reesa Gilbert Moore 17. Cody Thomas 24. Nicholas Kien 23. Pat & John Griffin
27. Asa Johnson 27. Tiffany Matteson 30. Betty Jones
Franklin, VA 23851
405 Lee St
Franklin, VA 23851
757.562.4313
F R A N K L I N P R E S B Y T E R I A N C H U R C H
UPCOMING EVENTS-- JULY 2014
Each Wednesday: Weight Watchers at 5:00 p.m.
Each Thursday: Choir at 7:30 p.m.
Find us on Facebook Search for Franklin Presbyterian Church
Visit us online!
www. franklinpresbyterianchurch.org
02. Village Prayer Group 10:00 am
06. Worship 11:00 am *Holy Communion
08. Presbyterian Women 10:00 am
12. Church Work Day 9:00 am
13. Worship 11:00 am
20. Worship 11:00 am
22. PEVA Meeting 1:00 pm
27. Worship 11:00 am
30. Service of Healing and Wholeness 6:00 pm
30. Session Meeting 6:30 pm
Worship with us each Sunday at 11:00 a.m.
