Tag: presbyterian

Presbyterian Stew

Do you know the old story of Stone Soup? There are different versions, but it focuses on some hungry folks coming to a village and finding residents fearful of sharing from their supplies. The hungry ones put a stone and some water in their empty pot, and heat it over a fire. We have stone soup, they say when asked what they’re doing. It’s very good, but much better with a few carrots, some cabbage and potatoes and spices…
Soon villagers bring their contributions, and a wonderful soup is enjoyed by all.

Here at the Presbyterian Church we have our own version of stone soup – let’s call it Presby Stew, which goes better with this stewardship season. God has gathered us together in an increasingly rich and wonderful mix of people. We enjoy lively worship and fellowship together, and special times of caring and outreach.

This life together, and our gratitude to God for it, is the reality with which we begin our thinking and praying about stewardship. It isn’t how much do we need for our church budget? It is thankfulness that God has brought us together in this special stew, and recognizing that we have been given some pretty wonderful flavor and nutrition to share with one another and with God’s world.

In coming weeks, we’ll be hearing some messages from one another about what stewardship means to us. We’ll be encouraged to take part in the annual dedication of our pledges of money, and time and talents, which we call a Harvest of Offerings, on November 20.

Let our giving, even in these difficult times, be filled with the great flavor of Presbyterian Stew!

Peace,

Rod

January Crossroads

Annual Meeting – Come All Ye!
January 16 – 2:00 p.m. Fellowship Hall
(Ice cream sundaes – 1:30 p.m.)

(If weather appears to be a factor, there’ll be a message on the answering machine by 11 a.m.; snow date: January 23).

The Annual Meeting of the Congregation and Corporation of our church is one of the most important times we gather outside of our regular Sunday worship. All members of our church family are most Presbyterian-ly urged to come, for business and fellowship!

According to church bylaws, the meeting is held on the third Saturday of January. It is in the afternoon, for easier winter traveling and to avoid a late evening for families with young children. Childcare will be available.

Moderator Rod MacDonald will call the meeting to order. Following brief devotions there will be reviews of the life of our church in the year just past, election of officers (candidates for elders, deacons, trustees, Nurturing Nest Preschool board, and member-at-large to next year’s Nominating Committee will be presented by the Nominating Committee); review of the budget for 2010 and approval of pastoral terms of call. Chairperson of the Trustees, Brad Morrison, will conduct the meeting of the Corporation.

Annual Reports will be available to the congregation by Sunday, January 10 thanks to the coordination of Session Clerk Jane McIninch and our fabulous El-primo secretary Linda Benson. Nominees for office to be presented by the Nominating Committee will be included.

Deacons Corner
Thanks to everyone who participated in the People Helping People Wish Tree and the pajama and underwear project. Many children will receive gifts as a result of your giving.

The recent snow and cold weather reminds us that many people may be cold and hungry this winter. Donations to the church Emergency Fund are needed.

All Elders and Deacons
(newly-elect or ongoing in active service)

Annual combined meeting and training time will be Saturday, January 23, 9:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. Please mark calendars now!

There will also be an opportunity for (required) training of new officers in our Safe Child Program.

And on Sunday, January 24, our worship will be highlighted by the most Presbyterian of liturgical acts: the ordination and installation of these new officers, whom we believe to have been called by God and the church for their special service.