From the Editor
And speaking of God’s lesser creatures (we were, weren’t we?)
As many of you know, I have cats . . . or vice-versa. And I have kitty-doors so they can come and go. These two facts, taken together, make for some adventures at my house.
Case in point: I’m sitting at my computer a few minutes ago when out of the corner of my eye I spot one of my little beasties trying to sneak past me to the bedroom. Now, a cat trying to sneak is distinctive behavior, so it caught my attention.
“Hold it right there, Reuben! What have you got?”
“Mrwff,” he replied, looking guilty, voice muffled by the small bird in his mouth.
“You know the rule – No snacks in the bedroom.” Shoulders sagging, he slinks back to the kitchen with his bird. “Good Reuben,” I told him.
I would have let it go at that, had it been a mouse or maybe a small squirrel. Birds, however, tend to be really messy. By the time he gets finished with it, there will be feathers everywhere.
“Take your bird back outside,” I told him, opening the front door.
“Mrwff!” And out they go. Scary. You’d think he could really understand me.
Got an adventure you’d like to share? Drop us a line!
newsletter@grace-pres.org
Carl
Our
Worship Schedule
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Contemporary Service |
8:45 - 9:45 |
Grace Presbyterian Sunday School
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Nursery |
Kathe Walker |
Judy Thigpen |
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Room 103 |
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2 Year – Pre-K |
Wendi Glenn |
Frances Kitterman |
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Room 102A |
Debbie Metoyer |
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Bible Quest |
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Kindergarten – 5th Grade |
Susan Lawson |
Michelle Miles |
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Room 102B |
Cathy Bendall |
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Bible Quest |
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6th Grade – Up |
Carl Jones |
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Adults |
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In-Betweeners Class |
Discussion -- This is a new
adult class for young adults, college aged through 30’s. Clyde Getman will help coordinate class
materials |
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Session Room |
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Call Sara Lawson, S.S.
Superintendent, 867-3431, or Suzanne Getman Asst. Superintendent, 382-7777
for questions or if you are interested in joining this new adult class |
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Bible Discovery |
John Dotson |
Bill Bendall |
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Room 101A |
Study – I Corinthians |
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Friendship Class |
John Price |
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Room 101B |
Discussion – Book of Acts,
Titus |
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Fond
Farewell to Pastor Judith
We
are all searching for ways to show appreciation
For all you have meant to our Grace Congregation.
We
feel very surely that God sent you to Grace
Through
his agent Tom Pickering as he led our interim chase.
Your radiant smile let us know you cared;
Even though you knew we were
all a little bit scared.
Your love for us, your passionate pastoring
and preaching
Has left us all with good memories of your
spiritual teaching.
You chided us gently about changes we needed
to be making,
But you praised us greatly for positive steps
we were taking.
Your sermons, spiced with humor, were
inventive,
And they kept those in the pews
most attentive.
It seems like only yesterday that you were
just starting;
Yet, we all knew you would too
soon be departing.
You and David, it is safe to say, will be
sorely missed,
But we all can still keep you on
our special friend’s list.
We pray that God’s blessings will be with you
every day,
And that, once in a while, you
will again come our way.
We know that, after some much-needed rest;
Whatever church calls you will
get one of the best.
In Christ’s love,
A Thankful Member
Grace Presbyterian Church
Letters to the Editor
Dear SLOG:
A recent book, The
Assault on Reason, by Al Gore was recommended for reading in the prior
newsletter. Since you have so much time on your hands, you should also
read the following recently published books on topics of great interest to
concerned citizens:
· State of Emergency, by Patrick Buchanan
- Day of Reckoning, by Patrick
Buchanan
- Power to the People, by Laura
Ingraham
- Religious Literacy, by Stephen
Prothero
- What's So Great About Christianity,
by Dinesh D'Souza
On a historical note, you might also find interesting The River of Doubt - Theodore Roosevelt's
Darkest Journey, by Candice Millard
Harold Howard
From the Pastor
Nominating/Transition Committee
Bio for Larry Turner and family
Larry Turner was born and raised in Decatur, Alabama. He is the youngest of four children, who all
still reside along with his parents in
Larry and Beth have been married since 1982 – 25 + years and
counting. They have been partners in
ministry for their entire history together, however it is evident that they
make each other a first priority. Their
ministries together with Larry on staff have included 5 years of Youth ministry,
3 years of Young Adult Ministry and of course the last 11 + years with Larry in
the pastorate. Beth’s ministry passion
involves both Children’s and
School Music Lady” in addition to supporting Larry in various other roles.
Beth is the youngest of five children; was born and raised
here in Memphis. Beth is a Registered
Nurse, also attended the
Larry and Beth have two children. Chris Turner, 23 years old, currently lives in Bartlett with his dog Lennox. He is a waiter at the TGI Fridays here at Wolf Chase Galleria. He is very excited that Mom and Dad are going to be close by! Larry and Beth call him their “miracle” child! He had Brain surgery for a rare condition at age 16 but survived with no deficits and has done very well. He is an excellent soccer player, loves to sing Karaoke, looks like his Mom and has a very tender heart like his Dad.
Justin Turner, 20 years old, currently lives in Helena,
Alabama and will be staying with Mom and Dad’s house while it is on the
market. He is an Assistant Manager at
Kay Jewelers in
When Larry and Beth talk about the boys, you will here them say that they must have done something right. They are proud parents and hope to see both boys back in school soon!
From the Presbyterian Women
February will be another busy month for the PW. We welcome Rev. Larry Turner and his wife, Beth to Grace Presbyterian Church with open arms. Both will learn right away that we are very busy ladies with many projects.
February Circle
Meetings:
- Circle # 1 will meet Tuesday February 12, 2008 at 10:00 AM at the church.
- Circle # 2 will meet the FIRST MONDAY February 4, 2008 at 10:00 AM at the home of Becky Karnes. PLEASE NOTE THE DATE CHANGE.
- Circle # 3 will meet Tuesday February 19, 2008 at 10:00 AM at the church and go to lunch after the Bible Study.
- Circle # 4 will meet Monday February 11, 2008 at 7:00 PM at the church
- Circle # 5 will meet MONDAY February 11, 2008 at 7:00 PM at the church with Circle # 4. PLEASE NOTE THE CHAGE.
At the writing for our January newsletter we had 8 food baskets scheduled. We were able to fill 11 baskets thanks to the response that went out for can goods and non-perishable foods. We also provided toys and gifts to 30 children from these 11 families. We received enough money to pay for the hams and perishable foods to put in the baskets plus money to pay for the extra gifts that we needed to buy. A BIG, BIG thank you goes to Ken Hathaway who worked all day with us getting the baskets ready and using the dolly to transport the baskets to the family cars who came to pick up their gifts. He also helped to make deliveries to two families. Thanks Ken and the 8 members that helped wrap the gifts and load the baskets. We hope to add more names to our needy family food baskets for next December.
Kitchen Requirements
When you use the church kitchen the following must be observed:
- Wash, dry and put away anything you use.
2. Clean counter tops.
3. Clean coffee pots if they were used.
4. Put all towels & washcloths in container on counter.
5. Empty trash can in the dumpster outside.
6. Label & date items put in the refrigerator and/or freezer. If not labeled they will be discarded.
Your help will provide a clean and sanitary kitchen for all of us to use. Thank you
From the Congregational Life
Committee
Sneak
preview of February 2008 fellowship events:
The Congregational
Life Committee will sponsor game night Friday, February 29. Additional
details will be published in the weekly bulletins.
Day Trippers has
tentatively scheduled a trip to Reelfoot Lake on Tuesday, February 26 to see
the majestic Bald Eagles. When we arrive at Reelfoot, we will
enjoy a 2 hour Ranger guided bus tour. Of course we will be eating lunch
at one of the restaurants adjacent to the lake. Additional details will
be published in the weekly bulletins.
Annual Picnic at
Ellendale Park on Saturday, April 26. Activities will begin at 10:00
am. There will be food and games.
Byron Graves
386-6779
From the Memphis Interfaith
Hospitality Network (MIHN)
Mark your calendar.
The MIHN guest will arrive on Sunday Feb 17. We will be hosting up to 14 guests for the week. I am very excited that the guest will be able to use our new showers. A hot shower is something that we take for granted. But it is a luxury when you are homeless. Thanks to the building committee and others who helped plan the new facility we no longer have to travel somewhere for showers.
I want to thank each of you in advance for everything you will do to make our guest comfortable and welcome. If you are a regular, thanks again. If you have not volunteered yet, please give it a try. There are approximately 50 slots to fill each week that we host. There are no hard jobs. Most take only a couple of hours. But each job must be done to meet the needs of the guest. A sign up sheet will be available in the hallway. Also, a supply list will be posted in the kitchen. Please mark the items you plan to bring so we won’t have too much or too little of any item. The items can be placed in the kitchen and marked for MIHN.
For more information:
Dana Jackson
dtjacks@bellsout.net
377.9374
From the Friendship Sunday
School Class
The Friendship Class (John Price) is taking a break from our study of the Book of Acts. We’re going to listen to a series of CDs entitled Tough Grace in Difficult Places, by Charles Swindoll. It is a study on the Book of Titus.
We’ll begin our study on January 13, and we’d love to have visitors. We meet in the new building, first classroom on the right. Judy Price will be guiding these sessions.
Judy Price
386-8976
From Grace Presbyterian
Child Care Center
We have finally moved into the beautiful new educational wing and are now looking for creative ways to store everything. We appreciate so much David Hyde (one of our parents) and all of the staff for the long hours spent moving us. We also want to thank Bill Carroll for all his help. Finally, we all appreciate the sacrifices that Grace's members made to make this new facility possible. Our children, families, and staff are all so impressed and excited to be in it.
Teresa Simpson
strvnwritr@yahoo.com
Jonah Chapter 3
When Jonah saw Nineveh was saved
and not destroyed, He became greatly displeased and greatly annoyed.
"Is this not what I said
Before I had fled?
I knew you were a compassionate
God and from sending harm you would avoid."
"Now, O Lord, take away my
life, for it is better that I die."
"Have you any right to be
angry?" the Lord did reply.
Jonah went out
And sat down to pout.
He waited and watched to see what
would take place by and by.
The Lord provided a vine to give
Jonah relief from the sun.
He was very happy for what the
Lord God had done.
But then God did provide
A worm by his side
Which chewed the vine so that it
withered and was gone.
The next day God provided
scorching wind and hot sun in the sky.
Jonah grew faint and again he
wanted to die.
He was angry and said
"I am better off dead."
But God responded, "At the
vine you are greatly angry. Why?"
"Jonah, you have changed your
thoughts about the vine even though It was not you who made it or caused it to
grow.
It thrived
And then died.
So can't I change my thoughts
about the Ninevites and my grace to them show?"
Suzanne Getman
ACROSS
1 I speak the truth in Christ, I ___ not lying (Rom
9:1)
4 stayed behind to ___ Queen Esther for his life (Est
7:7)
6 Look, the Lamb of God, who takes away the ___ of the
world (John 1:29)
9 they had brick for stone, and slime had they for ___
(Gen 11:3) ASV
11 Joshua did it; he left nothing ___ of all that the
LORD commanded (Josh 11:15)
13 Moses said to Aaron, "Take a jar and put an
___ of manna in it (Ex 16:33)
14 The breath of God produces ___ , and the broad
waters become frozen (Job 37:10)
15 He had forty sons and thirty grandsons, who ___ on
seventy donkeys (Judg 12:14)
16 full of adultery, they never stop sinning; they ___
the unstable (2 Peter 2:14)
17 the angel of the Lord came upon him, and a light
___ in the prison (Acts 12:7)KJV
18 decay (Isa 50:2)
19 a tent that will not be moved; its ___ will never
be pulled up (Isa 33:20)
22 Strengthen the feeble hands, ___ the knees that
give way (Isa 35:3)
26 let it be used to repair whatever ___ is found in
the temple (2 Kings 12:5)
30 not leave your post; calmness can lay great ___ to
rest (Eccl 10:4)
33 I, Daniel, was exhausted and lay ___ for several
days (Dan 8:27)
34 praying for you and ___ God to fill you with the
knowledge (Col 1:9)
36 insolent, arrogant and boastful; they ___ ways of
doing evil (Rom 1:30)
39 Your feet are ___ in the mud; your friends have
deserted you (Jer 38:22)
40 Then Jesus said, "He who ___ ears to hear, let
him hear." (Mark 4:9)
41 For my yoke is ___ and my burden is light (Matt
11:30)
42 Then the high ___ stood up before them and asked
Jesus (Mark 14:60)
43 Fear and trembling have beset me; ___ has
overwhelmed me (Ps 55:5)
44 So they ___ out and went from village to village,
preaching the gospel (Luke 9:6)
45 He saith unto him, ___ , Lord; thou knowest that I
love thee. (John 21:16) KJV
46 "Come, follow ___ ," Jesus said,
"and I will make you fishers of men (Matt 4:19)
DOWN
1 30th book of the Old Testament
2 Saul, receive your sight!' And at that very ___ I
was able to see him (Acts 22:13)
3 taking out a stone, he slung it and ___ the
Philistine on the forehead (1 Sam 17:49)
4 People do not pick figs from thornbushes, or grapes
from ___ (Luke 6:44)
5 How can the ___ of the bridegroom mourn while he is
with them? (Matt 9:15)
6 As ___ as Jesus was baptized, he went up out of the
water (Matt 3:16)
7 But Christ has ___ been raised from the dead (1 Cor
15:20)
8 The LORD will fight for you; you ___ only to be
still (Ex 14:14)
10 Their breastplates were fiery ___ , dark blue, and
yellow (Rev 9:17)
12 I will be able to defeat them and ___ them out of
the country (Num 22:6)
19 unhappy (Matt 19:22)
20 brought us out of Egypt with a mighty hand and an
outstretched ___ (Deut 26:8)
21 is there flavor in the white of an ___ ? (Job 6:6)
23 she got a papyrus basket for him and coated it with
___ and pitch (Ex 2:3)
24 Cornelius answered: "Four days ___ I was in my
house praying (Acts 10:30)
25 affirmative response (Acts 22:27)
27 I ___ you before God that what I am writing you is
no lie (Gal 1:20)
28 he will bless those who fear the LORD, small and
great ___ (Ps 115:13)
29 Isaac lived a hundred and ___ years (Gen 35:28)
30 Elijah’s successor (2 Kings 2:9)
31 they helped David against the band of the ___ (1 Chron
12:21) KJV
32 but to serve, and to give his life as a ___ for
many (Matt 20:28)
34 the poison of ___ is under their lips (Rom 3:13)
KJV
35 with skin and flesh and ___ me together with bones
and sinews (Job 10:11)
37 O Lord, let your ___ be attentive to the prayer of
this your servant (Neh 1:11)