From the Editor

This morning my eldest cat, Lizza, woke up and jumped down from her perch on top of the refrigerator. She walked into my office and sat down, giving me The Look.

“Are you aware what day it is?” The Look says, as clearly as if she had spoken. It’s Saturday. More to the point, it’s the day my cats get a can of something really stinky to eat, just for a treat. Today it’s tuna. Lizza is uncanny this way. Not only does she know what day it is, she very effectively reminds me of this.

Do we find ourselves struggling to accumulate more and more stuff in our lives? Perhaps we can take a lesson from our pets. Their needs are simple: love, food, love, a secure place out of the cold, love, maybe a can of stinky stuff now and then. Did I mention love?

Let’s try to remember as we struggle that our biggest needs are provided for without us having to struggle at all, if we can just slow down long enough to realize it. And, as a special treat, maybe God gives us a can of something stinky now and then.

What’s in yours? Drop us a line and tell us about it!

 

newsletter@grace-pres.org Carl

Our Worship Schedule

Grace Presbyterian Sunday School

From the Pastor

THE POWER OF ONE ANOTHER

Recently I read a book by Bob Russell, pastor of Southeast Christian Church in Louisville, KY, titled The Power of One Another. I was intrigued by the book, especially since I had recently attended Southeast and had experienced some of what he wrote about.

The premise of the book is that God rarely blesses a contentious church, that the operating program for a church must be the love of Christ. In John 13 we read these words of Jesus: “A new command I give you: Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another. By this all people will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another.” Is our church known as a loving church?

Several times in the New Testament the phrase “one another” or “one to another” or “each other” is repeated. The New Testament writers reminded us over and over to love one another, accept one another, serve one another, comfort one another, forgive one another, honor one another, bear one another’s burdens, encourage one another, pray for one another and be kind to one another. In essence, if you get the first one right, love one another, the rest should fall in to place. The rest of the phrases help us define what love looks like in the church.

These are pretty strong words the Bible gives us to live by. However, because of love of Christ in us, we have the capacity to live this our every day.

So how well to do you practice the “love one another” principle of Scripture? How we answer that question will say a lot about where we are in our spiritual journey.

If our answer finds us lacking in this command, may we humbly repent and seek forgiveness and then start to love as Christ loved us.

Grace and Peace,

Larry

Letters to the Editor

 

Dear SLOG:

I’ve heard about this Game Night thing you do from time to time. I’d love to come, but I have small children. Will there be spot where I can park the kids while the adults are playing games?

Juana B. Gamer

Dear Juana:

We ran this question past the Congregational Life committee, who sponsors these events. We learned this hasn’t actually come up before, but they’d be happy to arrange for a “parking attendant.” It would be helpful if you’d call or shoot any committee member an email a few days prior to the event. They’ll arrange to have someone supervise a game or movie room for small ones. Older kids (5^th grade or so up) sometimes have their own game table in the main room, and sometimes join with the adults – It’s pretty flexible.

SLOG

 

Dear SLOG:

In 1999, a Presbyterian Woman from our church visited another church when they were making Palm crosses. She came back and suggested we needed to make those also. Polly Schrimper, also a Presbyterian Woman, was called and asked to get this going. She

told her circle that the little old ladies of the church usually did things like that. That is when she realized she was now a little old lady in the church!!! Wonder when that happened? Now we also have the little old men of the church making them too!

 

Sandy Kehrli

 

 

Special Events in March
Saturday, March 01	Sue Rowland Wedding - 2:00 pm
Monday, March 03	Property Committee – 6:30 pm
Tuesday, March 04	Christian Education – 6:30 pm Congregational Life – 7:00
Wednesday, March 05	Youth Bible Study – 6:45 pm Choir – 7:30 pm
Monday, March 10	Commitment Committee – 7:00 pm
Tuesday, March 11	Worship Committee – 6:00 pm
Wednesday, March 12	Youth Bible Study – 6:45 pm Choir – 7:30 pm
Thursday, March 13	Care Committee – 7:00 pm
Saturday, March 15	Potluck & Palm Crosses – 6:00 pm
Sunday, March 16	Palm Sunday
Monday, March 17	Session – 7:00 pm
Wednesday, March 19	Youth Bible Study – 6:45 pm Choir – 7:30 pm
Thursday, March 20	Maundy Thursday Soup Dinner – 6:00 pm Worship Service – 7:00 pm
Friday, March 21	Good Friday Tenebrae Service – 7:00 pm
Saturday, March 22	Easter Egg Hunt; 10:30 am
Sunday, March 23	Easter Sunday Service Times TBD
Wednesday, March 26	Youth Bible Study – 6:45 pm

 

 

 

From the Presbyterian Women

All of us at Grace Presbyterian recently lost one of our PW faithful. Patricia Marshall, known as Pat, passed away Saturday February 9, 2008. Pat and her husband Bob were members of Raleigh Presbyterian Church when we merged and became Grace Presbyterian. She was an active member of PW attending her circle meetings and participating in all the PW activities. She had the most beautiful smile that was always visible when she was with you. Her funeral service was Wednesday February 13, 2008 at Grace Presbyterian Church. A reception was held in her honor by the PW following the service. We will miss Pat for not only was she a loving wife, mother and an active church member, she was also involved in many civic activities.

All of us are so thankful to God that we were able to know and love this lovely Christian lady.

 

 

 

Our thanks go out to all the PW who helped in the recent receptions. The food provided for Rev. Judith Reese’s reception, Rev. Larry Turner and Beth’s welcome reception plus the reception honoring Pat Marshall was most appreciated. We are so blessed to have so many wonderful PW who are willing to help with all the functions at our church.

A memorial was given to Grace Presbyterian Church by the PW in memory of Samuel R. Stark, JR who passed away February 13, 2008.

Board meeting will be Monday March 31, 2008 at the home of Jan Evans

 

 

Circle Meetings for March
Circle # 1	Tuesday March 11, 2008 at 10:00 AM at the church
Circle # 2	FIRST MONDAY March 3, 2008 at 10:00 AM at the home of Josie Clark. PLEASE NOTE THE DATE CHANGE.
Circle # 3	Tuesday March 18, 2008 at 10:00 AM at the church and go to lunch after the Bible Study.
Circle # 4	Monday March 10, 2008 at 7:00 PM at the church
Circle # 5	MONDAY March 10, 2008 at 7:00 PM at the church with Circle # 4. PLEASE NOTE THE CHANGE

 

From the Session

Highlights from the February Stated Meeting of the Session

 

·      A colorful brochure is being developed by the Mission, Outreach and Evangelism Committee (MORE) to be given to Visitors/Guests to our worship services or activities to introduce them to the life and work of Grace Presbyterian Church.

·      Plans are underway to produce an updated Pictorial Directory. This is a project of the Care Committee to help us get to match names with faces.

·      The Officer Nominating Committee, which will select nominees for the office of Elder, Class of 2011, will be elected in March. If you plan to nominate someone from the floor, be sure that he/she has agreed to serve if elected.

·      Commendation was given to the Policy Manual Revision Committee consisting of Chair, Byron Graves, Bill Carroll, Jean Starnes and Walt Schrimper. This is an ad-hoc committee chosen at the January meeting to complete the work on revising the church’s operating manual. Most of their work was completed within the first month. It will be ready for publication soon.

The “Yard Crew” Needs Your Help: It should be noted that we will have a lot more edging and bed work to do this year because of the new addition. This means that we will need several more volunteers. Since March is when we begin our work, please pray about this and let Dossett Foster know that you are willing to help with either mowing, edging, hedge-trimming or planting. The contact information is dossett1@bellsouth.net or 382-0684. Remember, it does save GPC a lot of expense money.

The Yard Man

 

From The Congregational Life Committee 

Mark your calendars for Saturday, April 26 - the Annual church-wide picnic is just a little over two months away.

Plan to come and enjoy fun, food and fellowship with fellow members of the congregation. 

Tentative plans are for you to bring a potluck dish - the meat will be provided by the Congregational Life Committee.

There will be games for the children and the adults: Horseshoes, bean bag toss, and many others.

The pavilion at Ellendale Park has been reserved from 10:00 am until 2:00 pm.  The park is a nice shady area with plenty of picnic tables.  There is playground equipment for the children and walking trails suitable for tricycles and baby buggies.

Our committee is asking you to make this a priority to ensure it's success.  Updates will be published in future newsletters and bulletins.

 A Peek at the May Activity

The Congregational Life Committee will sponsor 5th Friday game night, Friday , May 30.  Due to popular demand, we will be having nighttime White Elephant Bingo.  Watch your Sunday bulletins for more detailed information.

 

Missions Update

 A total of 13 scholarships have been funded by Grace Presbyterian Church, members of the congregation, and members of the Grace Mission Group.  Five scholarships were sponsored by the church, with the remaining  sponsored by individuals:  John Dotson, Daryl & Johnnie Davis, Frances Kitterman, Dossett & Linda Foster, Cathy & Bill Bendall and Wayne & Sandra Gillespie.  A member of the Grace Mission Team, Dr. Rachel Farmer, also sponsored a student.

 We are thankful for the support from the Session, the M.O.R.E Committee and the congregation that has been provided this year and in the past years, and look forward to bigger and better things for 2009.  The support is there and appears to be growing!  May God continue to bless each and every one!

Grace will not be sending a group this year to Honduras. We will be working toward a major effort in 2009.  With the help of the M.O.R.E Committee, we will work in support of the Groups being led by Floyd Groves at Advent Presbyterian for Pure Water and the construction group being led by Lindsey and David James.  There will be no Medical group going this year.

 Blessing to each and every one,

 The Grace Mission Team

 

From the Presbyterian Youth

 

Youth Activities For March

 

Sunday, March 2nd	Youth Study, 6:00-7:30PM.
Wednesday, March 5th	Youth Bible Study, 6:30-7:45PM.
Sunday, March 9th	Youth Scavenger Hunt, 3:00-5:30PM.
Wednesday, March 12th	Youth Bible Study, 6:30-7:45PM.
Friday, March 14th	Youth "Lock-out", 7:00PM-8:00AM Saturday Morning (Bring $30 for our activities).
Sunday, March 16th	Youth Movie at the Church, 5:30-8:00PM.
Wednesday, March 19th	No Youth Bible Study.
Saturday, March 22nd	Easter Egg Hunt, 10:30AM (Youth need to be at the church at 9:30AM).
Sunday, March 23rd	Easter (No Youth Meeting) Wednesday, March 26th: Youth Bible Study, 6:30-7:45PM.
Sunday, March 30th	Church Dinner and Youth/Parent/Adviser Meeting, TBA.

Did You Know?

Doughnuts -- Each Sunday we serve doughnuts, juice, and coffee before Sunday school and the second service. Where do these doughnuts come from? Four families: Bendalls, Graves, Miles and Gordons have volunteered to pick up the doughnuts for us one Sunday per month. The monies you put into the basket pays for these doughnuts and juice. The monies left over after reimbursing our volunteers goes to the church kitchen fund which pays for the coffee. With this method, the church does not have to pay for the doughnuts, juice and coffee. A big THANK YOU to the four families who bring the doughnuts to the church for us once a month.

Church Calendar -- We have a church calendar posted in the church office? This enables all of us to see what events are coming up over a period of four months. Linda Cole, our most efficient administrative assistant, posts events on this calendar. If you have an event you want to schedule please post it for all of us to see. This way our events are not “double booked,” for if the event is on the calendar for us to see, another event can be rescheduled. It is very important to schedule your events along with what rooms you will need to make sure that date is available. By scheduling your event on the office calendar Linda can make sure the event is listed in our Sunday bulletin and monthly newsletter.

Prayer Ministry -- We have a group that prays together each week for you? The Prayer Ministry meets each Tuesday afternoon from 1:00 to 2:00 PM to pray for our members, our sick, injured, shut ins, grieving members plus members with special prayer requests. If you have a prayer request please give it to Pastor Larry so the group can pray for you. If you would like to join this prayer group please contact Pastor Larry.

Watch for this segment each month in the newsletter. We will schedule three “Did You Knows?” to help us to be aware what we are doing as a growing church.

From the Worship Committee

 

We are in the midst of the Lenten Season, a preparation for Christ’s rising. During this six-week period we may choose to give up certain things. Or instead of giving up things, we may use Lent as an opportunity to devote more time to prayer or Bible Study as a way of becoming closer to Christ. The word Lent means “spring” (lengthening of days).

 

We begin Holy Week celebrating Palm Sunday on March 16, a joyous celebration of Christ’s entry into Jesusalem. Then the week turns somber as we observe Maundy Thursday on March 20. Maundy comes from the Latin word mandatum, which means “to give, to entrust, to order.” On this night Jesus told his disciples, “I give you a new commandment, that you love one another.” (John 13:34a). We will observe this night beginning with a sacrificial soup at 6:00 p.m. followed by a choir cantata and Communion Service at 7:00 p.m.

 

On Friday night, March 21 at 7:00 p.m. there will be a Tenebrae Service. Tenebrae comes from the Latin word meaning “darkness” or “gloom”. Scriptures are read as candles are extinguished one by one and the light is replaced by darkness.

 

These somber Lenten disciplines encourage us to prepare for the new life through the resurrection of Jesus Christ as we celebrate Easter at the end of the Lenten season. Join us on Easter Sunday as we celebrate with friends and family on this joyous day.

 

FLOWERS – Flowers are God’s wonderful creation. They are especially welcome as they usher in springtime – from the golden daffodils and the brightly colored tulips to the breathtaking display of azaleas that we enjoy in this city. Children like to pick bouquets from their yards giving them to their mothers to say “I love you.” We give roses on Valentine’s Day to express our love. Flowers are an important part of weddings with much thought given to the kind of flower used and the color. We like to bring flowers from the yard to add a touch of color inside.

 

In the same manner, the beautiful poinsettias grace our sanctuary at Christmas and the Easter lilies and tulips make our celebration of Easter even more joyous. Don’t fail to enjoy the spectacular display of Easter lilies this spring just outside the kitchen area on the south side of the building. They will be blooming much later after Easter. Many thanks to Ken Hathaway who planted those lilies left over from Easter in years past for our continued enjoyment.

 

For over twenty years Katherine Fitzgerald has provided countless bouquets, many of the flowers from her own yard, as she has used her God-given talent for growing and arranging flowers to the Glory of God. Katherine could always be counted on to provide and arrange table decorations for church events such as church potluck suppers, Presbyterian Women gatherings and most recently the receptions for our ministers, Judith Reese and Larry Turner. Katherine is making plans to move to be with her daughter and will be leaving our midst. We will sorely miss her talent and her flowers.

 

You are invited to place flowers in the sanctuary in memory of someone, in honor of someone, or to the Glory of God. Sign the flower calendar on the wall in the hallway to reserve the date, then call the church office at 386-3241 and give the details to the Administrative Assistant, Linda. Place your order with Bartlett Florist at 388-013l. Tell them you are from Grace Presbyterian Church, give them the order and the date you want flowers to be delivered. The basic arrangement is $35.00 which is usually very nice. Special flowers (roses, etc.) will cost more.  Make your check payable to Grace Presbyterian Church and place it in the collection plate. Note on the bottom of the check that it is for flowers. For additional information, please contact Wendi Glenn, Cell phone (901) 338-3816.

 

Jean Markham, Chair

 

ACROSS

1 Elijah said to the ___ of Baal, "Choose one of the bulls (1 Kings 18:25)

6 keep this command without ___ or blame until the appearing of our Lord (1 Tim 6:14)

8 Great is our Lord and mighty in power; his understanding has no ___ (Ps 147:5)

10 Once you were ___ from God and were enemies in your minds (Col 1:21)

12 They will destroy the walls of Tyre and ___ down her towers (Ezek 26:3-4)

13They answered, Five golden emerods, and five golden ___ (1 Sam 6:4) KJV

14 But Jesus ___ made no reply, and Pilate was amazed (Mark 15:5)

17 Their venom is like the venom of a snake, like that of a ___ (Ps 58:4)

18 We ___ always to thank God for you, brothers (2 Thess 1:3)

20 Abraham’s son (Matt 1:2)

21 dip it in the blood that is in the ___ , and strike the lintel (Ex 12:22) KJV

22 Then he reached out his hand and took the ___ to slay his son (Gen 22:10)

23 I made gardens and parks and planted all kinds of fruit ___ in them (Eccl 2:5-6)

26 I have not been drinking wine or ___ ; I was pouring out my soul (1 Sam 1:15)

28 His mercy extends to those who ___ him (Luke 1:50)

30 Peter ___ the matter from the beginning, and expounded it (Acts 11:4) KJV

33 Your decrees are the theme of my song wherever I ___ (Ps 119:54)

34 To the chosen ___ and her children, whom I love in the truth (2 John 1)

35 revolt against kings and has been a place of rebellion and ___ (Ezra 4:19-20)

DOWN

1 unto them that have familiar spirits, and unto wizards that ___ (Isa 8:19) KJV

2 nor suffer their locks to grow long; they shall only ___ their heads (Ezek 44:20) KJV

3 an apostle of Jesus Christ for the faith of God's ___ and the knowledge (Titus 1:1)

4 gather silver, copper, iron, lead and ___ into a furnace (Ezek 22:20)

5 I tell you the truth, if you have faith as ___ as a mustard seed (Matt 17:20)

6 there shall come forth a rod out of the ___ of Jesse, and a Branch shall (Isa 11:1) KJV

7 "The ___ has come," he said. "The kingdom of God is near. Repent (Mark 1:15)

9 "What is the kingdom of God like? What shall I compare ___ to? (Luke 13:18-19)

10 a woman came to him with an ___ jar of very expensive perfume, (Matt 26:7)

11 So Saul ___ himself, putting on other clothes (1 Sam 28:8)

14 Salute every ___ in Christ Jesus (Phil 4:21) KJV

15 If anyone worships the beast and his ___ and receives his mark (Rev 14:9)

16 set up the doors thereof, the ___ thereof, and the bars thereof (Neh 3:3) KJV

17 a quarter of a ___ of seed pods for five shekels (2 Kings 6:25)

19 the king told the attendants, ___ him hand and foot, and throw him (Matt 22:13)

24 She saw the basket among the ___ and sent her slave girl to get it (Ex 2:5)

25 Surely I have acted like a fool and have ___ greatly (1 Sam 26:21)

26 manager told him, 'Take your ___ , sit down quickly, and make it four (Luke 16:6)

27 Help us, O LORD our God, for we ___ on you (2 Chron 14:11)

28 My steps have held to your paths; my ___ have not slipped (Ps 17:5)

29 A lying tongue hates those it hurts, and a flattering mouth works ___ (Prov 26:28)

31 he said, ___ , such a one! turn aside, sit down here (Ruth 4:1) KJV

32 The god of this ___ has blinded the minds of unbelievers (2 Cor 4:4)

From Grace Presbyterian Administration

The Grace Presbyterian Spring Auction now has 3 donated handmade items that will be available for auction at the church on Sunday, May 4, 2008. All proceeds will be donated to the church through the Presbyterian Women. A maximum of 20 items will be accepted for this auction. March 30, 2008 will be the last date that an auction item may be donated for this year’s auction. Please see the hall bulletin board for details about the auction and whom to contact if you have any questions. This is a wonderful opportunity to financially support our church, to purchase beautiful handmade items and to enjoy socializing with your church family during the auction. Hopefully, this is only the beginning and it will become an annual event.

Due to the recent theft of the Financial Office Computer from its temporary location in the old session room, the Property Committee has decided to begin locking this room when it is not occupied. Any equipment or materials that are used by you or your church group and are being stored in this room should be relocated to another area in the building. This situation is temporary and will end when the new offices are completed.

The Session respectfully requests that any articles submitted to the newsletter be limited to those that relate directly to the programs or activities of the congregation. We appreciate your cooperation—this will be most helpful in getting the newsletter to you in a timelier manner.

We will gather at the church on Saturday, March 15, 2008 at 6:00 pm to make palm crosses. Bring a dish for a potluck supper and join us for this annual event marking the beginning of the Holy week.