2016 oct.-nov. webwsfiles.constantcontact.com/8cbb25cd001/8a9b9428-71b6-49e7...web page:...

First Presbyterian ChurchA Progressive Christian Community

119 West F StreetElizabethton, Tennessee

37643www.FPCelizabethton.org

CONNECT WITH US!

Online:Web page: FPCelizabethton.org

Office:423.543.7737

Office Assistant: Jackie Edmondson Tue-Thur, 10 am-5pm [email protected]

Treasurer: Elaine KolpWed., 12:00 - 6:[email protected]

OCTOBER-NOVEMBER 2016! VOL X #10 & 11

White Spirethe

FPCe invites you to become a part of our fellowship as we worship God and serve others in the spirit of Jesus Christ. With a commitment to achieving a just and peaceful world community, our congregation welcomes those of every age, gender, sexual orientation, race and ethnic identity.

Thoughts on CallingsDear friends, When Don Steele wrote this letter for you, he was so very happy with the congregational vote and the recommendation of the PNC. We will always remember his love for us and his devoted service. Peace be upon you Don!!

year and a half ago, a number of folks in our congregation wondered ”why we

couldn't just go out and hire ourselves a minister?” In the Presbyterian Church,(USA) the process of a minister search is long and arduous. This is mostly because we do not believe that we hire a minister, but that we search earnestly for the person that God is calling for this particular task at this time.

On Sunday, September 25, the congregation unanimously affirmed the work of the Pastor Nominating Committee that led to the sense that for us at FPCe, God has called the Rev. Dr. Brian Wyatt to be our pastor.

In this we rejoice and express our gratitude to the diligent search of the PNC. We believe they have led us to the person that God called and equipped. In addition to Brian's sense of call to ministry, which began many years ago and has continued to grow through

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First Presbyterian Church of Elizabethton, Tennessee

A Progressive Christian Community119 West F StreetElizabethton, TN 37643

Oct.-Nov. SpeakersLearn more about fellow members and hear visiting pastors. See you in church!

• Oct. 16: Jim Shrenker

• Oct. 23: Nancy Jane

Earnest

• Oct. 30: Myra Elder

• Nov. 06: TBA

• Nov. 13: Bill Kirkwood

By Pastor Don Steele - September 30, 2016

A

http://www.FPCelizabethton.org

http://www.FPCelizabethton.org

mailto:[email protected]




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several pastorates, he has now accepted to join us. His call to serve here has also been confirmed by the Presbytery of Holston, as the third-party in this call.

Meanwhile, we have been living into those calls which have come to us as individuals - perhaps to serve on a committee, or to preach occasionally, participate in music ministry, serve as a greeter or usher or to grow in our capacity to give generously of our money or our time , especially as we prepare to meet Brian on “higher ground.”

Meanwhile, the Session led us at the “Dinner on the Grounds” to try more clearly to articulate our purpose, or our unique calling as a congregation. So whether our pastor, or in our individual lives of faith, or our congregation as a whole, we have been tending to those beckonings in which God has been calling us forward. Now we get to discover with Brian’s leadership, under the guidance of the Holy Spirit, what God is calling us to do and be as a church at this time in the life of the world.

Together may we be attentive and responsive as God calls us forward. Thank you for letting me journey with you as part of my calling!

Love, Don Steele, Volunteer Pastoral Associate

ARM FundraiserThanks to all who helped Assistance Resource Ministries (ARM) win $10,000 last year in a national credit union contest. GET READY! We have another chance to do it again. Only this year it's $5,000. Northeast Community Credit Union selected ARM as their charity to benefit from the contest which begins October 1 and continues through December 16. Each month the charity with the most votes will win $5,000 and at the end a Grand Prize of $15,000 will go to the charity with the highest total number of votes. ( ARM was within 400 votes last year of winning the Grand Prize too!). WE CAN DO THIS! Here is how:

1. Go online to BeMycreditunion.org and register. Put in your name, address, phone number and email address. You will be given a code number to use when you vote.2. Vote once a day every day till Dec. 16. Get your family to vote too or vote for them. If you have more than one email address you can vote once a day on each address.3. Okay, we need commitment. If you really can't remember every day here's the solution: just tell Helen Wilson and give her your code, and she will vote for you.4. In addition another $1,000 will be given to the charity with the most votes in each state. ARM could win a total of $21,000!! Imagine!5. If you have trouble registering please call Helen Wilson at 423-543-1938 and she will help.

If you have tried to raise money for a good cause you know how hard it is. The need is great right here in Carter County. If you have questions or want to volunteer, please let us know. The ARM Board has many fundraisers every year but this is by far the best and easiest. It will only take a few moments each day! Please let Helen know that you are helping.

http://bemycreditunion.org/

http://bemycreditunion.org/

Annual Stewardship Campaign

Dear Friends,

This is a momentous time in our life together. We are grieving the loss of beloved church members and our cherished Assistant to the Pastor, whose title was wildly insufficient.

As painful as these losses are, they remind us how much we are blessed by our participation in this church. And we have much to look forward to! Soon Reverend Brian Wyatt and his family will join us, and our church will begin a new chapter in its long life. With deep gratitude and hopefulness, I'm writing to ask each of you to pledge to FPCe and increase your giving for 2017.

In 2017 our estimated budget will be slightly more than $200,000. You know what this budget covers—salaries and benefits, operating expenses, committee budgets, and giving to the Presbyterian Church USA’s service ministries. But what really matters isn’t what the budget includes, it’s why we’re trying so hard to sustain and nurture our church.

At our annual dinner on the grounds the Session asked you to reflect on FPCe’s irreplaceable purpose: There are hundreds of churches in our region. What are we trying to do that would be lost if we weren’t doing it? More than fifty of you answered this question as individuals, yet your answers were remarkably unified:

• FPCe welcomes everyone with open arms, “no questions asked,” as one of you said. In these times of declining church attendance every church eagerly greets newcomers! But FPCe is unique in offering love and acceptance to people who feel unwelcome elsewhere because of their beliefs or their doubts or their questions or their sexual orientation or their politics. Our church wraps people in God’s love just as they are and without requiring them to change who they are to

be a part of our community. Being this community is our part of our purpose, and it is truly irreplaceable in our region.

• You told us FPCe offers “a living Christianity free from superstition and dogma,” a “curious and holy community” where “people walk their individual paths to God consciousness.” FPCe teaches a Christianity not ruined by the claim that only believers have a place in God’s kingdom. A Christianity unafraid of questions and intellectual honesty. A Christianity that celebrates all learning and all life as sacred. This is our irreplaceable purpose, and it is a vital purpose.

• FPCe is, as one you said, “an oasis of progressivism.” We champion “causes that are important, but not popular around here”; we actively care for the environment; we work for “economic and social justice.” Thankfully, we aren't alone in this work; we have partners. But where would our region and our world be without our contribution? We are making an irreplaceable difference in the lives of people in our region and in far-flung lands. We’re caring for Earth, our blue boat home.

Please pledge your support for FPCe in 2017 and increase what you give—significantly, if at all possible. Together we will serve our irreplaceable purpose.

Faithfully,

Bill KirkwoodOn behalf of your Session

Final Report from PNC

The Pastor Nominating Committee (PNC) is happy to announce the approval by the congregation of Rev. Dr. Brian C. Wyatt as the next pastor for FPCe at the Congregational Meeting, Sept. 25, 2016. The congregational vote was unanimous, and he will officially begin his duties November 15 of this year. Anyone not at the service can pick up a copy of our final report at the church outside the main office. The committee wishes to express our appreciation for everyone's support and patience during this long search process.

Keep in Prayer* Families of Don Steele* Barbara Knisley & family (loss of Frank)* Laura Gurdak* David and Carol Landis* Megan McElwee* Tony Morrell * Catherine Phillips (Vickie's mother)* Susan Sutton (Jim's mother)* Don & Carol Watkins (Jeffrey's parents)* Fran Watkins (Jeffrey's mother)* Wayland Dykes* Amy Willingham

* Terry Tollefson's family* Family of John Morrison (loss of father and husband)* Rob Edwards* Tony Hedrick* Jim Gorney* David & Dora Nelson* Beverly Brown's family* Amy Young (daughter of Jane Goodwin) * Ralph Parr (leg injury)* Ben Earnest (brother of Nancy Jane Earnest)

On Sunday, October 30, FPCe youth will collect UNICEF Trick-or-Treat funds, which help save children's lives in over 190 countries and territories through immunization, education, health care, nutrition, clean water and sanitation. After all donations have been submitted, UNICEF will identify the countries where the needs are greatest and report on the programs where the money was allocated. All of our work, everywhere, springs from the belief that we must lead and inspire the world to put children first. Your donation is crucial to reaching that goal!

Clean Water Health Nutrition Education

FPCe Children, Youth & Families

Holston Presbytery Camp The Presbytery Youth Retreat is set for November 11-13 at Holston Camp. The theme is “in these waters,” which explores baptism and discipleship.

The camp is also offering the following activities (for free!):

• Rock Climbing• Canoeing• Zip Lining

• Kayaking

The price for everything is only $20 (includes cabins, meals and activities)!

Sign up online: www.holstonyouth.org. For more information, please contact Russ Pearson, FPC Kingsport, at 423-245-0104 or [email protected].

• Nursery and Preschoolers experience a caring environment and are welcomed as children of God. Age appropriate play, simple Bible stories, and activities are offered. Teachers: Patricia Pilkington

and volunteers. Location: Nursery and Pre-school rooms.

• Adult Forum, youth and adults. Adult Forum blog, "Living the Questions" http://fpe-ltq.blogspot.com/ Location: Martin Hall.

Sunday Morning Groups, 9:45-10:45 a.m.

http://fpe-ltq.blogspot.com/

http://fpe-ltq.blogspot.com/

October 2016Sunday Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday Saturday

25Roses for Judge Roy Nelson

9:45 AM Adult Forum11:00 AM Worship Service

266:00 PM Women's Group meet at Brenda Wardes-ka's home

275:30 PM Aerobics7:00 PM LGBT AA MTG

286:30 PM Rehearsals for Bell Choir7:00 PM Meditation7:30 PM Rehearsals for Chancel Choir

2910:30 AM Thurs. w Jesus5:30 PM Aerobics

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99:45 AM Adult Forum11:00 AM Worship Service12:15 PM Got Questions?6:00 PM Social Gathering

10Columbus…ional holiday)

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1810:00 AM Yoga5:00 PM Set-up 10,000 Villages

198:00 AM Food for the Multitude9:00 AM 10,000 Villages Sale

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Committee ReportsThe governing body of First Presbyterian Church Elizabethton is called the Session. The Session is established and maintained in accordance with the Constitution of the U.S.A. Presbyterian Church’s Book of Order. It is made up of twelve members nominated and confirmed by the congregation.

A listing of the current Session members and their class year can be found on the back page of the church bulletin. The Session meets monthly at the church, typically the second Monday night beginning at 7 p.m. in the Tom Dixon room.

Normal business includes sharing of joys, concerns, prayer requests and minister, officer and committee reports. Each Session meeting begins and ends with prayer for the church and its members as well as other groups and organizations as we are so moved.

The Clerk of Session has provided a brief summary of the August 8 and September 12, 2016, Session meetings that highlights items outside of normal business.

The church’s budget and seeking a new minister has dominated much of session business for some time; however, the details of the specific activities of the Pastor Nominating Committee (PNC) are only known to the members of the PNC.

Both of these matters are changing positively as the September treasurer’s report was the first report “in the black” in recent memory and the PNC report was delivered to the congregation on September 25, 2016, naming the new minister candidate and the terms of call.

The “higher ground” fund-raising campaign is now in full swing where the goal is to be in the best financial condition possible when the new minister arrives. Each and every Session member has committed to increased giving during this campaign, which set an example for the congregation as a whole to inspire each and every person to do the same.

August 8: David Roane, representing the PNC, proposed a schedule to present the PNC report to the congregation on September 25, 2016, naming the new minister candidate and the terms of call. Session unanimously approved the proposed schedule which set a start date of November 15, 2016.

• Session approved a $75 annual subscription fee to continue FPCe’s listing in the Global Network Directory for Progressive Christianity.

• Holston Presbytery acknowledged receipt of grant applications submitted by Elder Wing in support of Shepherd’s Inn, Food for the Multitude and Assistance Resource Ministries (ARM).

• Tree maintenance (dogwood treatment & general tree trimming) continues with related expenses. Session also gave the Buildings and Grounds Committee authority to seek bids/proposals for handrails for the sanctuary.

• Reverend Steele was unanimously approved to continue as Session moderator until such time as the new minister arrives. Session also presented Reverend Steele with a small gift of appreciation for his many contributions to the Session, FPCe and its members.

• Loretta Bower will be offered an honorary church membership by Elder Bird the next time she is scheduled to sing at church and given a $50 honorarium each time she sings.

September 12: An August 29, 2016, email motion was unanimously approved by Session that included:

1) Approval of John Morrison’s funeral services to be held at FPCe,

2) June, July & August’s 2016 Session minutes

3) September 25, 2016 Peacemaking Offering for Peace and global Witness and

4) The Clerk’s attendance on behalf of Session to the Holston Presbytery’s quarterly meeting at Holston Camp.

• During Session on September 12, 2016, Worldwide Communion day was moved to September 25, 2016.

• Clerk also gave a report of the Holston Presbytery meeting that included the election and unanimous approval by the Presbytery for our own Jim Austin to be the permanent Holston Camp Director as he has done a fantastic job in his position as interim Camp Director with increased Camp participation with a many exciting and engaging programs.

• The Presbytery has also restarted ETSU campus ministries this fall with a campus schedule of Sundays at 5:30 p.m. and at the Willow Tree on Wednesdays at 8:00 p.m.

• It was noted that Holston Presbytery Youth Camp will be November 11-13, 2016, for a nominal fee of $20.00 per person.

• Session approved the use of FPCe to the Elizabethton Chamber of Commerce on December 15, 2016, contingent upon abidance with the building and use policy.

• Session approved a computer upgrade for the church’s bookkeeper not to exceed $500.00.

• October Session will be reviewing a proposed modification to the Session handbook to include funeral services for church members without need for specific motion and approval from Session as scheduling allows.

• Elder and nominating committee chairperson Lydia Roane began convening the nominating committee in September to begin the process of nominations for church members for service as an Elder or Deacon.

IN "SESSION"

Committee Reports, continuedMEMBERSHIP TEAM

"Got Questions?" The class meets the second Sunday of each month for 20-30 minutes following the worship service. If you know of anyone who expresses an interest in FPCe, please refer them to this class. For more information, email [email protected]

Dates for "Got Questions?"

October 9November 13December 11

Our current members are Tony Hedrick, Ralph Parr, Lee Kirkwood and Kathy Wing

In January of this year your Session reported to the congregation that, based on projected expenses for 2016, pledges received and other expected income, FPCe would have a budget shortfall of more than $80,000 by the end of the year. Since then, the Session has worked hard to improve our financial situation:

* We voted, reluctantly, to end the church’s contract with our interim minister.

* We accepted, reluctantly, the resignation of our Director of Christian Education due to impending surgery and recovery.

* We took steps to reduce operational costs and increase income. Due largely to the first two items, our budget shortfall as of the end of July was only $4,900. We expect matters to improve further before our next minister joins us!

However, we want to do better. When a new minister joins us, we will again face the expenses we’re taking a break from now.

Let’s start now to create a stronger financial foundation for us and our new minister to build upon. Please help us meet our new pastor on higher (financial) ground!

Your Session is asking you to increase your giving to FPCe now and throughout the remainder of 2016, so that by the end of the year our annual income exceeds our expenses by $25,000. We can achieve this goal! When we do, we will have given our new minister and ourselves a firmer foundation for 2017 and beyond.

During our annual stewardship campaign this fall we’ll also ask you to increase your pledge for 2017. But now we’re asking you to increase your giving immediately, for the rest of 2016.

Every member of your Session has done so: Each of us has increased our giving for the remainder of the year, because we believe in our church and we are committed to meeting our new pastor on higher ground. Please join us!

The deacons and elders are working together to meet any care needs of the congregation.

Aubrie Abernethy is acting as our Care Coordinator. If you need care, or know of someone who does, please email or call Aubrie, and she will direct our response. Thanks for helping us look after each other! For any of these needs, please call or email Aubrie @ (423) 534-7708 or email [email protected]

Care Coordinator

Higher Ground



Committee Reports, continued

Community Outreach team members: Dwight Cope, Dawn McDaniel, Cheri Miller, Elaine Kolp, Kathy Waldrep, Susan Allen and Moderator: Kathy Wing ([email protected])

It's that fun time of year when our church opens its doors to the International Market Place - a place where one can find that unique gift for Mom, Dad, spouses, siblings, bosses etc.

We will set up the sale on Friday, Nov. 18. The sale begins on Saturday, Nov. 19 (9am-3pm) and Sunday, Nov. 20 (1-3 pm).

As before, I will have a clipboard available for folks to sign up who want to help advertise the

event by placing posters in public places (work, schools, doctors offices, stores, etc.).

Other volunteer teamwork involves setting up and arranging merchandise at the church, helping people with their purchases and packing the remaining items to return. We welcome all help.

It is a fun time where we can get to know each other and the community. If you have questions, contact [email protected]

10,000 Villages Sale

COMMUNITY OUTREACH

* Purpose: To encourage and help coordinate our congregation's outreach to the local community especially through ARM (Assistance Resource Ministries), Food for the Multitude (FFTM), Shepherd's Inn and 5-cents-a-meal offering.

* Hams are needed for the ARM Thanksgiving baskets! Our church has been asked to supply 1-pound canned hams again. Last year we donated 140 canned hams! Can we do it again?

* FFTM Harvest Celebration: Please mark your calendar for November 5, 2016, for the Multitude Harvest Celebration fundraiser, which will include a spaghetti dinner. Please follow E-Weekly News and church Bulletin for additional details.

* Meeting time: Third Sunday of each month, following worship, in Tom Dixon room. * Food For The Multitude dates for 2016: 10/15, 11/19, 12/31.

Team Report - Upcoming Events

ARM Hams & FFTM FundraiserWe have been asked to provide 1-pound canned hams for the Thanksgiving baskets for ARM. Lots are needed. Canned hams or a cash donation would be great! The deadline is Oct. 27.

Please plan to support this upcoming fundraising event! • Food for the Multitude's Harvest Celebration• Spaghetti Dinner and Bake Sale• Nov. 5, 5-7 p.m. at Memorial Presbyterian Church• Adults $7/ Children under 12, $5• Tickets available from Kathy Wing, Susan Allen, or Dawn Dutka



Committee Reports, continuedPEACEMAKING TEAM

ENGAGED MINDFULNESS DURING TUMULTUOUS ELECTIONNews and social media are available to us every waking minute of every day. We can certainly benefit from staying connected and informed. But, news and social media can also be an unproductive distraction and a sneaky time thief.

During the current election cycle the ubiquitous campaign coverage has proven to be a source of deep agitation for many. The chief aim of many “news” organizations is to boost ratings in order to make money, so inciting dismay, fear and anger is a very profitable venture for them. For us it is a source of disease and exhaustion.

Many people are lured to repetitively check the latest polls or to search out what dumb thing the opposing candidate has said, giving hope that the desired candidate will win. Others are driven to avoid and tune out the cacophony of adversarial, divisive politics.

An insightful article by Colby Itkowitz in the March 16th Washington Post, Yes, you can practice mindfulness and still stomach this presidential campaign, describes how the practice of mature mindfulness can help us to engage positively and responsibly in the political process. Rather than just escaping the noise of messy politics, our goal should be to remain engaged while calm and open-hearted, striving for clarity of thought and not getting swept up in emotional turmoil and polarization.

Mindfulness can lead us to look more deeply at the suffering and fears of those with whom we disagree and examine our own complexes and prejudices. Perhaps then, we can channel our thoughts and emotions into connecting with our communities on a more productive level. We might then function as informed, mindful human beings and compassionate world citizens.

But you may protest, a person who isn't outraged is a person who isn't paying attention. We suggest that if you're always outraged, you can't pay attention. - Mary Schmich

Michelle Maros of Peaceful Mind Peaceful Life offers these suggestions for staying calm during the election:

* Be in the know, but don’t allow yourself to be sucked into the melodramas of the media. Inform yourself on the facts, but don’t spend hours on hours watching the “entertainment” the media is providing. Strictly monitor what goes into your psyche. * Remember this time is a call for love. Even though you might want to scream your head off at a person who has very opposing views than yourself, remember that every action is either love or a call for love. You can be respectful of opposing views while not falling into alignment with opposing views.

* Continue to be the light. Darkness feeds on darkness. Tired of what you’re seeing on the news? Take it upon yourself to become the change you wish to see, in a compassionate and peaceful manner. * Release anger and recognize the other person is you. One of my favorite lessons from Yogi Bhajan. Remember that we are one; take your anger and bring it back to love. Negative actions and emotions won’t bring the desired outcome.

* Remember that prayer is the medium for miracles. Continue to hold the space that the highest good of the nation and the world will come forth in this instance. Keep the faith, and remember that all is well.

To join our fun and active Peacemaking Team contact the co- moderators, Gary and Nancy Barrigar at [email protected] Members are: Aubrie Abernethy, Mark Braswell, Kathe Crossley, Becca Davis, Jim Gorny, Dora Hutchens, Elaine Kolp, Carol Landis, Lynn Williams, Nancy Wood

https://www.washingtonpost.com/news/inspired-life/wp/2016/03/16/this-nasty-presidential-campaign-ruining-your-mindfulness-practice-it-doesnt-have-to/






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