__ November 2014 __ VIEW FROM THE STUDY

LORD, HOW LONG?

When in seminary I participated in an independent study class, studying Habakkuk in Hebrew and researching New Testament uses of this prophetic book. Habakkuk has a word for us today. . .

Habakkuk 1:1 O Lord, how long shall I cry for help and you will not listen?

For the Prophet Habakkuk, his world was falling apart. The Babylonians, the most cruel, most destructive, most wonton evil power ever known was rapidly approaching. All was lost; all hope was lost; and so Habakkuk, in his distress assumed God had abandoned him and all of the nation of Israel as well. For us today, once, twice, maybe three times in a lifetime, we feel the same way. When we face our own personal, life changing disaster, we feel the same way Habakkuk felt, abandoned by God. After railing at God for an entire chapter, the prophet cries out,

Habakkuk 2:1 I will stand at my watch post, and station myself on the rampart; I will keep watch to see what God will say to me, and what God will answer concerning my complaint.

For Habakkuk, this was the ultimate challenge for God to come out from hiding and face his accuser; in current jargon, for Habakkuk, this was a throw down!

God replies in 2:2-3, wait; there is a word from the Lord, wait for it (my paraphrase). The final word in God’s response, Habakkuk 2:4b . . . the righteous live by their faith. Wait for it, it will come. We moderns are not good at waiting. In this passage, the faithful wait and trust that God in Christ is real and God’s love conquers all; all our personal disasters, all our personal disappointments, all our personal failures and shortcomings, even death itself, be it ours or that of a friend or loved one. God’s word for us today is, when life seems to be at its very worst, God has not abandoned us. Wait, and we will see. Faith is trusting, when all evidence we see, taste, touch or feel screams God is not real. God in Christ has blessed us with the gift of faith; believe it. Grace and Peace, Paul

Calling All Adults and Youth! Rev. Shields will lead a new Advent Study at 10:00 a.m. in the Women’s Parlor in place of Sunday School. This study will begin on November 30th. We will be celebrating, investigating, and contemplating the scriptures that point to the coming of the Messiah. Here is the schedule:

Nov. 30 Isaiah 2:4 Dec. 07 Isaiah 11:6 Dec. 14 Isaiah 35:1 Dec. 21 Isaiah 7:14b

These four passages are the Advent readings that are used to open Worship Service each of those Sundays. Come enjoy the study with us and enjoy the fellowship as well.

Our Buffalo Youth are enjoying their time together. On the second Sunday of each month they are meeting in the Fellowship Hall from 5:00 until 7:00 p.m. There is high interest and they are excited to have this special time together. They hope you took advantage of the photo opportunity they provided at the Fall Festival. They had fun planning this activity. They are also planning to join the Buffalo Choir on a song in the Christmas Cantata. You will not want to miss this special ensemble of talented youth at 6:00 p.m. December 14th.

If you have an idea for a Bible Study or other Christian Education opportunity, please contact one of us. We would be glad to have your input.

Members: Dr. David Ciliberto, Jackie Frie, Penny Shields, Jean Wilberg, and Rev. Paul Shields.

Jean Wilberg, Chairman Christian Education Committee

A Night to Remember

Buffalo Presbyterian Church Choir, gratefully accompanied by new and returning guest vocals, is pleased to announce its 2014 Christmas Cantata. Our Cantata will be held on December 14th at 6:00 p.m. This season's festive performance includes two heartwarming musicals combined to present an uplifting experience of praise and honor for our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. Our program, “His Name is Jesus...There's Something About That Name!”, seeks not only to recognize and worship the events surrounding His birth, but also portrays what God intended His Son's name to represent and convey to this world.

We are also especially joyful to reveal that the church youth have graciously accepted our invitation to be a part of this year’s finale so everyone please plan to come, hear, and support this special occasion. May we all receive a wonderful and lasting blessing as we join together for a memorable evening of musical fellowship which promises to kindle hearts with the love, joy, and peace of Christ.

Lastly, we traditionally invite everyone for light refreshments following the Cantata service. Thank you and may God continue to bless our efforts to bring Glory to His Kingdom.

In Christ Always, Jim Monson, Choir Director

PAT & SARAH WORK THE CASH REGISTER,

WHILE DIANE LOOKS ON

MARIE AND HER SISTERS ENJOY A BISCUIT

PAT, BONNIE, ELIZABETH & A FRIEND HUNT FOR TREASURES

SO MANY activities, so many upcoming events and so many thanks due… The industrious members of Girl Scout Troop 101, once again bestowed their Community Service energies on BPC. This time they winterized Campbell Rose Garden by weeding and removing several hundred pounds of spent mulch. Their efforts were expertly guided by Master Gardeners Pat Banville and Phil Griffin from the McSwain Extension Center. The girls learned about techniques and timing, specimen varieties, and plant propagation. A WIN-WIN day for all!

Of course, there was the Fall Bazaar, chaired again this year by Sandie Lemons, with devoted assistance from so many who set up, baked, sewed, crafted, grew, cleaned up, and otherwise contributed. We are also grateful to those special persons who live at a distance but so thoughtfully contributed their crafts and caring. Troop 101 gals helped with the “Treasures Table”. Combined efforts grossed over $6,300.

Our thanks also to Sheila Brewer for her October 3rd Mission Message on “Social Creed.” Rev. Shields was recognized by the Women of the Church on October 12th for his seven years of faithful and inspiring service. Jan Renwick volunteered to send a PW gift and card to each of our current college students for their mid-year exam time.

October 6th’s Coordinating Team members were joined by Presbytery PW Vice-Moderator, Jeanne Anderson who lent her expertise in compiling BPC’s PW Handbook. PW dates of note for November: 3rd – PW CT meeting; 10th – Circles meet (Ladies, please bring your annual PW dues of $6.65 each); 23rd – “Angel Tree” installed; 23rd – Thank Offering/Dinner, hosted by Sunshine Circle; 24th – Sheila Brewer greets the Lee County Daughters of the American Revolution for a history tour; and on Saturday, December 6th, the annual Hanging of the Greens in the Sanctuary, beginning at 9:00 a.m.

Betty Robinson, PW CT Moderator

PRESBYTERIAN WOMEN HONORARY LIFE MEMBERSHIP

The Buffalo Women’s Life Membership Committee is accepting nominations for the PW Honorary Life Membership to be presented in March 2015. This award is presented to an individual in recognition of outstanding service in some area or areas of the Church’s work.

Letters of nomination should be given to Sheila Brewer no later than Sunday, January 4th,

or emailed to sbrewer8091@windstream.net.

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SANDIE, BETTY, & PAT HARD AT WORK

ANN CAN’T STAY AWAY! ANNE GREETS ANN,

WHILE FRANCES LOOKS ON

KEN, JEFF, & PATRICK SELL FLOWERS, PUMKINS, & SWEET POTATOES WHILE JUNIOR CONTEMPLATES A PURCHASE

HEY JAN! THANK YOU GIRL SCOUTS

JEAN, LARRY, & KAY SERVE BOBBY’S SPECIAL BISCUITS

ANNE & LARRY HELP A CUSTOMER

SANDIE, PENNY, & EVELYN SELLING COOKBOOKS

A SPECIAL THANKS TO SHANNON & OUR GIRL SCOUTS

ROB CONSIDERS ONE OF FRANCES’ FAMOUS PIES

ELIZABETH & DAUGHTER CANDICE SHOW OFF

A CAKE, WHILE MARIE LOOKS ON

PAT HELPS SERVE OUR CUSTOMERS BEHIND

PAT KELLY’S BOUNTIFUL HARVEST

COOKS GATHERED

DEDICATED VOLUNTEERS CAME NEXT

OUR YOUTH GROUP HELPED

2014 FALL FESTIVAL

THEN CAME THE CHILDREN AND THEIR FAMILIES

OUR YOUTH HAD A FUN “PHOTO BOOTH”

THE GIRL SCOUTS MANNED “GO FISH”

ALLIE, CASH, AND CARSON PLAY RING TOSS

ALLIE BOWLING

JIM & SARAH TAKE A PICTURE WITH JAN

SHANNON WINS THE CANDY PUMPKINS, JAN GUESSED

THE CORRECT COUNT ON CANDY BARS

PERRY AND CARSON LAUGHING IT UP

LORI, LINDI, JAN, AND ANNA

ALLISON, CASH, & CHASE IN THE PHOTO BOOTH

JOHN KNOX CLOSES OUT THE EVENING

Buffalo Presbyterian Church Members,

I know many of you wonder why I have not returned to church in recent months. I continue to be plagued with health related challenges along the way. I want the congregation to know what is going on, and so that the true facts are known. Last year, shortly after Thanksgiving, I started having severe pain in my left foot. My doctors treated me for a lot of known ailments. It was not until this past June, that I decided to take my issues with my left foot to Duke Hospital. They took x-rays and determined that I had an “avascular necrosis” (in layman’s terms I had a dead bone with a poor blood supply). Duke did not recommend surgery at first, but after two months, the problem worsened and during the month of September more x-rays were done. It was then determined that surgery was “inevitable”. Duke referred to my diagnosis or situation as being just short of being rare. They referred to it as being something that they just don’t see as often as other bone and orthopedic matters. I have known Dr. James Nunley since 1999. He is Chief of the Orthopedic Department at Duke and in recent years, Dr. Nunley has introduced many new foot and ankle surgeries at the university. He has operated on both of my hands years ago. Today, the foot problem that I have is a very serious one. Along with Dr. Samuel Adams, who I trust and feel like I am making the right decision, a surgery plan has been implemented, and in the very near future, I will be undergoing one of the toughest surgeries that I will ever endure, along with a six month recovery period. This matter is thought to have resulted from an old injury that I had back in the early 1990’s. Should you see me during the recovery period, my doctors have informed me that I will be wearing a very odd looking brace on my left lower leg. I want the members of the church to know why and what is going on and what I am going through. I am hoping this letter will keep you informed as to my situation and perhaps I will not have to tell this story so many times. I will be going through one of two surgeries starting on October 31st to do a biopsy. If all is clear, my two surgeons will conduct another operation in early November to replace a dead bone with a new bone graft and to correct my bone alignment which can cause ulcers and could cost me my left foot in years to come. I would like to ask the church to keep me in your prayers, as I move forward with my doctors in the near future. Paul will keep the congregation up to date as needed. Thank you for your support and prayers.

Clay Ingram

Remember with love and prayer: CHURCH MEMBERS: Mary Bailes, Vialee Cashion, Nellie Cox, Greg Deck, Barbara Jo Glass, Pam McDonald, and Ann Seymore

FAMILY OF CHURCH MEMBERS: Linda Crompton, Marcus Freeman, Chase

Goodwin, Michael Holt, Edna Johnson, Terry Johnson, Taylor Jones, David Key, Elaine McBryde, Sam McClearen, Jacob Monson, Dawn Pfaff, Carson Setzer, Louise Stewart, Jan Thomas, and Edward Wilberg

FRIENDS OF CHURCH MEMBERS: Aragon Family, Amber Austin, Jennifer Avent, Ryan Buell, Leah Everette, Frank Foushee, Ron Glaze, Chloie Gulledge, Carol Haines, Hunter Hazelton, Roy Holt, Bob Johns, Will Kirkland, Chris Lassiter, Amanda Mager, Rebecca Mansfield, Melissa Miles, Megan Nelson, Parker Normann, Dr. Michele Roberson, Allison Upchurch Smith, Frank Tibbett, Kenny Wester, and Marie Wicker *********************************************************************************************

WEEKLY OFFERING TOTALS/ATTENDANCE Oct. 05, 2014 – $2357.00 47 Oct. 12, 2014 – $2016.00 48 Oct. 19, 2014 – $1396.00 44 Oct. 26, 2014 – $1472.00 37

5 Cents A Meal Offering – $117.04 BackPack Kids Offering – $100.33

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Gifts to the Church

In Memory of John Wade White Jean Wilberg

In Memory of Jonathan Bridges Nelson and Kathy Jolly Burke

Buffalo Presbyterian Women

In Memory of Paige Davis Gerald Davis, Jr.

THANKSGIVING DINNER Our annual Thanksgiving Dinner will be served on Sunday, November 23, 2014 at 6:00 p.m. followed by the PW Thank Offering Program. The Presbyterian Women will provide the

ham, turkey, and dressing. Everyone is invited to come and bring your favorite side dishes and desserts to share with all. Please join us for this evening of good food and fellowship. **************************************************************************

Buffalo’s Church Manse is for Sale

Two-Story Colonial Home 4 Bedrooms with 2 Bathrooms

Built in 1954 – 2 Acres Listed with REMAX for $125,000

If interested, call Crystal Copas at 919-708-5980

See listing at: http://www.navicamls.net/displays/?n=206&i=638128&k=eqpy

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We are refurbishing our sanctuary, including new paint all over, carpet upstairs and down, new lighting fixtures, and a beautiful hand rail in the balcony. Consequently, we have one row of pews to sell from the balcomy for $100 each, to benefit this project. One per family for those who are interested on a first come first serve basis.

Thank you so much for the cards,

delicious food, flowers, prayers, and

visits during my brother, Wade’s

sickness and passing. Everything was

wonderful and enjoyed very much.

Your kind expression of sympathy is

deeply appreciated.

Lee and Pat Setzer

November Leaders

November 02nd – Penny Shields (Lesson A-14) November 09th – Jan Tart (Lesson A-15) November 16th – Jean Wilberg (Lesson A-16) November 23rd – COMMUNION (No Joy Worship) November 30th – Anna Renwick (Lesson A-17)

Congregational Greeter’s for November November 02nd – Kay Davis November 09th – Geri Hales November 16th – Karen Johnson November 23rd – Kathy Jolly November 30th – Pat Setzer

Greeting Elder’s for November November 02nd – David Ciliberto November 09th – Ken Frie November 16th – Patrick Kelly November 23rd – COMMUNION November 30th – Pam McDonald

HAPPY BIRTHDAY Nov. 02nd – Rae Ann Bradley Nov. 19th – Lloyd Cashion

Nov. 03rd – B.J. McCauley Nov. 23rd – Tammy Johnson

Nov. 04th – Jackie Frie Nov. 26th – Brent Gordon

Nov. 11th – Amy Thomas Hart Nov. 26th – Pat Setzer

Nov. 12th – J.W. Bailes Nov. 27th – Penny Shields

BUFFALO PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH 1333 Carthage Street Sanford, NC 27330

919-776-7313

buffalochurch@windstream.net

www.buffalopres.org

A GREAT FAMILY EVENT

SPANS THE GENERATIONS

Session Corner Highlights from Stated Meeting held Oct. 28, 2014

Clerk’s Report: Black Heritage Community Cemetery letter was approved for stating authorization for Corporation President, Buddy McNeill, to sign an easement in gross.

Administration: Treasurer Report for September: Income $8,933.16 Expenses $11,417.84

Ending Balance: 09/30/2014 $5,805.56 Lee reported that Sanctuary painting and light fixtures will be done soon. Nelson Burke provided a budget preview. With an average continuing $2000 deficit each month (i.e. $24,000 deficit this year), some hard choices will need to be made. This was referred back to Administration for their recommendation.

Worship: Rev. Dr. Bill Pauley will fill the pulpit on Nov. 16th and Dec. 28th. Christmas Cantata was approved for Dec. 14th at 6:00 pm. A dedication of the refurbished Sanctuary was approved as funded by Rob Davis and in memory of Paige Davis and all those who have died during Paul’s tenure.

Christian Education: An Advent Study will be offered in place of Sunday School by Paul at 10:00 a.m. in the Women’s Parlor starting on Nov. 30th through Dec. 21st.

Congregational Care: The All Church Fall Festival was a success. With no Preschool there will be no Christmas Program.

Evangelism/Growth/Communications: Information on the sale of the Manse will be put in the newsletter.

Women: Collection of a Thank Offering at the Thanksgiving Dinner, Nov. 23rd and placement of the Angel Tree on Nov. 23rd in Sanctuary was approved.

New Business: Elder Training is scheduled for Nov. 1st, 8:30 to 2:00 p.m., Nov. 5th and 19th from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m.

Next Stated Meeting will be November 18th.

Jean Wilberg, Clerk of Session