__ October 2014 __ VIEW FROM THE STUDY

THE GIFT

If you read the Session highlights, you may have noticed, we received a gift. Buffalo Presbyterian Church, along with four other Lee County Presbyterian Churches and two institutions of higher learning were left substantial sums from Ralph and Vivian Monger. About six years ago, Buffalo Presbyterian Church was left another substantial sum, and this by Marjorie Matthews Russell. While both of these gifts have allowed us to better maintain, and preserve our heritage and our historical structures, the gifts are especially generous, in my estimation, in part because of their unique similarity. They were given with no strings attached. It was not even requested that we honor the donors, set up a trust in their names, or recall their generosity in any way. These were rare gifts indeed.

Personal and corporate financial issues was a primary concern of Jesus. When asked by the rich young ruler, “What must I do to inherit eternal life?” Jesus responded in part, “sell what you own, give the money to the poor, and follow me.” As a summation to this situation, Jesus remarked to his disciples “It is easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle than it is for a rich man to enter the kingdom of heaven” [Mark 10:17-31] Ralph and Vivian Monger, and Marjorie Matthews Russell, at their death, gave all that they had for the advance of the kingdom of heaven, with no strings attached. We have been greatly honored by their trust, and even more greatly blessed by their example of faithfulness. Because of the absence of permanent reminders of their generosity, we risk forgetting. As people of faith, we understand Christ gave us a gift as well, the gift of his Spirit. It is quite natural to assume a gift of such magnitude would always be remembered. The church, our baptism, and celebration of the Lord’s Supper serve as our reminders. Make a special effort to celebrate world communion with us, this Sunday, and risk being amazed at what our God in Christ can do.

Grace and peace, Paul

SEE PHOTOS OF OUR WORSHIP HIGHLIGHTS

TEACHER RECOGNITION DAY

GERI, SHEILA, ANNA, JEFF, AND BETTY REPRESENT OUR VARIOUS TEACHING

MINISTERIES

CONGRATULATIONS KIM WOMACK FOR 10

YEARS OF SERVICE TO BUFFALO PRESCHOOL

LOGAN KEY WAS BAPTISED

AND CONFIRMED AUGUST 31st

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LET’S JUST MEET FOR FUN!

On Sunday, October 26th, Congregational Care has planned an All Ages Costume Party and hot dog supper – just for fun. We have all worked so hard, everyone dress-up just for the fun of it.

The Coordinating Team (formerly “Women’s Council”) held their monthly meeting September 8th. A devotional moment was directed to a brief history of Presbyterian Women in North Carolina, acknowledging the broad, strong and devoted Christian women to whom we owe our groundwork and whose humble service we seek to model.

The existing slate of officers was confirmed for the upcoming 2015 term, with one exception: Betty Robinson resigned as Search Committee Chair for the purpose of offering to fill the open slot of Moderator for the remainder of 2014-2015 terms. Her offer was accepted, and she was installed September 14th during Worship Service. At the same time, Geri Hales was affirmed as Mary Lou Campbell Circle representative. The standing officers of Secretary Jan Renwick, Treasurer Pat Setzer, and Historian Sheila Brewer, as well as continuing Sunshine Circle representative Jean Wilberg will be recognized at a later date.

Status of Bazaar preparations was discussed, and the inclusion of a Silent Auction is generating excitement. Several members and friend of the church are donating very special, hand-crafted items. We include these folks as we count our many blessings.

Recent cookbook sales of $400 was reported. A second, light-weight vacuum cleaner was purchased for the church. The Women’s donation of $1,200 for acquisition of two high-quality storm doors for the Fellowship Hall was acknowledged, and installation is in process. Also approved was a pre-service gift presentation to Rev. Shields on the calendared Pastor Appreciation Sunday, October 12th.

Betty Robinson, PW CT Moderator

BETTY WAS INSTALLED AS MODERATOR

OF BUFFALO PRESBYTERIAN WOMEN ON SEPTEMBER 14TH

BETTY, PENNY, AND JACKIE,

AT BARIUM SPRINGS

BARIUM SPRINGS FIELD TRIP-A BIG THANK-YOU!

What started as brainstorming by Penny Shields and Jackie Frie in 2012 when they were co-moderators, and with the endorsement of Buffalo’s current PW CT, resulted in numerous gifts and cash donations from our generous members to mark the beginning of 2014’s school year at Barium Springs Home for Children (founded 1891). Penny, Jackie, and I rode to the primary facility in Statesville on August 18th with your gifts, and were warmly received.

As we began our tour, a flow of cars and pick-ups came and went, all bringing gifts. Some included former students and their adoptive or foster parents. We visited a campus residence and talked with the young people and house-parents. (Please visit BariumSprings.org for more information.)

Rev. Laura Lupton writes that earlier in August, at the Fall Gathering of Presbytery Presbyterian Women (PWP), “An offering of cash and supplies was collected for the organization. The funds totaled $6,135 plus supplies that completely filled a Toyota Highlander SUV from the front seat to the back window. The supplies focused on school supplies but also included residential supplies like sheets, paper towels, baby wipes, toiletries, etc. According to Lorie Fees, the staff was deeply encouraged by the generosity of our PWP group.”

“Next year Barium Springs [now partnered with Grandfather Home] is looking at the daunting task of fund raising over $3 million as state funding is no longer available to them.”

In Christ, Betty Robinson, with Penny and Jackie

Our Youth Worship service on September 7th was a wonderful event. Each worship role was filled by a youth and each did a great job. From the Call to Worship, to the Music, to the Bible readings, to the Message, to the Prayers, and the Benediction each was done beautifully by our very talented youth. Thank you all for your hard work and dedication to making this an annual worship service that no one wants to miss.

The following Sunday our youth met as a group with Anna Renwick as leader in our Buffalo Fellowship Hall. They are excited to be meeting at Buffalo on the second Sunday of each month. At this first meeting they enjoyed popcorn and pizza while watching the movie, “God is Not Dead”. There were eight participants and they had a good time laughing and enjoying the fellowship while making plans for future activities and meetings for the coming year. If you missed this first meeting and would like to be a part of a lively youth group, please call the church office for more information.

We have not forgotten our adults. Rev. Shields is leading the Wednesday morning Bible Study group in the study of the Apostles’ Creed. They are meeting in the Women’s Parlor from 11:00 to noon. We would love to have you join for fellowship and study.

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

Jean Wilberg, Chairman Christian Education Committee

THEY PRACTICED

SAM PREACHED

LORI, CAITLYN, SAM, AND LOGAN

LEADING WORSHIP

SAM, RAE ANN, AND LEAH SANG

OUR YOUTH SUNDAY WORSHIP SERVICE

ANNA INTRODUCED A NEW YOUTH PROGRAM

LORI READS THE WORD

THEY HAD FUN

ALMOST EVERYBODY

PAID ATTENTION

THEY LOOKED GOOD

THEY WERE LOVED BY ALL

Remember with love and prayer:

CHURCH MEMBERS: Vialee Cashion, Richard Christian, 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, 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, Carol Haines, Hunter Hazelton, Roy Holt, Brad & Charlotte Johns & Family, Bob Johns, Will Kirkland, Chris Lassiter, Amanda Mager, Rebecca Mansfield, Melissa Miles, Megan Nelson, Parker Normann, Dr. Michele Roberson, Allison Upchurch Smith, Frank Tibbett, Jerry Vuncannon, Kenny Wester, and Marie Wicker ******************************************************************************************

WEEKLY OFFERING TOTALS Sept. 07, 2014 – $3027.60 Sept. 14, 2014 – $1515.00 Sept. 21, 2014 – $2010.00 Sept. 28, 2014 – $1245.00

5 Cents A Meal Offering – $91.11 BackPack Kids Offering – $207.45

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Gifts to the Church

In Thankfulness of our Buffalo Church Family Jolynda Bowers

In Memory of Jonathan Bridges Bob and Mattie Kelly Bobby and Evelyn Johnson

Jean Wilberg Bill and Elizabeth Shermer

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FALL BAZAAR, OCTOBER 4TH

8:00 a.m. until 12:00 noon Please join WOC for our annual fund-raiser Bazaar. Invite your friends, relatives, neighbors, strangers! Drawing for Hand-Crocheted Heirloom Bedspread

Great Food, Crafts, Canned and Farm Goods Autumn Flowers, Treasures Table, Silent Auction

(No pre-sales, please) **************************************************************************

With sincerity and

love, our

family

thanks

you for

all the

food, cards, flowers,

visits, and prayers at

the untimely death of

our son, Jonathan.

Your support and love

was welcomed and appreciated. Much

love to our church family.

Rick and Cathy Bridges, Paisley Bridges,

John Bridges, Jessica Whitaker, Jamie

McElreath, and Caitlyn Bridges

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HAPPY BIRTHDAY VIRGINIA!

OUR YOUNG PEOPLE GREET THE CONGREGATION

Jonathan Thomas Bridges May 24, 1979 – Sept. 8, 2014

BUFFALO PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH 1333 Carthage Street Sanford, NC 27330

919-776-7313

buffalochurch@windstream.net

www.buffalopres.org

Session Corner Highlights from Stated Meeting held Sept. 16, 2014

Administration: Treasurer Report for the last two months: Income $16,900.08 Expenses $21,157.08 Ending Balance: 08/31/2014 $8,290.24 Rob Davis has proposed that he fund Sanctuary upgrades, hopefully completed before Christmas, which the Session has gratefully accepted. The women will be asked for input on purchases. The Pastor will now be responsible for the family portion of health insurance starting 2015. Monger Estate money ($117,500) will be placed in a Capital Building Fund and used exclusively for Church Repair and Maintenance. Holly Davis wedding on July 11, 2015 with Jim Monson as sponsor was approved.

Worship: Rev. Dr. Bill Pauley will fill the pulpit on Sept. 28.

Christian Education: Buffalo Youth Group led by Anna Renwick met for the first time on Sunday, Sept. 15th with 8 youth attending – a great beginning.

Congregational Care: An All Church Fall Festival to include a hot dog meal will be held October 26th. The Girl Scouts will be invited.

Evangelism/Growth/Communication: There may be new members joining on September 21st.

Women: Women will present a gift to Paul in conjunction with Pastor Appreciation Sunday on October 12th for his seven years of service. Sheila will give a tour and talk on Buffalo to the DAR on November 24th.

Old Business: Scholarship money of $500 each has been given to Caitlyn Bridges and Anna Renwick.

New Business: Pam McDonald will be the elder delegate to the Presbytery meeting in Fayetteville on October 11th.

Next Stated Meeting will be October 28th.

Jean Wilberg, Clerk of Session

October Leaders October 05th – COMMUNION (No Joy Worship) October 12th – Jackie Frie (Lesson A-11) October 19th – Kathy Jolly (Lesson A-12) October 26th – Anna Renwick (Lesson A-13)

Congregational Greeter’s for October

October 05th – Karen Johnson October 12th – Kathy Jolly October 19th – Pat Setzer October 26th – Penny Shields

Greeting Elder’s for October October 05th – COMMUNION October 12th – Lee Setzer October 19th – Jean Wilberg

October 26th – Jeff Cashion

WEDDING ANNIVERSARIES

October 24th Greg & Wendy Hales

October 26th Eddie & Valerie Godfrey

October 27th Sammy & Darlene Reagan

October 30th Bobby & Evelyn Johnson

HAPPY BIRTHDAY Oct. 02nd – Ann Seymore Oct. 16th – Judy Lloyd

Oct. 05th – Kenneth Frie Oct. 16th – Frank Robinson

Oct. 11th – Ann Christian Oct. 17th – John Lemons

Oct. 15th – Sam Bradley Oct. 19th – Lisa Cashion

Oct. 21st – Roy Cashion