Our children's choir recently enjoyed a Halloween party after their rehearsal.
Lillington Presbyterian Church
THE SPOTLIGHT
November 2009
P. O. Box 245, Lillington, NC 27546 www.lillingtonpres.com (910) 893-3545
Bill Goodnight, Pastor - wcg53@aol.com
Office, lillingtonpres@embarqmail.com
“Natural Theology” is a poem by Rudyard Kipling. The stanzas go through the ages from primitive to modern.
The primitive eats a rotting whale and blames God for his upset stomach. The pagan ignores the rats and their fleas and blames God for the plagues. The medieval person places his privy beside his well and blames God for the sickness that follows.
Perhaps the most delightful lines are found in the chorus:
We had a kettle; we let it leak:
Our not repairing it made it worse.
We haven’t had any tea for a week…
The bottom is out of the universe!
The point of the poem is that God has given us freedom to shape our destiny for good or bad: Kipling concludes his poem with a stanza that includes this truth:
As was the sowing so the reaping
Is now and evermore shall be.
Stewardship is all about taking responsibility to manage well what God has given to us. The walls of the church building weren’t built with empty prayers, but by those who, sustained by prayer, gave money and worked hard to build a church for themselves and for future generations.
When I look at our church budget I am excited to see how we too are doing our part to both maintain what we have and to reach out to others. To me it says that
we understand God’s blessings come through Christians like us, who—instead of asking “why has God afflicted me?”—asks “how can I be an instrument of God’s blessing?”
Happy Thanksgiving,
Bill Goodnight
CHURCH Family NEWs
We will celebrate Communion
this Sunday, Nov. 1.
Giving to Change the World
through October 25, 2009:
General Fund $146,876.71
Capital Fund $ 12,046.00
Two Cents a Meal $ 1436.49
Sunday School Projects $ 2300.65
The General Fund balance is a negative ($9218).
September Sunday School offerings raised $134.25 for the Emergency Fuel Fund. This organization, administrated through LPC, helps local individuals with fuel, utility, and other needs. Another opportunity to support the Emergency Fuel Fund will be the Joint Thanksgiving Service this month- the total offering from this goes to the EFF each year.
Christmas Cantata rehearsals are each Wednesday at 7:15pm.The choir has made a good start, but the more the merrier!
You are cordially invited to attend an Eagle Scout Court of Honor
for Zach Tunstall, Sunday, November 8, at 3 p.m
here at the church. Refreshments will be served in the fellowship hall following the ceremony.
There are a number of unclaimed dishes in the Fellowship Hall – please help us get them to their owners. Those not picked up by Nov. 8 will be added to the kitchen inventory.
Congratulations to Elizabeth Murchison, whose photograph of a Queen of the Night bloom appears in the 2010 Engagement Calendar published by the Garden Club of North Carolina. This variety blooms only once in three years and is a cutting from a plant over 30 years old. Elizabeth is a member of the Four Seasons Garden Club in Lillington.
Cornelia Stewart’s son, Jimmy Cameron, is a professional musician (mandolin, standup bass, guitar) and vocalist (high tenor) with Dr. Ralph Stanley & His Clinch Mountain Boys band. Having recently performed at Carnegie Hall in New York City, he appears on Late Night with David Letterman Nov. 6 (ABC, 11:35 ET) promoting Dr. Stanley’s biography, Man of Constant Sorrows.
Our Children’s Choir held a Halloween Party at rehearsal on Wednesday, Oct. 28. Thank you for all who participated and made it a special evening!
session report
The Session did not meet as scheduled on Oct. 18 due to illness, but at a called meeting on Oct. 25, the following immediate topics were addressed:
Approved the following outreach opportunities: Angel Tree, Christmas party for T.A.P., gifts for T.A.P. children, collecting Thanksgiving baskets for T.A.P. families, sponsoring Suzanne Prince as a participant in the presbytery’s mission to Tabasco, Mexico
Nominated Alton Bain as an alternate commissioner to the 2010 General Assembly in Minneapolis
Changed the November Sunday School project from RSVP to Make A Child Smile.
Dave Shroats attended the presbytery meeting on Oct. 3 in Sanford.The next stated meeting of the Session will be Nov. 15 at 6:00pm.
At the congregational/corporate meetings Sept. 27, it was voted to increase the pastor’s social security reimbursement from $3839 (2008) to $4262 annually, which would bring it into line with Presbytery’s recommendation of a 50% reimbursement.
mission team news
FYI, the Outreach Team sends out birthday cards & cards to those on our prayer list. They also coordinate meals for shut-ins & those who are ill. Contact Vikki Wilbourne (814-2450 or vwilbourne@gmail.com) or Michelle Pearson (814-2296). If you’re available to give rides to those in need of transportation to Sunday services, contact Coleene Bethune (893-3412). Outreach Team meets Thursday, Nov. 12 at 7pm.
The Property Team arranged for the window coverings in the church to be replaced, as well as obtaining new cubbies and shelving for the church.
The Finance Team hosted a luncheon on Oct. 25 at which giving envelopes, gift calendars, year-to-date finance reports, tithing brochures, and estimate-of-giving cards were given out.
The Worship Team recruited new volunteers for the Hanging of the Greens service scheduled for Nov. 29.
OUTREACH OPPORTUNITIES
November and December present many opportunities to share with others. Below are those our congregation has adopted:
Suzanne Prince has volunteered to represent our church on the Presbytery’s Mission Trip to Tabasco, Mexico to help build a mission hospital. Her cost will be $800. The church will pay half out of its Hispanic Missions fund. Individuals may donate toward the rest- make checks payable to Lillington Presbyterian Church and put “Mexico Trip” in the memo line or on your envelope.
We have already dispersed all of the money budgeted for our Good Samaritan Fund to help local individuals in need. For the remainder of the year, only money specified for this account will be used for that purpose. You are invited to contribute directly to the fund. Checks should be made to the church and clearly designated :for Good Samaritan Fund. Thank you!
T.A.P. Teens As Parents program: Through T.A.P we work to help teens develop better parenting skills, stay in school, and prepare for a career. Anyone wishing to fill a Thanksgiving Basket for a T.A.P. participant may pick up a list off the table outside the pastor’s study.
We will also host a Christmas party for T.A.P. on Thursday, Dec. 17 and will need volunteers from 5:30-8:00 to help hold babies and serve the food. The girls will each receive a gift from Ebenezer Presbyterian Church; the children will each receive a gift from our congregation. Names will soon be available on the Outreach bulletin board. Contact Sylvia Goodnight for more information on the party.
Angel Tree – We will once again have an Angel Tree for local foster children. This year, instead of a dollar amount, you will be asked to purchase one piece of clothing and one toy for each child you choose.
November’s Sunday school project will be the Make A Child Smile Program. Children in need are taken on shopping trips and allowed to buy some special things for Christmas. Gwen Sherman is one of the organizers of the Christmas outreach; contact her with questions.
We will once again support RSVP (Retired Senior Volunteer Program) by bringing in toiletry items (such as soap, shampoo, combs & brushes,, toothpaste & toothbrushes, deodorant), socks, hard candy, and nuts for distribution by RSVP to the local nursing homes.(This is a good way to share the unopened items you’ve collected from motels.)
OF INTEREST
Daylight Savings Time ends 2am Nov. 1. Set clocks back one hour (Fall back!)
Our Benevolence giving includes $1,000 for the counseling center in Erwin, CareNet of Harnett County (aka Harnett Family Life Center.) The following is a new message to the community from Ron Wachs, the center director:
“A long-ago 'love song' croons that ‘The Autumn leaves drift by my window, the Autumn leaves of red and gold....And I miss you most of all, my darling, when Autumn leaves start to fall.’ The French title to the same song is less sentimental, ‘Les feuilles mortes’ or 'dead leaves’!.
The nostalgia of autumn is strong. A former teacher defined 'nostalgia' as 'a homesickness of the soul'. By now, the brilliant hues of October have faded and the seasons are moving inexorably towards the darkness and drabness of Winter. Change is definitely in the air. For some the transition signals a melancholic shift in mood and if the melancholy -sadness - persists, that can be an indicator of a more significant condition –depression. Depression hurts.
Many years ago, Harry Emerson Fosdick preached, ‘No [one] Need Stay the Way They Are.’That same hope is available for persons laboring with the burden of depression. If melancholy, sadness, depression are turning your days of color into a dull grey, consider meeting with one of the Pastoral Counselors at CareNet of Harnett. Telephone 910-897-8930.”
FYI, our denomination sets themes for each Sunday. In November, these are:
11/1 All Saints’ Day
11/8 Stewardship Commitment
11/15 Caregiver Sunday
11/22 Christ the King/Reign of Christ
11/29 1st Sunday of Advent, begin Lectionary Year C
Our church will host the annual Community Thanksgiving Service this year at 7pm on Sunday, Nov. 22. Ken Dalton from Crossroads Church will be the speaker. The offering at this service is the primary source of funding for the Emergency Fuel Fund. Please attend and give generously!
The Family of Bertha Bradley invites you to her 90th birthday party Sunday, Nov. 8 at Lillington Baptist from 3-5 pm. No gifts please! For more information, call 893-4668.
November 15 is the annual National Donor Sabbath. We will include information on organ donation in the bulletin and provide donor cards with “green ribbon” pins. Our administrative assistant, Ellen Gillette, is a donor mom and would be happy to answer any questions you may have about her family’s experience, or go to www.donatelifenc.org or www.carolinadonorservices.org.
Upcoming Worship Leaders
Nursery North Ushers South Ushers Liturgist Acolyte
11/1 | Erin & Diana Murchison | Carl Sherman | Katie Smith | Coleene Bethune | Josh Smith | Chad Langdon | Communion | 11/1 |
11/8 | Betsy & Ann McCormick | Carol Miles | Michelle Pearson | Peggy Christian | Debbie Smith | Duncan McCormick | Cameron Mewborn | 11/8 |
11/15 | Mel & Carolyn Cox | James Cox | Katie Knodel | Carolyn Cox | Michael Knodel | Winston Gilchrist | Jordan Gilchrist | 11/15 |
11/22 | Edith Ann Caviness, Kay Swanson | Chad Langdon | Michelle Langdon | Winston Gilchrist | Beth Gilchrist | Betsy McCormick | Will McCormick | 11/22 |
11/29 | Dave & Judy Shroats | Frankie Lewis | Betty Lewis | Paul Hart | Susan Weeks | Elizabeth Murchison | Andrea Swanson | 11/29 |
12/6 | Brenda, Morgan and Megan McLeod | Liz Hill | Ron Hill | Neill Salmon | Megan McLeod | Bill Tyson | Communion | 12/6 |
If you are unable to serve as shown and cannot find a replacement, please contact the church office, Faye Brown (ushers, liturgists, acolytes) or Carol Miles (nursery) asoon as possible. Please notify the office of changes. * Ushers, please pay special attention t o lights & locks at the end of all services.
O give thanks to the Lord, for he is good; his steadfast love endures forever!”
Psalm 118:1
Lillington Presbyterian Church
THE SPOTLIGHT
July 2009
P. O. Box 245 Lillington, NC 27546 lillingtonpres@embarqmail.com (910) 893-3545
Bill Goodnight, Pastor - wcg53@aol.com www.lillingtonpres.com
Pastor’s Column:
As I write this I am excited about returning to the pulpit in just a few days (June 28). I am looking forward to being active again as your pastor. Regarding my health, I still have some healing and recovery ahead and I ask your continued patience. It may be a while before I am back to 100%, but I will give you 100% of what I can do.
I am humbled by your love and care, as well as the love and concern of the whole community. The support I have received has been very touching and very encouraging. I return to work with a new sense of enthusiasm regarding the depth of energy and commitment of this congregation.
Please call upon me as pastoral needs arise and help bring me up to date with all that has happened in your life and in our church during my recuperation. I look forward to working with you in reaching out to all of our members and to the broader community in the same way you reached out to me.
Every day is a gift and I am grateful to God who delivered me from death and who is daily healing and strengthening us all.
In Christian Love,
Bill Goodnight
CHURCH Family NEWS
Congratulations…
…to Jeff & Brenda Paschal, who were married on Saturday, June 20. Also, to Matt Crisp & Morgan Hawley who will be married July 4.
On June 28, Sue Ross, Brenda Paschal, and Guynn & Suzanne Prince were received into the membership of the church. The Prince’s daughter Ella was added to the Baptized Children’s roll.
From the mailbox:
Dear Friends,
Thank you for allowing Eleanor and me to minister among and with you during May and June while Bill was continuing his recovery.
One of the great joys of retirement is working with different congregations of God's people and making new friends. It was certainly our pleasure, privilege and joy to be among you all. Eleanor and I are grateful for your love, concerns and prayers for us, especially as Eleanor was undergoing tests and surgery, and now follow-up treatment for cancer.
We continue to pray for Bill and Sylvia and for Bill's complete healing. We know you all will allow Bill to return gradually to his pastoral duties as his strength and healing takes place.
If I can be of any help to any of you or to Bill, please let me know through your Session. May God continue to bless each of you, your ministry and the Church we all service.
Grace and peace,
Roger and Eleanor Horne
Giving to Change the World
through June 28, 2009:
General Fund ($87,142.23)
Capital Fund ($5,216)
Two Cents a Meal ($818.89)
Sunday School Mission Projects
($1,474.45)
Come out and support your men’s softball team! Games are played at Harnett Central High’s softball complex. Refreshments are available- it makes a great evening for the family.
June’s Sunday School offerings raised $143.44 for the Presbyterian Disaster Relief Fund, which helps communities in the aftermath of catastrophic events such as Hurricane Katrina in Lousiana, war in Sri Lanka, or flooding in West Virginia.
July Sunday school offerings will go to the Harnett Food Pantry, which opened its doors in 2001 with a mission to “eliminate hunger in Harnett County”. With an army of volunteers and support from citizens all across Harnett County, the Pantry serves 1000s of meals each year. Located on Shawtown Road in Lillington, the Pantry serves only residents of Harnett County. Families may receive a 3-day supply of nutritious food one time per month. The Pantry is currently serving an average of 175 families (683 people) each month. In 2008, they distributed non-perishable foods to prepare 55,000 meals! Funded by grants, the Pantry also depends on local churches, businesses, schools and individuals. Here are some of the items they could use:
Cans of main dish meals – stews, spaghetti, ravioli, etc.
Cans of meat – tuna, spam, salmon
Soup – canned and dry Dried beans
Rice Pasta Spaghetti sauce
Corn meal/muffin mix Cereal/grits
Peanut butter Cans of fruits and vegetables
For more information, contact Nancy Wright at 910-893-7579, 814-6075, or emailing nwright@harnett.org
Before their summer break, Presbyterian Women nominated the following officers for 2009-2010:
Moderator: Margaret Randall 2nd year
Vice Moderator: Judy Tunstall 1st year
Secretary: Brenda Langdon 2nd year
Treasure: Janice Taylor 2nd year
Historian: Penelope Bethune 1st year
Social Chairpersons: Rosie Johnson 2nd + year
Michelle Pearson 2nd + year
Vikki Wilbourne 1st year
Search Committee: Carma Lou Baggett 3rd year
Eloise Harrington 2nd year
Irene Wortman 1st year
Circle Moderators:
#1 Patti Randall Black 1st year
Brenda McLeod 1st year
#2 Gwen Sherman 2nd year
Judy Crisp 2nd year
#3 Elaine Hayes 2nd year
Ann Collins 2nd year
Pending Session approval, officers will be elected August 24.
For over a year, the Presbyterian Women have been working on a Centennial Cookbook which will be delivered near the first of August—just one more month! This collection of recipes is special as it includes recipes from both present and former members and from ministers and their family members. Interwoven within the collection are special angel recipes from deceased members, submitted by friends and loved ones. Cookbooks will cost $12.00 and would make excellent Christmas presents!
upcoming Worship Leaders
Nursery Acolytes
7/5 Dave & Judy Shroats Communion
7/12 Jennifer Phillips, John Wilbourne Holden Swanson
7/19 Liz & Hannah Hill Joshua Gilchrist
7/26 Coleene Bethune, Michelle Pearson Drew Bain
8/2 Mary & Sylvia Goodnight Communion
Ushers (North) Ushers (South)
7/5 Rupert & Brenda Langdon Paul & Jennifer Phillips
7/12 Carl Sherman, Katie Smith Coleene Bethune, Josh Smith
7/19 Carol Miles, Michelle Pearson Peggy Christian, Debbie Smith
7/26 James Cox, Katie Knodel Carolyn Cox, Michael Knodel
8/2 Chad & Michelle Langdon Winston & Beth Gilchrist
Liturgists Counters for July
7/5 Tom Brown Michelle Pearson, Jay Smith
7/12 Judy Crisp
7/19 Paul Phillips
7/26 Bill Tyson
8/2 Penelope Bethune
The Rev. Kathryn Dudley
will be guest speaker on July 12. Kathryn also filled in for Bill in April, prior to calling Roger Horne as Temporary Supply.
OF INTEREST
There will be a Festival in the Park to celebrate our nation’s Independence Day, Saturday, July 4 at Lillington Park beginning at 3pm with fireworks after dark. Also, there will be a Kick-Off Concert for the Festival In The Park by "The Troubadours" at Howards Barbeque (100 South Main Street) Friday, July 3rd, 2009 at 7pm till 11pm . Food & beverages available for purchase at both events. Free admission; no coolers allowed.
session report
The Session did not convene for a regular meeting in June, but had a called meeting to receive new members on June 28. The next regular meeting will be held July 19 at 6:00 PM in the Fellowship Hall.
mission team news
The Outreach Team is looking for volunteers interested in preparing and delivering meals for shut-ins and those who are ill. Contact Vikki Wilbourne (814-2450 or vwilbourne@gmail.com) or Michelle Pearson (814-2296). If you are interested in providing trans-portation for the elderly on Sundays, contact Coleene Bethune (893-3412).
The Mixed Adult class’s leader in July is Faye Brown.
Kids are using Mission Stories, learning about children and God’s work all around the world.
Remember how much fun you had last year at Vacation Bible School?
CAMP E.D.G.E. Vacation Bible School 2009 takes your children to an extreme adventure camp where they Experience and Discover God Everywhere! CAMP E.D.G.E. VBS is not your typical stroll through the woods. It's an action-packed, adrenaline-filled expedition that teaches kids their strength and might come from God. Through rockin' contemporary music, larger-than-life recreation games, mind-boggling science activities, extreme sports videos, and cool, challenging crafts, you'll show your kids how to live on the E.D.G.E. in their faith. CAMP E.D.G.E. VBS 2009 Daily E.D.G.E. Pledges:
God is with me. I will stay close to God.
God guides me. I will follow.
God teaches me. I will learn.
God loves me. I will love God and others.
God sends me. I will go.
Join us Wednesday nights for a meal & then CAMP E.D.G.E on
July 22 & 29, August 5, 12 & 19!
Pool Party August 22 at the Hills
For more information, contact Peggy Christian (893-2991).
We are not able to incorporate graphics into the newsletter for the website. If you do not receive a newsletter by mail and would like to, please call the church office, 910-893-3545.
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