KANAWHA CONNECTIONS
February, 2012
February 2012
Ship of Faith
There are many useful and descriptive metaphors for the
church such as the 'body of Christ' or the 'Family of God'. Each of
these highlights a different aspect of the church’s life and purpose.
One I find especially helpful is ‘the ship of faith’. The image comes from
the ark in the Old Testament which saved Noah and his family and the
animals. Thus in the New Testament the church as the community that saved
people became pictured as a ship. As with all metaphors, it must be
correctly understood or it can be very misleading with potentially
disastrous results. The key is to be clear what sort of ship we mean.
Let us first be clear what it is not. It is not a cruise ship full
of passengers enjoying a relaxed sight-seeing tour through life.
Neither is it a pleasure craft where the passengers live out a non-stop
party. Nor a cargo ship filled with containers of material things. I
reckon we’re like a warship engaged in a lifelong battle with Satan and all
evil. We are also a rescue ship saving drowning people from the ocean
of hopelessness and giving them life. We are an exploration ship
discovering more and more wonders of God’s grace and sharing them with new
people every day.
Whatever aspect of the ship metaphor we choose, there is a constant
reminder that Christ is the captain and we are all sailors, contributing our
lives to His cause... this ship has no passengers! As we explore our
calling within the Family of God and as we continue to implement the Five
Practices of a Fruitful Congregation may we continue to foster a
heartfelt humble attitude of serving our Lord. I pray that KUPC will
continue to do so.
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CharlieThe Bible in 90 Days – We did it!!
Congratulations to the following members and friends of KUPC who have completed reading The Bible in 90 Days Program. The program was demanding and challenging but also rewarding. There was not only the satisfaction of completing the arduous task but the opportunity to see the themes that wind there way through the Bible and thus undergird our Christian faith.
Mark Strauss, the New Testament presenter, ended the course with Revelation 1:3 reminding us that it applies not only to Revelation but the whole Bible “Blessed is the one who reads this prophecy, and blessed are those who hear it and take it heart what is written in it, because the time is near.” May it be so for not only those who have completed the program but also be for all who read the Bible.
Kay Davis, Amy DeVere, Mike DeVere, Roberta Fowlkes, Susan Hufford, Mary Buffington Jenkins, Susannah Johnson, Charlie Ringe, Chris Rogillio, Gina Rugeley,
Barb Smith, Jim Smith, Stuart Smith, Chuck Stump, Buffy Wallace, and Nancy Wallace.
PALS
(Presbyterians at Leisure)
PALS will not meet in February. But be sure to mark your calendars for future meetings;
Tuesday, March 2
Tuesday, April 17
Tuesday, May 15
Some notes from Ron…..
A great big “THANK YOU” to all who attended and supported the recent incredible Westminster Choir concert! It was so exciting to see the church absolutely packed! And many thanks to Roberta Fowlkes, Jan Green, Alice Gilbert, Susannah Johnson and Julia Jessee for the fabulous cupcakes and all who helped produce the wonderful reception. There are pics of our cupcakes on the Westminster Choir Facebook page!! They were so appreciative of our hospitality.
Many thanks are also in order to our Session for their approval of the acquisition of a starter set of Studio 49 Orff tuned percussion instruments! They arrived Wednesday, January 25, and we rehearsed with them that afternoon, then used them in worship on January 29! The children love them and they are such a valuable tool and resource for teaching and producing music with children and will add a very special effect in our music making to praise God. The Children are now working on their own creative composition drawing from Bible stories for the themes. We will present that as our Spring musical offering.
I hope we will eventually be able to have some older youth and adult Orff performance groups pull together as well. Carl Orff was a German composer, probably most remembered for his Carmina Burana for chorus, percussion and orchestra. He developed a concept of singing incorporating bodily rhythm, dance and instruments so that music making becomes a total person/body experience.
Former choral scholars Daniel King and Emily Hopkins presented wonderful recitals in January at KUPC. Both are now studying at Oberlin conservatory.
The Spring 2012 Kanawha Forum is scheduled for April 11 - May 9. New volunteers are always needed for kitchen help, ushering, clean-up, etc. Please see or call me to volunteer or if you have questions. We’re sad to announce that Roberta and Susannah will be “retiring” with this series. Please join me in thanking them for their great menu planning and preparation for the past several serires!.So we will need extra and new helpers for the fall series. Think and pray about it - share your time and talents for this great community ministry!
SUNDAY SUPPER SING ALONG
Please join me on Sunday, February 12 at 6pm for another Sunday Supper Sing Along when we will sing through the Sampler of Hymns and Songs for Worship drawn from the upcoming new Presbyterian Hymnal. We’ll begin with soup and
salad in Fellowship Hall, then move to the Sanctuary to sing and listen, then finish up with
some sweets and coffee in the Parlor for reaction and discussion! You don’t have to be a singer to attend - just capable of some joyful noise!
| February 3 | Virginia Point Kauffelt |
| February 4 | Amanda Barber |
| February 4 | Lynda Harper |
| February 5 | Anne Carroll |
| February 7 | Vann Carroll |
| February 9 | Russell King |
| February 11 | Mary Frances Carter |
| February 15 | Amy Smith |
| February 15 | Julia Jessee |
| February 16 | Carter Elizabeth Smith |
| February 17 | Paul Nyden |
| February 19 | Katherine Becker |
| February 20 | Patrick Felton |
| February 20 | Lloyd Kelly |
| February 24 | Margaret Robinson |
| February 26 | Mary Charles Wallace |
| February 28 | Lizzie Chafin |
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Five Practices of Fruitful Congregations Radical Hospitality Passionate Worship Intentional Faith Development Risk-taking Mission and Service Extravagant Generosity |
FEBRUARY FOR PRESBYTERIAN WOMEN
February and March both Circles will continue to meet at the church. The Morning Circle will meet at 10:30 a.m. in the Parlor, with our joint soup lunch at Noon, followed by the 1 p.m. Afternoon Circle meeting in the Parlor. The Morning Circle will provide the soups and the Afternoon Circle will provide our desserts.
This month’s Horizons Bible Study on the Beatitudes is Lesson 5 “Greatly Honored Are Those Who Show Mercy!”, with the scripture reading of Matthew 5:7 and Luke 10:25-37. The Key Idea is ‘Jesus calls disciples to imitate God by showing mercy through emotion, action, and dedication.’
PW welcomes all women at Kanawha United Presbyterian Church and their friends. If you would like further information, please feel free to contact me at (304) 344-3041.
Anne Ten Eyck Carroll, Moderator, KUPC Presbyterian Women
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Chris’ Corner . . . Ahh, February, the month of love and sharing. Paul, in his first letter to the Corinthians, laid out all the groundwork for true agape love. Love is patient. Love suffers long; it has a long, not a short, fuse. When Jesus was wronged he was patient and silent. Love is kind. Love is going the extra mile to be full of grace toward others. Love does not envy. Unconditional love desires the best for others. It wishes for everyone to be all that God intends them to be. Love does not boast. Unconditional love does not show-off. Jesus showed his love for others in loving words and actions. Love is not proud. God’s love is not arrogant. Pride is inflated selfishness; love is genuine humility. Love is not rude. Love is never inconsiderate or inattentive. Love is not self-seeking. God’s love is not self-serving. This love cancels all “I love you if,” and “If you love me” loves. Love is not easily angered. Love does not become irritated. It is not vindictive. Jesus never grumbled or retaliated when wronged. Love keeps no record of wrongs. God’s love forgives and forgets. Love does not delight in evil, but rejoices in truth. Love is never glad when others do wrong. Love does not delight in the weaknesses or misfortunes of others. Love does not gossip or gloat. Love always trusts and believes in all things. God’s love gives the benefit of the doubt. It is loyal. Love always hopes. Love never takes failure as final. Love always looks to the future, not to the past. Love always perseveres. Love endures all. Love goes on forever. Love is eternal. It never fails; it never looses strength. Paul’s list includes fourteen ingredients of love. Read the list again and, this time replace the word love with the name Jesus. It fits - every time! But we all know that God is Love. Now for the scary part…….Put YOUR name in the place of Love. How far apart are we from Jesus?? I know, for my part, I am going to pray to become more loving, more Christ like, in this month of Love. See you in church, Chris |
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Calling Boys and Girls of All Ages to the KUPC BIG Event A.K.A. The Annual Winter Sleep Over For the Church Family 2012 Presents MORE FUN IN THE GYM Come prepared for dancing, bouncing, stacking, shooting baskets, ping pong, air hockey, foosball, a mystery activity, good food, a movie and more. Beginning Friday, February 24th at 6:00 p.m. with dinner and ending Saturday, February 25th at 9 a.m. Bring A Dish to Share on the Dinner Buffet, Sleeping Bag and Pillow, Pajamas Personal Care Items, Plenty of Energy Come for an Evening of Intergenerational Fun and Fellowship With Your Church Family!! |
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Fun-At-Church Group (A Mission-Oriented Activity Group for Children in Kindergarten through Fifth Grades and Their Youth Mentors) Wednesday, February 15th 5:45 to 7:15 p.m. Celebrate the Mid-Winter Blues We Will Celebrate “The Blues” With Blues of Every Variety Wear Blue Bring a silly Blue gift to trade. Come prepared for unique blues-busting Events and games. Come and Join the Fun! |
SHROVE TUESDAY PANCAKE SUPPER
February 21st 6 P.M.
In the Church Fellowship Hall
The Shrove Tuesday Pancake Supper is a traditional way to prepare for the beginning of Lent. Come join the fun, indulge your taste buds and relax as we fellowship together.
Menu Includes Plain and Fancy Pancakes,
Bacon and Sausage, Fruit
Juice, Milk and Coffee
The custom of merrymaking before a long period of fasting goes back to ancient Roman times. Shrovetide is the three day period before Ash Wednesday with Tuesday being a day of special observances and the last “fling” before the beginning of Lent.
The name Shrove Tuesday is derived from the practice of confession and absolution as a part of preparation for the Lenten Season. The Old English term “to shrive” means both to confess and to forgive. Shrove is the past tense of the verb. Shrove Tuesday is also known as Pancake Day because of the custom of eating pancakes. Pre-Lenten feasting in many countries includes rich foods such as meats, eggs, butter, milk and cream, which are restricted during the forty days of Lent. Traditional dishes use up ingredients that cannot be stored for the duration of Lent.
Pancakes and fried pastries are among the most frequently prepared Shrovetide foods. Variations of pancakes include French crepes, Russian blini, and Irish buttermilk hotcakes, apple fritters, and beignets from Normandy.
COME AS YOU ARE . . . . ALL YOU CAN EAT!
Sunday School for Lent
The Adult Sunday School class will be finishing up their current study just in time to begin their Lenten study, Twenty-Four Hours That Changed the World, by Adam Hamilton on February 19th. The aim of the study is to help participants better understand the events that occurred during the last twenty-four hours of Jesus’ life, to see more clearly the theological significance of Christ’s suffering and death, and to reflect on the meaning of these events in our 21st century lives.The study is a DVD and discussion based curriculum. Pastor Ringe moderates the discussion with his own special insights. The DVD is a beautiful travelogue as participants travel to the Holy Land with Hamilton to visit the sites where the events of the Passion took place.
The class is open to all adults and meets in the Rugeley Library each Sunday morning at 9:30 a.m. Each lesson stands alone if participants are unable to attend all seven sessions. Series topics are:
The Last Supper
The Garden of Gethsemane
Condemned by the Righteous
Jesus, Barabbas, and Pilate
The Torture and Humiliation of the King
The Crucifixion
Christ the Victor
The Youth Class will also begin their Lenten study on February 19th. Take Up Your Cross and Follow Me, a Lenten series in which participants are invited to explore the meaning and symbolism of the cross will be the basis for the lessons. The class will focus on six crosses of Jesus that have been widely used over the course of church history. Participants will contemplate a different cross each week to learn its meaning in the church and for their own spiritual lives.
An individual art project will be part of each class as students learn and fellowship together.
The Children’s Class will continue their Old Testament survey as they consider the prophets and Isaiah’s prophecy of the suffering servant.
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Hospitality Dinner, February 10th Serving 5:30 to 7 p.m. Welcoming the needy in our church community February menu, Meaty chili, Cornbread, Salad desserts and beverages
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Festival of Faith
Moving Forward, Sealed By the Spirit
March 31, 2012
@First Presbyterian Church, Charleston
9 a.m. - 3:30 p.m.
Keynote:
Reformed, Always Being Reformed
By Cynthia Bolbach,
Moderator of the 219th General Assembly
The Festival of Faith is an opportunity to grow in Christian faith and knowledge, to worship and learn in a variety of ways, to gain insight and skills that may enhance your life and your church’s ministry, and to network and make new friends with fellow Presbyterians across the Presbytery.
Class descriptions and registration forms are available on the table outside the Education Office. Contact Chris with questions or help in registering.
Middle School Youth Retreat
Molded By God, March 2 - 4
Cedar Lakes Conference Center
Keynote: Jay Banasiak
Our God is a creating, imaginative God who shapes us as God’s people.
There will be opportunities to learn from Jay Banasiak in large group settings and to work in small groups with the Youth Council. There will be music, energizers, skits, free time activities, and a Saturday night dance/movie/games option. The weekend will close with Sunday worship.
Registration Deadline is February 15th
Cost is $70
There are information flyers and registration forms on the table outside the Education Office.
Souper Bowl of Caring
February 5th
In 1990 the Souper Bowl of Caring began with a simple prayer from a single Youth group:
“Lord, as we enjoy the Super Bowl football game, help us to be mindful of those without even a bowl of soup to eat.”
Since that day, more than $81 million have been raised for local charities across the country through the Souper Bowl of Caring. It has become a powerful movement that is transforming the time around Super Bowl weekend into the nation’s largest celebration of giving and serving.Through this mission, young people learn what it is like to make a positive difference in the world - as they collect food and offering and volunteer time and effort to local charities that provide food to the hungry.
Be part of this movement that is sharing God’s love with those in need. Please give generously on Super Bowl Sunday. Every dollar collected stays in the local community. The offering from KUPC will be delivered to Manna Meals when the Youth serve on February 11th.
Please support our Youth in their effort to “love our neighbors” by dropping your dollars into the soup pots on February 5th at the close of worship. Experience God’s love in action.
“Whoever is kind to the needy honors God.”
Proverbs 14:31
Ash Wednesday
Wednesday, February 22nd
The Importance of Confession
Ash Wednesday is the first day of Lent. It is the beginning of a season of penitence and confession, observed by the marking of worshipers with ashes.
Ash Wednesday redirects our sights away from ourselves to God who created us, calls us to confess and offers a clean heart to all who call upon God.
Create in us a new heart, O God.
Renew a right spirit within us.
Restore in us the joy of your salvation,
And sustain a right spirit within us. Amen.
6 P.M., Soup Supper
Followed by an experiential opportunity to explore the meaning and purpose of Ash Wednesday. The program is designed to be an intergenerational opportunity for the worshiping community to begin the Lenten Journey together.
7 P.M., Worship and the Imposition of Ashes
Youth Activities - February 2012
Wednesdays, February 1 and 8
NO YOUTH MEETING
Sunday, February 5th
SUPER SOUPER BOWL SUNDAY
Collect the Souper Bowl Offering in soup pots at the doors of the church following worship.
Friday, February 10th
HOSPITALITY DINNER 5:30 to 7 p.m.
Join your church family as we host the less fortunate in our church community. Youth task will be serving desserts.
Saturday, February 11th
COMMUNITY CARING DAY
Gather at the church at 11 a.m. We will prepare “goodies” to deliver to Manna Meals along with the Souper Bowl offering.
Sunday, February 12th
CONFIRMATION CLASS 12:30 - 2:30 p.m.
Bring a Brown Bag Lunch.
Wednesday, February 15th
Celebrate the Mid-Winter Blues
5:45 to 7:15 p.m.
Plan to attend to help the younger children of your church family. Mentoring and serving as a role model is part of your Faith Journey.
Tuesday, February 21st
SHROVE TUESDAY PANCAKE SUPPER 6pm
Join your Church Family for an evening of gluttonous merrymaking prior to the beginning of Lent.
Wednesday, February 22nd
ASH WEDNESDAY
Dinner and Program at 6 p.m.
Worship and Imposition of Ashes at 7 p.m.
Begin the somber, penitent season of Lent with your Church Family.
Friday, February 24 - Saturday, February 25
CHURCH WINTER SLEEP OVER
Join the church family for this annual event.
There will be dancing, bouncing, games, good food and a Mystery Activity.
Wednesday, February 29th
YOUTH MEETING AT THE CHURCH
5:45 to 7:30 p.m.
Friday, March 2 - Sunday, March 4
MIDDLE SCHOOL YOUTH RETREAT
Molded By God
March 2 - 4
Cedar Lakes Conference Center
Keynote: Jay Banasiak
Our God is a creating, imaginative God who shapes us as God’s people.
There will be opportunities to learn from Jay Banasiak in large group settings and to work in small groups with the Youth Council. There will be music, energizers, skits, free time activities, and a Saturday night dance/movie/games option. The weekend will close with Sunday worship.
Registration Deadline is February 15th
Cost is $70