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Issue 2023-02

The AVENUE

FEBRUARY

Welcome

GOOD NEWS AND WORSHIP UPDATE

Sunday, January 29 @ 11 am

Sermon - "If You Had Only Been Here" | Scripture - John 11:1-44

Rev. Brandon Davis, Pastor

both in-person and on YouTube or Facebook

WAPC Channel - https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCgI_BKUlZH70GzG90xIQ1xA

Please note: Our Annual Congregational Business Meeting

and Souper Lunch will follow morning worship. Please be here.

SPECIAL NEWS AND INFORMATION

WELCOMING THE NEW YEAR

In John 11, Jesus has learned that one of his good friends, Lazarus, was deathly ill. Later word arrives to Jesus and his disciples that Lazarus has died. This was the time at which Jesus made the journey to see his sisters, Mary and Martha. Even in the depths of death and stench, Jesus calls Lazarus to come out. This is yet another example in the Gospel of John that shows that when people come into contact with the divine, their lives are transformed. The one that laid dead in the tomb for four days is now called out and offered new life. Our hope in continuing this Jesus story from John is that we would become unbound from our fears and doubts. That we would live within and experience the power of love and mercy of Christ Jesus.

Yours in Christ,

Brandon

ADULT SUNDAY SCHOOL CLASS

UPCOMING READ

The next book scheduled to be read by the Adult Sunday School class beginning on Sunday, January 8th @ 10 am will be Adam Nicolson's book, "God's Secretaries: The Making of the King James Bible."

If you wish to join the class there is always room for one more. There are hardback, paperback and Kindle versions available through a variety of sources online.

PW 5th TUESDAY - PERSONAL HYGIENE BAGS

Just a friendly reminder and plenty of notice that there will be four PW 5th Tuesday Work Days coming up in 2023 (January 31, May 30, August 29, and October 31). It will be time to make more Hygiene bags during the coming year. So bring your (travel sized) items to fill those bags, including: shampoo, conditioner, combs (for men), hairbrushes (for women) small tissues, lotion, emery boards, toothpaste, toothbrush (and cover), Chapstick, face cloth, deodorant, soap and handwipes. Also remember to bring in those magazines, notepads, greeting cards, and calendars. The items you bring should be placed in the Mission Team room just off the Heritage Room.

LUNCH BUNCH / FOOD NEWS

January 29 @ Annual Congregational Business Meeting & Souper Lunch

IF ANYONE HAS SUGGESTIONS FOR OTHER DINING VENUES, PLEASE CONTACT THE OFFICE TO ADD THEM TO OUR LUNCH ROTATION. THANKS.

The Lunch Bunch / Meal Schedule for February

February 5 @ Bella Vita's (2927 North Roan, JC)

February 12 @ Bayou Boys (1805 North Roan, JC - next to Cafe Lola)

February 19 @ El Charolais (1805 West State of Franklin - Kroger Plaza South)

February 26 @ Saint Patrick's Fellowship Potluck Lunch (Irish dishes welcomed)

TUSCULUM THEOLOGIAN-IN-RESIDENCE 2023

For over 30 years Tusculum has sponsored the Theologian-in-Residence Series. The theme for this year's lecture series is "The Satan and the Forces of Evil" led by Dr. Ryan Stokes, director of graduate theological studies and associate professor of Biblical Studies at Carson-Newman University. They will be held in person and via Zoom.

The series will consist of four lectures on Fridays in February beginning at 10 am:

February 3 - "The Origin of Satan: the Satan in the Old Testament"

February 10 - "Fallen Angels, Evil Spirits and Demons"

February 17 - "The Satan in the Dead Sea Scrolls and Other Early Jewish Writings"

February 24 - "Satan in the New Testament'

It is necessary to register in advance so they have an accurate headcount for seating, and more importantly for each of the lunches. If you plan to join by Zoom, please be sure to provide your email address. Please contact Kim Kidwell, Associate Vice President of Institutional Advancement at 423-636-0525 or 423-636-7303 x5788 (office) or 423-525-7745 (cell). Or you may send an email to kkidwell@tusculum.edu.

UPCOMING EVENT - THERE IS HOPE

THERE IS HOPE with Special Guest Speaker, Tim Tebow and Pre-Event TEEN TRUTH with Special Guest Caleb Campbell will be at Freedom Hall on Saturday, April 15, 2023 @ 6:30 pm. This event is designed to give our student body HOPE and reassure them that they are not alone through this season of life. Beginning at 5:00 pm, there will be games, door prizes, music and fun prior to the main event starting. The main event starts at 6:30 pm and will include music and words of encouragement by guest speaker Tim Tebow. After the main event, there will be a team available with information and resources.

PLEASE NOTE: From January 6th through February 28th, all student tickets (up to age 20) will be $10 each and all Adult tickets (age 21 and older) will be $20 each. Beginning March 1st, all student tickets (up to age 20) will be $20 each and all Adult tickets (age 21 and older) will be $30 each.

You can order tickets online at - https://event.etix.com/ticket/p/4112373/there-is-hope-tim-tebow-with-special-guest-caleb-campbell-johnson-city-freedom-hall-civic-center

HIGHLIGHTS FOR THE MONTH (noted when online)

Thursday, January 24, 2023

3 pm Green Team (via Zoom)

Sunday, January 29, 2023

10 am Adult Sunday School - reading "God's Secretaries" by Adam Nicolson

11 am Morning Worship, Rev. Brandon Davis, Pastor (in-person YouTube / Facebook)

12:15 pm Congregational Business Meeting and Souper Lunch

Tuesday, January 31, 2023

10 am PW 5th Tuesday Work Day

Wednesday, February 1, 2023

4 pm Medication Circle (via Zoom)

6 pm Chancel Choir rehearsal

Thursday, February 2, 2023

10 am PW Circle @ the home of Bea Ellis

Friday, February 3, 2023

10 am Tusculum Theologian-in-Residence series (in person & visa Zoom)(see note below)

Saturday, February 4, 2023

9 am Holston Presbytery Meeting @ Tusculum University, Greeneville

Sunday, February 5, 2023

10 am Adult Sunday School - reading "God's Secretaries" by Adam Nicolson

11 am Morning Worship / Communion, Rev. Brandon Davis, Pastor (in-person YouTube / Facebook)

12:30 pm Lunch Bunch @ Bella Vita's

Wednesday, February 8, 2023

4 pm Medication Circle (via Zoom)

6 pm Chancel Choir rehearsal

Friday, February 10, 2023

10 am Tusculum Theologian-in-Residence series (in person & visa Zoom)(see note below)

Sunday, February 12, 2023

10 am Adult Sunday School - reading "God's Secretaries" by Adam Nicolson

11 am Morning Worship, Rev. Brandon Davis, Pastor (in-person YouTube / Facebook)

12:30 pm Lunch Bunch @ Bayou Boys

Wednesday, February 15, 2023

4 pm Medication Circle (via Zoom)

6 pm Chancel Choir rehearsal

Friday, February 17, 2023

10 am Tusculum Theologian-in-Residence series (in person & visa Zoom)(see note below)

Sunday, February 19 2023

10 am Adult Sunday School - reading "God's Secretaries" by Adam Nicolson

11 am Morning Worship, Rev. Brandon Davis, Pastor (in-person YouTube / Facebook)

12:30 pm Lunch Bunch @ El Charolais

Tuesday, February 21, 2023

7 pm Session Meeting (please note the change in date)

Wednesday, February 22, 2023 - Ash Wednesday

12 noon Ash Wednesday Service @ Covenant Presbyterian Church

4 pm Medication Circle (via Zoom)

6 pm Ash Wednesday Service @ WAPC

7 pm Chancel Choir rehearsal

Friday, February 24, 2023

10 am Tusculum Theologian-in-Residence series (in person & visa Zoom)(see note below)

Sunday, February 26 , 2023 - First Sunday in Lent

10 am Adult Sunday School - reading "God's Secretaries" by Adam Nicolson

11 am Morning Worship, Rev. Brandon Davis, Pastor (in-person YouTube / Facebook)

12:15 Fellowship Potluck Lunch (St Patrick's Day theme)

Visit our calendar

The people walking in darkness have seen a great light; on those living in the land of deep darkness a light has dawned.. ~ Isaiah 9:2

SESSION NOTES

February Elder of the Month - Wilsie Bishop

Next Session meeting - Tuesday, February 21 @ 7 pm

FINANCIAL UPDATE

[2023 Annual Budget - $ 177,600

Budget through January 27th, Week #4 ($13,662)

Receipts $ 23,673.71

Disbursements -$ 9,929.40

Balance $ 13,744.31

Thanks to everyone for your continued support the church with your tithes and offerings during this extraordinary time. You are encouraged to mail your pledge to us or to drop it by the church office during regular business hours. Thanks.

HOLSTON PRESBYTERY NEWS

Holston Presbytery meetings 2023

All meetings begin at 9 am.

Saturday, February 4, 2023 @ Tusculum University

Tuesday, May 2, 2023 @ Holston Presbytery Camp

Saturday, August 5, 2023 @ First Presbyterian, Morristown

Tuesday, November 7, 2023 @ TBD

Rev. Diana Moore, Transitional Stated Clerk

Rev. Karen Russell, Transitional Executive Presbyter

Stephanie Ratcliffe, Transitional Treasurer/ Financial Manager

info@holstonpresbytery.org

423-247-6178

FEBRUARY BIRTHDAYS

February 1 - Rev Pat Locke

February 2 - Caitlin Bailey Smith

February 3 - Bob Danks

February 6 - Sue Ellen Sheffield

February 9 - Alice Burrell

February 10 - Virginia Farr

February 11 - Sue Shanks

February 20 - Phil Brandt & Stephen Patrick

February 24 - Jenny Darling

The Chancel flowers

were given in honor

of the spirit of the Ukrainian people.

THE 2023 FLOWER LIST IS AVAILABLE ON THE BULLETIN BOARD IN THE SIDE ENTRY

Request Chancel Flowers

PRAYER PARTNER PROGRAM

There has been some interest in reviving the Prayer Partner Program with some modification to fit our current needs. Please think about this. More details to follow. Letters and forms will be distributed within the next several weeks. We hope that many of you will sign up.

THOUGHTS & PRAYERS

For Friends

Fred Burrell; Janice Hollingshead (severe burns); Ginger Helm's brother, Larry Ray Davis (pancreatic cancer); Don Loughry; George, Jo & Nikki Rolling; Rev. Maggie Lauterer; Stephen Patrick's cousin, Linda Strock, diagnosed with stage4 inoperable esophageal cancer (squamous cell); Sally Gerhardt's son, Fritz, scheduled to have a stem cell transplant on January 16th; Nathan Songer; Sue Sheffield's nephews, Jeremiah Collins and Tanner Frye; Sue Shank's friends, Judy Klein, Mary Murphy and Rev. Dodie Rossell; Sarah Suptin; church neighbor, Dorothy Harvey; Kelly Hodges.; Edna Campbell.

PLEASE NOTE: several have called to ask, but you can read updates to Janice Hollingshead's condition and progress on her daughter's Facebook page - Melinda Honeycutt.

Prayers for Others

Special prayers for the people of the Ukraine in light of the military invasion by Russia and the ongoing humanitarian crisis there; for our military members who serve our country here and abroad, as well continued prayers for our fragile planet during this time of extreme weather conditions, and for those who have suffered loss throughout the U.S. including various storms and weather phenomena including earthquakes, flooding and landslides in California, and severe tornados in Alabama & Georgia; and the various complex humanitarian disasters worldwide for 2023 include: Somalia (hunger); Ethiopia (drought); Afghanistan (economic); Democratic Republic of Congo (armed conflict); Yemen (economic and hunger); Syria (health crisis); South Sudan (food); Burkina Faso (armed conflict); Haiti (gang violence and hunger); Ukraine (displacement) And especially prayers for our nation and for strength, endurance, faith and courage for all.

Special Prayers for the Women of Afghanistan

Currently, Afghanistan ranks 170th out of 170 countries for women’s inclusion, justice and security. Contributing to the crisis are chilling announcements from the Taliban banning women from attending university and working for NGOs like the International Rescue Committee. The latter decision forced the IRC and other NGOs to suspend services, because they cannot deliver services without female staff.

CENTER FOR DISASTER PHILANTHROPY - https://disasterphilanthropy.org/

UN OFFICE FOR THE COORDINATION OF HUMANITARIAN AFFAIRS (OCHA) - https://reliefweb.int/

INTERNATIONAL RESCUE COMMITTEE - https://rescue.org

US FEMA - DECLARED DISASTERS - https://www.fema.gov/disaster/declarations

Submit Prayer Requests

A Blast from the Past

Here is Hugh Broome preparing to ring our bell

to call us to worship each week.

NOTEWORTHY GREEN SPACE NEWS

The Inflation Reduction Act of 2022, signed into law in August, includes a roughly $370 billion investment in clean energy and climate programs over the next 10 years and signals a turning point in national efforts to address the climate crisis. The historic legislation introduces a host of climate solutions and mitigation strategies that will boost conservation efforts, including tax incentives for low-carbon technologies and funding for carbon capture. It also encourages natural climate solutions like replanting forests and recovery plans for endangered species. It provides investments in environmental justice for disadvantaged communities and sets aside billions of dollars in grants to conserve and restore coastal habitats.

The upshot will be an estimated reduction in U. S. greenhouse gas emissions of around 40% below 2005 levels by 2030. Although hurdles remain, the legislation puts the country on the right track to achieve net zero emissions by mid-century. (GSN#133)

VIRTUAL CREATION ACTIVITY OF THE WEEK

THE DOLOMITES - A TIMELAPSE FILM

Francesco Dall'Obro (September 2022 | 3:57 min.)

Proud peaks, steep cliffs and pale giants, all presenting themselves in mystical red colours in the evening light ... The unique rock formations of the Dolomites, magical alpine landscapes and the diverse valleys of this region, have captivated people throughout the ages.

The extraordinary beauty of the Dolomite landscape and its geological and geomorphological significance have led to the pale mountains - as the Dolomites are also known - being included in the UNESCO World Heritage List and declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site on 26th June 2009. The Dolomites, with their well-known peaks such as the Three Peaks, Rosengarten and Schlern, have therefore achieved the highest award in the world for a natural site.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PoYli2wDa_E

IN THE POTEAT LIBRARY

LOOKING FOR SOMETHING DIFFERENT,

CHECK OUT THE POTEAT LIBRARY

NOTE: Please remember that you are welcome to drop by the church library if you are looking for something new to read. We ask that you to sign out any books on the register sheet found on the file cabinet in the corner with the call #, book title, your name and date checked out. The white book cart inside the library has new titles. There is also an orange book cart in the Heritage Room that has books free for the taking. Come and browse.

Opening Up the Bible

By Mary Batchelor

(220.6/BAT)

Suitable for readers familiar with the Bible and those who are coming to it fresh, this book explores what the Bible has to say, why it has such an important place in Western culture and how its abiding message speaks to readers today. The book provides an overview of 2000 years of history and a succession of cultures, introducing readers to the many kinds of writing brought together in the Bible's pages - history, law, poetry, wisdom, narrative, prophecy and biography.

It acts as a "guided tour" through each Bible, with brief summaries, highlights, important issues, key quotations and excerpts and essential information about historical context. Unlike "The Lion Handbook to the Bible", this book does not require a Bible alongside, or any commitment other than interest on the part of the reader. It is designed as an appetizer, to lead the reader on to read the Bible itself.

Mary Batchelor is the author of "The Children's Bible in 365 Stories" and "The Story of Jesus".

REMINDERS

Congregational Concerns / Prayer Requests - Please contact the church office or Sherry Bailey.

Flower List - Sign up to sponsor flowers for our weekly worship services in honor or in memory of loved ones. Arrangements are $65 each.

Liturgists - On Hiatus - We are always looking for new people to be liturgists. Please contact the church office, if you would like to volunteer.

e-Avenue deadline - Please submit information to church office ( office@wataugapc.org or 926-7942) for the March 2023 issue of the e-AVENUE no later than February15th. This includes team and committee reports, news, planned events and other newsworthy items.

Facebook - Please remember to friend and follow our Watauga Avenue Presbyterian Church Facebook page [https://www.facebook.com/Watauga-Avenue-Presbyterian-Church-94712920937/ ]. All news and events will be reported there.

Photos needed - We welcome contributions to our Facebook page via your comments and photos of church events and activities. Please also submit your photos to the church office for archiving. It will be wonderful to have a visual record of all of the positive things that Watauga Avenue Presbyterian Church does for our community.

Visit our website

Established 27 September 1892, Watauga Avenue Presbyterian Church is a congregation of the Church of Jesus Christ. Reformed in theology and Presbyterian by way of organization, it is related to Holston Presbytery, the Synod of Living Waters, and to the General Assembly of the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.)

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