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Issue 2023-09

The AVENUE

SEPTEMBER

Welcome

GOOD NEWS AND WORSHIP UPDATE

Sunday, September 3, 2023 @ 11 am

FIRST SUNDAY IN THE SEASON OF CREATION

Sermon - "The Great Wind"

Scripture - Jonah 1:1-16

Rev. Brandon Davis, Pastor

both in-person and on YouTube or Facebook

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

Ed Snodderly - Elder of the Month of September

SPECIAL NEWS AND INFORMATION

SEASON OF CREATION

Each year from September 1 to October 4, the Christian family unites for this worldwide celebration of prayer and action to protect our common home call the Season of Creation. As followers of Christ from around the globe, we share a common call to care for creation. We are co-creatures and part of all that God has made. Our wellbeing is interwoven with the wellbeing of the Earth. This week, as we embark on this journey, we will look at wind by reading the first chapter in the book of Jonah. Jonah is a fascinating story that goes beyond what Veggie Tales or our favorite Sunday School teacher taught us growing up. It tells the story of the reluctant prophet and the God that continues to reach out to the unexpected.

Yours in Christ,

Brandon

ADULT SUNDAY SCHOOL CLASS

The Adult Sunday School class is winding down its discussion and study of Philip Yancey's book, "Vanishing Grace: what ever happened to the Good News?" The class are in the process of deciding their next book. We will announce it soon so you will be able to purchase your own copy in advance.

The class meets in the Poteat Library at 10 am. If you wish to join the class there is always room for one more.

UPCOMING LECTURE AT THE LANGSTON CENTRE

There will be a lecture on Black People’s Spirituality and the Legacy of Howard Thurman given by Walter Earl Fluker on Sunday, September 17th, at 3 pm at the Langston Centre.

The lecture is being sponsored by Emmanuel Christian Seminary at Milligan. Dr. Fluker currently serves as Dean’s Professor of Spirituality, Ethics and Leadership at the Candler School of Theology at Emory University. He is also a featured consultant, speaker, lecturer, and worship leader at foundations, businesses, corporations, colleges, universities, governmental, and religious institutions, nationally and globally.

UPCOMING CONFERENCES @ MONTREAT IN OCTOBER

Earth & Soul: reawakening to the sacredness of the earth and every human being – October 18-20 at the Montreat Conference Center. This is immediately followed by Thresholds of Hope – a new, experimental weekend retreat focused on the House Gatherings model developed by John Philip Newell which will be from October 20-22.

Please check the Montreat website for more information and deadlines for registration.

NEW T-SHIRT ORDER

Our WAPC Meet the Mountains t-shirt that were created by local artist, Wes Keplinger, are so cool. For those who missed ordering the first time, we are beginning a new list; so let us know if you want one (@ $15 each). There is a new sign-up sheet on the bulletin board or you can message or call the office to have you name added. We will be wearing them again for our Trunk or Treat event in October. So let us know how many you want (and the sizes too).

ETSU / U-KIRK KICKOFF

Presbyterian Campus Ministry

ETSU / U-Kirk started off the academic year with a Kick-off Party on Monday, Aug. 28th at the Campus House. It was a purely social event to meet, eat, and greet one another before the academic and social work load began. The meal was a buffet style offering from Moe’s Southwest, sponsored by WAPC. Klondike bars and Hawaiian fruit drinks were added, per students’ request.

With no set program, people trickled in at various times and relocated to different rooms after eating. However, at one point, I counted at least 35 people, although I was told I may have missed some others. U-Kirk director John Golden said the event was “a wild success” with the largest number of attendees to date. Attending from WAPC were Brandon, Susan, Megan, Web and her friend Linda, Janis, and myself. It was also good to see Craig Turner.

Some students were playing video games on the large screen, while others were doing some kind of project or game in another room. Still others were outside tossing around a lacrosse ball, which gives credence to the question: “If polo is the sport of kings, what is the sport of Christians?” Answer: La Cross.

It is readily apparent that John Golden has done a marvelous job recruiting students and making them feel welcome and happy, while keeping them apprised of the teachings of Christ.

Mike

LUNCH BUNCH / FOOD NEWS

The Lunch Bunch Schedule for SEPTEMBER

September 3 @ Cootie Brown's Campus (1404 W. State of Franklin)

September 10 @ El Charolais (1805 W. State of Franklin)

September 17 @ Tommy Thai (1736 W. State of Franklin)

September 24 - Anniversary Fellowship Potluck Lunch

(potluck sign-up sheet is on the bulletin board)

THERE IS A FALL SCHEDULE OF ALL LUNCH BUNCH LOCATIONS

POSTED ON THE BULLETIN BOARD.

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

HIGHLIGHTS FOR THE MONTH (noted when online)

Friday, September 1, 2023 - Season of Creation begins

WORLD DAY OF PRAYER

Sunday, September 3, 2023 – First Sunday of Season of Creation

10 am Adult Sunday School

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

12:30 pm Lunch Bunch @ Cootie Brown’s Campus (1404 W. State of Franklin)

Monday, September 4, 2023 – Labor Day

Wednesday, September 6, 2023

10 am Green Team meeting in Church Parlor

4 pm Meditation Circle (via Zoom)

5:15 pm Worship Team meeting in Sanctuary

6 pm Chancel Choir rehearsal

Thursday, September 7, 2023

10 am PW Meeting in Fellowship Hall

Sunday, September 10, 2023 - Second Sunday of Season of Creation

10 am Adult Sunday School

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

12:30 pm Lunch Bunch @ El Charolais (1805 W. State of Franklin)

Tuesday, September 12, 2023

6 pm Session meeting in Fellowship Hall

Wednesday, September 13, 2023

4 pm Meditation Circle (via Zoom)

6 pm Chancel Choir rehearsal

Sunday, September 17, 2023 - Third Sunday of Season of Creation

10 am Adult Sunday School

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

12:30 pm Lunch Bunch @ Tommy Thai (1736 W. State of Franklin)

3 pm Lecture on Black Spiritually @ Langston Center

Wednesday, September 20, 2023

4 pm Meditation Circle (via Zoom)

6 pm Chancel Choir rehearsal

Sunday, September 24, 2023 - Fourth Sunday of Season of Creation

10 am Adult Sunday School

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

12:15 pm Fellowship Potluck Lunch

Wednesday, September 27, 2023 - 131st Anniversary of WAPC

4 pm Meditation Circle (via Zoom)

6 pm Chancel Choir rehearsal

Sunday, October 1, 2023 - Fifth Sunday of Creation

10 am Adult Sunday School

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

12:30 pm Lunch Bunch @ Mad Greek (2010 Franklin Terrace, North JC)

4 pm Blessing of the Animals @ Covenant Presbyterian Church

Wednesday, October 4, 2023 - Season of Creation Ends

Feast Day of St. Francis of Assisi

4 pm Meditation Circle (via Zoom)

6 pm Chancel Choir rehearsal

Visit our calendar

“But let justice roll down like waters, and righteousness

like an everflowing stream." -- Amos 5:24

SESSION NOTES

September Elder of the Month - Ed Snodderly

Next Session meeting - Tuesday, September 10 @ 6 pm

FINANCIAL UPDATE

[2023 Annual Budget - $ 177,600

Budget through August 31, Week #35 ($119,539)

Receipts $ 123,617.89

Disbursements -$ 108,863.89

Balance $ 14,754.00

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.

Please remember the 5 Cents per Meal Offering this week

and every first Sunday of the Month. The next special PC(USA) offering will

be in September for the Peace & Global Witness offering.

HOLSTON PRESBYTERY NEWS

Holston Presbytery meetings 2023

Most meetings begin at 10 am; Camp meeting begins a 1 pm.

Tuesday, November 7, 2023 @ First Presbyterian Church, Jefferson City, TN

Rev. Diana Moore, Transitional Stated Clerk

Rev. Karen Russell, Transitional Executive Presbyter

vacant, Transitional Treasurer/ Financial Manager

info@holstonpresbytery.org

423-247-6178

SEPTEMBER BIRTHDAYS

September 1 - Elizabeth Caponero

September 4 - Lewis Songer

September 9 - Wilsie Bishop & Nancy Fennell

September 14 - Michelle Browning

September 16 - Jean Darling

September 21 - Alynda Worrell-Welch

September 23 - Rev. Ron Bowie

SEPTEMBER ANNIVERSARIES

September 4 - Camilla & Hunter Lyle (47th)

September 15 - Sharon & Jim Amstutz (33rd)

The Chancel flowers were given in loving memory of Macie Foster Poteat

(30 August 1908 - 06 January 2003),

by Bill & Gail Poteat.

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

Request Chancel Flowers

THOUGHTS & PRAYERS

For Friends and Loved Ones

Karen Clark's sister, Bonnie Hanna; Marty Shanks; Sue Sheffield; Messina Lyle; Rev. Diana Moore; Theresa Lura; Sue Shanks' friend, Gladys Wiggins; Camilla Lyle's brother, Jeff McFee; Sue Sheffield's sister-in-law, Pauline Frye; Marty Shanks' sister, Judy Hall; Jonathan Sharp; Michelle Browning's brother, Patrick; Don Loughry; George, Jo & Nikki Rolling; Rev. Maggie Lauterer; Sarah Suptin; Kelly Hodges.; Heather Hughes; Edna Campbell.

Prayers for others

Continue to pray for the people in Ukraine as they continue their fight against the Russian Invasion. For the people Sudan as they are caught between an armed conflict between rival factions of the military government of Sudan and continues to be an ongoing humanitarian crisis, as well as the crisis in the Democratic Republic of the Congo. Prayers of the victims and families of those lost in the Maui wildfires in Lahaina; and the latest victims of Atlantic hurricanes Franklin and Idalia. Prayers for U.S. troops and migrants seeking refuge along the southern U.S. border. And especially prayers for our nation and for strength, endurance, faith and courage for all.

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

GLOBAL DISASTER ALERT & COORDINATION SYSTEM (GDACS) - https://gdacs.org

Submit Prayer Requests

A Blast from the Past

Who is this happy couple ??

NOTEWORTHY GREEN SPACE NEWS

At the August U. S. Open, 100,000 new tennis balls will be used. Those balls will be passed on and used by other players but will eventually be trashed—the fate of roughly 125 million balls in the United States every year. Discarding those millions is only part of the environmental toll of the felt-covered, rubber-cored objects. Rubber harvested naturally contributes to deforestation, but the creation of synthetic rubber can worsen industrial pollution. And that's even before the balls get to landfills where they release carbon dioxide as they degrade over decades.

Fortunately, Earth-friendly organizations are pioneering more sustainable options. Since 2009 the French Tennis Federation has been collecting used tennis balls and sending then to facilities that remove their exterior and use the rubber for tennis courts. In the U. S. the Vermont-based RecycleBalls partners with gyms, athletic clubs, and players to repurpose the rubber for turf. People in the U. S. with at least 100 old tennis balls can ship them to RecycleBalls and receive a receipt for their tax-deductible donation. (GSN#163)

VIRTUAL CREATION ACTIVITY OF THE WEEK

DEADVLEI & NAMIB-NAUKLUFT NATIONAL PARK, NAMIBIA

Amazing Places on our Planet (July 2017 | 7:14 min)

Aerial views from the Namib-Naukluft National Park, Namib Desert, Namibia, and views from walking around some of its most popular areas: Dune 45, Sossusvlei, Deadvlei. The skeletons of the trees in Deadvlei are believed to have died 600–700 years ago, the area is dream location for the photographers around the world.

Part of the Namib-Naukluft National Park - Namib Sand Sea, has been declared UNESCO World Heritage Site.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7SUlLOvBrck

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.

God, a Biography

By Jack Miles

(231/MIL)

WINNER OF THE PULITZER PRIZE

What sort of "person" is God? What is his "life story"? Is it possible to approach him not as an object of religious reverence, but as the protagonist of the world's greatest book—as a character who possesses all the depths, contradictions, and abiguities of a Hamlet?

This is the task that Jack Miles—a former Jesuit trained in religious studies and Near Eastern languages—accomplishes with such brilliance and originality in God: A Biography.

Using the Hebrew Bible as his text, Miles shows us a God who evolves through his relationship with man, the image who in time becomes his rival. Here is the Creator who nearly destroys his chief creation; the bloodthirsty warrior and the protector of the downtrodden; the lawless law-giver; the scourge and the penitent.

Profoundly learned, stylishly written, the resulting work illuminates God and man alike and returns us to the Bible with a sense of discovery and wonder.

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.

e-Avenue deadline - Please submit information to church office ( office@wataugapc.org or 926-7942) for the October 2023 issue of the e-AVENUE no later than September 15th. 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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