GOOD NEWS AND WORSHIP UPDATE | |
Sunday, April 30, 2023 @ 11 am
Sermon - "Where You Go, I Will Go" | Scripture - Ruth - chapter 1
Rev. Brandon Davis, Pastor
both in-person and on YouTube or Facebook
WAPC Channel - https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCgI_BKUlZH70GzG90xIQ1xA
Dick Lura - Elder of the Month of May
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SPECIAL NEWS AND INFORMATION | |
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This week we start a new journey. We begin the story of two women traveling with their mother-in-law. However, unlike many of the stories in the Bible, this short book that contains only four chapters, does not begin in Israel but in Moab. We hear the famous words in the first chapter that Ruth speaks to Naomi, of “Where you go I will go, where you lodge I will lodge. Your people shall be my people and your God my God.” Together they journey back to Naomi’s former home in Bethlehem. So come and join us as we embark on this story together looking at the lovingkindness of God given to these women.
Yours in Christ,
Brandon
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ADULT SUNDAY SCHOOL CLASS
The Adult Sunday School class has selected Philip Yancey's book, "Vanishing Grace: what ever happened to the Good News?" as their next title, which they begin reading and discussing on Sunday, April 30th. You should have plenty of time to secure your personal copy and join them in class. Good used copies can be found on Amazon, as well as BetterWorldBooks.com.
The class meets in the Poteat Library at 10 am. If you wish to join the class there is always room for one more.
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SAVE THE DATE – MAY 6TH
There will be a wedding shower for Alynda Worrell in the Fellowship Hall on Saturday, May 6th, beginning at 2 pm. There is a sign-up sheet on the bulletin board in the side entry. Susan Turner is coordinating the event and the planning group needs to know how many are planning to attend.
The wedding of Alynda and Alec Welch will be on Saturday, June 17th in Hillsville, Virginia. Everyone is invited. Go to their website for more info: https://www.theknot.com/us/alynda-worrell-and-alec-welch-jun-2023
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UPCOMING WALK @ Jacobs Nature Park - May 7th
Johnson City’s 28-acre Jacob’s Nature Park at Sinking Creek was dedicated in 2016 to Jacob Francisco who passed away in 2004 from an E. coli infection contracted from an unknown source. The park is open to the public and offers several hiking trails, a living roof pavilion, a wetland area and an abundance of wildlife including fish, frogs, salamanders and many species of birds. In 2018, the National Wildlife Federation recognized Jacob’s Nature Park as a certified wildlife habitat. Within the park boundaries is also a native tree arboretum. Learn more about the park at jacobfrancisco.com. Meet in the parking area at 1220 King Springs Road about 2 pm.
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6th ANNUAL PLANT DISTRIBUTION PROJECT - Saturday, May 13th
Everything is being prepared for us to do our annual plant distribution of tomatoes, peppers and marigolds, along with soil, to participating residents of the Johnson City Housing Authority. This is our sixth year working with both Evergreen Nurseries and the JCHA to bring a personal touch to the residents. There should be many requests with the delivery to approximately 125 households as we have done in past years. If there is no rain we will bag dirt from 8:30 - 10:00 am and begin delivering plants at 10 am. If it is to rain the dirt will be bagged prior to Saturday and delivery will begin at 10 am. Helpers should meet in the church parking lot to pick up their plants and supplies and get their route assignment. We rejoice that this ministry is so well received and appreciated. Please contact Debi Hughes or the church office if you would like to assist. Thanks.
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PW 5th TUESDAY WORK DAY – MAY 30TH
Just a reminder that there will be a PW 5th Tuesday Work Day on Tuesday, May 30th. The group is looking for donations of magazines, greeting cards, notepads, calendars, etc and any other freebies from the mail. Please bring your items to worship or to the church office during the week. Items will be sorted and distributed to the Downtown Day Center, Haven of Mercy, and Safe House. Thanks for your contributions.
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The Lunch Bunch / Meal Schedule for APRIL / MAY
April 30 @ Fellowship Potluck Lunch (Cinco de Mayo theme)
May 7 @ White Duck Taco (126 Buffalo Street, Downtown JC)
May 14 @ Rainbow Asian Cuisine (2412 N. Roan Street, JC)
May 21 @ Carrabba's (175 Marketplace Blvd., JC)
May 28 @ Fellowship Potluck Lunch
IF ANYONE HAS SUGGESTIONS FOR OTHER DINING VENUES, PLEASE CONTACT THE OFFICE TO ADD THEM TO OUR LUNCH ROTATION. THANKS.
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CAMPUS MINISTRY / U-KIRK NEWS
The Campus Ministry held some End-of-Year events to celebrate the conclusion of the academic year.
On Friday, Apr. 21st, they met downtown for a pottery painting session called “Into the Fire” to stimulate people’s creative juices and promote camaraderie (see photos). The event was sponsored by WAPC.
On Monday, Apr. 24th, they held one last get-together before preparing for final exams and, in some cases, graduation. The food consisted of a variety of Main Street Pizza Co. products, tropical drinks, and Klondike bars. The total headcount was 21, which included 16 students, 4 WAPC representatives, and director, John Golden (see photos). About half of the students were familiar faces, and half were newbies. Several of the old faces could not make it, presumably due to academic obligations.
Candidates for next year’s offices gave brief presentations about themselves. This was followed by an open mic session during which 4 students gave heartfelt testimonies of how U-Kirk was an unexpected blessing of acceptance, love, and friendship at a time they felt rejected by others. It was another example of John’s work at the house and the mission of the campus ministry to follow in Jesus’ footsteps.
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HIGHLIGHTS FOR THE MONTH (noted when online)
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Sunday, April 30, 2023
10 am Adult Sunday School - reading "Vanishing Grace" by Philip Yancey
11 am Morning Worship, Rev. Brandon Davis, Pastor (in-person YouTube / Facebook)
12:15 pm Fellowship Potluck Lunch - Cinco de Mayo theme
Tuesday, May 2, 2023
10:30 am Registration at Holston Camp followed by a hike
11:30 am Lunch at Holston Camp
1 pm Holston Presbytery Meeting @ Holston Camp, Banner Elk NC
Wednesday, May 3, 2023
4 pm Meditation Circle (via Zoom)
6 pm Chancel Choir rehearsal
Thursday, May 4, 2023
10 am PW meeting @ WAPC Fellowship Hall
Saturday, May 6, 2023
2 pm Wedding Shower for Alynda Worrell in Fellowship Hall (sign-up sheet on bulletin board)
Sunday, May 7, 2023
10 am Adult Sunday School - reading "Vanishing Grace" by Philip Yancey
11 am Morning Worship / Communion, Rev. Brandon Davis, Pastor (in-person YouTube / Facebook)
12:30 pm Lunch Bunch @ White Duck Taco (126 Buffalo Street, Downtown JC)
2 pm Green Walk at Jacob’s Nature Park (1220 King Springs Road)
Tuesday, May 9, 2023
7 pm Session Meeting in Fellowship Hall
Wednesday, May 10, 2023
4 pm Meditation Circle (via Zoom)
NO Chancel Choir rehearsal
Saturday, May 13, 2023
8:30 - 10 am Bagging dirt in the church parking lot (weather permitting)
10 am Distribution of plants will begin
Sunday, May 14, 2023 - MOTHER'S DAY
10 am Adult Sunday School - reading "Vanishing Grace" by Philip Yancey
11 am Morning Worship / Communion, Rev. Brandon Davis, Pastor (in-person YouTube / Facebook)
12:30 pm Lunch Bunch @ Rainbow Asian Cuisine (2412 N. Roan Street, JC)
Wednesday, May 17, 2023
4 pm Meditation Circle (via Zoom)
6 pm Chancel Choir rehearsal
Sunday, May 21, 2023
10 am Adult Sunday School - reading "Vanishing Grace" by Philip Yancey
11 am Morning Worship, Rev. Brandon Davis, Pastor (in-person YouTube / Facebook)
12:30 pm Lunch Bunch @ Carrabba's (175 Marketplace Blvd., JC)
Wednesday, May 24, 2023
2 pm Green Team meeting (church parlor)
4 pm Meditation Circle (via Zoom)
6 pm Chancel Choir rehearsal
Sunday, May 28, 2023 - PENTECOST
10 am Adult Sunday School - reading "Vanishing Grace" by Philip Yancey
11 am Morning Worship, Rev. Brandon Davis, Pastor (in-person YouTube / Facebook)
12:15 pm Fellowship Potluck Lunch (sign-up sheet on bulletin board)
Tuesday, May 30, 2023
10 am PW 5th Tuesday Work Day
Wednesday, May 31, 2023
4 pm Meditation Circle (via Zoom)
6 pm Chancel Choir rehearsal
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“Where you go, I will go; where you lodge, I will lodge; your people shall be my people, and your God my God". - Ruth 1:16-17 | |
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May Elder of the Month - Dick Lura
Next Session meeting - Tuesday, May 9 @ 7 pm
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[2023 Annual Budget - $ 177,600
Budget through April 28, Week #17 ($58,062)
Receipts $ 84,745.49
Disbursements -$ 55,937.82
Balance $ 28,807.67
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.
We will be receiving the PENTECOST special offering
on SUNDAY, MAY 28TH
The Pentecost Offering unites us in a church-wide effort to support young people (children at risk / youth / young adults) in Christ and inspire them to share their faith, ideas, and unique gifts with the church and the world. Please give generously!
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Holston Presbytery meetings 2023
Most meetings begin at 9 am; Camp meeting begins a 1 pm.
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
vacant, Transitional Treasurer/ Financial Manager
info@holstonpresbytery.org
423-247-6178
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MAY BIRTHDAYS
May 1 - Stephen Shanks
May 6 - Sally Gerhardt
May 10 - Barbara Bishop Bowie
May 17 - Sally Lagle Morris
May 18 - Jo Rolling & Megan Turner
May 21 - Terry Beckman
May 26 - Marcia Songer & May Votaw
MAY ANNIVERSARIES
May 2 - Daniel & Caitlin Bailey Smth
May 16 - Brian Bonfardin & Virginia Farr
May 21 - Matthew & Karen Clark
THE 2023 FLOWER LIST IS AVAILABLE ON THE BULLETIN BOARD IN THE SIDE ENTRY
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THOUGHTS & PRAYERS
For Friends and Loved Ones
Sally Gerhardt; Beth Gerhardt's friend Teri Chapa and son, Ormar Torres; Jonathan Sharp; Michelle Browning's step-father, Rick Elm; Fred Burrell; Janice Hollingshead; Don Loughry; George, Jo & Nikki Rolling; Rev. Maggie Lauterer; Sue Shanks' friend Judy Klein; Sarah Suptin; Kelly Hodges.; Edna Campbell.
Prayers for others
Continue to pray for the recent wave of tornadoes across the Southeast U.S.; and the four major ongoing international crises: the Turkey-Syria earthquake; Sao Paulo, Brazil flooding; the Horn of Africa hunger crisis and the Ukrainian Humanitarian Crisis. These emerging crises also need our prayers: the aftermath of tropical cyclone Freddy in Madagascar & Mozambique; flooding in Angola, Guatemala and Venezuela; forest fires in Liberia, Guinea; India; Myanmar; Nepal, Mexico and Nicaragua; earthquakes in Indonesia. Additional prayers for the women of Afghanistan. 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
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Looks like everyone is having fun .... when was this event ? | |
NOTEWORTHY GREEN SPACE NEWS | |
About a third of the planet's roughly 11,000 bird species build elaborate domed nests with roofs that would appear to provide better protection for eggs and hatchlings than open nests. However, according to a recent study by Australian biologists, just the opposite seems to be the case. In an analysis of physiological and geographical data for more than 3,100 songbird species worldwide, the scientists conclude that birds that build simpler, cup-shaped nests may be more adaptable to changing habitat and climatic conditions.
"Our results support the idea that nest types can be important factors in the ecological success of birds," writes lead author Iliana Medina in Ecology Letters. An evolutionary biologist at the University of Melbourne, Medina explains that domed nests require more time and materials to build, and their large size can attract predators. The scientists write that species with open nests "have larger ranges with broader thermal niches and are more likely to colonize urban environments." They also, Medina adds, tend to have lower extinction rates than species that build domed nests. (GSN#146)
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VIRTUAL CREATION ACTIVITY OF THE WEEK | |
PLANET EARTH: AMAZING NATURE SCENERY
ROBERT REVOL (April 2011 | 13:28 min.)
This stunning montage was created by Robert Revol from the 2006 Planet Earth television series produced by the BBC Natural History Unit. These images promote what is considered to be the best documentary about our planet. Kudos to the BBC for the quality and cinematography of this series. If you really like this, it is suggested that you to watch the whole documentary because at the end of each fifty-minute episode, a ten-minute featurette takes a behind-the-scenes look at the challenges of filming the series.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6v2L2UGZJAM
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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. | |
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Saved by Faith and Hospitality
By Joshua W. Jipp
(241.JIP)
Too few Christians today, says Joshua Jipp, understand hospitality to strangers and the marginalized as an essential part of the church's identity. In this book Jipp argues that God's relationship to his people is fundamentally an act of hospitality to strangers, and that divine and human hospitality together are thus at the very heart of Christian faith.
Jipp first provides a thorough interpretation of the major biblical texts related to the practice of hospitality to strangers, considering especially how these texts portray Christ as the divine host who extends God's welcome to all people. Jipp then invites readers to consider how God's hospitality sets the pattern for human hospitality, offering suggestions on how the practice of welcoming strangers can guide the church in its engagement with current social challenges—immigration, incarceration, racism, and more.
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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 June 2023 issue of the e-AVENUE no later than May 19th. 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.
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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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