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GOOD NEWS AND WORSHIP UPDATE
EPIPHANY SUNDAY / COMMUNION
MORNING WORSHIP
Sunday, January 4, 2024 @ 11 am
"Guiding and Fleeing"
Scripture reading: Matthew 2:1-15
Rev. Brandon Davis, Pastor
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both in-person and on Facebook or YouTube (click here)
Comments: We have set our YouTube channel to accept comments. If you are viewing, we ask that you say hello or to let us know you are there so we can count you as part of our attendance.
ELDER OF THE MONTH FOR JANUARY - Karen Clark
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SPECIAL NEWS AND INFORMATION | |
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SERMON NOTES
An excerpt from the Companion to the Book of Common Worship describes Epiphany this way: “The word ‘epiphany’ means ‘appearance’ or ‘manifestation’ of God, and has roots in the word for sunrise or dawn. In ancient times, an epiphany meant either a visible manifestation of a god or the solemn visit of a ruler venerated as a god. For Christians, Christmas marks the coming of God to us; Epiphany celebrates the appearance of the Lord in the midst of humanity. The Christmas stories of the birth of Immanuel declare the divine entry; Epiphany extols the revelation of God to the world in the person of Jesus of Nazareth. Epiphany not only discloses the Savior to the world but also calls the world to show forth Christ, to be witnesses to God’s true Light.” So join us this week as we continue to celebrate, remember, and share that light that has come into the world.
May God Bless
Brandon
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UPCOMING CONGREGATIONAL MEETING
Sunday, January 7th has been set for a Congregational Meeting to hear the report of the Nominating Committee for the election of Elders for the Class of 2026 and 2 new for the Nominating Committee for 2024 / 2025. The installation of new Elders will be on the following Sunday, January 14th.
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UPCOMING ANNUAL REPORTS ARE NOW DUE
Please note that members in charge or committees, teams, and groups should start preparing their 2023 annual reports. We would like to have all narrative reports submitted to the church office by Friday, January 12th, so there will be time to edit and compile the information for our Annual Congregational Business Meeting on January 29th, 2024.
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MISSION COLLECTION REQUESTS
We are still collecting warm clothing items for Jeff Douds of West Main Street Christian Church to have available for distributing them various homeless persons in need. Used jackets, coats, sweaters, gloves, scarves, and other clothing items are appreciated. Also being requested are warm blankets to supplement the other items.
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2024 THEOLOGIAN-IN-RESIDENCE
Please mark your calendars for Tusculum University's 2024 Theologian-in-Residence lecture series. Note that it will take place in January this coming year on three successive Friday mornings beginning at 10 am. The series will take place in person and on ZOOM on Fridays: January 12, 19, and 26. The theme will be “Religion in Appalachia: Faith in the Mountains in the Past, Present, and Future.” The guest speaker will be Emily Morrell. Please mark your calendars for this annual event.
You can still register online at: site.tusculum.edu/theologian-in-residence-registration/
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FOOD, FOOD AND MORE FOOD
Upcoming Lunch Bunch:
January 7 - Red Meze
January 14 - Southern Craft BBQ
January 21 - Rainbow Asian Cuisine
January 28 - Souper Sunday Fellowship Lunch
THERE IS A WINTER SCHEDULE (December-January-February) 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.
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HIGHLIGHTS FOR THE COMING WEEK | |
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Thursday, January 4, 2024
10 am PW meeting at the home of Bea Ellis
Friday, January 5, 2024
10 am Green Team (in the Parlor)
Sunday, January 7, 2024 - Epiphany Sunday
10 am Adult Sunday School reading "Born of a Woman," by John Shelby Spong
11 am Morning Worship, Rev. Brandon Davis, Pastor (in-person YouTube / Facebook)
12 noon Called Congregational Meeting to hear the report of the Nominating Committee
12:15 pm Finance Committee (in Conference Room)
12:30 pm Lunch Bunch @ Red Meze
Monday, January 8, 2024
6 pm Weekly Bible Study (in Conference Room)
Tuesday, January 9, 2024
6 pm Session Meeting
Wednesday, January 10, 2024
4 pm Meditation Circle (via Zoom)
6 pm Chancel Choir rehearsal
Friday, January 12, 2024
10 am Tusculum University / Theologian-in-Residence (via Zoom & in-person on campus)
Sunday, January 14, 2024
10 am Adult Sunday School reading "Born of a Woman," by John Shelby Spong
11 am Morning Worship, Rev. Brandon Davis, Pastor (in-person YouTube / Facebook)
worship includes Ordination and Installation of New Elders (Class of 2026)
12:30 pm Lunch Bunch @ Southern Craft BBQ
Monday, January 15, 2024
FINAL DEADLINE FOR ALL ANNUAL REPORTS TO CHURCH OFFICE
6 pm Weekly Bible Study (in Conference Room)
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GENERAL FUND: YEAR TO DATE: | |
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[2023 Annual Budget - $ 177,600
Budget through DECEMBER 29 Week #52 ($ 177,600)
Receipts $ 159,964.89
Disbursements -$ 167,176.82
Balance $ - 7,211.93
*NOTE: There will be a few other minor entries and adjustments
before the year is finalized. Terry Beckman
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THOUGHTS & PRAYERS
A special request by Michelle Browning. Her sister's best friend's mother, Donna Johnson was recently in a car accident and is now paralyzed. Donna is currently at Quillen Rehab and is in need to persons to sit with her while her daughter, Brandi, is at work. If you are able to assist, please click the following link.
https://www.signupgenius.com/go/10C0B4DAEAD23A5F9C16-46610631-SITTING#/
They ask that you please wear a mask when you are with Donna as she has compromised lungs. Feel free to bring a book or craft with you. We are mainly looking to have people there who can make sure the call button gets pushed and Donna gets assistance if she chokes. Donna is at Quillen Rehab in Room 121. For questions, please contact Brandi Johnson at 423-794-8782. Thank you so much!!!
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For Friends and Family
Jeff Morris; Alynda Worrell-Welch’s mother-in-law, Shelly Welch; the Hughes family for son-in-law Bryce Bennett, and Debi's foster mother, Janet Vencel in Ohio; George, Jo & Nikki Rolling; Camilla Lyle's brother, Jeff McFee; Jonathan Sharp; Don Loughry; 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 recent ongoing humanitarian emergency between Israel and the Palestinians of Gaza. New emergencies include: volcanic eruption of Mount Marapi in Western Sumatra, Indonesia; aftermath of Hurricane Otis (Category 5) in Acapulco, Mexico; and survivors of earthquakes in Jishishan, Gansu Province, China and Noto Peninsula, Ishikawa Prefecture, Japan. 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..
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IN THE POTEAT LIBRARY
Please remember the library is open by appointment and 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.
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Dangerous Prayers: 50 Powerful Prayers That Changed the World
By Susan Hill
(242/DAN)
World-changers. Rebels. Rejecters of the status quo. Throughout history, Christians were never meant to have a safe faith.
Learn from the brave ones who have gone before you with Dangerous Prayers, an inspiring collection of prayers from people who have changed the world. Exploring historical figures, cultural icons, political leaders, saints, and martyrs, this book offers you a rich visual experience to explore the power of dynamic prayers.
From St. Francis of Assisi to Harriett Tubman to Billy Graham, God can use ordinary people who pray courageous prayers to do extraordinary things for Him. No matter your age, position, or status, praying dangerous prayers will change your life—and likely the world around you as well.
Gain wisdom from the prayer lives of spiritual giants and invigorate your faith as you consider those who came before you with Dangerous Prayers.
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Congregational Concerns / Prayer Requests - Please contact the church office or Sherry Bailey with information.
Flower List - The 2023 Flower List has been posted on the bulletin board in the side entry. Please 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) at any time and for the February issue of the e-AVENUE, no later than Friday, January 12th. This includes team and committee meetings, 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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WATAUGA AVENUE PC IS ON .. click and see for yourself. | | |
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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.) | | | | |
