Windows
November 11, 2021
|
|
Word from the Pastor:
Wise Warriors
By wisdom a house is built, and by understanding it is established; by knowledge the rooms are filled with all precious and pleasant riches. Wise warriors are mightier than strong ones, and those who have knowledge than those who have strength; for by wise guidance you can wage your war, and in abundance of counselors there is victory.
—Proverbs 24:3–6
I’ve always had the greatest respect for my uncle Wayne. Born and bred in Pike County, Kentucky, Uncle Wayne spent his life in the mines, working hard to support his family and my aunt Faye’s career as a schoolteacher. He has been an elder of his Old Regular Baptist Church there in Dix Fork Hollow for decades now, and he is even the “liner” at the services, the guy who calls out the next line of the responsive hymn, in the style of the Old Regulars.
Uncle Wayne is always quick to smile, always generous, and, in context, probably one of the wisest people I have ever met. He’s also a Korean War Veteran. Though he is kind and quick to smile, he is a man of few words. On occasion I’ve been able to get him to talk about his experiences in Korea, but I can tell that those are memories he’d rather not dwell on.
I think it was those experiences that made him both a man of few words and wise in his own right. He was never boisterous in regard to his service, always kind and giving of his time and presence, and very, very gentle. He had seen what life and circumstance wrought when human society surrendered to our lesser angels. He had seen loss, and so he walked away, I think, with the conviction that life is precious and finds its contours and texture when given freely to neighbors. Having witnessed much in his service, Uncle Wayne could no longer be a taker.
The writer of Proverbs says that “wise warriors are mightier than strong ones, and those who have knowledge than those who have strength.” The wisdom that the writer references is the wisdom we studied in depth in our series this past summer. It is the wisdom and creativity of God that both brought the world into being and teaches us how to live according to its dictates. Wisdom, true wisdom, teaches us to fear the Lord in terms of reverent awe. True wisdom, the wisdom known by warriors who have seen much yet retain the nobility of bearing the divine image deep in their hearts, is the realization that all that we are comes from God and must be continually surrendered and given back in the form of self-giving love and service to God and, by extension, our neighbor.
So to our veterans who served with honor, dignity, and the wisdom that teaches that we gain our lives by learning to give them away, I say, “Thank you.”
In Christ,
Pastor Sam
|
We Are Grateful to Veterans
Today is November 11, the anniversary of the signing, at the eleventh hour of the eleventh day of the eleventh month, of the Armistice with Germany in 1918. In establishing Armistice Day, the United States government declared it “a day to be dedicated to the cause of world peace.” After World War II and the Korean Conflict, the day was transformed into Veterans Day to honor all who have served the country in war or peace, and especially to thank living veterans for their sacrifices. We join our thanks to that of the millions of other grateful people in the US and around the world. Please join us in praying for our veterans.
|
|
Community Memorial Service Sunday
Everyone is invited to a Community Memorial Service with communion at 4:00 p.m. this Sunday in our sanctuary. We will remember those we have lost and give thanks to God for the blessing of their lives. We invite you to bring pictures of your departed loved ones to the service.
|
Worship
November 14
25th Sunday after Pentecost
Scripture
Psalm 119:9–16
Isaiah 33:2–6
Matthew 13:44–46
Sermon
Parables of the Hidden Treasure
and the Pearl
Sam Weddington
Last Sunday’s Attendance
9:00: In person: 135;
Livestream: 33; Playback: 120
11:00: In person: 81;
Livestream: 6; Playback: 54
|
Calendar
Sunday, November 14
9:00 a.m.
Contemporary Worship
Fellowship Hall
10:10 a.m.
Sunday School
11:00 a.m.
Traditional Worship
Sanctuary
3:00 p.m.
Christmas Play Rehearsal
Fellowship Hall
4:00 p.m.
Community Memorial Service
Sanctuary
6:00 p.m.
Student Fellowship
Monday, November 15
10:00 a.m.
Staff Meeting
Room 123
Tuesday, November 16
7:00 p.m.
Finance Committee
Zoom
Boy Scout Troop 3
Scout Hall
Wednesday, November 17
5:30 p.m.
Fellowship Supper
Fellowship Hall
6:15 p.m.
Adult Enrichment
Chapel
High School Small Groups
Student Room
Wednesday Night Kids
Education Wing
Handbell Practice
Sanctuary
7:00 p.m.
Praise Band Practice
Fellowship Hall
7:15 p.m.
Choir Practice
Room 202
Thursday, November 18
7:00 a.m.
Men’s Bible Study
Parlor
Saturday, November 20
6:00 p.m.
Scout Court of Honor
Chapel
|
|
|
Children’s Christmas Play in Rehearsals!
Theater fans will want to know that the first rehearsal for this year’s Christmas play, The Innkeeper, will be held this Sunday at 3:00 p.m. in the fellowship hall. We will present the play Sunday, December 12, at 5:00 p.m. Stage stalwart Will Hankins will reprise his star turn as the innkeeper, and the kids will do the rest. This nativity story is told from the perspective of an innkeeper who is having a bad day until the joy of Christ’s birth redeems it. It’s warm, funny, and above all human! If your child would like to take part, contact Lilly Osborne or Sujean Bradley. And for goodness’ sake, save the date! |
|
Designer Gingerbread Houses Planned
We are going to decorate gingerbread houses this year! On December 1, after the Wednesday night supper, we’ll stay in the fellowship hall and play with food. Fun for all, and a treat for the spirit!
|
|
Drop and Shop Dec. 4
We are happy to announce that we will have a Drop and Shop from 9:00 to noon on Saturday, December 4. Drop your kids off at the church, and finish your shopping, wrapping, cooking, and maybe even cleaning. Just a little holiday cheer from Children’s Ministries!
|
|
Join Us
for Wednesday Fellowship
Join us Wednesday evenings at 5:30 for our fellowship supper and stay for programming for all age groups at 6:15. We are serving and seating you with care. We strongly encourage you to wear masks when not eating, and to get vaccinated.
|
How to Join Us Online
You can watch the livestream of our worship services and other activities at FPC Bristol on YouTube. Click on the link and hit “Subscribe” to receive notifications of new videos. To connect to our various Facebook sites, go to Facebook and type in FPC Bristol. Several accounts will show up. “Like” the page or ask to join a group. |
|
Updated COVID Protocols
in Effect Sunday
Effective this Sunday, November 14, the session has changed our current COVID-19 policies to say: “The session strongly encourages masks for those not fully vaccinated, or at higher risk of COVID-19 complications. The session continues to encourage everyone to be vaccinated if they have not yet done so.” You can read the entire update online here.
Returning Pledges
If you have not yet made your 2022 pledge, you can do so now by picking up a pledge card at the church or downloading a copy here. You can then drop off the completed card at the church office, mail it in, or send your pledge directly to our business manager by emailing Betsy Galliher.
Give Safely
We encourage you to use text, mail, or our website to safely continue your faithful support of our ministries during the pandemic. You can give online by going to our website and clicking on “Give” in the upper right corner. You can send your pledge, offering, or special gift by texting fpcbristol to 73256, or mail your checks directly to the church. |
|
|
Gifts to the Church
Memorials and honoraria are published in the newsletter only after the family has been personally notified by our business office. Today we gratefully acknowledge the following gift in memory of:
-
Alice Moore: to the Minister’s Discretionary Fund from Dot Mattison
|
|
Organist's Footnotes
A few years ago, a flute ensemble known as the Silvertones, based in Rochester, New York, commissioned me to write a piece of music to celebrate their 30th anniversary. Since the pearl is the gemstone for 30th anniversaries, I decided to name the piece “The Pearl of Great Price.” This project was challenging. It was my first attempt at writing for eight flute players, each with their own part, performing on a combination of C flutes, alto flutes, and bass flutes. After the premiere in Rochester, which I attended, my friend Charlotte Ellis asked if I could arrange this piece for her Morningstar Flute Ensemble of five players. This I accomplished, and I enjoyed the premiere of that arrangement in Auburn, New York. Back in the Tri-Cities, Charlotte expressed interest in a solo version using piano accompaniment. We premiered that arrangement together at State Street United Methodist Church. When I saw that the scripture lesson for Sunday includes the parable of the pearl of great price, I knew we just had to play this piece for the prelude. Another version for two flutes and piano is planned.
Our postlude, “Be Thou My Vision,” was arranged by Don Wyrtzen (b. 1942). Wyrtzen received an early start in music, radio, and television while associated with his father, Dr. Jack Wyrtzen, founder of Word of Life International. A graduate of The Moody Bible Institute, The King’s College, and Dallas Theological Seminary, he did graduate work in music at the University of North Texas. In the past few years, Wyrtzen has become recognized as one of the leading musicians and statesmen in Christian music. He has lectured on church music, worship, and hymnology in many of the leading Christian colleges, universities, and seminaries. He and his wife Karen reside in Mansfield, Texas, where he is president of Don Wyrtzen Music Ministries.
|
|
We want to pray for and celebrate with you! Send your prayer requests and glad tidings to [email protected]. |
|
In Our Prayers
Please also pray for the members of our community who wish to remain anonymous.
|
|
|
Anna Arbo & family
Mendy Bechtold
Bill & Betty Bingham
Bud & Marg Branscomb
Bristol Tennessee City Schools
Birch Bullock
Becky Busler
Collins family
Janette Cross
Ariel Damasceno
K.D. Forsha
Garrett Foster & family
Frizzell family
Family of Carl Galliher
DeeDee Galliher
John Graham Sr.
Emma Grubbs & Gina Roberson
Haiti
Lou Hebb
Eddie Hill
Porter Hillery
Davan & Kristi Johnson
|
|
Jim & Joan Keith
Marty & Kara Keys
Morgan & Josh King & family
Nancy Lilly
Diana Mattison
Dot Mattison
Roger McCracken
Kathy McGlothlin
Montana Indian Ministries
Abigail Myers
National & international leadership
Breanna Necessary
Palestine & Israel
Pastor Bruce Plummer
Don Pridemore
Cora Lee Raccioppo
Michelle S.
Susan Solomon
Malcolm Sprinkle
Teachers & school administrators
Margaret Wade
Michael Weller
|
|
|
Deadline & Subscriptions
Monday is the deadline for contributions to Windows. Subscribe to our free e-newsletter by sending your name and preferred email address to the editor.
|
|
701 Florida Avenue | Bristol, TN 37620 | 423-764-7176 | fpcbristol.org
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
