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GOOD NEWS AND WORSHIP UPDATE
EPIPHANY SUNDAY
Sunday, January 8, 2023 @ 11 am
Sermon - "Set Free" | Scripture reading - John 8:31-38
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.
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SPECIAL NEWS AND INFORMATION | |
SPECIAL NOTICE
We have heard from Joyce Wymer in Illinois of the death of her mother, Helen Gentry Saunders on January 2d, 2023. Helen was the widow of Rev. Ray Saunders who was our interim pastor from December 1, 1988 through September 17, 1989. Ray died August 10, 2017. A separate notice will be emailed to everyone as soon as details are known. We extend our heartfelt wishes to the Saunders family.
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ANNUAL REPORTS DUE
For Elders and others reporting for various teams, groups, and committees, please email a copy of your report to the church office NO LATER THAN FRIDAY, JANUARY 13TH. Your timeliness will be greatly appreciated.
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ADULT SUNDAY SCHOOL CLASS
UPCOMING READ
The next book scheduled to be read by the Adult Sunday School class beginning this 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 in the coming year there is always room for one more and you should have time to purchase or obtain a copy of this book. There are hardback, paperback and Kindle versions available through a variety of sources online.
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FOOD, FOOD AND MORE FOOD
IF ANYONE HAS SUGGESTIONS FOR LUNCH BUNCH DINING IN 2023, PLEASE CONTACT THE CHURCH OFFICE SO IT CAN BE ADDED TO THE LIST!!
January 8 @ Carrabba's
January 15 @ Southern Craft BBQ
January 22 @ Rainbow Asian Cuisine
January 29 @ Annual Congregational Business Meeting & Souper Lunch
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MITTEN TREE
The final tally of items found on our Mitten Tree this year. There were 18 toboggans. 1 earmuff; 31 mittens/gloves; 45 pair of socks; 2 leg warmers; and 17 scarves. All items have been taken to Good Sam. Thanks to everyone who contributed. Let's see if we can outdo these totals next Advent Season.
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FROM THE PASTOR
Many of us are familiar with the story of Epiphany. The story of the Wise Men or the Magi coming to bring the gifts of Frankincense, Myrrh, and Gold to the Christ child in Bethlehem. But the word Epiphany comes from the Greek word meaning “appearance” or “manifestation.” Some scholars have even likened the word epiphany to our English expression of “Aha!” or “Eureka!” Epiphany is this special moment where the light bulb is turned on, and we can now see what was once hidden. And it is for those reasons that we continue to tell the story of the Word that became flesh and blood and moved into our neighborhood. The Word that is the life and light of the world. So come and see how this light offers freedom. A freedom that is from the darkness, and a freedom for the Kingdom of God.
Yours in Christ,
Brandon
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HIGHLIGHTS FOR THE COMING WEEK | |
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Thursday, January 5, 2023
10 am PW Circle meeting @ the home of Nancy Fennell
Sunday, January 8, 2023 - Epiphany Sunday
11 am Morning Worship, Rev. Brandon Davis, Pastor (in-person YouTube / Facebook)
Installation of New Elders during Morning Worship.
12:30 pm Lunch Bunch @ Carraba's
Tuesday, January 10, 2023
7 pm Session meeting
Wednesday, January 11, 2023
4 pm Meditation Circle (via Zoom)
6 pm Chancel Choir rehearsal
Thursday, January 12, 2023
2 pm Green Team meeting via Zoom
Friday, January 13, 2023
Annual Reports must be received by the Church Office
Sunday, January 15, 2023
11 am Morning Worship, Rev. Brandon Davis, Pastor (in-person YouTube / Facebook)
12:30 pm Lunch Bunch @ Southern Craft BBQ
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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.
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SPECIAL INVITATION FROM COVENANT PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH
Grace and Peace!
Covenant Presbyterian Church is hosting a visit from our Mission Co-Workers at the US/Mexico border on January 21st and 22nd. Mark and Miriam Adams Maldonado have been involved with the ministry of Frontera de Cristo for 25 years, working to foster a community of hospitality, justice, and compassion on both sides of the border.
There will be a Mission Presentation and Potluck Dinner on Saturday, Jan. 21, beginning at 5:00pm. As friends of Covenant, we wanted to extend this invitation to your church & worshipping communities as well. Come to learn more about immigration and this unique ministry, and share food, fun, and fellowship!
If you have any questions, feel free to let me know.
Blessings to you on this last day of Christmastide!
Rev. Maggie Rust
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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.
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GENERAL FUND: YEAR TO DATE: | |
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[2022 Annual Budget - $ 155,900 (revised, adjusted)
Budget through December 31st, Week #52 ($155,900 - adjusted)
Receipts $ 152,007.52
Disbursements -$ 150,492.13
Balance $ 1,515.39
The financial books for 2022 are still being closed out so these totals are not final.
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JANUARY BIRTHDAYS
January 8 - Emma Turner
January 10 - Gaines Snodderly
January 17 - Bob Caponero
January 25 - Hugh Broome
JANUARY ANNIVERSARIES
January 22 - Bob & Suzanne Caponero
PLEASE NOTE: THE 2023 FLOWER LIST IS AVAILABLE ON THE BULLETIN BOARD IN THE SIDE ENTRY
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For Friends
The Saunders family in the recent loss of their mother, Helen Gentry Saunders; Ginger Helm's brother, Larry Ray Davis (pancreatic cancer); Camilla Lyle; 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..
Special Prayers for Clinical and Medical Health Care Workers
The continued COVID pandemic concerns with cases still on the rise with the delta, lambda and mu variant strains, along with the new omicron virus with the highest number of overall cases in the United States, India and Brazil; a new strain BA2.12.1 subtype COVID cases are now on the rise in numerous European countries. And persons now affected by the rise in new active cases of the infectious disease, monkeypox. Please be mindful of the rise in influenza cases this season. There is now a worldwide increase in measles due to the lack of vaccination during COVID, as well as outbreak of avian flu..
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 midwest and eastern U.S. snow storms and frigid winter weather, especially in the Buffalo, New York area. Ongoing disasters include flooding in New South Wales, Australia; the prolonged water crisis in Jackson, Mississippi; the aftermath of various hurricanes across the Caribbean islands, Central America and Florida; the Horn of Africa hunger / food crisis; as well as new disasters now unfolding: Mauna Loa volcano is erupting again 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/
US FEMA - DECLARED DISASTERS - https://www.fema.gov/disaster/declarations
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Who is this lady in blue in our garden? | |
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Chocolate is associated with many holidays and accounts for more than $20 billion a year in US sales alone. Nevertheless, consumers may be unaware that cocoa beans, chocolate's key ingredient, are linked to deforestation, human rights abuses, and the biodiversity crisis. Though cocoa is grown in tropical regions across the globe, roughly two-thirds of production is concentrated in West Africa's Côte d'Ivoire and Ghana, where tropical forests are being replaced by cocoa crops. Côte d'Ivoire has lost more than 85% of its forest cover since 1960, mainly to keep up with high demand for cocoa. This deforestation destroys critical wildlife habitat while monocropping depletes the soil and leaves crops susceptible to disease and insect infestation.
Thankfully, high-quality, sustainably produced cocoa is within reach for consumers. Shade-grown cocoa agroforestry, where cocoa is grown among diverse crops and trees, boosts carbon sequestration and water regulation. It also provides habitat for wildlife and can enhance cocoa farmers' livelihood. To help consumers find ethical and environmentally friendly chocolate, the National Wildlife Federation has created a chocolate shopping guide which ranks more than 80% of global chocolate brands based on their social and environmental performance. It can be found online. (GSN #130)
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VIRTUAL CREATION ACTIVITY OF THE WEEK | |
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THE BEAUTY OF THE BLACK HILLS
SOUTH DAKOTA TOURISM
(JULY 2012 | 3:13 min.)
Enjoy the beauty of the Black Hills of South Dakota through this incredible aerial video. Places include Mount Rushmore, Crazy Horse Memorial, Custer State Park, Pactola Lake, Rapid Creek, the Black Hills Wild Horse Sanctuary, the Needles and the Black Hills National Forest.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=y8UwqtBIAqc&t=6s
BADLANDS NATIONAL PARK
SOUTH DAKOTA TOURISM |MORE THAN JUST PARKS
(JUNE 2022 | 2:50 MIN.)
Enjoy the beauty of the Black Hills of South Dakota through this incredible aerial video by the Pattiz Brothers. Places include Mount Rushmore, Crazy Horse Memorial, Custer State Park, Pactola Lake, Rapid Creek, the Black Hills Wild Horse Sanctuary, the Needles and the Black Hills National Forest.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pNOgtXjSl50
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IN THE POTEAT LIBRARY
NOTE: The library is open by appointment. 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.
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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".
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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.
Liturgists - 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) at any time and for the February issue of the e-AVENUE, no later than Wednesday, January 18tth. 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.) | | | | |
