GOOD NEWS AND WORSHIP UPDATE | |
Sunday, February 26, 2023 @ 11 am
Sermon - "The Help" | Scripture - John 14:15-31
Rev. Brandon Davis, Pastor
both in-person and on YouTube or Facebook
WAPC Channel - https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCgI_BKUlZH70GzG90xIQ1xA
Remember the St Patrick's Day Fellowship Potluck following worship.
Hope you have some delicious Irish dishes to bring.
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SPECIAL NEWS AND INFORMATION | |
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Last week, we read that Jesus is the way, and the truth, and the life. The way by which we live our lives and receive the grace and mercy of God. And this week, we continue to tell the story from the Gospel of John where Jesus is giving his disciples a farewell discourse. Preparing the disciples for what is to come at the end of his earthly life, teaching them to not be afraid, and promising to always be with them. But Jesus will not leave his disciples on their own. Instead, he promises an Advocate, a Helper, the Holy Spirit. And this should bring us peace, the peace of Christ which transcends all understanding because God will be with us. So let our hearts not be troubled, let us not be afraid, but let us live into the promise of the Gospel that the light shines in the darkness, and the darkness cannot put it out.
Yours in Christ,
Brandon
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ADULT SUNDAY SCHOOL CLASS
UPCOMING READ
The Adult Sunday School class is currently reading Adam Nicolson's book, "God's Secretaries: The Making of the King James Bible."
If you wish to join the class there is always room for one more. There are hardback, paperback and Kindle versions available through a variety of sources online.
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February 26 @ Saint Patrick's Fellowship Potluck Lunch (Irish dishes welcomed)
IF ANYONE HAS SUGGESTIONS FOR OTHER DINING VENUES, PLEASE CONTACT THE OFFICE TO ADD THEM TO OUR LUNCH ROTATION. THANKS.
The Lunch Bunch / Meal Schedule for MARCH
March 5 @ Freiberg's (203 E. Main Street, Downtown JC)
March 12 @ Mid-city Grill (106 S. Commerce Street, Downtown JC)
March 19 @ Carrabba's (175 Marketplace Blvd, North JC)
March 26 @ Fellowship Potluck Lunch
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TUSCULUM THEOLOGIAN-IN-RESIDENCE 2023
The theme for this year's lecture series has been "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 final lecture is scheduled for tomorrow, Friday, February 24th @ 10 am with the topic - "Satan in the New Testament."
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JONESBOROUGH PRESBYTERIAN LENTEN SERIES
Mark your calendars today for Meditations on Love, the meditation circle being led by Rev. Lee Clements, Becky Keeler, and Mark McCalman to be held each Sunday evening in Lent (Feb. 26 - April 2) in the Fellowship Hall at 5:30 PM and last approximately 30 minutes. These services will complement the current book study on “The Great Spiritual Migration: How the World’s Largest Religion is Seeking a Better Way to Be Christian” by Brian McLaren. Themes for the meditations will focus on The Greatest Commandments: love for God, self, and neighbor. We invite you for prayers, scripture, singing, and silence that open our hearts to Jesus’ teachings and examples of love in action. Children and youth are welcome to participate. Jane Wasem, Director of Children, Youth & Family Ministries will provide related instruction to the children.
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HIGHLIGHTS FOR THE MONTH (noted when online)
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Thursday, February 23, 2023
3 pm Green Team meeting (via Zoom)
Friday, February 24, 2023
10 am Tusculum Theologian-in-Residence series (in person & visa Zoom)(see note below)
Sunday, February 26, 2023 - First Sunday in Lent
10 am Adult Sunday School - reading "God's Secretaries" by Adam Nicolson
11 am Morning Worship, Rev. Brandon Davis, Pastor (in-person YouTube / Facebook)
12:15 pm Fellowship Potluck Lunch - St Patrick's theme - bring an Irish dish !
Monday, February 27, 2023
6 pm Lenten Study in WAPC Fellowship Hall
Wednesday, March 1, 2023
4 pm Meditation Circle (via Zoom)
6 pm Chancel Choir rehearsal
Thursday, March 2, 2023
10 am PW meeting @ WAPC (hosted by Ginger Helm & Phyl Summers)
Sunday, March 5, 2023 - Second Sunday in Lent
10 am Adult Sunday School - reading "God's Secretaries" by Adam Nicolson
11 am Morning Worship, Rev. Brandon Davis, Pastor (in-person YouTube / Facebook)
12:30 pm Lunch Bunch @ Freiberg's
Monday, March 6, 2023
6 pm Lenten Study @ Covenant PC Fellowship Hall
Wednesday, March 8, 2023
4 pm Meditation Circle (via Zoom)
6 pm Chancel Choir rehearsal
Sunday, March 12, 2023 - Third Sunday in Lent - DAYLIGHT SAVINGS BEGINS
10 am Adult Sunday School - reading "God's Secretaries" by Adam Nicolson
11 am Morning Worship, Rev. Brandon Davis, Pastor (in-person YouTube / Facebook)
12:30 pm Lunch Bunch @ Mid-City Grill
Monday, March 13, 2023
6 pm Lenten Study @ WAPC Fellowship Hall
Wednesday, March 15, 2023
4 pm Meditation Circle (via Zoom)
6 pm Chancel Choir rehearsal
Saturday, March 18, 2023
10 am Loaves & Fishes preparation at WAPC
3:30 pm Loaves & Fishes serving @ West Street Main Street Christian Church
Sunday, March 19, 2023 - Fourth Sunday in Lent
10 am Adult Sunday School - reading "God's Secretaries" by Adam Nicolson
11 am Morning Worship, Rev. Brandon Davis, Pastor (in-person YouTube / Facebook)
12:30 pm Lunch Bunch @ Carrabba's
Monday, March 20, 2023
6 pm Lenten Study @ Covenant PC Fellowship Hall
Wednesday, March 22, 2023
4 pm Meditation Circle (via Zoom)
6 pm Chancel Choir rehearsal
Sunday, March 26, 2023 - Fifth Sunday in Lent
10 am Adult Sunday School - reading "God's Secretaries" by Adam Nicolson
11 am Morning Worship, Rev. Brandon Davis, Pastor (in-person YouTube / Facebook)
12:15 pm Fellowship Potluck Lunch
Monday, March 27, 2023
6 pm Lenten Study @ WAPC Fellowship Hall
Wednesday, March 29, 2023
4 pm Meditation Circle (via Zoom)
6 pm Chancel Choir rehearsal
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As the deer pants for streams of water, so my soul pants for you, my God.
My soul thirsts for God, for the living God. When can I go and meet with God? - Psalms 42:1-2
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February Elder of the Month - Sherry Bailey
Next Session meeting - Tuesday, March 14 @ 7 pm
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[2023 Annual Budget - $ 177,600
Budget through February 21st, Week #8 ($27,323)
Receipts $ 29,190.71
Disbursements -$ 24,092.12
Balance $ 5,098.59
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.
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Holston Presbytery meetings 2023
All meetings begin at 9 am.
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
Stephanie Ratcliffe, Transitional Treasurer/ Financial Manager
info@holstonpresbytery.org
423-247-6178
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FEBRUARY / MARCH BIRTHDAYS
February 24 - Jenny Darling
March 1 - Lynn Broome
March 9 - Ginger Helm
March 13 - Phyllis Summers
March 21 - Rev. Bob Lowry
MARCH ANNIVERSARIES
March 12 - Dave & Terry Beckman
March 20 - Phil & Marsha Brandt
The Chancel flowers were given
in honor of family birthdays,
Annaleise Jones (February 19th)
and Becky Denison (February 25th),
by Ginger Helm.
THE 2023 FLOWER LIST IS AVAILABLE ON THE BULLETIN BOARD IN THE SIDE ENTRY
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PRAYER PARTNER PROGRAM
If there are any last minute takers to participate in this year's Prayer Partner Program there are still a few forms in the Narthex. Please sign up by this Sunday, February 26th.
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THOUGHTS & PRAYERS
For Friends
Sally Gerhardt; Karen Martin's mother, Doris Martin; Michelle Browning's step-father, Rick Elm; Laura Songer Mazzenga's nephew, Derek Miles who is recovering from surgery; Fred Burrell ; Janice Hollingshead; Ginger Helm's brother, Larry Ray Davis (pancreatic cancer); 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; Nathan Songer; Sarah Suptin; church neighbor, Dorothy Harvey; Kelly Hodges.; Edna Campbell.
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 U.S. including various storms and weather phenomena including severe winter storm Olive across Pacific northwest and Northern Plains / Midwest; earthquake, Cyclone Gabrielle and extreme rainfall / flooding in New Zealand; and the various complex humanitarian disasters worldwide for 2023 include: Somalia (hunger); Ethiopia (drought); Afghanistan (economic); Democratic Republic of Congo (armed conflict); Yemen (economic and hunger); Syria (health crisis); South Sudan (food); Burkina Faso (armed conflict); Haiti (gang violence and hunger); Ukraine (displacement); Myanmar (humanitarian); Lebanon (economic). The victims and survivors of the recent devastating earthquake in southeast Turkey and northern Syria. And especially prayers for our nation and for strength, endurance, faith and courage for all.
Special Prayers for the Women of Afghanistan
Currently, Afghanistan ranks 170th out of 170 countries for women’s inclusion, justice and security. Contributing to the crisis are chilling announcements from the Taliban banning women from attending university and working for NGOs like the International Rescue Committee. The latter decision forced the IRC and other NGOs to suspend services, because they cannot deliver services without female staff.
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
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This is one of the Keenager's many outings back in 2018.
Pictured are Jo & George Rolling, Ginger Helm, Jean Darling,
Nancy Fennell and Janice Payne.
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NOTEWORTHY GREEN SPACE NEWS | |
The National Aquarium in Maryland is a hub for science and conservation in the state and beyond. In addition to housing, caring for, and rehabilitating thousands of animals representing hundreds of species, the aquarium also provides numerous opportunities for habitat restoration and community education. One example is the Terrapins in the Classroom program that brings students face to face with the state reptile: the diamondback terrapin. A major project is Masonville Cove, the nation's first Urban Wildlife Refuge Partnership.
The aquarium's location in Baltimore's Inner Harbor allows it to showcase wildlife and conservation in the heart of the city. For example, its floating wetland, which can be seen from the aquarium's entrance, improves water quality and provides wildlife habitat for numerous species, including snapping turtles, blue crabs, and great blue herons. Visitors to the aquarium can see firsthand how nature and humans can coexist in a city setting. (GSN#137)
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VIRTUAL CREATION ACTIVITY OF THE WEEK | |
NATURAL BEAUTY OF CALIFORNIA
JESSE ST LOUIS (July 2018| 4:17 min.)
The short film explores the vast diversity of California's natural beauty starting in painted desert canyons and then move through mountains, forest, waterfalls, slot canyons, coastal sea caves and finally pristine ocean waters to fully experience the unique differing landscapes of California.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VGhfyogaeKI
YOSIMITE NATIONAL PARK
DRONE SNAP (May 2020 | 2:48 min.)
Aerial footage of the Yosemite National Park in California. The beauty of this nature is simply breathtaking, specially the El Capitan and the Yosemite Falls!
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0Q3uf1YeTek
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LOOKING FOR SOMETHING DIFFERENT,
CHECK OUT THE POTEAT LIBRARY
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SEVERAL MORE NEW ADDITIONS:
231 / BAS Grounded: finding God in the world a spiritual revolution, by Diana Butler.
582.13 / CAR Wildflowers of Tennessee, by Jack B Carman.
726.5 / SUR Secret Churches: ecclesiastical gems from around Britain and Ireland, by Richard Surman.
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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The Great Shift: Encountering God in Biblical Times
By James L. Kugel
(220.9/KUG)
Why does the Bible depict a world in which humans, with surprising regularity, encounter the divine—wrestling an angel, addressing a burning bush, issuing forth prophecy without any choice in the matter?
These stories spoke very differently to their original audience than they do to us, and they reflect a radically distinct understanding of reality and the human mind. Yet over the course of the thousand-year Biblical Era, encounters with God changed dramatically.
As James L. Kugel argues, this transition allows us to glimpse a massive shift in human experience—the emergence of the modern, Western sense of self.
In this landmark work, Kugel fuses revelatory close readings of ancient texts with modern scholarship from a range of fields, including neuroscience, anthropology, psychology, and archaeology, to explain the origins of belief, worship, and the sense of self, and the changing nature of God through history.
In the tradition of books like The Swerve and The Better Angels of Our Nature,The Great Shift tells the story of a revolution in human consciousness and the enchantment of everyday life. This book will make believers and seekers think differently not just about the Bible, but about the entire history of the human imagination.
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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 April 2023 issue of the e-AVENUE no later than March 17th. 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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Create a great offer by adding words like "free" "personalized" "complimentary" or "customized." A sense of urgency often helps readers take an action, so think about inserting phrases like "for a limited time only" or "only 7 remaining!"
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