SERMON NOTES

The writing is on the wall. This is a phrase that many of us have heard in our lives that means that there are signs that a situation is going to be very unpleasant or extremely difficult. But what you might not have known is that this phrase originates from the book of Daniel. You see, in the fifth chapter, there is a new king, King Belshazzar. In addition, this new king is not learning from the sins of the leaders of the past. So the writing appears on the wall. Mene, Mene, Tekel, Parsin. Join us this week as we unravel what this writing on the wall meant for the Babylonians, and what that means for us!



May God Bless

Brandon

ASH WEDNESDAY SERVICE

Join us on February 14th at 6 pm for a unique and meaningful Ash Wednesday service, where we mark the beginning of Lent with the beautiful and sacred tradition of the imposition of ashes. As we gather to reflect on our mortality and seek repentance, we'll embrace this spiritual journey together. This year, Ash Wednesday coincides with Valentine's Day—an unusual pairing that reminds us of love's transformative power, both divine and earthly. Join us as we receive the ashes, symbolizing humility, and embark on a season of introspection and spiritual growth together. If you prefer to attend a service earlier in day, Covenant Presbyterian Church is having their Ash Wednesday service at noon.

ENERGY UPDATE

In 2023, WAPC began exploring the possibilities of constructing an Electric Vehicle solar charger on our property to serve church members and the community. This would be a short-term goal to serve as a bridge to a longer-term goal of solar for the building on our roof. However, in the excitement of new projects, some fundraising came in before we had all the details concerning this project. Through many discussions with experts and elders, the consensus was that this project was no longer viable due to city regulations and property concerns. Therefore, the Green Team drafted a proposal for a roof solar project and requested the formation of an Administrative Commission (The Energy Efficiency Commission). Since the New Year, this commission has been working overtime to make sure that we have all of our ducks in a row, in order that this project is completed by May 2024. Since that shift, through generous gifts and donations, we are now pleased to announce that the Energy Efficiency Fund that will provide funds for this solar project has now surpassed even our wildest imaginations. We do, however, need a cutoff date for fundraising so that we can sure up all this with the vendors and contractors. February 11^th is that cutoff date. However, that does not mean that you cannot designate gifts to the Energy Efficiency Fund. The purpose of this fund is to make intentional efforts on behalf of the church to be more sustainable and more efficient. So if you do choose to donate to this fund, some of the projects that that money will go towards include, but are not limited to; HVAC updates to be more efficient, replacing the single pane windows that let a lot of heat escape, replacing the fluorescent bulbs with LEDs, and future solar panels. Genesis 2:15 says, “The Lord God took the human and settled him in the Garden of Eden to farm it and to take care of it.” The word for ‘take care of it’ is the Hebrew word shamar which means to keep watch over, to protect, and to preserve. This is important because God commands us to keep guard of, to preserve, to watch out for creation so that all may enjoy the beauty of creation. And this is just one of our steps in this faithful journey.

ADULT SUNDAY SCHOOL

The Adult Sunday School class is completing their reading and discussion John Shelby Spong’s Born of a Woman. The class plans to finish their discussion by the end of February.

The class as decided that their next book to discuss will be Elaine Pagel's, The Gnostic Gospels, a provocative study of the gnostic gospels and the world of early Christianity as revealed through the Nag Hammadi texts. They hope to begin this book on Sunday, March 3rd. So begin searching for your copy now.

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.

FOOD, FOOD AND MORE FOOD

Upcoming Lunch Bunch:

February 12 @ Cafe Lola

February 17 - Valentine's Fellowship Potluck Lunch

February 25 @ Hachimi Japanese Cuisine



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.

Sunday, February 11, 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)

12:30 pm Lunch Bunch @ Cafe Lola

Monday, February 12, 2024

6 pm Weekly Bible Study (in Conference Room)

Tuesday, February 13, 2024

6 pm Session Meeting

Wednesday, February 14, 2024 - ASH WEDNESDAY

12 noon Ash Wednesday service @ Covenant Presbyterian Church

4 pm Meditation Circle (via Zoom)

6 pm Ash Wednesday Service (in the Sanctuary)

6:30 pm Chancel Choir rehearsal

Sunday, February 18 2024 - First Sunday in Lent

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)

12:15 pm Fellowship Valentine's Potluck Lunch

Monday, February 19, 2024

6 pm Weekly Bible Study (in Conference Room)

Wednesday, February 21, 2024

4 pm Meditation Circle (via Zoom)

6 pm Chancel Choir rehearsal

RECENT WALK

A small group gathered to walk at King Commons yesterday. The day was sunny and bright but still a bit breezy. Everyone had a good time and had lunch at the Mid-City Grill afterwards. We look forward to having you join us next time.

THOUGHTS & PRAYERS

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.

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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