much needed. Contributions can be made by calling Presbytery Telephone at 1-800-872-3283 or checks can

BUCHANAN FIRST NEWS

Come join us at Buchanan First for Sunday School at 9:30 am and worship at 11:00 am. You’re invited to be with us in our times of learning and worshiping God!

From Pastor Jeff:

             As promised, I would like to share some of my experiences at The Dwelling Place Monastery, just outside of Martin, Kentucky. A word about the town of Martin and the monastery itself. Martin has been devastated by floods just as Grundy. It also has had a re-location project with the Army Corps of Engineers providing new space for its downtown. Much of the old downtown still exists - yet not in good repair and quite unsightly.

             As it is only 68 miles from here, the terrain is very similar to ours. The Dwelling Place Monastery has been in existence since the late 1980's. The members of this monastery with their emphasis on hospitality, prayer, and service in the community shape their Christian witness and practice. Earlier in the year this monastery became independent. They now accept women of all faiths. At present there are five women who compose this community of faith and carry on this ministry, with several more women exploring the possibility of God’s call to be a part of this community. I stayed at a separate retreat house. Their web address is www.mtabor.com

            My typical day looked like this: morning prayer in community started at 6:30 until a little after 7. After more personal quiet time, I ate breakfast. Then I would read from the Bible (Genesis

and Proverbs), from three books, then from a local newspaper and then I would reflect and pray. After lunch I would read for about an hour, go for a walk, rest, and read again. Evening prayer began at 5:30. Dinner was served at 6:15. I enjoyed some free time to watch a movie, talk with the foreman overseeing the building projects in the community - similar to Buchanan Neighbors United.

           Whenever I set aside time like this, I am surprised at the different ways God touches my life. In my daily routine, I had gotten into a rut spiritually. Devotional reading had just become a part of my day, with little expectation of encountering God. As I started through Genesis and Proverbs, I was reminded of God’s awesome power, faithfulness to His promises, and the ways God is at work in life. I found a book on the people of Appalachia and how they have dealt with adversity - sobering (the oppressive circumstances they have faced) and inspiring (ways they have coped and overcome). I also re-examined God’s purpose to transform my life according to his will.

             Wow! Combine this with time to relax, catch up on sleep, see a new part of the country and meet new people. What a gift!

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Sermon Schedule for August 2008         

[My suggestion: Read the scripture prior to the upcoming Sunday

                       and ask God to speak to your heart and mind through these words]

Our Adventure of Faith

              August 3            Luke 14:25-33 Adjusting Your Life to God

             August 10          John 14:23-24 Experiencing God through  Obedience                                                        

             August 17          Ephesians 4:11-16 God’s Will and the Church

              August 24          Colossians 1:9-14 Kingdom People

              August 31           Hebrews 10:24-25 Ongoing Fellowship with God

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             Our thanks go to all who supported the July special offering which provided financial support to the two-cents-a-meal offering. Your extra giving and generosity helps provide basic food to those in need, but also gives the recipients encouragement that you care for their well-being! The offering we received in July totaled $132.40.

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Spotlight Light on Our Church’s History

              From 1969-1977: On November 9, 1969, Rev. Murphy D. Miller was installed as pastor. The new manse was dedicated on October 11, 1970. Wednesday evening prayer meetings and Bible study was held by the pastor. Kemper Bausell became choir director in 1971. A young couples class, developed by Gene Street, were introduced to Bible study in 1971. By 1972 this class is the most active Sunday School class. The youth are not very active- “hard to compete with outside activities.” Committees are formed and developed to involve more people in the work and life of the church. Petey Hurst, a member of this church, is called and ordained by the Coeburn Presbyterian Church on July 9, 1970. In 1976, Rev. Miller leaves this church for 6 months and teaches at King College. He returns in May. The following events happened in 1976: a children’s sermon becomes a part of the Sunday worship service; a new pipe organ and new choir robes are purchased. Women of the Church have only two circles now. Their mission efforts include work with the local health department for a “Milk Fund” to help a needy family with their small baby and supporting an outreach to Southwest Mental Hospital in Marion.

             In April, 1977, Buchanan County suffered major flooding. Our church was established as a major food distribution center with members cooking and serving to any one who would take the time to eat. Reconstruction of our basement [where classrooms and offices were damaged] and re-modeling of the upstairs was imperative. Despite personal losses and hardships, members raised $25,000 of the $65,000 needed. Within a year of the flood, the upstairs could be used for worship.

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              Plans are being made to revive the Men’s Monthly Luncheon meetings here at Buchanan First. At one time, this was a very active group that met monthly for lunch; the men took turns doing a program after the meal. The first date for the Men’s Luncheon will be at noon on Wednesday, August 13. A lunch will be prepared and served; a small offering will be asked from those attending to help pay for the meal. Anyone wishing more information about the Men’s Luncheon meetings is asked to contact David Cecil who is spearheading this project.

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               The special offering to be taken in August (the first Sunday) will go to Michael and Rachel Weller from the Abingdon Presbytery who are serving as missionaries in Ethiopia. Michael shares about his latest work: “The Nasir congregation is in the process of building a very large building for their congregation near the old hospital. Fifteen years ago, the congregation put together some money and asked a friend living in Khartoum to invest it. The time came for the investment to mature, and so they were able to start the collection of sand and bricks with a substantial amount of money. They will probably need another $5,000 to complete the work. The building is more than a structure. It is a symbol of life for its members, a symbol of what they all hope will be a beginning for stability and peace. Even though they are well aware of the fact that peace in Sudan is rare, they hope that this time will be different along the river. Pray with them and for them that this peace might be sustained because as hard as everything is in Sudan, peace is like a fragile clay pot, always on the verge of becoming so many shards.”

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Presbyterian Women News:

             The Presbyterian Women’s year-round mission project is helping provide items for the local Domestic Violence Shelter. The items requested for August are back-to-school items. You may leave the items in the box in the narthex or bring them by Charlotte’s office. The shelter is a haven for victims of domestic violence who are leaving a bad home situation and is operated by People, Inc. Our thanks are extended to everyone for providing the baby items for July.

             The “Well-Read Ladies” Book Club meets the last Tuesday of the month at 4 pm at Marian Shanahan’s home. Marian is the group leader, and any questions should be directed to her at 935-7377. The selection for August is The Appeal by John Grisham. All ladies are invited.

             On Sunday August 24, following worship, there will be a light lunch with a “sip and see”[punch and cake] for Holiday Burke Cole, daughter of Sean and Sharon Cole, granddaughter of Ron and Sandy Cole. The hostesses for this event are Robin Arrington, Ann Marie Trivette, Joan Porter, Toni Stokes, Edith Gilliam, Penny Jennell, Doris Lee Stiltner and co-chairs Connie Bausell and Sandra Cole.

             The PW will resume their monthly circle meeting on Sunday, September 7, at 6 pm. All women of the church are encouraged to attend; light refreshments will be served. This year’s lessons will be from the Gospel of Luke. Titled “Jubilee”, the lessons begin with Jesus’ inaugural sermon in Nazareth. On that day, he announced that the long awaited “year of the Lord’s favor” had now begun with him.

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             Congratulations to Stephanie Matney and Matt Wheawill, who were united in marriage here at Buchanan First on Saturday afternoon, August 2.  Pastor Jeff officiated at the ceremony; the reception followed at the Appalachian School of Law. Stephanie’s parents are Jeff and Cindy Matney; her paternal grandmother is Anna Lee Matney. The maternal grandparents are Mr. and Mrs. Joel Stephens of Berea, KY.

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              Come join us for Fellowship and Devotional Time on Wednesday at 10 am. There’s always room for you! Refreshments are served in the fellowship hall; we then move to our separate meeting spaces. Pastor Jeff and Joan facilitate this fellowship time. If you need child care, call 935-4714 so we can make arrangements. We’re also sending cards to those in need of prayer, so if you have someone who needs encouragement, bring their name and address.

From the Church Mouse:

             What a nice job - much needed and way overdue - the sealing of our parking lot and the

re-painting of the parking spaces! It’s a smart thing to do when we take care of what has been given to us. It also enhances the appearance of our facility! As I was looking at our sign out in front, as I kept looking at our sign, I realized that some one has planted and cared for some flowers in a planter. What a thoughtful idea! To add some beauty to those passing by and those entering onto our property is another example being good stewards of what God gives to us.

             May be you’ve noticed, there are sure a lot of people from our church involved in the community to improve the quality of life for all of us who live here! It takes people who are

interested in making the quality of life better to step forward, to become involved, to use their energy, and to persist in their efforts. I am grateful for those who are stepping forward, in our church community, those who are a part of other churches, and those who just choose to get involved! We need to continue our prayers for them. When we notice that they are doing good and helpful things, give them words of encouragement and maybe find a way to get involved ourselves.

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HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO.....

                       August 2 - Rose Dotson                             August 13 - Sarah & Martha Mullins

                     2 - Kaleb Smith                                                       14 - Jack Bunn

                     3 - Joey Dales                                                         16 - Tim Parish

                     5 - Megan Deel                                                     17 - Breanna Tiller

                     5 - Ted Osborne                                                   18 - Clair Bunn

                     5 - Pat Hatfield                                                  21 - Brad Osborne

                     6 - Brenda Talbott                                            23 - Kara McCallum

                     8 - Tate Chambers                                           25 - Derek Anderson

                     9 - Jackson Compton                                       27 - Toni Stokes

                     9 - Tom Mullins                                             28 - Andrew Gillespie

                    13 - Bob Gillespie                                         30 - Shawn Jones

31 - Mackenzie Smith

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HAPPY ANNIVERSARY TO....

August 10 - Gene & Barbara Sutherland August 23 - Tom & Karen Mullins

                         13 - Bob & Lois Gillespie 28 - Woody & Joyce Alexander

                         15 - Tom & Judy Holland 28 - Ted & Judy Osborne

August 28 - Brent & Jen Osborne

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              Memorials and gifts given to Buchanan First this past month are listed below. PLEASE NOTE: If you give a memorial for someone we are not familiar with or who is not connected to Buchanan First, please provide a name and address of who should be notified of your gift. We have received several memorials and have been given no contact information on who to send notifications to about the gifts, so please help us in this matter. Memorials received are as follows:

             From Ron and Sandra Cole, a memorial to Tyler Yates, Claude Crigger, and

             Georgia Evans.

             From Ruth Muncy, a memorial to Tyler Yates, Claude Crigger and Georgia Evans.

             From Ted and Judy Osborne, a memorial to Tyler Yates.

             From Lisa Blackwell, a memorial to Leisha Charles

             From Jim and Banna Bevins, a memorial to Julia Matney.

Recent Illness & Hospitalizations: Lewis C. Chong, Bill Crigger, Junior Crouse, Mattie Dotson, Cynthia & Geoff Dowling, Haylee Fuller, Hattie Keene, Pauline McClanahan, Greg Matney, Helen Matney, Karen Matney, Travis Matney, Jr., Ted Osborne, Josephine Rife, Julie Sage, Mary Sherman, Ann Shortt, Gail Rife Skeens, Joyce Stiltner, Jim Talbott, Gertrude Whittaker, and Mary Yates.

Shut-Ins: Geraldine Chalfa, Melissa Dillow, Rose Dotson, Elizabeth Fore, Mabel Hurst, Jerry Jones, Fern Marcum, Anna Lee Matney, Bernice Matney, Scotty McCoy, William McKeon, Dewey & Jan Miner, Kyle Miner, Jr., Leona Miner, Lawrence Norris, Vickey Norris, Eunice Roberts, Marian Shanahan, Doris Lee Stiltner, Jeff Wallace.

             Our sympathies are extended to the family of Georgia Evans, who recently passed away. Mrs. Evans was a member of Vansant Presbyterian Church; remember her family in your prayers.

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             Breanna Tiller recently received the President’s Excellence Education Award at Greendale Elementary School, as well as Top 5^th Grade reader, reading over 2 million words. Breanna also swims year-round at the Coomes Center. She recently received all of her B times in U.S.A. swimming. Breanna is the daughter of Roger and Beth (Dailey) Tiller, the granddaughter of Sandra Dailey and the great-granddaughter of Hattie Keene.

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 A digest of the July 23, 2008, stated session meeting

             Present - Moderator Pastor Jeff; elders Toni Stokes - clerk, Ruth Muncy, David Cecil, Jeff Matney, Denys Marcum, and Louis Holland. Also present were Gary Holland and Karen Mullins respresenting the Mission Self-Study Committee. Kemper Bausell was excused. The meeting was called to order by Pastor Jeff who declared a quorum present. The opening prayer was led by Elder Jeff Matney. The session took action on or received the following:

             - approved the minutes of the June 25 meeting as amended;

             - received a thank you letter from the Bedford Presbyterian Church in New York for the use of our facilities while working in Buchanan county;

             - reviewed some of the actions at General Assembly. Abingdon Presbytery pastors will meet soon;

             - received the financial report as information. A letter is being prepared to send to the congregation to inform us of our financial situation;

             - received the completed Mission Self-Study report for consideration from committee members Gary Holland and Karen Mullins;

             - received a report from the Sanctuary Committee concerning the possible costs of replacement windows;

             - received a report from the Property Committee outlining the progress of several jobs including: asphalt sealing, final kitchen repairs, basement air-movement project, gutters, lighting front glass and possible landscaping. Approved the Boy Scouts using the fellowship hall on August 11, 2008. Approved SwVCC Festival of the Arts using our facilities on April 22, 2009. Purchase of a fax machine was approved at the best price to us;

             - approved an ad at the Grundy Community Center for $100 a month for three months;

             - reviewed the proposed by-laws and Articles of Corporation;

             - received the pastor’s report as information.

             - approved vacation for Pastor Jeff for the week of November 3-10 and the week of December 25-January 1;

             - discussed chapter 3 of “Transforming Congregational Culture”.

             - a special meeting was called for August 12 at 6:30 pm to respond to the Mission Self-Study. The Mission Self-Study Committee will give additional background and answer questions.

             The meeting was closed and adjourned with prayer by Jeff Matney.