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!
*****
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
*****
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.
*****
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.
*****
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.
*****
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.”
*****
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.
*****
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.
*****
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.
*****
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
*****
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
*****
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.
*****
Breanna Tiller
recently received the President’s Excellence Education Award at Greendale
Elementary School, as well as Top 5th 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.
*****
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.
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