January 2012 Newsletter

January, 2012

The Beacon

A PUBLICATION OF ERIN PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH 200 Lockett Rd. — Knoxville, TN 37919 — (865) 588-5350 — www.ErinPresbyterian.org

PASTOR Rev. John Stuart pastor@erinpresbyterian.org

SESSION Mr. Charles Snodgrass Clerk of Session session@erinpresbyterian.org

CONVENERS Joy Bornhoeft, Fellowship fellowship@erinpresbyterian.org

Kelli Crisp, Discipleship discipleship@erinpresbyterian.org

David Eggers, Stewardship stewardship@erinpresbyterian.org

Outreach Team outreach@erinpresbyterian.org

A Message From The Pastor

“For I am not ashamed of the Gospel, for it is the power of God for salvation to everyone who believes, to the Jew first and also to the Greek.” (Romans 1:16) Dear Friends, As we step into a New Year, let me challenge you with this Rev. John Stuart ques on: what do you believe? You might think it is strange of me to ask that of you, especially a%er serving this church for over 16 years. Surely by now, I would know completely what everybody in this congrega on actually believes about God, Christ, and the Church. The truthful answer is that I don’t.

Unlike God, I cannot know what you truly think in your head and what beliefs you carry in your heart. Only God knows and in the end, that is all that really ma1ers.

The reason that I am bringing this to Erin’s a1en on is that the Session is about to embark upon a journey of faith to define what our church believes. We say that we are Chris ans, but what does that actually mean? We call ourselves Presbyterians, but how is that applied in our lives? We believe that we are Reformed, but how is that expressed to our community?

LouL Tate, Creative Expressions cex@erinpresbyterian.org

Dale Webb, Property property@erinpresbyterian.org

STAFF Nancy Berry, Organist

All over the world, churches are struggling. Some are engaged in cultural confronta ons that are dividing faith communi es. Some are desperately seeking a pastoral niche in their neighborhoods to confirm their iden ty.

Others are wallowing in the past and fear the future. Some even say that we are living in a post-Chris an era, so it’s only a ma1er of me before Chris anity is phased out completely.

oliveberry@aol.com

Michele Meer, Administrator admin@erinpresbyterian.org

Cindi Stooksbury, Nursery info@erinpresbyterian.org

I’m now in my last decade of full me ministry. I personally want those years, if God allows, to be the best that I can give to Christ and His people. I want to pass on a church that is strong, resolute, and determined to carry on the life, ministry, and teaching of Christ to this community; but unless we all know what we truly believe and express that belief together, we will be aimless and miss the mark that God has set for our congrega on.

Joe Jaynes, Choir Director jtj@abacusarts.com

Christian Ed., Vacant

New Years are generally about new beginnings, fresh promises, and making resolu ons. We have accomplished a great many things through the blessings of God in recent years.

cec@erinpresbyterian.org

Youth Director, Vacant info@erinpresbyterian.org

Have we the courage and constancy, as well as the grit and determina on to move forward into an era of new hopes, dreams, and visions?

Con nued on pg. 5...

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BIRTHDAYS

Jan 3 — Joe Tate Jan 4 — Maud Hoover Jan 4 — Suzanne Levering Jan 4 — James Montgomery Jan 4 — John Moxham Jan 4 — Lanie Webb Jan 5 — Gary Blackburn Jan 6 — Mary Nelle Cate Jan 6 — Tracy Foster Jan 6 — Jeff Waters Jan 6— Chloe Webb Jan 10— Maeve Smith Jan 11— Pat Fitch Jan 11— Alee Strand Jan 12— Kelli Canan Jan 15— Jose Luis Vowell Jan 16— Shane Crisp Jan 17— Leslie Crawford Jan 17— J. Ross McKenry Jan 19— Tara Link Jan 19— Laurie Stapleton Jan 19— LouL Tate Jan 20— Annie Getz Jan 21— Evelyn Stuart Jan 21—Al Wallin Jan 24— Jada Cable Jan 28— Mike Jackson Jan 29— Thomas Pearson Jan 30— Andy Jaynes Jan 30— Carl McHargue Jan 30— Dana McKenry Jan 30— Lora Yard Jan 31— Kathy McClellan

NEWSLETTER

Submissions to “The Beacon” are due on the 20th of each month. Your articles may be submitted by calling 588‐ 5350 or by sending an email to admin@erinpresbyterian.org.

PRAYER CHAIN

Would you like to receive weekly prayer requests by email, phone, or even text message? Call the Church Of ice to sign‐up for the communication of your choice!

UPDATE YOUR INFO

If your contact information has changed, please call the Church Of ice or complete the enclosed form to update your information.

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A Farewell Message from Robin Cuany, as Convenor of SAM

MEMBER

SPOTLIGHT

Charles Snodgrass: Commissioned Ruling Elder (CRE)

I have accepted a call to serve as CRE at First Presbyterian Church of Rockwood star ng on January 1. This will include leading worship on Sundays, modera ng mee ngs of session and pastoral care.

The Presbytery guidelines for service as CRE includes the encouragement to stay connected to the life of the home church; I intend to do so.

My membership at Erin is important to me and has been rewarding beyond belief. Erin is my family.

I will con nue to be an Erin member and elder, and will par cipate in ac vi es as me allows. I hope to con nue as elder ac ve on session through 2012, but my service as Clerk of Session is complete at the end of 2011. Service on the Discipleship ministry team may be challenging, but will be facilitated by employment of a CE staff member.

-Charles

I have been the convener of the SAM Council since I was asked by Hugh Jaynes in 1999 to succeed him in that role. I have found that my chronological age of 85 has caught up with me in various ways so that my efficiency is less and my ideas and planning are coming less easily. I think a new person could get the organiza on on track which the members will welcome as the program gets more exci ng. I have been greatly helped by the support and abili es of Donna Schall and Allyson Streckfuss who have carried on the du es of Scribe and Coordinator.

I think all of us could use new friends to expand the dimensions of our objec ve: to provide s mula on and entertainment as well as relevant Informa on for our age group. Also we want to increase the inter‐age fellowship and mutual apprecia on of us Seniors and our school and college age youth, as well as the many families which span the years of 20‐60.

My place of dwelling will not change neither will my ac vity in the Erin Choir and in the Senior Adult Ministry mee ngs and trips, but I will remain available as a Re red counselor, off whom you could bounce your ideas any me. We will be talking to some of you whom we would like to invite to the Council. Let us look forward to 2012!

Snodgrass

-Robin Cuany

WINTER IS UPON US! Do you drive a 4x4?

If you are willing to be added to a list of people that can be called upon by other members for assistance in the event of inclement weather, please contact the office by email at admin@erinpresbyterian.org, or telephone at 588-5350.

Erin Snow Policy Reminder In the event of cancellation of services due to inclement weather, we will update at WBIR Channel 10. We will also send an email on the morning of the canceled service. If Cedar Springs is closed, Erin is closed. **IF YOUR HOME HEAT STOPS WORKING, please know that you are always welcome at the church. Bring a book or your laptop, and be warm while you are waiting for your heat to be repaired.

FURNITURE MINISTRY UPDATE

The DuBois were received with big smiles at the Morgan-Scott Project.

They delivered 89 coats to the distribution site at the community center.

The Outreach Committee would like to extend a heart felt thank you to everyone who helped place warm clothing on the needy this year. ~Ron & Sonja DuBois

What a wonderful group of carolers The dates for Erin's participation in on the Sunday before Christmas. the Compassion Coalition Furniture Thanks to all the children and adults, Ministry have changed. Erin now who came singing their hearts out, serves once a quarter (February, May, then too, all the hugs and best August and November) on the third wishes. It was so special to me, Saturday of month. Our next especially this year without Charles, opportunity to serve is February 18, showing their love and how much 2012.

Erin cares! Too, it really brought back Please mark this date on your my memories of all the years Charles and I went caroling from Erin. calendar. Thanks for your continued Thanks too, from Peggy and my neighbors, who listened with joy! support of this Outreach activity.

Thanks to all! ~Mike Pierce

~Love , Mary Scarbrough

~DISCIPLESHIP~ Discipleship Annual Planning will be on January 7, 2012 at the home of Kelli Canan from 9am to 12 pm.

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CONFLICT MINERALS

Presbyterian Women –Circle IV

In our PW Circle Bible study this year, Confessing the Beatitudes, we have been confronted with applying the Beatitudes to our own lives and to really thinking about whom Jesus was speaking to then and now. Last month’s study was on Matthew 5:5, blessed are the meek. Meek is also interpreted as humble. The author of the study used the people of the Congo and the mining of conflict minerals as an example of a humbled people. As a group we were surprised to learn of this situation, and felt moved to share this issue with the church.

Have you ever heard the term “conflict minerals”? We hadn’t either. Conflict minerals are minerals that are mined in conditions of armed conflict and human rights abuses. One of the most common of these minerals is Columbite-tantalite, a metal ore from which the element tantalum is extracted. Once again, something you’ve probably never heard of, but I bet most of you are probably using a product that is made with it. Check your pockets and purses. Have a cell phone, a laptop, or a digital camera? Hearing aids, pacemakers, or even an airbag in you car? Tantalum is used in all of these things, among many others. In the Congo, warring militia groups control the mines and use forced labor, including young children, to work them. The working conditions are poor, with armed guards at many sites. Mudslides and tunnel collapses also endanger the workers. The militias control the people by violent means, including systematic rape, mutilation, and murder.

When we hear of injustices like this, we want to do something, but we often feel powerless. There are things you can do. Spread the word. If you had never heard of conflict minerals, then your friends probably haven’t either. Write to your lawmakers about your concerns. Write to corporations that produce electronics.

When you are purchasing new electronics, ask questions about the source of the materials. Spending your money on ethically sourced products is one of the best ways to make your voice heard. I encourage you all to do further research on this issue.

Check out the Enough Project at www.enoughproject.org and www.raisehopeforcongo.org. Google the terms conflict minerals” or “blood minerals”. Please educate yourself on this terrible problem. As Christians, it is our responsibility to shine a light on this darkness. ~Farrah S. Linkous

Presbyterian Women: PW Circle IV will meet Monday, January 9th at 7 pm at the home of Mary Scarbrough.

PW Circle II will meet Tuesday, January 10th at 10 am in the Parlor.

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Men's Breakfast and Unhanging of the Greens:

Saturday, January 7th, 8:30 am The Men of the Church invite everyone to a hearty breakfast in the Fellowship Hall on Saturday, January 7th.

After breakfast, we will be “unhanging” the greens in the Sactuary and Narthex.

We need many volunteers to take down Christmas decorations and carefully pack them away for next year. We appreciate all the help we can get for this important job!

Breadbreakers Dinner

Our next dinner is Saturday, January 21.

Please call Suzanne Levering at 766‐ 0909 for location information or to host an upcoming dinner.

Pastor’s Message

Let’s Do Dinner!

Tuesday, Jan. 3 at 5:15 pm Cracker Barrel, Cedar Bluff Contact Mary Scarbrough at 691‐8658 or Barbara Brazelton at 693‐3749.

WND Resumes!

January 11 at 5:45 pm

Brave the cold and join us for a delicious, homemade, hot meal at Wednesday Night Dinner.

If you have never come to WND before, then make it your New Year's resolution to join us this year. We guarantee you will enjoy the food, fellowship, and especially the desserts! Don't forget to sign up weekly in the Sunday Worship Bulletin or contact the church of ice by e‐mail or phone.

S.A.M. Sack Lunch

The next meeting of Erin’s Senior Adult Ministry (SAM) is Thursday, January 19 at 12:00 pm in the Fellowship Hall. We will be watching parts of the movie “Paper Clips”, a project about World War II veterans. Bring your sandwich, and we will supply chips, drinks, and dessert. All are welcome. Let’s learn together!

Winter Game Nights

Feeling a little blue now that the holidays are over? Tired of Friday night re‐runs on TV? Looking for something new and exciting to do?

Then join us on the irst Friday of each month for Game Night fellowship, popcorn, and soft drinks!

Bring a favorite game to teach others; join in a rousing card game of Hand and Foot; or try a round of Mexican Train dominoes. Novices are welcome! The fun starts at 7:00 pm in the Fellowship Hall and lasts until the games are done!

Popcorn and soft drinks provided.

If nursery care is needed, let the Of ice know by Wednesday of game week.

OUT OF THE MOUNTAIN OF DESPAIR, A STONE OF HOPE Music is our chisel...The Presbytery of East Tennessee Peacemaking Committee joins with the greater Knoxville Martin Luther King, Jr. Commemorative Commission & other community organizations to sponsor an evening of the music of social justice— the songs that have sustained movements through long, nonviolent struggles for change around the world. Guy & Candie Carawan and Avon Rollins, who walked with Dr. King and Jessie Jackson, and who is now the Director of the Beck Cultural Exchange Center, will lead the program.

Friday January 13, 2012

6:00pm‐8:30pm

Beck Cultural Exchange Center

1927 Dandridge Avenue, Knoxville, TN

Light Refreshments at 6:00pm...Yes, we will sing!

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...(Cont. from pg. 1)

Are we ready to discover, discuss, and decide what we truly believe? And are we willing to adhere to those beliefs in everything that we think, say, and do for Jesus Christ at Erin Church?

Only God knows and time will tell.

May God be with us and bless us through Christ throughout this New Year.

-John

____________________________________

Every Sunday, Pastor Stuart teaches a Sunday School class in the Noah’s ark Room from 9:45AM to 10:30AM. Each month, he tackles a different topic and leads a Bible study discussion. The following is January’s theme.

Jan 8 – Jan 29, 2012 4 week series: End of Days

2012 sees the completion of the ancient Mayan calendar and some people believe that the world is going to end. This short Bible study series looks at Paul’s understanding of the End Times, as contained in his Second Letter to Timothy.

Jan 8 2 Timothy 1 Jan 15 2 Timothy 2 Jan 22 2 Timothy 3 Jan 29 2 Timothy 4

Everyone is welcome to attend!

GENERAL OPERATING BUDGET Profit & Loss Year-to-Date Comparison (Through December 28, 2011) Jan 1 - Dec 27, 11

Jan 1 - Dec 27, 10

Income Creative Exp. Income Discipleship Income Fellowship Income Stewardship Income Memorial Income Outreach Income Offerings PW Income

7,560.04 2,718.50 8,306.96 403.00 13,440.00 6,319.82 321,523.69 910.25

8,261.05 6,341.59 7,625.91 24,466.94 720.00 5,384.39 345,302.95 459.25

Total Income

361,182.26

398,562.08

Expense Creative Expressions Property Team Discipleship Team Fellowship Team Outreach Team Stewardship Team Worship Team Pastoral Ministry Memorial Expenses Session PW Expenses

24,253.43 69,647.57 17,069.39 13,327.14 34,708.43 116,045.46 3,220.01 102,304.16 16,875.34 797.55 246.50

22,268.83 43,349.67 22,259.03 13,165.81 48,537.43 163,419.20 3,144.20 108,756.58 3,764.77 924.66 479.50

Total Expense

398,494.98

430,069.68

Net Income

-37,312.72

WOULD YOU LIKE TO SUSTAIN THE FUTURE OF ERIN CHURCH?

Please consider leaving a percentage of your Estate to Erin in your Will.

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-31,507.60

FirstFruits Giving Most simply stated “First-Fruit Giving” is most closely associated with a lot of firsts. The first of the week, first of the month, first of the year, but most importantly the first fruits of our labor.

Think of picking the very first ripe, red, and juiciest fruit of the season off your vine. By offering our fruit at the alter for God who brought it forth from seed with praise and Thanksgiving allowing us to have abundant crops and blessings both now and forever.

Year-End Stewardship Challenge: let us all take out our checkbooks and, starting three months back, read through it like a book. What story does it tell about our priorities? What story does it tell about our relationship with God? Take stock of all that Christ has done for us, and remain faithful to our pledge to give back the tithes that God has blessed us with.

(1 Corinthians 16: 1-2) – Now concerning the collection for the saints, as I directed the churches of Galatia, so do you also. On the first day of every week let each one of you put aside and save, as he may prosper, that no collections be made when I come.

“The Lord is my shepherd, I shall not want…” This psalm is popular because its simple affirmation that God cares for God’s children, God pursues us in goodness and mercy, and will not rest until all God’s children are home. ~The Stewardship Team

Capit al Campaign Update We are now a little over two years into the Line of Credit for the Capital Campaign. At the end of August, the terms of the Line of Credit changed from Interest-only payments to a standard monthly payment which will be figured on the LOC maximum draw amount of $1,000,000 over the next 13 years at 5.5% interest.

This is an adjustable rate and the interest will be calculated on a total of approximately $508,000, which is how much we have drawn so far and not yet paid back. Our monthly payments will be a little over $9,000.

At this amount, we will pay off the LOC in less than seven years.

As a church, you pledged to support the Campaign with approximately $1.2 million, and we have taken in a little over $921,000.00 in pledges.

Most of the work has been completed, and we have spent approximately $1.3 million. Our goal is to pay the loan off as soon as possible, therefore we ask for your continued support to the Campaign with your pledges.

CAPITAL CAMPAIGN: Profit & Loss Report (Through December 29, 2011)

Through Sept 28, 11 Income 40000 · Capital Campaign 41800 · Non-Pledged Giving 41900 · Pledges 45000 · Memorials

Thank you, Erin Stewardship Team

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5,558.48 1,009,944.52

Total Income Expense 60000 · Expenses 60100 · Administrative 60200 · Building and Property Security Total Expense

41,983.97 102,593.67 144,577.64 865,366.88

Net Income

CAPITAL CAMPAIGN: Statement of Cash Flow (Through December 29, 2011)

Through Sept 28, 11 OPERATING ACTIVITIES Net Income 20000 · Accounts Payable Net cash provided by Operating Activities

865,366.88 52,349.35 889,037.27

INVESTING ACTIVITIES 13001 · Building 13002 · Kitchen

1,323,248.3530,932.20

Net cash provided by Investing Activities

-1,354,180.55

FINANCING ACTIVITIES 25000 · Line of Credit

If you have not pledged and would like to help, please write a check to Erin Presbyterian Church, and in the memo line note that it is for the Capital Campaign.

82,649.04 921,737.00

Net cash provided by Financing Activities Net cash increase for period Cash at end of period

485,238.82 485,238.82 48,774.50 48,774.50

January 2012 SUNDAY

MONDAY

1 Worship, Nursery, & Planet Worship 11:00 am

Communion & Peacemaking 11:00 am

Personnel Team 4:00 pm NO CEX ON 1st 8 Gi s of Children Sunday 11:00 a.m.

Convener Mtg 12:30 pm

CEX Team 12:30 pm

Outreach Team 12:30 pm

8, 15, 22, 29 SS & Nursery 9:30 am

2 Church Office Closed

Such Is The Kingdom 10:00 am

Journey 7 1:00 pm

AA 7:30 pm

9 PW Circle IV 7:00 pm

9, 16, 23, 30 Body Recall 4:00 pm

(Pastor‐led SS at 9:45 am)

Worship, Nursery, & Planet Worship 11:00 am

DaySpring 3:00 pm

Journey 7 4:00 pm

EPC Youth 5:00 pm

Such Is The Kingdom 5:00 pm

Erin Express 7:30 pm

TUESDAY

WEDNESDAY

THURSDAY

FRIDAY

SATURDAY

5 4 3 6 7 Let’s Do Dinner Outreach Team Sanctuary Team Game Night Men’s Breakfast 5:15 pm 6:30 pm 7:00 pm 7:00 pm & Unhanging of

the Greens Discipleship, 4, 11, 18, 25 12 6, 13, 20, 27 8:30 am Body Recall MOPS Bulle n Team Fellowship, &

4:00 pm 9:15 am 10:00 am Property Team Discipleship (No class on 4th)

Mee ngs Annual Planning

19 Body Recall 7:00 pm 9:00 am SAM Council Handchimes 4:00 pm

10:30 am 5:00 pm (No class on 6th) 10 21 PW Circle II Breadbreakers

10:00 am 6:30 pm SAM Lunch Chess Club AA

12:00 pm 5:00 pm 8:00 pm Staff Mee ng 28

Session Retreat 6:15 pm Session Wednesday

9:00 am

7:00 pm Night Dinner

Stewardship

(Beginning on Sonshine Co. Mee ng 26 11th) MOPS 10:00 am 7:30 pm 5:45 pm 9:15 am

24 Adult Handbells Worship Team

6:30 pm Mee ng

7:00 pm

SonShine Co.

6:30 pm

Pioneer Club 6:30 pm (Beginning on 11th)

Oasis Bible Study 6:45 pm (beginning on 11th)

Choir 7:30 pm

ERIN PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH 200 Lockett Road Knoxville, TN 37919‐4808 Ph: (865) 588‐5350

Fax: (865) 584‐7775 www.ErinPresbyterian.org

POSTMASTER: D 2012.

RETURN SERVICE REQUESTED M . P D B JANUARY 1,

OUR VISION: To be a hearth of faith; a lighthouse in our community; a beacon of God’s Word.

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