THE WRIGHT UPS Wright Congregational United Church of Christ 4821 Franklin Rd, Boise, ID 83705 Office: Tues-Thurs 9-Noon and 1-3:00 208-343-0292 email: church.office@wrightucc.org web: www.wrightucc.org
September 2017 Issue Dear Friends, Last Sunday I confessed to you how much I miss getting report cards. They offer feedback, encouragement, and constructive criticism to help me grow and improve. I also confessed that I would be intimidated to be a student of the greatest rabbi, Jesus, because he was not an easy grader. He often voiced his disappointment in his disciples consistently low test scores. Six months have gone by since you voted me in as your settled pastor and I will be getting my first report card as I meet with the selection committee to go over our progress and talk about any issues we may have in order to improve our relationship. This made me think it would be fun to give you, Wright Church a report card from your pastor. They taught me in seminary that pastors have fresh eyes to see churches with a clear perspective for six months and then we become one of you and we see things with a bias. We have had quite an eventful first six months starting with Lent and Easter, Pentecost and new member classes, Bible studies, garden parties, trivia contests, and Movie Night Galas. Jesus often quizzed his disciples to see if they were picking up his messages and sometimes he lathered them in praise, like when he blessed Peter, told him he would build his church upon him, and he gave him the keys to the kingdom. This is your report card. You know you already have the keys to the kingdom so maybe this report card will encourage you to use those keys to practice living in the grace and mercy of our great teacher, Jesus Christ in the Kingdom of God. May God bless you and thank you for allowing me to be your pastor, your fellow student, your friend. Keep up the good work! In Christ’s love, Pastor Kathy
“The morning glories and the sunflowers turn naturally to the light, but we have to be taught, it seems.” ~Richard Rohr
Report Card
Wright Church
September 2017 Subject/Activity
Marks
Teacher Comments
1
Welcoming
A+
You excel at making all people feel comfortable, accepted, and wanted.
2
Hospitality
A+
Your greeters are friendly, the ushers are helpful, your cookies are delicious and your potlucks are the best in all of Boise.
3
Blending
A+
You are successfully blending two groups of people all while welcoming new people. This is quite unusual and unprecedented and nothing short of a miracle.
4
Making New Friends
A+
New friendships are budding all around. Continue to watch for people who may feel left out and do your best to include them.
5
Eagerness to Learn
A+
6
Adjusting to Change
A+
7
Getting Involved
A+
8
Loving
A+
You have shown great interest in the Gospel lessons presented each week and I appreciate your feedback on the sermons. Make sure to sign up for the Bible Study and Sunday School Classes being offered this fall. You have demonstrated a great adaptability to new worship styles, music selection and instrumentation, new traditions, and seating arrangements in the pews. Good work Wright Church! You are great at exploring ways to match your gifts and interests with the variety of opportunities Wright Church is offering. Keep up the good work and don’t be afraid to suggest new ideas for us to try. You excel at loving each other, loving God, and loving your pastor. Thank you so much. I love you, too.
For: First Six Months
Worship Schedule for September
September 3 Communion Preaching: Rev. Kathy Abend Lay Leader: Tom Eubanks Communion Servers: Carol Rivers, Amelia McCown, Carl Van Slyke, Marilyn Williams Greeters: Frank & Jama Capshaw Altar Flowers: Chuck and Meredith Pond Coffee Hosts: John & Maxine Freeman & Rick Buckham September 10 Preaching: Rev. Kathy Abend Lay Leader: Carol Card Greeters: Maxine & Dick Palmer Altar Flowers: Carol Rivers in loving memory of her mom Audrey Beckstead Coffee Hosts: September 17 Preaching: Rev. Kathy Abend Lay Leader: Lois Taylor Greeters: Clint & Glenda Randall Altar Flowers: Dale and Betty Ramsey Coffee Hosts: All Church Potluck September 24 Preaching: Rev. Brian Grassley Lay Leader: Amelia McCown Greeters: Ann Durand & Mary Pond Altar Flowers: Lois Taylor Coffee Hosts:
Ushers for September Chuck Pond, Dale Ramsey, Frank Capshaw, Dwain Baxter. Thank you to Chris Abend for accepting the head usher position as Wes Andrews is unable to continue due to job situations.
September Celebrations
Birthdays: Sept. 3-Chris Abend; Sept. 7 Meredith Pond; Sept. 10-Rich Eubanks; Sept. 12- Kim Smith; Sept. 20-Anne Schnebly; Sept. 21-Syl Apperson; Sept. 22-Laura Shockley; Sept. 24-Lois Wade. Anniversaries: Sept. 1-Jane & Tom Eubanks; Sept. 4-Willard and Bethene Dykes and Al and Susan Busche. If you would like to be included in our birthday or anniversary list please give the office a call.
Pastor Kathy's September schedule:
Pastor Kathy will be in of the office for most of September. Her mom and family will be joining us for worship on Sunday, Sept. 3 and they want to meet you! She will be attending the Central Pacific Conference annual meeting on Sept. 22 thru 24. Office hours are Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday from 9-noon and 1-3:00.
Lawn Mowing Schedule Thank you to all who have signed up to mow the lawn! Before Sept. 3-Chuck & Meredith Pond Before Sept. 10 – Dick Thatcher Before Sept. 17 – Chris Abend Before Sept 24 – Mike Smith
Adult Sunday School Join Pam McDonald on Sept. 3 from 10:00am to 10:45am in the Upper Room as she facilitates Max Lucado and Randy Frazee's three-week study. "The Story of Heaven". If you plan to participate, please sign up on the table outside the Sanctuary to ensure we have enought study guides available. Adult Sunday School will continue after this 3 week session and everyone is welcome.
Office closed on Tuesday, Sept. 5 Labor Day closure Children’s Sunday School All children are invited to Sunday School beginning at 10:15 am every Sunday. We are in the midst of a 12-Week series called An Illustrated Compassion: Learning to Love Like God's Children. The coloring four posters during the summer and learning stories of compassion from the Old and New Testament. They will also learn what it looks like to live a compassionate life today. The children are also learning songs to share in worship.
Women's Fellowship Gatherings are the 1st Wednesday of each month – September thru December and January thru May at 1pm. No meetings are held June, July or August. A short business meeting is held, followed by a program and refreshments. September 6th – Linda Baxter will be our special guest with a presentation that will inspire all October 4 – Open for suggestions October 6th & 7th – Fall Rummage sale November 1 – Aubrey Balfour will bring her song and experience of her singing tour in Europe this summer. December 6th – Christmas Luncheon place to be announced We hope you can join us for a couple of hours of fun and fellowship. Gentlemen are welcome also.
Book Club News The Book Club meets on the first Thursday of each month at 1:00 pm in the church library. All are welcome to come, enjoy a cup of tea, a snack and an interesting discussion. September 7 – "This Road We Travel" by Jane Kirkpatrick October 5- "Small Great Things" by Jodi Picoult
Men's Fellowship Saturday, September 9, 2017 at 9:00am in the social hall is the date of our first fall Men’s Fellowship meeting. We look forward to hearing Dick Thatcher’s tales of An Illinois Boy’s Journey. As always we encourage the ladies to join in for food and fellowship. A light breakfast of fruit, yogurt, muffins, orange juice and coffee will be served. We ask for a $5 donation to cover the food. Any extra goes into our “kitty” to use for a worthwhile project in the future. Call Tom Eubanks at 208 658 1217 if you have a question.
Wright Ones Outing (for anyone who considers themselves "Single") On Sunday, Sept. 10 following church we will car pool to Bitner Vineyards for a picnic and tour the winery. We will pick up chicken and sides and eat there (will divide the cost with those attending) Please RSVP to Carol Rivers or Robin so we can have a head count and not leave anyone behind.
Tuesday Evening Bible study Starting Tuesday, September 12 We will be offering a 24-Week comprehensive study of the Bible called Disciple Fast Track that is designed to walk people through the Old and New Testaments of the Bible. The class will be held on Tuesday nights in the Upper Room of Wright Church from 7-8:30 p.m. and will be cofacilitated by Pastor Kathy Abend and Greg Charlton. Carpooling will be available for anyone who doesn’t drive at night.
Lunch Bunch Will meet on Thursday, Sept. 14 at 1:00 pm at Ling and Louie’s beginning at 1:00 pm for lunch. No program just eat, meet, greet and enjoy. Everyone is invited to come.
Crafty Characters Will meet on Friday, Sept. 15 at 11:30am in the social hall for a potluck lunch, (please bring something to share). Fun, crafts, fellowship and food are always a great combination. We gather together to work on crafts and learn other crafts, so bring whatever crafts you are working on and join us. We are getting ready for the Bazaar on Oct. 21. All "crafty characters" are invited. If you have any questions please contact Carol Rivers. The stars adorned the halls of Wright Church last weekend. Thank you to all those who were a part of this amazing event. Your prayers, donations, hours of volunteerism, and support are greatly appreciated. With your help, we have raised approximately $4,000. Hall of Stars Many of you have mentioned you are not able to attend the events but want to support the effort. Consider becoming a member of the Hall of Stars by making a monetary donation. With your permission, a star in your honor will be hung in the Hall of Stars. Be sure to designate “Let It Shine” in the memo area of your check. Cast Iron Cooking Classes Many hands will be needed for our October event. Whether you are a cast iron beginner or expert, your help is needed. Pam McDonald will hold two classes to show you just how easy it is
to cook with cast iron. All supplies and instructions will be provided. ● Dates: Saturday, September 9 from 1 p.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday, September 30 from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. ● Location: Social Hall SING: A Night of Songs from Stage and Screen ● Date: Saturday, September 16 @ 7 p.m. ● Cost: Give as your heart leads you. (Suggested donation: $5. No one will be denied attendance due to lack of funds.) ● Join us for a night honoring Ron Apperson for his many years of service as the Wright Choir Director. Common Ground Community Chorus will be our musical guests, continuing our theme of stage and screen. Refreshments will be served in the Social Hall following the performance. ● Contact Pam McDonald if you are willing to assist with refreshments. City Slickers Chuck wagon Dinner and Silent Auction October 7 @ 6 p.m. Adopt an oven or skillet. For more information, contact Pam McDonald, Special entertainment: Old Time Fiddlers Donations for the silent auction are needed. Please contact Pam McDonald. Be sure to stop by the ticket booth, located outside the sanctuary to volunteer, reserve your spot at events, ask questions, make donations or see how much we have raised. Contacts:
Pam McDonald, Campaign Coordinator, 208-283-8620
September Potluck Sunday, Sept. 17 following worship in the social hall is our monthly potluck. Please bring your favorite covered dish to share. If you or your group would like to host a monthly potluck please contact Joan Wenske or put your name on the sign up list in the social hall. Set up and clean up is all that is needed.
Board of Directors to Meet Wednesday, Sept. 20 at 7:00 pm in the social hall. If you are a committee chair your presence is requested. Everyone is welcome.
Bench Supper for September Thursday, Sept. 24 at 6:00 pm, helpers needed. Signup sheet will be available for your helping hands. This is a homemade hot meal including dessert and beverage which we offer to folks from all over the valley. The supper's costs are between $100.00 to $150.00 per month depending on the menu and we serve between 60 and 100 people. If you are unable to come help prepare or serve you can participate by donating financially. Donations of any size are greatly appreciated. Please mark your checks "Bench Supper. If you should have any questions please contact Janice Aagaard.
Great Time at Women's Retreat at Pilgrim Cove How does the thought of spending 3 days camping outside beautiful McCall, ID, sound to you? Make it even better with access to a private beach and swimming area complete with kayaks, canoes and paddle boards, along with good food and a healthy dose of fellowship and you have this summer’s Women’s Camp at Pilgrim Cove Camp. Sorry guys, ladies only! Over thirty ladies (with a large contingent coming from our own Wright UCC), gathered on Aug. 8 – 10 to discover God’s spirit speaking to us through fellowship, fun and instruction. The theme this year was “Experiencing Beauty”. The Woman’s Camp provided us multiple opportunities to witness this firsthand. Personally, I was taken back to my girl scout and YMCA camp experiences where we laughed, listened and learned with old and new friends. However, the Women’s Camp had the express purpose of helping us grow in God’s spirit and fellowship. It was a wonderful experience! I especially appreciated the two presenters, Retired Pastor Diane Dulin and Sister Marcia Sims. They each shared their experiences in working with the Palestinian YWCA as well as Palestinian Christians and Muslins. Wow!! I was humbled by their commitment to making life better for those in need and came away wondering if I am doing enough to help those less fortunate than me. The managers of the camp, Lori and Kari Roberts are super!! The schedule was organized yet flexible. It was designed to give us a chance to experience the beauty of the lake and land around us as well as grow in our faith! I found out that I could get into a kayak without ending up underwater. Jill R. was brave enough to stand up and paddle on a paddleboard but did take a splash when we tried to help her turn around and head back to shore….so much for helpful kayakers!! Pastor Kathy organized a group of kayakers into a creative synchronized routine of straight lines and figure eights! Even Ethel Rhodes Farnsworth (97 years old) helped paddle a tandem kayak across the cove to see the lily pads. Of course, she had two very handsome young lifeguards on her side to ensure her safety!! Several ladies took advantage of the quiet beauty of early morning to commune with nature. They did their yoga stretches on the dock while others meditated in comfy Adirondack chairs as the sun came up. Some of us took advantage of the opportunity to just sleep in before heading up to a scrumptious breakfast served at the main lodge. Group activities offered opportunities for personal growth, a little arts and crafts, fellowship and S’mores around the campfire. I am so excited for next summer and hope that we can have even more Wright UCC members join us in this wonderful opportunity to experience beauty “Around us, In Others, and Within us”. Teresa Staab
Vision Team We are looking for volunteers to serve on the Wright Church Vision Team. This team will prayerfully brainstorm, discuss and discern where we feel God is leading our church. We will formulate a clear concise mission statement and vision for our future. The team will begin meeting this fall, so stay tuned for up coming dates. If you are interested in being on the team please speak to Pastor Kathy.
Food and Hygiene Pantry Thank you to all for your generous donations to our food pantry. We need help keeping the pantry stocked. A suggestion sheet is on the cupboard door. Our pantry gets emptied during our Bench Suppers. Thank you for being a generous church!
What Great Volunteers we have.... And here is why...Since the first of the year (2017) 1450.0 volunteer hours have been recorded on the volunteer sheets and we are sure there are many, many more not logged. WAY TO GO WRIGHT CHURCH. ***If you volunteer in any way to help the church please take a volunteer hour sheet located at the office window. Keep track of you monthly volunteering and turn it in at the end of the month. Thank you in advance for everything you do for Wright Church.
Sunday Coffee Hosts Please don't be shy. Duties are making the coffee and punch (no red punch please), suppling a treat/goodie, setting it up and clean up. If you have any questions about being a coffee host please speak to Joan Wenske. Sign up sheets are in the social hall.
Altar Flowers
Sign up sheets are on the bulletin board at the bottom of the stairs near the social hall. You have a wonderful choice. You may bring you own arrangement of flowers or you can pay the church $20 and a member of our diaconate will supply them for you. Then you take them home to enjoy. Please be sure to check the appropriate box when signing up.
Potluck Hosts
It's really easy to be a potluck host. Set out plates, utensils, and napkins. Put salt and pepper on the tables, making coffee, juice and setting out the foods at the end of worship. We encourage committee's or groups to sign up for this once a month all church event.
Treasurer's Report General Fund Income General Fund Expenses Increase (Decrease) Special Fund Expenses Income Spent Ruby Oliason Special Fund Used (2017 Total Change for Month
July 2017 $11,134.25 10,458.70 $ 675.55
YTD $73,856.58 54,199.37 $19,657.21
$ 3,015.18 849.14
$ 9,679.36 19,029.50
3,750.00 $ -1,583.96
7,500.00 $-16,850.14
Budget $91,960.00 91,935.00 $ 25.00
Special Fund Note: The Board approved moving 6 month's worth of the Ruby Oliason Fund into the Building/Capital Improvement Fund instead of using it for General Budget Expenses because the General Fund income has improved for 2017.
Website and e-mail address Please change your address books to the new e-mail address: church.office@wrightucc.org Web Site: www.wrightucc.org
New faces - How exciting! Are you wearing your name tag? – Don't have a name tag, no problem. Please fill out a pew card indicating you would like a name tag. They will magically appear in the name tag holder at the top of the steps.
Quote of the Day! "I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will never walk in darkness, but will have the light of life". John 8:12
Central Pacific Conference Annual Meeting Wright Church has 5 delegates attending the Annual meeting in Pendleton, Oregon, September 22, 23 & 24 . Carl Van Slyke, Carol Rivers, Robin Canning, Chris & Kathy Abend and John Thomas will be attending. The theme for this years conference is "To the Well, To the Edge".
Climate Change: Impact on Idaho's Food System "The world will not be able to end hunger without Confromting climate change and its threat to People who are hungry and marginalized." (Bread for the World, July 2015) Please join the Idaho Interfaith Roundtable Against Hunger (IIRAH) in their community gathering, "Climate Change: Impact on Idaho's Food System." Wright Congregational Church has been an endorser and member of IIRAH since 2005. Dr. Rebecca Som Castellano, Boise State University, will share her climate change and food security expertice. She will be joined by three Idahoans who will share their personal experience and voices about the impact of climate change on their ability to produce food for us. Learn 'why and what' you can do to be a part of the solution. This free event will be held Tuesday, Sept. 26, 7:00 – 8:30pm Cole/Ustic branch of the Boise Library, refreshments will be served. For more information, visit WWW.iirah.org or ask Carl Van Slyke, our IIRAH representative.
From the Moderator’s Desk
by Carl Van Slyke
Chuck Pond, Board of Directors Chair and I have been hoping to fill some of the vacancies in the elected office holders at Wright Church. The Board of Directors can fill vacancies according to the Constitution and By-Laws: Article VIII, Section 3, second paragraph. We ask the new members if any had an interest in filling any of these positions through the end of the year. The Board of Directors, at their August meeting elected Peggy Higgins to the Diaconate and Chris Abend as the head usher. They will serve through the end of the year filling unexpired terms. They will begin serving September 1, 2017. Welcome Peggy and Chris to these important positions at Wright.
Articles for October Wright Ups Due in the office on or before Sunday, September 24. Please and thank you.
Upcoming Events in the life of Wright Church Rummage Sale: Friday, Oct. 6 and Saturday, Oct. 7 is the Women's Fellowship Fall Rummage Sale. Start saving you treasurers for this sale. If you have any questions please contact Nancy Miller. Bazaar: Oct. 21: Do you sew, do woodworking, baking jewelry making, knitting, crochet, or any other crafts? Would you like to have a table to sell your items or just donate a few things for the bazaar? Please contact Carol Rivers or Robin for more information as we are getting the plans for table set up.
Facing Addiction Advocacy Meeting to be held at Wright Church You are invited to attend the Facing Addiction-Community Advocacy Training to be held at Wright Church on Saturday, September 2, from 9:00am to 1:00pm. The meeting is free and open to anyone interested in promoting recovery awareness and changes in the community. The speaker is Michael King from Connecticut. Mr. King is the National Director of Outreach & Engagement, a national non-profit organization whose primary mission is to unify the voices of the 45 million Americans directly impacted by addiction. In the past, Michael worked for over a decade in the political arena as a political organizer, campaign manager and communications professional. PEER Wellness Center, Inc. has organized this event to bring together interested citizens, city & state leaders, IDOC and recovering addicts to learn and explore best practices for working with and organizing our community to affect positive policy changes. PEER stands for People Empowering Everybody in Recovery. PEER Wellness Center is a recovery community center that exists to advocate for and support individuals seeking to initiate or maintain Recovery from behavioral health and/or substance abuse issues. The free Recovery Support Services provided are fueled by the energy of volunteers who seek to share their experience, strength and hope with others. If you have questions please contact Monica at 208 991 3681 ext. 102 or monica@peerwellnesscenter.org
September 2017 Sunday
3
10- Adult Sunday School 10:15-Kids Sunday Sch. 11- WorshipCommunion 12-Fellowship/ Coffee
10
10-Adult Sunday School 10:15 Kids Sunday Sch. 11-Worship12-Fellowship/ Coffee 12:30 Wright Ones
17
Monday
4
Labor Day
10- Adult Sunday School 10:15 Kids Sunday Sch. 11- Worship w/ Rev. Brian Grassley 12-Fellowship/ coffee
5
Wednesday
11
7
1-Women's Fellowship
1-Book Club
12
13 6-Huntington's
19 7-Bible Study 7-Alanon
26 7-Bible Study 7-Alanon
Saturday
1
2
8
9
9-Addition Recovery Group
9-Men's Fellowship 1-Dutch Oven Class
6-Calligraphy Class
7-Alanon
25
Friday
Office Closed
7-Bible Study
18
Thursday
6
7-Alanon
10- Adult Sunday School 10:15 Kids Sunday Sch. 11-Worship 12-POTLUCK
24
Tuesday
14
15
1-Lunch Bunch
11:30 Crafty Characters
5- Wood Carvers
16 7-"Sing"
6-Calligraphy Class
20
21
22
23
Central Pacific Conference Annual Meeting
Pendleton Oregon
29
30
7-Board of Directors
27
28 6:00 Bench Community Supper 6-Calligraphy Class
10-Dutch Oven Class
The Wright Ups Wright Community Congregational Church United Church of Christ 4821 Franklin Rd Boise, Idaho 83705 Return Service Requested September, 2017 Vol. 2017 Issue 9
Phone: 208.343.0292 e-mail: church.office@wrightucc.org web: www.wrightucc.org Ministers: All Of Us Pastor: Rev. Kathy Abend Office Admin: Robin Canning Board Chair: Chuck Pond Organist: Ann Burkholder Pianist and Worship Design: Whitney Kats Moderator: Carl Van Slyke
We are joyfully an Open and Affirming Church 10:00 Adult Sunday School 10:15 Children's Sunday School 11:00 Worship Noon: Fellowship
Communion: 1st Sunday of each month Sunday School for Children at 10:15 Nursery Available