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The Wright Ups Feb. 2011 Vol. 2011 Issue 2
WELCOME TO FEBRUARY! A MONTH OF SUNDAYS (pLUS ONE) AT WRIGHT
Wright Congregational, United Church of Christ 4821 Franklin Rd. Boise, Idaho 83705 (208) 343-0292 E-Mail: wrightucc@qwestoffice.net Web: wrightucc.com Published Monthly, Mailed pre-paid at Boise, Idaho . Permit No. 127
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Ministers: All of Us Pastor: Rev. Michael S. Black
Secretary:
CHURCH
SUNDAY, JANUARY 30 10:45 AM: - \Vorship And Celebration Service Sermon Theme: "A New Look At An Old Story: Feeding The 5000" Choir Anthem: "Lonesome Valley" NOON: ANNUAL CONGREGATIONAL MEETING Adoption Of Final Budget & Installation Of 2011 Officers SUNDA Y, FEBRUARY 6 10:45 AM - Worship And Communion Service Sermon Theme: "Several Excellent Excuses" - Part 1 Choir Anthems: "A Song At The Crossroads" & "Gifts Of Bread And Wine"
Robin Canning
Choir Director: Ron Apperson
Organist: Ginny Trapp
Cry Room available For restless little ones.
SUNDAY, FEBRUARY 13 9:30 AM - Adult Sunday School- I Corinthians Series Begins 10:45 AM - Worship And Celebration Service Sermon Theme: "Several Excellent Excuses" - Part 2
Choir Anthem: "Follow Me To Jordan"
Board Chairman: Will Patterson
Kate Hall
SUNDAY, FEBRUARY 20 9:30 AM - Adult Sunday School 10:45 AM - Worship And Celebration Service Sermon Theme: "Several Excellent Excuses" - Part 3
Custodian:
Choir Anthem: "There's A Quiet Understanding"
Moderator: Jo Elliott-Blakeslee
Youth Leader:
Robin Canning
Pilgrim Cove Board Members: AI Busche Jim Morrow
Fall, Winter, Spring Schedule: 9:30 Adult Sunday Sch. 10:45 Worship & Children's Sunday Sch. Fellowship- Noon Communion Served the
Ist Sunday of each month -No Sunday Schools Summer June, July & August Worship at 10 a.m. Fellowship 11:00
SUNDAY, FEBRUARY 27 9:30 AM - Adult Sunday School 10:45 AM - Worship And Celebration Service Sermon Theme: "Several Excellent Excuses" - Part 4
Choir Anthem: "God Comes Along" ************** Special Children's Moment During Worship - Then K-6 Classes Youth Group After Church Child Care For The Little Ones Refreshments & Conversation Hour After Church
A MESSAGE FROM MIKE Jesus said, "Don't worry so much about things! ... But strive first for the Kingdom of God, And all you really need will be yours" (A paraphrase from Matthew 6)
I couldn't help but think of these words of Jesus as we have been facing the most difficult budgeting year in memory. I don't know that it is of any consolation, but virtually every minister I talk to reveals that their churches are also in the midst of extremely trying times financially. Mostly, I think, these circumstances are a reflection of the hardships we all are facing to a greater or lesser extent because ofthe "great recession". But I want you all to know, in advance of Sunday's Annual Congregational meeting, how diligently and faithfully our StewardshiplBudget Committee and the Board have been working to move us toward a reasonable and balanced budget: The Ministry portion of the budget for 2011 has been reduced by over $4000 from last year; the search for less expensive, yet adequate, property insurance has resulted in our paying about $2200 less than 2010; and they have proposed cuts in almost every other budget category which results in a proposed 2011 budget that is overall more than $11,000 less than 2010-and it still is not completely balanced. Other things that are being implemented-some very small, some bigger-to help reduce costs include our office going to all white paper, saving the cost of the more expensive color paper; using the old Pilgrim Hymnal more, so that fewer hymns will be printed in the bulletins; printing far fewer large bulletins, to save the copy costs; at least temporarily ending our pastoral tradition of sending birthday and anniversary cards to members; even more than now, making sure the heat is turned "way down" in unused parts of the church in the winter, and the air conditioning turned "way up" during the summer; considering eliminating funds now budgeted for nursery care and special musicians; and just asking everyone to do what they can to keep our costs down. On the income side, the committee and board have floated some ideas: Asking each family pledging unit to consider increasing their pledges by $1.00 per week-Tami and I are starting this, and if everyone did, it could result in a relatively painless increase in income of more than $3,000 for the year; challenging each fellowship group in the church to make it a goal to have some special fundraisers over the year-say with a goal of $1,000 each. Another possibility comes from this: While the 2011 General Fund pledges to date are down from last year, surprisingly the pledges to the Building Loan Fund are considerably up-in fact they surpass the needed building fund payments by some $4,000 for the year. Perhaps you would consider reallocating some of your pledges so that more is directed to the General Fund. These are all just ideas, but have some real merit. NOW, having said all that, I return to the spirit of Jesus' words above. Yes, we have to carefully manage our money resources as the Committee and Board are working so hard to do, BUT, let's not become so focused on or obsessed by or worried about these issues that we lose sight of our mission, our faith, our purpose. Let us together realize that "this too shall pass", things will get better, and that it will, as always, be true that when we keep seeking first God's kingdom, then and then only will we see that everything we really need will be ours as well.
Book Club & Library News The Book Group will meet at 1:00 p.m. on Thursday, February 3,2011 in the church library. The book to be discussed is Moloka'i, by Alan Brennert. Future programs include: March 3: Think No Evil by Jonas Beiler April 7: Call Of The Wild, by Jack London (The Big Read for 2011)
Worship attendance on: .Jan. 2-94 .Jan. 9-70 .Jan. 16-58 .Jan. 23- 64 Jan. 30Ushers for Feb.: Carol Rivers, Denise Steelman, Mary Ellen Parsons, Robin Canning
Board of Directors meeting, VVednesday, Feb. 16 at 7 pm in the social hall
Communion- Feb. 6 Servers: Jo Elliott-Blakeslee, Mary Jo Presley Jack & Joan Wenske
Liturgist: Dave Carmen
NEWS FROM THE WOMEN:
Care Givers: Meredith & Chuck Pond
Women's Fellowship will meet on Wednesday, Feb.
Altar Care:
2 at 1:00 in our social hall. Hosts & Program by: Maxine Briggs & ILeen McArthur:
Denise Steelman
"What Is On The Front Of Your Fridge" And what does it tell us about you? Please bring an item from your fridge door and tell us about it. Where did you get it, how long has it been attached to the door, why is it special?, etc. Light refreshments will also be served. All ladies are welcome.
FEBRUARY COMMUNITY SUPPER
Feb. 24, 2011 6:00 p.m.
** By now you should have received an invitation in the mail to be part of the Women's Feiiowship. Please make your choices on the postcard and drop it in the mail so we can start planning some activities for you. The next meeting wi!! be Wednesday. February 2 at 1pm in the Social Hall at the church. Hope to see you there. **WOPE P(j{O~ TJFEcn:;fSBlYEm,
ISUN~t~~~~~1 CLASSES For kids in K-6 is every Sunday during worship, except the First Sunday of each month-Family Communion Sunday .-'-'-'-'-'-'-'-'-'-'-'-'-'-'-'-'-'-'-'-'-'-'-'-'-'-'-._._._.,
**EXTRA SPECIAL NOTE** A special thank YOlrtfOIiiOur King's Daughters Group. January was the I eeting for this very wonderful group of ladies. The King's Daughters Fellowship has been with our church for many, many years. Its members have gotten much older and the decision to disband was made. The money from their treasury was giving to the churches general fund. Thank you King's Daughters for all the wonderful things you have done for Wright Church and your many years of service.
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Singles Group at Wright Church
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Will gather for a movie & pizza night on Thursday, i i Feb. 6 beginning at 6:00 p.m. in the youth room i : upstairs. ~ i A couple of movie selections will be available for : our choosing, along with pizza choices plus salad. : ! We will split the cost of the pizza. i Please bring your own beverage, banky, piwow, i schnuggie or what ever makes you comfy for i watching movies. !,
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All singles welcome.
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Gifts have been given in Loving Memory of. ... Joy Chapman by Vivian Berth-Smith Boise Camp 150 WOW
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Willard & Bethene Dykes Margaret Johnston Letha Gribble
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SOME OTHER IMPORTANT STUFF --The Sunday Morning Adult Bible Study resumes on Sunday, February 13. Syl Apperson and Mike Black will co-teach a series on the important, instructive, and sometimes controversial I Corinthians. Come and join us each Sunday morning at 9:30 in the Social Hall.
Although our actual expenses for 2010 were less than projected by l<t'o, our actual income was less than projected by 4 <t'o and our pledged income for 2011 is projected to be less than 2010, which means an even larger deficit. T was relating the church's budget woes to a friend the other day and she related the following story to me.
--I hope you noticed in last month's issue the announcement of a Church Revitalization Workshop being bosted for our UCC churches at First Congregational UCC on April 1 & 2. Featuring a nationally known church growth strategist from Massachusetts, Rev. Paul Nickerson, this "boot camp" promises to inspire the participants to new and exciting growth in their churches. The workshop requires that the minister and at least three lay members attend all sessions. Please let Mike know in the next week if you are willing to give tbis time and attention to the future of our church. Cost is nominal, and we must let First Church know soon of our intentions.
When you give someone a hug it brings joy to that person and that person's joy is spread to others and their joy to others and so on and so on. And when you give your financial pledge to your church it is like giving God a hug and his joy is spread far and wide. Has your wallet given God a hug today. Please consider this when giving to the church.
And finally, this enduring food for thought: "And so, my fellow Americans, ask not what your country can do for you; ask what you can do for your country ... With a good conscience our only sure reward, with history the final judge of our deeds, let us go forth to lead the land we love, asking His blessing and His help, but knowing that here on earth, God's work must truly be our own. " (From the Inaugural Address of President John Kennedy, January 20, 1961.) ------------
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TREASURER'S REPORT 2010 YEAR END Total Gen Fund Income $129,749.60 Total Gen Fund Expenses $133,683.21 Balance -$3,933.61
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Prayerfully yours Janice Aagaard Treasurer
L When God solves your problems, you have faith in His abilities, when God doesn't solve your problems, He has faith in your abilities.
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lOaTH ANNIVERSARY COMMEMORATIVE ITEMS ARE STILL AVAILABLE Get Yours Today
T-SHIRT, PLATES,
MUGS - Items are now halfprice or less.
: Office and Janitorial supplies greatly appreciated ! ~and needed. Suggestions are 81/2 X 11 white paper, : : 11 X 17 white, toilet paper, glass cleaner, ; : 33 gallon garbage bags. 1._--'---0-'-'-'-------'-'---'---'-'-'-'-'-'-'-'-'-'-'-._._.-._._'
MEN'S BREAKFAST Will be Saturday, Feb. 5 in our social hall beginning at 8:30 a.m. All men are encouraged to attend. Great fellowship, food, programs and an all around good time. ~
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"Many Thanks" To each of you for your love, prayers and the wonderful cards and visits to mom during her final days. You are all very much appreciated ~~~ The Joy Chapman Family
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First Congregational Church Leader Training Will be held at Wright Church on Saturday Feb. 12 from 9:00-3:00 p.m. Our Women's Fellowship will be providing morning snacks, lunch, and afternoon snack. **Wright church ladies, if you are interested in assisting with lunch or providing snack items please contact Janice Aagaard at 887-3854 for the menu details.
OLD FASHIONED PIE AND ICE CREAM COFFEE HOUR, SUNDAY, FEB. 13 following worship. Sponsored by The Wright Church Singles FREE WILL OFFERING. All money collected will go directly to our general fund to help balance the budget.
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Celebrate Valentines Day and Presidents Day with a piece of Pie and a yummy scoop of ice cream Sun. Feb. 13
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Sign up for Altar Flower sponsor and Coffee Hosts
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l i~ r··-··-··~-------------··~ lOur Food Pantry is empty. ! Your donation of nonperishable items ~ ! and paper goods is greatly appreciated ~ ! NO open packages or out dated items L._ .. _ .. _ .. _ .. _ .. _ .. _ .. _ .. _ .. _ .. _ .. _ .. _ .. _ .. _ .. _.
YOUTH GROUP SUPER BOWL SUBS. PLACE YOUR ORDER TODAY. Once again this year our youth group will be making "special order" super bowl sub sandwiches just for you. PLACE YOUR ORDER TODAY. Our youth will be downstairs
after
worship
to help you with your order. Your subs will be ready for you to pick up following worship on Super Bowl Sunday, Feb. 6
SAIL BOAT & SKI BOAT FOR SALE Pilgrim Cove via Al Busche is selling two of the three boats presently in our dirt lot. If you are interested please contact Al Busche at 383-9181. Want to have fun on a party barge? The pontoon boat could be available for rent once the season of boating comes upon us. Contact Al Busche for details.
Stewardship Message
from Carl Van Slyke
Raising Up Tomorrow's Clergy Rochelle A. Stackhouse is the Senior Minister of The Church of the Redeemer, United Church of
Christ, New Haven Connectic-ut.
Here am 1; send me! Isaiah 6:8 If you own a UCC Desk Calendar, you will notice that every once in a while the Church has designated Sundays for special emphasis. At the end of February, the Calendar calls us to observe "Seminary Sunday/Church Vocations Sunday." It's not one of those top ten Holy Days that many observe, but in the long Epiphany Season this year, you might want to take a moment to think about this one. I am the second child and first daughter of my home church. I still give thanks for all the support, both financial and spiritual, that my congregation gave me many years ago when I heard God's call and went to seminary. If your church has a student in discernment, preparing for ordained ministry, you are honored indeed, and they need your care. If you don't, there are probably students somewhere in your Association or Conference who also need your
care, for someday your church may be seeking a new pastor and you will rely on qualified candidates being available! There's one more step you might take. When was the last time you encouraged a high school or college student in your congregation to consider ordained ministry? Is there someone in your congregation feeling a call midcareer who needs encouragement and support? It takes a local congregation to raise up tomorrow's Clergy. Give thanks for your pastor; give help to those who will serve the next generation of your congregation!
ATTENTION PLEASE READ AND BE THERE WHAT: Important Congregation Meeting WHEN: Sunday, January 30, following worship WHY: Installation of church officers---our leaders--- for 2011 Presentation and adoption of Church General Fund budget for 2011 There are some changes that have already been implemented and further changes are planned as a result of decreased giving. It is important that you be present to hear what is planned and why.
Called to Serve Each of you were called to serve! Thank you for accepting the call to serve Wright Church for the year of our Lord 2011. The slate of Officers and Committee Chairs including the Diaconate represents the best of our Church, Service to our Church can be difficult but it is can also be very rewarding. Conducting the business of our Church is a necessary activity, even if it is not a favorite activity of the Church. Worshiping God, praising God as our heavenly Father, celebrating the life of Christ, fellowship with other Christians, these are favorite activities of our Church. Setting budgets, paying bills, setting priorities for limited resources, caring for our building, making difficult decisions regarding all manner of the affairs of the Church are necessary activities, but not favorite activities of the Church. Yet here you are, answering the call to service. God chose you to conduct the business of Wright Church. God made the right choice and knows as the Board and the Diaconate; we will make our best decisions to fulfill our role as leaders with in the Church. In a prayer borrowed from These Days: God, we give thanks for your dedicated people who share their talents freely. Give us strength and courage to carry out your calling. Amen Respectfully submitted, Will Patterson, Board Chair
February 2011 Sunday
Monday
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Tuesday
Wednesday
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8:30a.m. Men's Breakfast
10:30 Bible Study
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7
t-Book Club
7:00 Alanon-Alateen
7:00 Choir Reh.
6-Singles Movie/pizza night, Youth room
8
9
10
10:45 Worship Communion Noon: Fellowship Youth Group
11
6:00 Huntington's Group Meeting
7:00 Alanon-Alateen
14
7:00 Choir Reh.
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16
15
18
19
10:30 Bible Study
10:45 Worship Sunday School Noon: Singles- Pie & Ice Cream fund raiser Youth Group
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7:00 Board of Directors Meeting
I 30 Hour amine youth group ver nighter
7:00 Choir Reh.
21
22
23
24 10:30 Bible Study
10:45 Worship Sunday School Noon: Fellowship Youth Group 7:00 Alanon-Alateen
28 10:45 Worship Noon: Fellowship Youth Group
12 S-3:00 1st Church Leader Training at Wright Church Lunch provided by Wright Church Women's Fellowship
10:30 Bible Study
5:30 BUGS board
Saturday
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3 1:oop.m. Women's Fellowship
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Friday
Thursday
7:00 Choir Reh.
6:00 p.m. Community Bench Supper
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IN LOVING MEMORY Lillian Brandt (1914-2011) Last week one of our longtime members, LiJlian Brandt, passed away at the age of 96. Lit and her late husband Ray had been members of our congregation since 1957. Born and raised in the far north country of Minnesota, Lil was one of ten children raised on a farm. She and Ray were married in 1937, and were husband and wife for 62 years until his death in 1999. They had two children, Jim and Jean, and through them, Lil is survived by six grandchildren and 15 great-grandchildren. Lil and Ray first moved west during World War n and Ray worked in the Portland Shipyards. By 1953 they settled in Boise, just down the street from the church. Lil was active in Women's Fellowship, Sunday Worship, and many other projects of the church through the years. She was also a longtime horsewoman, waitress, snowmobiler, traveler, gardener, and beloved mom, grandma, and friend to many. She was truly a sweet lady who left a special mark on many people. We send her to heaven with much love!
********* Sadly, we just today received phone calls telling us that two longtime former members have passed away in the last 24 hours: Frank Fry died at age 79 in his home state of Pennsylvania, where he and his beloved wife Faye moved a few years ago. And 95-yearold David Wolfe passed away in Tuscon, AZ. He and his late wife Doris had been part of Wright for years. Dave also just moved a couple of years ago to Arizona to be near family.
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JAlVIES w.- MOORE_
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Thursday Morning Bible Study begins February 3. -10:30 a.m, in the youth
room
''Yes.,Lord., I Have Sinned., Intt I Have Several Excellent Excuses"
By James W. Moore Study books are available near the Sanctuary or call the office & we will hold one for you.
Cost is $15.00 Everyone is welcome Briug you fa;vorite Bible and share thc cxperience of great discussion and fricmlsbip.
A Non-Profit Organization U.S. Postage PAID Boise, Idaho Permit No. 127
Wright Community Congregational Church United Church of Christ 4821 Franklin Road BOise, ID 83705 (208) 343-0292
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Return Service Requested
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Happy Birthdays Feb. 2011 2-Stephanie Bastow 3-Pete Busche 7-Maxine Briggs 9-Ethel Farnsworth ll-Steve Robbins IS-John Tauati William Tauati 18-Ron Apperson 19-5ally VanderVeen 20-Dale Ramsey 2S-Shirley Spiva 27-Matt Gillmore
SIGN UPS ARE NEEDED FOR COFFEE HOUR AND ALTAR FLOWERS L-
SHEETS ARE DOWNSTAIRS
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Thanks to everyone who agrees to help out on Sunday Mornings, as of this writing these folks are covering these areas:
Feb. 6: Greeters:
Frank & Jama Capshaw Flowers: Coffee Host:
Feb. 13: Greeters: Lois Taylor & Ann Durand Flowers: Charlotte Day Coffee Host: Singles Group-s-Pie & Ice Cream
Feb. 20: Greeters: George & Nancy Miller Flowers: Dale Shoemaker Coffee Host: Andrews Family
Feb. 27: Greeters:
Happy Anniversary Feb. 2011 N one known this month
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Dorothy & Gil Haskins Flowers: Coffee Host: