Wright-Ups January 2011 by Wright Community Congregational UCC

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The Wright Ups Jan .. 2011 VoL 2011 Issue 1

WELCOME TO JANUARY, 2011! A MONTH OF SUNDAYS AT WRIGHT CHURCH

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

*** Ministers: All of Us Pastor: Rev. Michael S. Black Secretary: Robin Canning Choir Director: Ron Apperson Organist: Ginny Trapp Child Care Attendant: Justice Flaherty Board Chairman: Will Patterson Moderator: Jo Elliott-Blakeslee Youth Leader: Kate Hall Custodian: Robin Canning Pilgrim Cove Board Members: Al Busche

Jim Morrow Fall, Winter, Spring Schedule: 9:30 Adult Sunday Sch. 10:45 Worship & Children's Sunday Sch. Fellowship- Noon Communion Served the 1st Sunday of each month -No Sunday Schools Summer June, July & August Worship at 10 a.m. Fellowship 11:30

SUNDAY, JANUARY 2 10:45 AM - Worship And Communion Service Baptism of Sierra Elizabeth Balfour Sermon Theme: "The Sacraments: Old Symbols, New Life" Choir Anthems: "Fairest Lord Jesus" & "At This Table" SUNDAY, JANUARY 9 10:45 AM - Worship And Celebration Service Sermon Theme: "A Christian Top Ten List" Choir Anthem: "Here I Am Lord, Send Me" Diaconate Meeting After Worship SUNDAY, JANUARY 16 10:45 AM - Worship And Celebration Service Dr. Jo Elliott-Blakeslee, Guest Speaker Choir Anthem: "God Is Good" SUNDAY, JANUARY 23 10:45 AM - Worship And Celebration Service Sermon Theme: The Week Of Prayer For Christian Unity: "Drawing Bigger Circles" Choir Anthem: "Come Unto Me" SUNDAY, JANUARY 30 10:45 AM - Worship 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

************ 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

NEWS FROM AND FOR THE CONGREGATION --Happy New Year to everyone as we enter our second century of love and service to our community in the name of Christ. We're so glad you are all part of our journey! --Thanks to all who made our Advent and Christmas Season so memorable: The beautiful decorations everywhere; the inspiring songs and worship of the season; the really entertaining and meaningful Christmas program featuring our Sunday School kids and teachers; the overflow crowd on Christmas Eve as we remembered how the light of Christ's life entered the world; and the continued dedication of so many to our church! --Our love and prayers go to Mary Jo Presley, whose husband Bill passed away in mid-December at the age of 76. Bill and Mary Jo had been married for just short of 53 years. Bill is also survived by their daughter Diana and two grandsons. Bill was a grand gentleman who made many friends throughout his career as a miner, surveyor, and mining property developer in many places around the West. A Memorial Service and reception was held at the church on December 18. We join in committing his spirit into the everlasting arms of God. --It was a special joy this past Sunday when Sierra Elizabeth Balfour was baptized during the worship service. We rejoice with her parents, Russell and Whitney, grandparents Bob and Janine, and aunt Aubrey! --The Christmas Giving Tree was an enormous success! Three families sponsored by the Women's and Children's Alliance were given a special Christmas because of your generous giving. Thanks especially to Jim Morrow and Ronna Sundell for all the preparation and for delivering the gifts. --Glad to report that Phyllis Brown is continuing her slow and gradual recovery from a fall, collapsed lungs, and two hospital stays. She hopes to be back among us soon. --Congratulations to Youth Leader Kate Hall. She was awarded a coveted Internship with City of Boise Commission on the Arts, as she pursues her degree at BSU! --The Diaconate will have its first meeting of the year this Sunday, January 9, following worship. Thanks to those who have served faithfully and whose terms ended in 2010: Hugh and Ida Lovin, Clay and Laura Shockley, Jerry and Carol Card, and Dale and Mary Ellen Parsons. And, welcome to the new Deacons who begin their 3-year terms this year: Jack and Joan Wenske, Dale and Cindy Shoemaker, Dave Carmen, Ann Durand, and Ron and Syl Apperson. --Note that our Sunday Morning Adult Sunday School class will not meet again until Sunday, February 13, when we will take up a study of Paul's fascinating (and sometimes controversial) First Letter to the Corinthians. Join us at 9:30 AM each Sunday for this series that will take us through May.

NEW SPRING WEEKDAY BIBLE STUDY BEGINS THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 3 For this SpringlLenten Bible Study, we will once again be taking up a wonderful, thought-provoking book by one of our favorite authors, Rev. James W. Moore. This 12-week study, which will bring us up to Easter, is entitled: "Yes, Lord, I Have Sinned (But I Have Several Excellent Excuses)". Why is it, Dr. Moore asks, that we try to justify anything and everything we want to do? We use words, scapegoats, blaming other people, circumstances, past events, even evil spirits ("the devil made me do it!") to attempt to excuse bad choices we make with our own free will. In his warm, embracing, humorous style, the author encourages us instead to seek forgiveness from our loving God who sees through us and our excuses anyway. Come join us for 12 Thursdays at 10:30 AM beginning February 3. We'll have a great time! (Note from Mike: If I find enough interest-say six or more people-who would commit to an evening class, we'll do that too!)

JAMES W. MOORE

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Gifts have been given in Loving Memory .... Joy Chapman by Ann Durand Ken & Ethel Farnsworth Bill Presley by Janice Aagaard Don & Janette Nicely Les & Judy Taylor Albert & Ethel Tennyson by Stephen Tennyson

The Central Bench Neighborhood Association will hold their January meeting, Monday Jan. 24 at Wright Church in the social hall. Board meeting will begin at 6:00pm with the General Meeting beginning at 7:00pm.

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If you live in the general vicinity of Wright Church you are in the CBNA. Please come and show support for your neighborhood and share your input.

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ATrENTION: Wright Church Officers and Committee Chairs -Please don't forget that your 2010 Annual Reports are due in the office by Sunday, January 16. Copy ready please.

ATTENTION: New 2011Wright Church Telephone/Address directory will be being printed real soon. Please let us know if there are any changes to your phone or address and if you would like your cell phone number or e-mail included in the new directory. Deadline will be Jan. 16 for any corrections or editions. 1-------------------------------------,

Oct. General Fund Balance Income Nov. 2010 Expenses Nov. 2010

I I I I

Nov.

November our income slightly so the bottom

45.03 8,599.08 -12,073.40

General Fund Balance

-3,518.29

expenses were about average, however was down. December's income increased hopefully when all the numbers are totaled line will be better. Janice Aagaard Treasurer

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STEWARDSIDPIBUDGET COMMITTEE MEETING

Stewardship/budget committee will meet Sunday, January 16 after church in the choir room. Our task is to fine tune the Final 2011 Budget for presentation to the Board on January 19 and then to the Congregation on January 30. Why is a car's WINDSHIELD so large and the rear view mirror so small? Because our PAST is Dot as important as our FUTURE! So, look ahead and get moving.

Don't forget, Congregational MeetinglBudget Presentation Sunday, January 30, 2011 following worship All members need to be present j-'-'-'-'-'-'-'-'-'-'-'-'-'-'-'-'-'-'-'-'-'-'-'-'-'-'-._._._._._._._._._._._._._._._._._._._._._._._._._._.-':

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It's a party and your invited.

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Linda Baxter in turning 70 and you are invited to help her celebrate. Please join Linda and her family as they celebrate on Saturday, January 8, 2011 at an open house from 2-6:00 p.m. at Linda's home, 9502 Knottingham, Boise. Please RSVP to Catrina Thomas at 376-4149 or thomasactivities@hotmail.com CONGRA TULA TlONS LINDA from all your friends at Wright Church '-'-'-'-'_.-.-._._._.-.-._._.-._.-._.-._._._._.-.-._.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.~

NOTES FROM THE BOARD It's a wonderful life! Pastor Mike Black opened our board meeting with a devotion relating the lessons of a favorite Christmas movie featuring George Bailey to our Church. Unlike George, you may never know how you affect others, or what it would be like if you had never existed. But like George, you can know of the goodness of people and the grace and love of God. We all enjoyed the children's Christmas program. Our Church has many talented young people. Thank you to all who helped organize, direct, and who participated in the program. Our giving tree was a great success. Thank you to the Mission and Outreach Committee. Thank you to those who gave to the giving tree and to the Veterans of the Cross. Your generous gifts are much appreciated. We are continuing to form our budget for 2011. We approved our preliminary budget at the November Congregational meeting. Please consider pledging if you have not yet done so. If you have submitted your pledge, the Stewardship Committee thanks you! Knowing what we can expect as income lets us plan our expenses. The Board will be good stewards of the Church resources. We have a wonderful Church, full of faith and blessed with the love and grace of God. We will never know the full effects of our Church, but we do know our world is the better because Wright Church exists. Respectfully submitted, Will Patterson, Board Chair

COMING SOON CHURCH REVITALIZATION WORKSHOP "A Turnaround Boot Camp" APRIL 1-2 FOR ALL UCC CHURCHES INTERESTED IN GROWING, REVITALIZING THEm CONGREGATIONS SPONSORED BY FmST CONGREGATIONAL UCC AND THE IDAHO ASSOCIATION 2 DAYS OF TURN-AROUND STRATEGIES LED BY REV. PAUL NICKERSON, ASSOCIATE CONFERENCE MINISTER FOR GROWTH AND EVANGELISM Massachusetts Conference of the UCC

REQUIREMENTS FOR ATTENDANCE: THE MINISTER AND AT LEAST THREE LAY MEMBERS FRQM EACH CHURCH Who are willing to attend all sessions, Who want to see their church grow and thrive, Who are open to new strategies for mission lfyou are one of those interested in being part of this exciting process,

Let Mike Know Before February 1

(More Details Coming Soon!)

January 2011 Tuesday

Monday

Sunday

Wednesday

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Saturday 1

I Happy 2011 New Year I

10:45 Worship Communion Noon: Fellowship Youth Group 12:30路Singles Potluck

8:30 a.m. Men's Breakfast

1-Book Club

1:00p.m. Women's Fellowship

At Robin's

7:00 A1anon-Alateen

10:45 Worship Sunday School Noon: Fellowship Youth Group Diaconate meeting

Co-housing Group 5:30 p.m.

7:00 Choir Reh.

Mike an Tami will be on vaca bn from Jan. 10 thru Ja

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6:00 Huntington's Group Meeting

5:30 BUGS board

7:00 Alanon-Alateen

7:00 Choir Reh.

~ 10:45 Worship with Dr. Jo Elliott-Blakeslee

Sunday School Noon: Fellowship Stewardship Comm. Meeting Youth Group

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7:00 Alanon-Alateen

7:00 Board of Directors Meeting

7:00 Choir Reh.

10:45 Worship Noon: Fellowship Youth Group 7:00 Central Bench Neighborhood Meeting

~ 10:45 Worship Noon:

Congregational Meeting Youth Group

7:00 Alanon-A1ateen

7:00 Choir Reh.

6:00 p.m. Community Bench Supper

Worship attendance on:

Book Club & Library News The Book Group will meet Thursday, January' 6, 2011 at 1:00 p.m. in the church library. Because the December meeting

was cancelled, Rebecca, by Daphne DuMaurier, will be the subject of discussion. Moloka'i, by Alan Brennert is the chosen book for February 3.

Dec.

Ushers for Jan.: Frank Capshaw, Willard Dykes Tom Eubanks, George Miller

Board of Directors meeting, VVednesday, Jan. 19 at 7 pm in the social hall

NEWS FROM THE WOMEN: Women's Fellowship meets the first Wednesday of each month at 1:00 p.m. in the social hall. Light refreshments served. King's Daughters

Dec. 5- 65 Dec. 12-121 Dec. 19- 85 Christmas Eve- 120

will meet not meet in January.

Singles Group at Wright Church Kicks off fun activities for 2011. : If you are single and would like to have some fun, foods : and laughs with other singles, speak to i : Ca roI Rive rs 0 r Rob in. Th e g roup tri es top Ian a m 0 nt hIY : activity. The activities can range from a simple movie night with popcorn, a game night/afternoon, a possible ~ trip to Jackpot or an afternoon on the lake having fun : on a party barge! i Please join us, we have a great time--even if we just sit i : around and talk. It's great to get to know everyone ~ a bit better. . t . . . . ._._._. ._._._. .

Oooh Laadiees Weare starting a new year with Women's Fellowship. Installation of the 2011 Officers was held at the January meeting. In the past the lames providing the refreshments also provide our program for our edification and enjoyment. There are usually a couple of fund raisers during the year along with gatherings with First church. Tills is your organization, please corne and give us your input as to what you would like to do, see happen. This is a good time to visit and get to know the ladies sitting next to you in the pew on Sunday mornings. Hope to see you at our meetings. Janice Aagaard, 2011 WF President

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JANUARY COMMUNITY

SUPPER Jan. 27, 2011 6:00 p.m,

New ThluosdaYlnorning Bible Study will begin February 3. Please see more inforlnation in this issue. Come expeelence great discussion and friendship. '"Yes,Lor{l, I Have Sinned, but I IIave SelJeral ExÂŁV!llent ErA:uselt"

By James W. Moore

iSUNDAY

SCHOOL CLASSES

For kids in K-6 is every Sunday during worship, except the First Sunday of each month-Family Communion Sunday

SAIL BOAT & SKl BOAT FOR SALE Pilgrim Cove via AI Busche is selling two oftbe three boats presently in our dirt lot. please contact AI Busche at 383-9181. Want to havefun on aparty barge? The pontoon boat could be available for rent once the season of boating comes upon us. Contact Al Busche for details.

If you are interested

lOaTH ANNIVERSARY COMMEMORATIVE ITEMS T-SHIRT,

ARE STILL AVAILABLE Get Yours Today PLATES, MUGS - Items are now half price or less .

.. _._._._._._._._._._._._._._._._._._._._._._._._._._._._._._._._._._.-._._._.-._._._._._._._._._._._._._._._._._._._._._._', ! Thank you to the Christmas Elf who donated push pins, Index cards, paper clips and gold brads to the ! I

church office. They, as are all donations greatly appreciated. Should there be a New Years Elf out there-here are a few suggestions that the office and janitor can always use: 81/2 X 11 white and pastel colored paper, 11 X 17 white and pastel colored paper, toilet paper, glass cleaner, 33 gallon garbage bags, desk chair, no arms. L._._._._._._._._._._._._._._._._._._._._._._._._._._._._._._._._._._._._._._._._._._._._._._._._._._._._._._._._._._._._._._ I

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Starting in January Robin will only be in the office on Tues., Wed., and Thurs., from 9-noon & 1-3. Mike will be in and out on Fridays and the phone messages will be frequently checked. The main operations of the church will function as usual.

food item for our pantry.

Will be Saturday, Jan. 8 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.~

DIACONATE MEETING-SUNDAY, JANUARY 9 FOLLOWING WORSHIP IN THE CHOIR ROOM We will be setting our communion calendar for 2011. It is important that the aU Diaconate members attend.

"Thank you for your prayers, kind thoughts, calls and cards during this difficult time for me and my family. I appreciate you all so much. Mary Jo Presley

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MEN'S BREAKFAST

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i Please no open packages or out dated items I i.._ .._ .._ .._ .._ .._ .._ .._ .._ .._ .._ .._ .._ .._ .._ .. _!

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tar ower sponsor and Coffee Hosts

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OUR CHRISTMAS GIVING TREE A TOTAL SUCCESS Women's and Children's Alliance greatly appreciated all the wonderful gifts that were given to help bring Christmas joy to the families. Thank you so much for supporting the Christmas Sponsorship Program this season at the WCA. This program makes this time of year much brighter, warmer and happier for many of our clients and would not exist without the selfless generosity of members in the community like you. For many of our clients, Christmas is a hard time. They struggle to support the wishes of their families, let alone their daily needs. Being "sponsored" allows them to worry less about the Holidays and focus on what they are really trying to accomplish: healing and freedom from domestic abuse. Shannon Cotter, WCA Outreach. Wonderful, appreciative thank you cards were received from the families that our 2010 Giving Tree sponsored. A big THANK YOU to everyone who participated. Your Mission and Outreach Dept. Jim Morrow & Ronna Sundell

Stewardship Message

from Carl Van Slyke

The Need for Love Continues Rochelle A. Stackhouse is the Senior Minister of The Church of the Redeemer, United Church of Christ, New Haven Connecticut.

An angel appeared to Joseph in a dream and said, "Get up ... " Matthew 2: 13

Christmas and all the surrounding hoopla are over, and it is very tempting to just sit back, digest the season, and rest from giving for a while. There are credit card bills to pay, trees to take down, and houses to clean, and that seems enough for January. The thing about babies, though, is that they continue to need all sorts of care, and we have just celebrated the birth of a baby! Joseph was called to flee with Mary and the infant Jesus to save him from Herod's dangerous fear. Mary needed to feed him, change him, and rock him to sleep as they traveled. Seasons change, but the need for love continues. And that's what giving springs from, is it not? Love. Parents, foster parents, grandparents, godparents, churches, and all who care for children continue to give to them in season and out because they love them. God remembers what it is like to be a child! Consider the children of your church and of your town; what kind of love do they call forth from you today? How can we continue our Christmas love of children all through the new year?

2011 Budget Update As 01January 3. 2011 the amount pledged lor support 01the General Fund lor 2011 is $15.015--$9925 less than the $85.000 in pledges upon which the preliminary budget was based. And lIIe preliminary budget was alreadv $5633 in the red. Your Stewardship/budget committee will be meeUng on January 16 to make recommendaUoDs to the Church Board and then the congregaUon.

The bonom line is this路 ....11 YOUhave lorgonen 10lurn in YOur Iledge or would like 10 increase vour Iledge please do so bv Ihis Sunday, January 9. Addilionalpledge cards are available in Ihe oDice.

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

I Return

Service Requested

••• SIGN UPS ARE NEEDED FOR

,---C_O_F_F_E_E_H_O_UR_AND __ AL_T_A_R_F_L_O_WE_R_S--.J 't . SHEETS ARE DOWNSTAIRS

Happy Birthdays Jan. 2011 4-Dolores Wallace 7-Linda Baxter 9-Agnes Schwarzhoff 13-Joan Marks Mary Jo Presley I5-Ronna Sundell 20- Howard Adkins John Thomas 25-Andrew Tominaga 26-David Carmen 29-Pat Robb

Thanks to everyone who agrees to help out on Sunday Mornings, as of this writing these folks are covering these areas:

Jan. 2: Greeters: Becky & Jim Erickson Flowers: Janice Aagaard Coffee Host: Mike & Nancy Hyder

Jan. 9: Greeters: Ronna Sundell & Lois Taylor Flowers: Mary Ellen & Dale Parsons Coffee Host: Jack & Joan Wenske

Jan. 16: Greeters: Carol & Jerry Card Flowers: Carl Van Slyke Coffee Host: Mary & Dale Parsons

Jan. 23: Happy Anniversary Jan. 2011 27-Jim & Becky Erickson

Greeters:

Will & Julie Patterson Flowers: Coffee Host:

Jan. 30 Greeters: Margaret Johnston & Carol Mansfield Flowers: Chuck & Meredith Pond Coffee Hosts: