Eastminster Edition - September 2011

IN THIS ISSUE

Launching Rather Than Resuming

    Each year about this time, churches all over are getting ready to start a new Sunday school year.  They dust off the curriculum or buy new, update rosters, redecorate or tidy-up classrooms, search out those willing souls to be class leaders, and integrate the words fun and awesome into every newsletter or notice going out…all in an effort to pick-up where they left off in the spring – resuming; however, resuming just doesn’t convey much excitement.

    I wonder what would happen if we looked at the new year as if it were the beginning of a new journey.  Imagine Abraham and Sarah’s journey given to us in the Genesis narrative.  Now ponder whether they approached their journey as something new, something leading to rebirth.  We can include other journey stories such as the Exodus story, Noah’s epic journey, and the Disciples call to journey with Jesus…and Jesus’ call for us to enter into a journey of being a part of God’s kingdom now.  We have all these journeying stories…I wonder how they all started?...through resuming or from launching into something new with all their heart, mind, body, and soul?   

    You must be thinking that these journeying stories were all life-altering, big-time events, and begin to ask how they are relevant to starting a new church year.  All of these stories were participatory.  Each individual or nation was asked to participate…not only for the outcome of the journey, but to also reap the rewards of being; Being part of something greater than themselves, being a part of a communal journey where each individual relied upon and shared with others…If we listen carefully we can hear the voices of the Prophets, the Apostle Paul, and Jesus himself invoking a call to a communal life, care for the community, and love of neighbor.

    As we begin a new year, I wonder if these journeying stories of participatory communal bonds can resonate with us and help us launch into a new journey of rebirth, recreation, resurrection…a journey that will make Eastminster a stronger community living into its new life.

-Steven Putnam, DCE  

PNC Update

September marks six months of diligent work by the PNC and we couldn’t be more thrilled about our progress. We spent the summer reviewing and processing over 60 PIF’s from folks all over the country. We will continue to evaluate PIF’s as they trickle in, but for the most part we have moved into the next phase of the process with a short list of about 20 top candidates. We are now assessing audio sermons and researching qualifications and expect to start a round of initial Skype/phone interviews very shortly. As the list narrows, protocol says that these initial conversations will be followed by face-to-face interviews and PNC visits to candidates’ current churches. But the Holy Spirit doesn’t always follow protocol, so we intentionally remain open to wherever and however God leads us. 

As always, your prayers are appreciated and necessary to this process, but now we also have a couple other ways for you to contribute. The first is with food!  Our habit of rotating meal responsibilities was fun at first, but has started to become a bit of a chore. It would be a wonderful gift to have some meals provided by members of the congregation. We generally meet on Mondays at 6pm. The second opportunity is for travel assistance.  Although visiting candidates is essential, our budget is very limited. Donations of things like frequent flyer miles or hotel points would be very helpful in the coming weeks and months. Please let us know if you feel called to lend a hand!

Grace and Peace,

Brian Norton (BrianCNorton@charter.net)

Susan Carlson (SusanTCarlson@gmail.com)

WOMEN'S FALL BRUNCH

EPC Women’s Fall Brunch is on Saturday September 10 at 10:00 in Clarke’s Kitchen. All women, regardless of age or membership, are invited to attend and discover the many opportunities for women at EPC. This is a great way to meet new friends and reconnect with old ones. Please sign up on the kiosk. Childcare is available.

"Getting to Know You" EPC LUNCHEON

The Membership Team invites any visitors who have been visiting EPC over the past months to join us for a light salad lunch following Worship on Sunday, September 11. This is an opportunity for all visitors to meet our leadership and some members and discover who we are as a Body of Christ. Call Carol Stewart at 915-6162 for more information. If you know of any visitor to EPC who may be interested please pass this information along to them.

TAILGATE PARTY - September 18th

Second Sunday Club for 3^rd-5^th graders

All 3^rd-5^th graders, get ready for an exciting year with Second Sunday Club!  (We will try to plan  most activities on the 2^nd Sunday of the month.)

On Sunday, September 18, we will leave immediately after worship to go on a Poverty Tour with United Ministries.  At 12:15, one of their staff will drive us on a bus tour through neighborhoods to make us aware of the poverty in our community.  We will return to EPC around 2:15-2:30.  The tour is 90 minutes and the cost is $5.  We have 12 spaces available; to reserve your spot, please pay the $5 to Stephanie Norton by Wednesday, September 14. 

October 9 will be a bonfire, hayride and wiener roast.  More details to come in the October newsletter.

On November 13, the children from Pendleton Place (for whom you all made the beautiful tie-dyed t-shirts at VBS) will join us at EPC for fun and games.

Mark Your Calendars!

October 1^st is the Annual Eastminster Building and Grounds work day. Many hands make for light work. More information will follow soon. For more information, contact Mike Armor at 423-1111.

 JOYS AND CONCERNS

Steve James continues to struggle with severe back pain – but with a smile! Medication seems to be helping at the present time, but surgery may be in the offing.

Claire George is recovering from corrective surgery of the jaw on Monday, August 15 in Richmond VA. She will be on a liquid diet for six weeks! This is hopefully her final one! Claire is a senior at Union Seminary.

Betty Taylor has been suffering ongoing stomach pains over the past few months, which has proven difficult to diagnose and treat. Prayers and support would be greatly appreciated.

Bonnie McCourtie’s, Aunt Dorothy had surgery on August 30^thfor a recurrence of cancer.

Scott Carlson’s father was recently diagnosed with a recurrence of melanoma and treatment options are being explored.

Susan Carlson’s mother courageously continues to wage her battle with cancer. She was recently told that her round of chemo is not working and they will try a new course. She has a tumor on her spine that is making it increasingly difficult to walk.

Former members Sherri Stilwell’s mother is suffering from liver cancer and has recently entered hospice care.

HOMEBOUND MEMBERS/FRIENDS

Emily Phillips is home and is very much herself … the effects of the stroke are minimal and she loves visits. She has 24 hour home care.

NURSING HOMES/CARE FACILITIES

Betty Brantley Rolling Green Health Care, Room #25

Sylvia Meyer Rolling Green “Evergreen”

Doris McLellan Carol Irick’s mother Emeritus Senior Living Center

Mary Grace Fleitz Jim Fleitz’s mother Palmetto Assisted Living Center

September Birthdays

Eastminster Staff

Interim Pastor - Steve Vance

Director of Christian Education - Steven Putnam

Choir Director - Luke Browder

Accompanist - Kelly Herd

Administrative Assistant - Sherry Hirt

Treasurer - Wanda Grant

Eastminster Session