Cumberland Presbyterian Church

Can you believe that it is September already! September means Football, F-4, Fall Feast, and what all of America, and parts of Texas, have been waiting for--the September Newsletter.

THIS JUST IN!

Work Day Set for 29 September! We will be holding a workday on Saturday, 29 September 2007 at the church. We have some painting, cleaning, and general repairs that we can knock out quickly with many hands. The work day will begin at 8:30 a.m. and should conclude by early afternoon.

And Here's a Special Note...

Hey Guys,

Hope all is going well in the big Burns Flat. Sorry I am just now getting back to you. Been a crazy month.

We are doing fine. We are getting in the swing of things around here. With Honey starting school and the girls getting settled in to the new daycare it has been hectic. Honey likes her new job teaching Pre-K. However she constantly reminds us how she misses the teachers that she worked with. The new church is going well. We just finished a month's worth of discernment where God is leading this church. In that process we changed a lot of things about the church. We even changed the church name. But I believe this will help this church.

The girls are doing great. They are growing so fast. Anna is a walking, talking, bossy little girl. She is becoming extremely independent. She wants to do everything herself, put her shoes on, go up and down stairs, put her clothes on, feed Sara. Sara is growing up fast. She is crawling and pulling up on everything. She has two teeth and uses them on Mommy, Daddy, and Anna. Sara is big enough now where she and Anna can sit in the floor at play together. We are blessed to have two beautiful, healthy children.

We love our new home and miss our old one. We miss our friends and church the most. We hope this finds everyone well. We think about you often and pray for you often.

God Bless,

Mearns Family

QUESTION OF THE DAY??? How often is the monthly newsletter published. If you said monthly, you would be right. If you said it seems to come out more frequently, you would also be right. Yes, this is a monthly newsletter, but some news just won't wait until the next month, so on occasion you might just get an update to your monthly newsletter in your inbox.

Announcing Kathleen Edithann Leinau. Liz Leinau is pleased to announce the arrival of her grand daughter. She was born to Rob & Beth Leinau on Thursday 9/6/07, and weighed 7lb, 9 oz, and measured 22" long.

Men's F-4 Group to study The Purpose Driven Life. We all end up somewhere, but how many of us end up there on purpose? Beginning 12 September 2007, the men's group that meets on Wednesday evenings as part of the F-4 program will take on The Purpose Driven Life as our study challenge. Some of the group have been through this before as part of our morning adult Sunday School, but just ask anyone that has read the book, there is plenty here for first-time readers or tenth-time readers.

The men's group is asking that if you have a copy of this book that you would be willing to loan to a member of our group, please bring it in this Sunday (9 September 2007).

For those men that want to start reading, but haven't been able to acquire a book yet, the first seven chapters are available online at:

http://www.purposedrivenlife.com/samplechapters/index.aspx#

We look forward to seeing you there as we discover how to live life on purpose!

Take a Moment and Drop someone a card or letter. For those of you that have been wanting to get in touch with Essie Hendrix, here is her current information. Take a moment and drop her a line.

Essie Hendrix

701 E 12th Apt. # 41

Cordell, OK 73632

580 832 5178

If you know of someone that could use a note from folks in our congregation, contact Lynn Ferrari or any member of the missions committee, or just email the address here.

SHOWER TIME! There will be a shower for Andy & Jenny Crawford on September 23rd from 2-4 p.m.at the church. Andy and Jenny are registered at Something Special and Wal-Mart. Please see Carolyn Murray for more information.

F-4 KICKS OFF THIS WEDNESDAY. Did you miss the fellowship of meeting on Wednesday nights? It's time to come together once again for faith, food, fellowship, and family this Wednesday, September 5th at 6:00 p.m. Don't worry about preparing dinner that day. Just show up and enjoy a good meal with some friendly people. Following the meal, we will adjourn to our classes and study groups. Remember, the men will select their topic for the Fall Semester at this first meeting. It is advisable to be there or you might get assigned as the teacher!

Are You Ready For Revival? The session is considering holding a short revival this fall. Please give your thoughts about this to any member of the worship committee or to a session member.

Pulpit Filled for September! Once again our church family has stepped forward to fill the pulpit for another month. What a blessing to have these saints share the fruit of the Spirit with us in prayer and messages. If you feel called to share God's word in a message to the congregation, contact Tom Spence.

September

2 James Hendrix

9 Tom Spence

16 James Hendrix

23 Dana Ellis

30 Youth

If you would like to perform a music special or read a devotion or scripture, please see Lori Schneberger. If you would like to serve as worship leader one Sunday, please contact Tom Spence.

Thank You Very Much! Tom and Sharman Spence extend their thanks to all for your thoughts, prayers, cards, and flowers that helped us though the passing of Sharman's mother, Ilah B. Oliveri. Thank you for being God's Love in Action.

Committees to Meet on September 9th! The five standing committees are scheduled to meet the first Sunday of each month at 6:00 p.m.. The committees are Worship, Fellowship, Missions, Education, and Building and Grounds. Anyone may be a part of these committees. Are you looking for a way to be more involved in God's work and enjoy the fellowship of our church family? Then a committee may be just what you are looking for.

A special note for the Missions Committee!!! It's time to plan the fall activities. With meals, food drives, food baskets, angel tree gifts, and finding out who needs help this year, this may very well be our most important meeting. Please bring you calendars with what you know--school dates, Boy Scout collections efforts, and other information that may impact what we do this fall.

Anyone Hungry for a Steak? The Boy Scouts have just the cure for that hunger. They will be hosting a Fall Feast on Saturday, October 6th in the Fellowship Hall. This is a great way to support our local Boy Scout Troop and is the best excuse that I can think of not to cook on Saturday night. See Gerald Stegall or one of our Boy Scouts for more information on time, price, and full menu description.

Notes from the August Session Meeting

The session met August^th 2007. The meeting began with a devotional by Carolyn Murray and concluded with prayers of each elder in the Sanctuary.

The session heard reports from committees that met the previous week and received an update on the pastroal search committee.

Business discussed included meeting with the ministerial alliance to propose a meals on wheels program for shut-ins in our community, continuing maintenance of the manse, and maintaining the church building--to include addressing a new problem with mice.

Assignments for Elder of the Month/Worship Leader for the remainder of the year were confirmed.

September – Carolyn

October – Phil

November – Dana

December – Gene

The session decided that the men's group for F-4 would make the first session a planning meeting to chart the course of study for the fall and enlist facilitators.

Session devotions, meetings, and prayer time is open to all. The next scheduled meeting is September 16th, 2007. Gene Reeves will lead us in our Spiritual Preparation for this meeting.

Stuck in the Middle?

Ever feel like you are stuck in a rut? That the walls are just as steep on both sides and your are trapped in the middle. If that’s the case, open your bible up to the middle. That should put you in about the 118 chapter of the Book of Psalms. Find the 24^th verse.

This is the day that the Lord has made. Let us rejoice and be glad in it!

That sounds good in church on Sunday morning, but what about on Monday morning when you are scrambling to get back to work and your mind is already on a dozen things that are getting in the way of that rejoicing feeling. What about those days when everyone but you calls in sick and you were already behind without having to cover for them too. What about those days when the dog really did eat your homework. Surely the Psalmist was only talking about rejoicing for a couple hours on the Sabbath. Surely, he would not have been so inspired to write this if he had email, voicemail, committee meetings, PTA meetings, clothes to wash, homework, calls to return, more clothes to wash, a day job, and a dog to feed. Sometimes it seems that we challenge God: Is this the day that You have made? Is this really the predicament you want me in the middle of?

I think the short answer is Yes! Perhaps the Psalmist wrote this verse for exactly this very time. God makes the day. It is up to us what we do with it. We can rejoice and be glad in it or we can spend our time finding fault and assigning blame. The latter two can be very addictive and their fruit is known as self-pity. Pity parties are pretty popular these days. There are plenty of people and organizations to blame for our lot in life—so much so that we could spend the rest of our lives pointing fingers and holding one long pity party. But here’s the catch. People at these parties don’t have any fun. They feel that they don’t have any control over their own lives and will always be victims. We have absolute control over our choices, and that includes to rejoice when it’s 72 degrees with only a slight breeze and your are lining up an eagle putt or to rejoice when it’s 110 degrees, the AC is on the fritz and your are sandwiched in among four cattle trucks on I-40 in August.

Whatever our circumstance, the Lord made this day. It wasn't a mistake or an oversight. This is the day that the Lord has made. Our decision is what will we make of it. Will we see only the obstacles or will we see the opportunities to serve and glorify God. (Hint: Most of these opportunities look a lot like our neighbors and the people we meet each day). Does this still seem too tough to rejoice in each day? I was reminded recently that if I thought taking one day at a time was tough, I should try skipping one.

Rejoicing gets easier each day as we recognize, refine, and renew our purpose in this life. There’s no time for pity parties when we deliberately step onto the path that God has provided for us. Suddenly those insurmountable obstacles fade away and we see the abundant life the Lord has given to us. All that we have for sure on this earth is today. Let us be glad and rejoice in it!

Psalms 118:24

Here's a neat chart that has been making the electronic rounds (that's a euphemism for I got this off of an email and I don't think it is copyrighted).

Is there something that should be in this newsletter that wasn't? Send your news, devotions, photos, and whatever God is calling you to tell others to Tom Spence for inclusion in this newsletter. Submissions are accepted at any time.

We hope that all teachers and students enjoyed the blessing of the summer break!

BACK TO SCHOOL COOKOUT. It's not just time to go back to school, it's time for a back to school cookout. Come one, come all to the 2007 Back to School Cookout!!!

Date: August 19th, 2007

Time: 6:30 pm (Central Daylight Time)

Place: The Park at the Burns Flat Golf Course.

What to bring: Snacks or a side dish, something cool to wear, and a good appetite. Hot Dogs and Buns provided.

Pulpit Filled for August! Once again our church family has stepped forward to fill the pulpit for another month. This month we will have two or three individuals that you may not have heard speak from our pulpit before, one of them is Reverend Dale Nease of the Clinton Cumberland Presbyterian Church. Reverend Nease will preside over the sacrament of Holy Communion during the service on the 12th of August. Also filling the pulpit for the first time in our church are Mary Faye Delp and Dana Ellis. What a blessing to have these saints share the fruit of the Spirit with us in prayer and messages. If you feel called to share God's word in a message to the congregation, contact Tom Spence.

August

5 Rick Ellis

12 Dale Nease

19 Bob Nagle

26 Dana Ellis

If you would like to perform a music special or read a devotion or scripture, please see Lori Schneberger. If you would like to serve as worship leader one Sunday, please contact Tom Spence.

F-4 On the Near Horizon. Mark the 5th of September on your calendars. That's the date that we kick off the fall semester of F-4. If you haven't attended this Wednesday evening time of food, fellowship, faith, and family, well you are missing some fun...maybe it should be F-5! We start off with a meal so you can come straight from work, scoop up the kids, and we'll take care of the feedin'. We have high chairs and plenty of folks that would love to give you some help feeding your baby--perhaps giving you your first chance to eat a meal with both hands in a few days. Following our meal and fellowship, we have classes for all ages. There are bible studies for both men and women and classes for all of the children. Give F-4 a try. You may find that you drag yourself in dead tired, but leave fully recharged. Come recharge with us!

Committees to Meet on August 5th! The five standing committees are scheduled to meet the first Sunday of each month at 6:00 p.m.. The committees are Worship, Fellowship, Missions, Education, and Building and Grounds. Anyone may be a part of these committees. Are you looking for a way to be more involved in God's work and enjoy the fellowship of our church family? Then a committee may be just what you are looking for.

Notes from the July Session Meeting

The session met July 8^th 2007. The meeting began with a devotional by Dana Ellis and concluded with prayers of each elder in the Sanctuary.

Business discussed included planning a short revival in the near future, meeting with the ministerial alliance to propose a meals on wheels program for shut-ins in our community, hiring someone to maintain the manse grounds, and priming and painting the north wall of the church. The session also decided to ask Dale Nease, pastor of the Clinton CPC, if he would hold a communion service for us in August. Dale accepted the invitation for the 12^th of August 2007.

Additional assignments were made for Elder of the Month/Worship Leader for the remainder of the year.

August – Gerald

September – Carolyn

October – Phil

November – Dana

December – Gene

The fellowship hall was reserved for the Fall Feast which the Boy Scouts will host on the 6^th of October 2007.

The session also wanted to announce that use of the church needed to be coordinated with the session. We want to maximize the use of our building, but need to make sure that we don’t double book any dates and end up with some awkward situations.

Planning guidance to the Worship, Fellowship, and Education Committees concerning the Fall F-4 was discussed. A start date of 5 September and a closing date of 14 November 2007 was set. The session believed that the format used for last fall was acceptable to all, including the Thanksgiving meal and talent show for the last F-4 meeting.

Session devotions, meetings, and prayer time is open to all. The next scheduled meeting is 12 August 2007.

Young Adults Study World Religions! Ever wonder "what's that religion all about?" There's nothing wrong with educating yourself about what other religions believe. You know that your salvation comes from God's grace so if you are interested in what other religions believe, come join the young adults class every Sunday morning at 10:00 a.m. The class is for those out of high school to 'thirty-something' and meets in the Northeast corner of the church.

For we walk by Faith, not by Sight. It has been two months now since we said goodbye to Duawn, Honey, and the girls. There have been some emotional ups and downs in these few weeks and many have stepped forward to do the business of the church. Our search committee is proceeding with all deliberate speed realizing that they are essentially taking the first steps in arranging a marriage, not finding a table at a restaurant—first available won’t work here. Finding a pastor is a process, not an event.

While we continue to pray both for the committee and for God to place the call to our church upon just the right person; we sometimes get a little anxious about who will show up this Sunday or the next. While the anxiousness is normal, it is not healthy to hold on to it. God tells us to let it go. He wants us to give everything to him in prayer and petition with thanksgiving and promises that he will give us a peace that goes beyond our understanding.

That sounds good, but it’s hard not to think about the number on the attendance board without trying to gage where we are. Yes, some Sundays were above and some below where we were last summer, but I don’t think God is too concerned about our metrics. I do think that we glorify God when we walk by faith and not by sight. We are still the church that chose God’s Love in Action as its motto and chooses every day to live by that motto with or without a pastor in our pulpit. In fact, it is what we do when circumstances are not clear that lets us grow our faith.

The last time we were searching for a pastor, we were in the middle of a building program. This time, let’s dive head first into a faith-building program. Don’t look at the numbers, don’t get anxious, don’t doubt that God has great things in store for us today. Find someone to share the good news with and this pastor thing will take care of itself.

Slow News Month? You have heard 'what you see is what you get' but for newsletter purposes, 'what you see is what you give' might be closer to the target. This newsletter is a little on the anorexic side and needs a few more contributors for next month. If you have some news that we should share here, please email Tom Spence or give the information to any of our elders.

Pastoral Search. The committee is working through it's initial list of pastors recommended by Duawn and waiting for applicants from the denomination. It is important to remember that searching for the right pastor is a process not an event. Should you become anxious about this, consider that may be a good reason to pray for and encourage our committee.

Good News/Bad News for a Pastor

Good News: The Women's Guild voted to send you a get-well card. Bad News: The vote passed by 31-30.

Good News: The Elder Board accepted your job description the way you wrote it. Bad News: They were so inspired by it, they also formed a search committee to find somebody capable of filling the position.

Good News: You finally found a choir director who approaches things exactly the same way you do. Bad News: The choir mutinied.

Good News: Mrs. Jones is wild about your sermons. Bad News: Mrs. Jones is also wild about the "Gong Show," "Beavis and Butthead" and "Texas Chain Saw Massacre."

Good News: Your women's softball team finally won a game. Bad News: They beat your men's softball team.

Good News: The trustees finally voted to add more church parking. Bad News: They are going to blacktop the front lawn of your parsonage.

Good News: Church attendance rose dramatically the last three weeks. Bad News: You were on vacation.

Good News: Your deacons want to send you to the Holy Land. Bad News: They are stalling until the next war.

Good News: Your biggest critic just left your church. Bad News: He has been appointed the Head Bishop of your denomination.

Good News: The youth in your church come to your house for a surprise visit. Bad News: It's in the middle of the night and they are armed with toilet paper and shaving cream to "decorate" your house.

Youth. Our youth will be heading to camp at the end of this month and bringing their camp testimonials to our service on the 29th. Please pray that their camp experience will strengthen both their faith and their evangelism.

Pulpit Supply. If variety is the spice of life, then July will be a spicy month. Filling the pulpit this month are:

Sometime in the future look for Mary Faye Delp to share her experiences in faith with us on a Sunday morning. If you feel that God has called you to share a message with the congregation or participate as a worship leader, contact any elder.

Food and Fellowship. We will have a 5th Sunday potluck meal on the 29th of July. Come and enjoy the food and the fellowship. Nobody ever goes home hungry!

Devotions and Memories. We have a section of our website for devotions. Have you written something inspirational that you want to share? We have a place for that. Do you have some fond church memories, wedding photos, or some embarrassing shots from that last lock in? We have a church memories section on our website as well. Just email what you have to Tom Spence and look for it to be posted soon after.

Pastor’s Thoughts

I recently read a Gallup poll which stated that 2 percent of parents believe that their children should gain a majority of their spirituality and knowledge at school. 8 percent of parents believe that children should gain their spirituality and knowledge at church, while 90 percent claim that children should receive a large portion of their knowledge for life and spiritual direction from the home. I would be one of the 90 percent that believes that the foundation for everything, spiritual or otherwise, should begin in the home.

At least a majority of the families in our country recognize the responsibility we have to our own children. What happens in our homes, what our children learn from us is crucial to how they will develop in life. The Christmas Season is an extraordinary opportunity for parents to teach their children. At this time of the year when materialism reigns supreme more than ever, we need to take this time to give our children the ultimate gift, a sense of spirituality.

This gift cannot be bought on-line, or in a store. This gift cannot be wrapped up and gently placed under a tree. And this gift is not a once a year “feeling.” If this gift is packed up with the decorations and the tree at the end of the season, then we are depriving our children.

This knowledge of the real meaning of Christmas is something that we need to share, it was given to us, by aunt, uncle, mom, dad, grandma, grandpa to share with our children.

And perhaps someday our children will share that gift with their children.

So this holiday season sit down with your children and tell them a story, a story for why we celebrate.

Grace & Peace,

Duawn

December is upon us and we have a month full of fun and festive events to celebrate the Birth of our Savior. We want to give everyone a heads up for these events and hope all can attend.

There will be a women’s retreat on December 3^rd and 4^th here at the church. Registration is 10 dollars and there will be and evening meal on Friday night and a morning breakfast. All are encouraged to stay the night at the church or attend when you can. If you have any questions please contact Lynn Ferrari or Dana Ellis.

On Tuesday, December 6^th, the Senior Citizens will once again take a trip to Altus. We will leave the church around 10:30 a.m. and go eat. We will then go to Wal-Mart and anywhere else we need to go and work on Christmas Shopping. Hope all can attend.

We will have a meeting of the Christian Education Committee on Sunday December 11^th at 2:00 p.m. in the pastor’s study, to plan the upcoming F-4 schedule.

On Sunday, December 11^th we will have our annual Christmas Program at 6:00 p.m. at the church. This will be a time for all Sunday School classes to come up with an act for the evening. The festivities will be followed by a pot-luck finger food fellowship in the fellowship hall.

On Wednesday, December 14^th we will meet at the church at 7:00 p.m. and go Christmas Caroling. We will come to the church afterward for Hot Chocolate and Cookies.

The youth will have their annual Christmas Party on Saturday, December 17^th at 6:00 p.m. in the fellowship hall of the church. The youth are asked to bring a finger food, as well as a 10 dollar gift for a game of “Dirty Santa.” Their will also be games and fellowship.

Our annual Come-N-Go Christmas Communion will be from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m. at the church on Sunday December the 18^th. Come anytime between 6 and 8 for a short communion service with your family.

In a large department store in America the question is asked, “What is Christmas?” The answer that is given: “Wide-eyed Children when you give them a present.”

One person was interviewed while Christmas shopping, “Why do we celebrate Christmas?” “Because that is the day that Jesus died!”

Two women were walking through the streets window-shopping and saw a nativity scene inside the window. One woman remarked to the other, “Will you look at that!!!! Even the church is trying to horn in on Christmastime.”

That comment is similar to another woman’s complaint. “Most Christmas songs are just too theological!!!”

-Those present were Elders; Rodney Chilton, Jerry Lee, Gene Reeves, Rick Reeves, and Tom Spence

-The Session voted to expand the number of session members from 5 to 7. They put the names of Phil Delp, Dana Ellis, & Carolyn Murray in nomination for elders.

Christmas time is here once again and it is time for our Christmas Party! The party will be on Dec 17^th at the church at 6 p.m. Everyone is to bring your favorite finger food, and a gift for Dirty Santa. The price of the gift should be $10 or less.

I have received the Winter Retreat registration forms, the dates will be January 14^th and 15^th. If you are interested in going, see me for a registration form!

I just want to let the football players; (John and Tom) know that we are so proud of their accomplishments this season! They had a great season; it was so fun to be a part of the excitement this year!

There are several activities going on at the church in December, watch the calendar for scheduled events. Remember, youth does not start back up until January but if you ever need anything, please let us know!

November 2005

Pastor’s Thoughts

Well it has been a year, an entire year since Honey and I found out that we were going to have a baby. How time flies and how life has changed. At this point last year; we just knew that we were going to have a child, didn’t know that our baby would be a little girl, and now it seems like she has always been a part of our lives. Her baptism is already come and gone. And what a special time it was. We want to thank everyone for participating in that great event in our family's life.

And as we gather ever closer once again to this Thanksgiving season, I have more to be thankful for than I have ever had in my life. Of course we need to be thankful everyday, but I am glad that we have a special day in which all people have to stop and at least acknowledge they have been given blessings.

So I came across a writing from Grant Gallup that I want us to think about this Thanksgiving season.

We have a church library!!!!! This might be news to some, but hopefully not. It is located in the young adults Sunday School classroom in the back of the church. There is a large assortment of books as well as the video and audio sermons.

To let everyone know about some of the books in our library Kathy Stegall has graciously made information available. So every month we will give you some content on a few books in our church library.

Knowing God by J.I. Packer What were we made for? To know God. What aim should we set ourselves in life? To know God. What is the eternal life that Jesus gives? Knowledge of God. What is the best thing in life?

Foxe's Book of Martyrs - Prepared by W. Grinton Berry This unparalleled classic recounts the lives, suffering, and trimphant deaths of Christian martyrs throughout history. Beginning with the first martyr, Jesus Christ, this exceptional historical record traces the roots of religious persecution. It focuses on such great men as John Wycliffe, John Huss, William Tyndale, Martin Luther, Thomas Cranmer, and many others.

Thanksgiving is a time of gratitude to God, our Creator and Provider, whose guidance and care go before us... and whose love is with us forever. Thanksgiving is a time to reflect on the changes, to remember that we, too, grow and change from one season of life to another.

Thanksgiving is a time of changing seasons, when leaves turn golden in Autumn's wake and apples are crisp in the first chill breezes of fall. Let us remember the true meaning of Thanksgiving. As we see the beauty of Autumn, let us acknowledge the many blessings which are ours... let us think of our families and friends.. and let us give thanks in our hearts.

-Those present were Elders; Rodney Chilton, Jerry Lee, Gene Reeves, Rick Reeves, Tom Spence and Treasurer Junior Delp.

With the holiday season kicking up we have many events on the horizon as well. So we would like for everyone to be aware of these events and encourage you to participate if you are able.

On November the 13^th we will have two things happening. On Sunday morning during the announcements we will recognize those who are Veterans and still active for Veterans Day.

That evening we will be having our annual Thanksgiving Community Service at the Living Waters Assembly of God at 6:00 p.m.

Wednesday, November 16^th we are going to have our annual Thanksgiving Feast and Talent Parade. The church is going to provide Turkey and Fixen’s and we are asking people to bring a pie: pumpkin, pecan, etc. And after we eat we are going to have “prime time” quality entertainment.

On November 20^th at 6:00 we are going to meet at the church to have our Hanging of the Greens Service where we will decorate the church for the Advent and Christmas Season. We are asking that anyone who wants to bring an ornament to put on the tree to do so that evening.

The youth did a great job on Sunday! Thanks for all your hard work. We were proud of all of you. On October 19^th we took 17 youth to eat pizza and to the Maize in Weatherford! We had a great time. We did get out of the Maize without losing anyone, this was a good thing.

Winter Retreat will be coming up in January. We are looking forward to taking the youth again this year. We have not received any registration forms; as soon as we do we will pass them along.

On November 16^th the youth will have a part in the talent parade after our annual Thanksgiving Feast!!! This will be some entertainment you won’t want to miss!

After this date, we will break for the holiday season, and resume in January. We are planning a fundraiser that will be held in December. This will be called mother’s day out. It will be a day that mother’s can bring the kids and enjoy the day, shopping, relaxing, or cleaning! The kids will have many activities and individual classrooms with teachers!

February 9^th marks the beginning of the greatest journey of the year. It is the beginning of Lent! Lent means preparation. It is the preparation for Easter through self-examination, repentance and acts of penitence. Lent begins on Ash Wednesday (40 days before Easter, not including Sundays), and ends Easter morning, with the great celebration of the Resurrection. For me Lent is a time of dedication and commitment, something that I can always use more of. Many people celebrate Lent by the giving up of something from their lives. For some it might be a favorite food, or drink. It may be the giving up of time to spend in prayer or study. There is not set rules when it comes to observing Lent. Just like our relationship with God is different, so is our different needs of renewal.

But one thing is for sure. Observing Lent is tough. Forty Days is a long time to go without something in your life that you have come to depend on, on a regular basis. Some might say, then why do it, sounds silly. God has done a lot for me. And when I give something up out of my life for God, it reminds me of why I did it...for God. And it also reminds me of what God has done for me. So no matter how large or small your discipline is, if it reminds you on a daily basis of God, it is worth it. It is an awesome feeling when Easter morning rolls around and you have been dedicated for forty days of discipline for God. It really makes the celebration all the more sweet.

So if you have never celebrated Lent, I encourage you to try, even if it sounds silly. You might be surprised how fulfilling the entire experience is. And remember what ever you do for God, is never wasted or in vain.

On Wednesday February 9^th, we are going to have an Ash Wednesday Service after a meal at 6:00 here at the church. Many might be wondering about the significance of Ash Wednesday and why we celebrate the day. As many of you know Jesus retreated to the wilderness for 40 days and nights, while he endured temptation, prepared for his ministry and reflected. Lent is a time where we join Jesus for 40 days and nights, and this begins on Ash Wednesday. This day was originally called the Day of Ashes, and was changed to Ash Wednesday when the modern Christian Calendar always put the day on Wednesday.

So why ashes? In Biblical times ashes were a sign of remorse, repentance, and mourning. In today’s world someone might wear black to signify mourning or remorse. In biblical times it was ashes on your forehead. You can find biblical examples of this in 2 Samuel 13:19, Esther 4:1-3, Job 42:6, and Jeremiah 6:26.

During Lent, ancient Christians mourned their sins and repented of them, so it was appropriate for them to show their sincerity by having ashes on their foreheads. The custom has persisted in the church as our society has changed around us. Ash Wednesday is the beginning of a long journey toward the greatest day in the Christian year. While we as Christians are at the tomb on Easter morning and beside the manger Christmas day, we also need to retreat to the wilderness for lent and stand beside the cross for Good Friday.

Many have inquired about why the colors on the Pastor’s Robe and the colors of the new banners hanging in the church change from time to time and the significance behind the colors.

So we will outline the Christian Year from the beginning till the end, so everyone will know that there is a method and what it is.

Begins: Sunday after Epiphany (January 6^th). The day that is celebrated for the Magi visiting Jesus.

Color: Green. Except for the Transfiguration of the Lord Sunday, (Sunday before Lent). White

Begins: Sunday after Pentecost Sunday, goes through 26 Sundays till Advent, starts the year.

Colors: Green (During this time we celebrate Trinity Sunday - white, and All Saints Sunday - Red).

Hopefully this will give a clearer understanding of the changing seasons and colors, and this will add to our worship of our Lord. If anyone has any questions or commits, please ask.

The youth had a wonderful time at Winter Retreat! We got a chance to see the new Camp WOW!! Everybody thought it was a great camp! This summer it will be more exciting, because all the water activities will be open. The youth are still selling shirts. If you are interested in ordering, there are order forms at the back of the church. We will be placing an order on February 15^th. Please have your orders in by then.

The Valentine’s Banquet is almost here. It will be on Sunday February 13^th at 6:00 p.m. The youth are selling tickets if you are interested. The cost is 15 dollars a person or 25 dollars per couple. They will be providing entertainment and service. The menu consists of a 10 oz. Ribeye, baked potato, salad, rolls, and brownie pie. It will be a great evening of fun and fellowship; we hope; you all will attend.

Don’t forget the Super Bowl Party will be a Duawn and Honey’s on February 6^th at 3:30. We will begin with games and then we will watch the game. Please bring a finger food to the party. We want to announce that in May we will be going on a mission trip to the Cumberland Presbyterian Children’s Home. We will work during the day, and do fun stuff during the evening! We are really looking forward to the trip! Thank you for all your support and prayers with the youth.

-A report was given from the Christian Education Committee and it was passed to purchase clipboards and crayons for the kids color after Children’s Time.

-The Budget for 2005 was set and approved (a copy is available for all to see on the bulletin board in the church).

-Several items were brought up to check into: Tinting for the window in the fellowship hall; church banners; and the beginning of a new Church Website.

-Discussion was started about landscaping ideas for the outside of the church beginning in the Spring.

Duawn and Honey will once again have a Super Bowl Party at their house for the youth. Anyone who would like to come is more than welcome.

The Super Bowl is on Sunday, February 6^th, between the Eagles of Philadelphia and the Patriots of New England. The game starts at 5:30 p.m. However we are going to gather early, at 3:30 p.m. and play games. We hope that all the youth can come. We are asking that everyone bring a finger food.