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NEWS FOR THE WEEK OF NOVEMBER 9, 2014


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A Word from Rev. Ellen

                Have you ever wondered what it must have been like for the first settlers of your family to arrive in the new world? What brought them here? Adventure? Hardship? Religious freedom? The decision of a family member? Recently, I looked into my family's immigration to America. The story is an amazing one. Clearly, I am the benefactor of their courage and faith in God.

                Many of the members of Bethpage Presbyterian Church share ancestry with some of the earliest settlers in Cabarrus County. This shared history unites and strengthen many of the members of this church. But what of those who do not share these blood ties? How do we honor the stories of Bethpage's faithful history, embracing them, entering into them as our own stories too -even without the blood ties?

                I think Ruth's story, in chapter nine of The Story, is key to answering this question, because it reminds us that the family histories at BPC, blood and by faith, are part of a much bigger story. We are all part of God's Story. For like our earliest members of BPC, Ruth too was a foreigner in a new land. She was a Moabite wife, the daughter-in-law of Naomi, an Israelite, faced with the decision to immigrate that seemed to be beyond her control. But not beyond God's control! Offered the choice of where she would abide - she chose Naomi's people, God's people. Unbeknownst to her, this faithfulness made her a part of Jesus Christ's blood line, a part of God's plan of Salvation through Jesus' life, death and resurrection, a part of the Holy Spirit's call for us who abide, worship and minister at BPC today. Literally her decision was part of what makes us all one family of faith in Jesus Christ today!

                What would she whisper to us in 2014? Trust in the Lord? This Consecration Sunday would she assure us that God will always provide - trust him!! Would she go further, assuring us that God provides more than we can ask for? Together, blood relatives by faith, may we mirror Ruth's actions - that those who come after us might know God's power, purpose and grace in their lives! Blessings, Ellen 

Men's Prayer Breakfast - Saturday, November 8th

The Men's Prayer Breakfast Group will meet this Saturday, November 8th at 9:00 AM in the Bethpage Church Fellowship Hall.

 

Preaching This Sunday - November 9th

This Sunday, November 9th, we are privileged to have Ed Hosack, Executive Director of Cooperative Christian Ministry, preaching at our 9:55 AM Consecration Sunday Worship Service.  We welcome Ed to Bethpage Presbyterian Church!

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Flowers in the Church This Sunday - November 9th
The flowers in the church sanctuary this Sunday, November 9th, are given to the Glory of God and in loving honor of all veterans for Veterans Day by the congregation of Bethpage Presbyterian Church.
Would You Like to Place Flowers in the Church?
If you would like to place flowers in the church on any of the following Sundays -- November 16th, 23rd, or 30th, please contact Margaret Griffin at 704-932-7418.
Bethpage ZUMBAthon - November 15th
The Senior High Youth Group is sponsoring a ZUMBAthon in the Bethpage Church Fellowship Hall on Saturday, November 15th from 10:00 AM until 12:00 PM.  Come join the party for a $10 donation.  Bottled water and snacks will be provided.  Proceeds go toward fundraising for the Senior High Youth Group. 
American Red Cross Blood Drive at BPC - November 17th

In association with the American Red Cross, Bethpage will be having a Blood Drive in the Fellowship Hall on Monday, November 17th from 4:00 until 8:00 PM.  Giving blood doesn't require much time.  You can help save up to three lives in about an hour.  The need is ongoing, but the supply is not.  Please help to ensure a sufficient blood supply is available for those in need and give blood on November 17th!  To schedule your appointment, please call Chris Ferguson at 704-680-2783 or visit www.redcrossblood.org and enter sponsor code:  Bethpage Presbyterian.  Thank you!   

 

"Suds of Love" Volunteers Needed for Thursday, November 20th

Bethpage Presbyterian Church continues its ministry with Fred L. Wilson Elementary School with a new Laundromat Ministry, "Suds of Love."  We need volunteers to be at Harris Laundromat (1205 West C Street, Kannapolis) on Thursday, November 20th from 11:00 AM until 1:00 PM and 6:00 until 9:00 PM.  If you would be available on that day, please contact Christel Josey (704-706-5752) or Chris Ferguson (704-680-2783).  If you can't volunteer on the 20th, but would still like to help, we need donations of quarters and laundry detergent.  Thanks for your support!

Communion on Christ the King Sunday - November 23rd
  
Eat at Texas Roadhouse and Support the Senior High Youth Group - November 23rd
Eat at Texas Roadhouse (7801 Gateway Ln NW, Concord, NC 28025) on Sunday, November 23rd anytime between the hours of 11:00 AM and 10:00 PM and the Bethpage Senior High Youth Group will receive 10% of your total purchase.  Be sure to let your server know that you represent "Bethpage Presbyterian Senior High Youth Group."  Cut your wait in half and CALL AHEAD, 704-979-3090. 
Join Bethpage for Hanging of the Greens - November 23rd
The Worship Area Team invites the Bethpage congregation to help in preparing our church for Advent.  The Hanging of the Greens is a wonderful tradition at Bethpage.  Please join us on Sunday, November 23rd from 1:30 until 5:00 PM to decorate the Sanctuary and Fellowship Hall as we anticipate the birth of our King.  If you have any questions, please contact Richie Goodman.  
Senior High Youth Christmas Tree Sale
The Senior High Youth Group of Bethpage Presbyterian Church is taking orders for Christmas trees, wreaths, and garlands for your holiday decorating. Order forms will be available in this Sunday's worship service bulletin. We will bring the trees to Bethpage Church on Saturday, November 29th. Items can be picked up in the Bethpage Church pavilion/parking lot from 2:00 until 3:00 PM. Extra order forms are available outside the church office or at www.bethpagechurch.org. Payment must accompany orders. Please make checks payable to Bethpage Senior Highs. The deadline for turning in orders is Sunday, November 23rd.  
Thanksgiving Holiday Schedule
The deadline for items for the November 30th edition of The Beth Page is Monday, November 24th.  There will not be a Wednesday evening supper or G.I.F.T. Program on Wednesday, November 26th.  The church office will be closed Thursday, November 27th and Friday, November 28th.  
   
November is National Hospice Month

November is National Hospice Month --- a time to raise awareness and tell the good news of Hospice.  The following is some information about Hospice you may not know:

  • Hospice provides comfort and care to those whose life is measured in months rather than years.  Care is provided in their home, a nursing home, an assisted living center, or at the Bob & Carolyn Tucker Hospice House.
  • Hospice believes that when quantity of life is limited, quality of life is encouraged.
  • Hospice believes in the dignity of all people and their right to participate in the planning of their end-of-life care.
  • Hospice believes that, although healing of the body may not take place, spiritual and emotional healing can.

If you have questions or just want to talk with someone about hospice care, call a referral coordinator at Hospice and Palliative Care of Cabarrus County at 704-935-9434.

Highlights of the September 15, 2014 Stated Session Meeting
  • The meeting was called to order and a quorum was declared present by the Moderator. Rev. Ellen Campbell Gardner opened the meeting with prayer and devotion.
  • Kim Shore made a motion to approve the agenda.

  • Session approved

    • Minutes of the Stated Session Meeting of August 18, 2014.

    • A recommendation from Carrie Paxton, Education Ministry Area, for the following youth fundraisers: Christmas tree sale, Fall Festival, AutoBell Car Wash coupons, and Chick Fil A calendar coupons.

    • October 2014 calendar. Clerk to go over changes with Donna Moore.

  • A list of the Moderator's activities was shared with the Session for the period of August 19, 2014 through September 15, 2014.

  • Rev. Ellen Campbell Gardner reported the following guest ministers will be preaching while she is on vacation. Rev. Dr. Anne Hilborn on September 29, 2014 and Rev. Sergio Schmidt and Mrs. Carla Schmidt on October 5, 2014.

  • Session reviewed the August 2014 Financial Report.

  • Stewardship Ministry Area updated Session on Consecration Sunday events.

  • Worship Ministry Area passed around a communion sign-up sheet.

  • Property Ministry Area reported that the east storage area in the Fellowship Hall is to be reorganized on October 10, 2014.

  • Communications Ministry Area reported that A-Frame sidewalk signs have been purchased.

  • Fellowship Ministry Area reported that there would be a wreath making class on October 11, 2014 from 9:00 AM until 12:00 PM in the church Fellowship Hall.

  • Mission/Evangelism reported that Bethpage would hold a collection for CVAN during the month of October 2014 for paper towels, toilet paper, cleaning supplies, diapers, and laundry detergent.

  • Mission/Evangelism recommended dates for "Suds of Love" project as October 16, 2014, November 20, 2014, and December 18, 2014. Times will be 11:00 AM until 1:00 PM and 6:00 until 9:00 PM. Voted on and approved.

  • Mission/Evangelism Ministry Area recommended to participate in Fill the Gap (shoes) at Fred L. Wilson School this school year.

  • Nurture Ministry Area reported the establishment of a master volunteer schedule.

  • Nurture Ministry Area brought recommendation to check with Google Drive account for Session and all Ministry Area members and report back to Session.

  • Elder training will be held on Saturday, October 18, 2014, from 9:00 AM until 5:00 PM with Rev. Dr. Eric Laverentz. He will also preach in Worship on Sunday, October 19, 2014.

  • SOP discussion following GA presentation: Discussion of BPC's policy on same-sex marriage. Chris Ferguson made a motion that the Session of Bethpage Presbyterian Church will follow the historical directives of Scripture and the Directory of Worship of the PC(USA) (2009-2011) concerning its policies on marriage. As a result, the definition of marriage as a "union of one man and one woman" will be the policy followed in the Standard Operating Procedure of the Church. This policy will direct that no same-sex marriage will be performed on any of the Bethpage Church Property. Voted on and approved.

  • The next Session meeting is Monday, October 20, 2014, at 7:00 PM.

  • Motion to adjourn. Meeting was closed with prayer by Rev. Ellen Campbell Gardner. 

PrayerJoysConcernsPrayer Joys & Concerns

November 2:

 

Joys:  Curt Gibson is back in church (Christel Josey), My grand-daughter, Christian Farmer safely delivered a baby girl, Linda Linn's surgery went VERY well (Fred Helms)

 

Concerns:  Jimmie Melton, Joyce Deal, Ernest Gardner - recovery from colds (Rev. Ellen), Margaret Griffin's family with the death of her brother-in-law - George "Pete" Peterson

 

October 26:

 

Joys:  Job interview for Matthew Kusper (Cheryl K.), Fred Helms' family here to honor Helen Helms, and protection for granddaughter, Christen Farmer due to deliver this week (Fred Helms), Heather and Dougie Kirkman announce that they are expecting their first child in May (Heather K.), CVAN Supplies and our care are making a difference for at least one woman with five children (Christel J.)


 Concerns:  Calvin Rodgers tumors found (Brandi C.), Linda Linn to have surgery on Friday (Fred Helms), George Peterson still in ICU, Curt Gibson in hospital with infection and Rick Mullinax as he continues his fight with leukemia (Margaret G.), Barbara Fox - lung cancer surgery and son-in-law Haden Baumgardner - diagnosed with 4th stage cancer (Betty Christy), Brian Brown and family - in the death of his mother, Norma Cox (Becky Eckels), Louie Blackman - health concerns (Becky Eckels)

 

October 19:

 

Joys:  Judy Miller - a gift of Evangelism during Suds of Love (Heather Kirkman)
 

Concerns:  Chris Ferguson's mother (Sharon) has a broken foot (Chris Ferguson), Beth Hintz - bulging disk (Connie G.), Ann Baybalt's family after her passing (Rick M.), George Peterson still in ICU (Margaret G.), Charmin Family - Christina's in-laws (Sherry C.), Gerry Troutman's family (Charlotte P.), Becky Scoggins - melanoma (Diane M.), Charlotte Penland's diagnosis of Huntingdon's disease (Charlotte Penland)

 

October 12:

 

Joys:  Eric Laverentz arrival and work with the session this Saturday, Jacob Moonie - a victim of a car accident and fellow student with Jacob Smith will come home on Thursday (Susan Smith), Allen Christy and his wife will celebrate 25 years of marriage (Betty Christy), First year anniversary for Heather and Dougie Kirkman (Glenda Kirkman), Newly Weds safely home from honeymoon (Cheryl Kusper), blessings for Suds of Love (Christel Josey), great wreath-making fellowship event (Steve Gaskey)
 

Concerns:  Charlotte Penland's health concern (Marcia Graybeal), family of Barbara Baucin upon her death (Jean Brown), Former football coach at A.L. Brown - Ron Massey's family - after his passing (Carrie Paxton), Rick Mullinax's chemo treatments - pray for growing red blood cells (Eric McKnight), Joyce Deal to have a needle biopsy at Duke Hospital (Jerry Deal)

 

BIG ELM RETIREMENT CENTER: Paul Christy

BRIAN CENTER:  Glenn Bickerstaff

TRINITY OAKS RETIREMENT CENTER: Shirley Helms

ST. ANDREWS LIVING CENTER: Eloise White
ServingThisSundayServing This Sunday

  

USHERS

 

 

Head Usher: Kim Shore

 

Ushers: Curt and Kim Gibson,

Dougie and Heather Kirkman

 

LECTOR

 

Richie Goodman

 

CHILDREN'S NURSERY

 

SUNDAY SCHOOL

Carrie Paxton

 

WORSHIP

Carrie Paxton

YOUNG CHILDREN'S SUNDAY SCHOOL CLASS

& CHILDREN'S WORSHIP

 

Teresa Kincaid and Margaret Griffin

 

  

ServingThisSundayOur Attendance and Financial Stewardship

  

OUR ATTENDANCE STEWARDSHIP

Worship Service - 88

Sunday School - 55

 

OUR FINANCIAL STEWARDSHIP

 

 11/2/14

Year-to-date

General Budget Giving

 

Weekly Budget Needs

$5,858.00

 

$4,854.43

$205,815.94

 

$213,594.92

10�-A-Meal Offering received last Sunday:  $295.00

10�-A-Meal Offering received for 2014: $3,580.79

  

DailyLectionaryLectionary for the week of November 9 - 15, 2014

Sunday, November 9, 2014


Monday, November 10, 2014


Tuesday, November 11, 2014


Wednesday, November 12, 2014


Thursday, November 13, 2014


Friday, November 14, 2014


Saturday, November 15, 2014

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photo by Jean Brown

Sunday School at 9:00 AM - Worship Service at 9:55 AM

 

6020 Mooresville Road - Kannapolis NC 28081
704-933-2209 (church office phone)
Church office hours: 8:30 AM until 3:30 PM, Mon - Fri

Rev. Ellen Campbell Gardner: 704-431-3700
  
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