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 March 22, 2015 | Fifth Sunday in Lent
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 I once knew this guy that told me he was born again! He knew the time and the date he decided. Really? While I remember a similar prayer in eighth grade Sunday school. I knew Jesus place in my life long before that. John 3:3 states, "Truly, truly, (This means listen up for very important information is coming next.) I say to you, unless you are born again you cannot see the Kingdom of God." The word for born again is basileian (bass- ill-a-an) it means born again OR born from above. The difference is startling!!
As reformed believers, we believe that "to be born from above" better describes how we come to know God. Why? Jean Calvin writes, "We are born exiles and utterly alienated from the kingdom of God, and that there is a perpetual state of variance between God and us, until he makes us altogether different." Like the blind man, Bartemaus, it is Jesus Christ alone who could not only restore his physical sight but his spiritual sight too. Isn't it reasonable to suppose that sin has placed us spiritually in the same place that genetics placed Bartemaus? Blind! SO, the very ability to see God's purpose, to be re-new-ed by God's Spirit, take even the smallest glimmer of interest in God's kingdom over our own is, indeed, the mighty graceful work of the Trinitarian God.
As we come closer to Holy week and Easter morning, let us take a moment to wonder at the goodness of Father, Son and Holy Spirit, "While we were yet sinners" put another way "While we were still born from below," God sent his only son that we might see a place for us in God's kingdom. No, we firmly believe that forgiveness and newness of life happens only in God's timing. Certainly, long before we can even mark such grace with a date or time. That is GRACE indeed!
Blessings, Rev. Ellen
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Congregational Meeting This Sunday, March 22nd
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The Session of Bethpage Presbyterian Church
has called a
Congregational Meeting for this Sunday, March 22nd
immediately following the 9:55 AM Worship Service.
The purpose of the meeting is to elect a member
to fill an open slot on the Nominating Committee.
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Hospitality Ministry Workshop This Sunday, March 22nd
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This Sunday, March 22nd, the Nurture Committee wishes to invite our Usher/Greeter volunteers and any other member of our congregation who is interested in participating in this ministry to join us for lunch and a short review/education session immediately following the morning worship service in the BPC Fellowship Hall. We value everyone's contributions of time and energy throughout the year and give thanks for you all. We will have sub sandwiches, salad, chicken nuggets, chips, drinks, and homemade desserts.
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Expressing Our Condolences
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The congregation of Bethpage Presbyterian Church extends its deepest Christian sympathy to Judy Petrea and family in the death of her brother, Bruce DeMarcus. We join with this family as they celebrate their loved one's life in Christ.
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Lenten Bible Study and Prayer
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Two Lenten opportunities are offered this Lent: "A Time of Prayer" each Sunday from 8:00 until 8:30 AM in the church sanctuary and a Lenten Study of the Book of Romans each Tuesday in Lent from 10:30 until 11:30 AM in the Session Room. All are welcomed!
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Order Your Easter Lilies By This Monday, March 23rd!
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 Easter Lilies will be placed in the church on Sunday, April 5th. The price will be $11.95 per foil wrapped lily. If you would like to purchase an Easter Lily in memory or in honor of someone, please fill out an order form (inserted in this Sunday's worship service bulletin) and return it to Connie Goodman or the church office. The deadline for placing orders is Monday, March 23rd. Please make checks payable to Bethpage Presbyterian Church. Extra order forms are available outside the church office or you may print one by clicking on the link below.
Easter Lily Order Form
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Sunshine Group Meets Tuesday, March 24th
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The Sunshine Group will meet this Tuesday, March 24th, 9:00 AM at Libby's Pit Stop, located at 1801 N Cannon Blvd in Kannapolis. Everyone is invited!
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Mission/Evangelism Ministry Area Needs Your Help!
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God has placed in our path, through the Suds of Love program, a family that lost all their belongings due to a house fire. The father was injured, and while he is recovering, is unable to work. The Mission/Evangelism Ministry Area is asking for the assistance of the Bethpage congregation as we endeavor to share the love of Jesus Christ with this family. You may help by bringing gift cards to church next Sunday, March 29th. The family includes three girls --- ages 3, 7, and 10, and a 6-month old boy. These gift cards will be used to help them purchase necessities, such as diapers, clothing, food, gas, etc. until the father has recovered and can return to work. Thank you for your support! If you have any questions, you may call Chris Ferguson at 704-680-2783
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Palm Sunday Covered Dish Lunch, March 29th
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Sunday, March 29th, we will be joined by the congregation of Latin Mission Christ Savior for our annual Palm Sunday covered dish lunch in the fellowship hall at the conclusion of the 9:55 AM worship service. Please bring enough food for your family, plus one, and join us for a time of great food and wonderful fellowship!
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Palm Sunday Egg Hunt, March 29th
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 On Palm Sunday, March 29th, there will be a Youth Easter Egg Hunt immediately following the covered dish luncheon in the BPC fellowship hall. There will be a traditional Easter Egg hunt, "Minute to Win It" games, storytelling and much more. The congregation from Latin Mission Christ Savior will be joining us for the festivities. Please invite all your friends to join us for the fun and celebration.
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PALM SUNDAY - MARCH 29
Worship Service at 9:55 AM
with the
Processional of the Palms in the Church Sanctuary
Covered Dish Lunch after worship in the Fellowship Hall
Egg Hunt for children of the community after lunch
MAUNDY THURSDAY - APRIL 2
Maundy Thursday Service with Communion
at 7:00 PM in the Fellowship Hall
GOOD FRIDAY - APRIL 3
Good Friday Tenebrae Service
at 7:00 PM in the Church Sanctuary
EASTER SUNDAY - APRIL 5
Easter Sunrise Service at 7:05 AM in the Church Cemetery
(Don't forget to bring a chair to sit in and flowers for the cross.)
Easter Breakfast following the Sunrise Service
in the Fellowship Hall
No Sunday School
The Celebration of the Resurrection with Communion
and Easter Cantata, "Behold the Lamb,"
presented by the BPC Choir
at 9:55 AM in the Church Sanctuary
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Wednesday Evening Spring Schedule
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There will not be a Wednesday evening supper or G.I.F.T. Program on April 1st. The choir will rehearse from 6:30 until 8:00 PM and the Brass Ensemble will rehearse from 8:00 until 8:45 PM on April 1st. There will not be a Wednesday evening supper, G.I.F.T. Program or other activities on April 8th. Regularly scheduled activities will resume on April 15, 2015!
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A gift to One Great Hour of Sharing enables the church to share God's love with our neighbors-in-need around the world by providing relief to those affected by natural disasters, provide food to the hungry, and helping to empower the poor and oppressed. Bethpage will receive an offering for One Great Hour of Sharing on Easter Sunday, April 5th. Please give prayerful consideration to your donation to this worthwhile cause.
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Bethpage Choir Presents "Behold the Lamb", April 5th
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Please join us on Easter Sunday morning at 9:55AM when the Bethpage Choir will present an Easter Cantata, "Behold the Lamb," to celebrate this most holy and glorious day in our lives as followers of the Risen Christ.
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Bethpage PC Community Garden
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 As warm days begin to replace winter's cold, and daylight saving gives us more light in the evenings, perhaps you are thinking of growing green things. Last year's Community Garden Project was successful for those who participated. It would be GREAT if we have even more gardens in the fence this year. Start thinking if YOU want to plant and grow some veggies for your table (and/or someone else's) this summer. Speak to Dougie Kirkman, so he can let his committee know that more spaces will be needed. Get GROWIN'!
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Would You Like to Place Flowers in the Church?
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Do you have a special day in your life or your family's lives that you would like to commemorate? You may want to place flowers in the BPC sanctuary during the Sunday morning worship service to honor that day. If you would like to place flowers in the church, please contact Margaret Griffin at 704-932-7418.
There is also a sign-up sheet in the hallway between the Sunday school office and the sanctuary, where you may add your name for a particular date.
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N.C. Presbyterian Historical Society's Spring Tour
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The N.C. Presbyterian Historical Society will hold its Annual Spring Tour on Friday and Saturday, April 10th & 11th, in the beautiful colonial town of Edenton. Many of our colonial and state leaders lived there, as well as the slave and later author, Harriet Jacobs. The group will visit historic houses, a restored lighthouse, the colonial courthouse, St. Paul's Episcopal (organized 1701) as well as First Presbyterian, and will learn about colonial religion in an area with few Presbyterians. Please join us for a memorable tour. Registration is only $21. The schedule, registration form, and address are on the Society's website, or you may contact Program Chair Sam Martin at 910- 428-4165.
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Highlights of the January 19, 2015, Stated Session Meeting
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Christel Josey made a motion to call the meeting to order, voted on and approved. A quorum was declared by the moderator, Rev. Ellen Campbell Gardner followed by prayer. Roger Hamilton shared his story of faith with the Session. Kim Shore made a motion to approve the agenda, voted on and approved.
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Session approved:
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The Annual Meeting to be held on January 25, 2015, after the morning worship service.
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Minutes of the Stated Session Meeting of December 15, 2014.
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February 2015 calendar.
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Facilities reservations requests presented.
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Richie Goodman and Diane Mullinax as Ruling Elder commissioners to Presbytery of Charlotte meeting, Saturday, February 21st at 9:30 AM at Philadelphia Presbyterian Church.
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Recommendation from Education Ministry Area for Senior High's Dinner and a Movie event on Saturday, February 7, 2015, beginning at 6:00 PM in the BPC Fellowship Hall.
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Recommendation from Nurture Ministry Area to hold hospitality training during the Sunday school hour on March 1, 2015, for all ushers.
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Moderator's report was received by Session and discussed.
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Rev. Tim Bostick, Pastor of Harrisburg Presbyterian Church, Harrisburg, N.C., conducted Triennial Review with the Session.
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Session reviewed the December 2014 Financial Reports.
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Shepherding worksheet and check in passed out to all Session members.
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The Session elected Christel Josey and Chris Ferguson to be Session representatives on the Nominating Committee for 2015.
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The Session will review the church membership rolls in March 2015.
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Roger Hamilton made a motion to adjourn. Meeting was closed with prayer.
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Highlights of the February 22, 2015, Called Session Meeting
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Rev. Ellen Campbell Gardner opened with prayer.
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Carrie Paxton made a motion to approve March and April 2015 facilities reservation requests as presented. Voted on and approved.
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Roger Hamilton made a motion to adjourn the meeting. Voted on and approved.
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The meeting was closed with prayer by Rev. Ellen Campbell Gardner.
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March 15
Joys: For this day Sunday - for God's love and grace - this is the day the Lord has made! rejoice in it (Ronnie), Enjoying the weekend with family in town (Heather Kirkman), My friend Blake who we prayed for got a job! (Roger), Jimmie & Frank Melton - 63rd anniversary today!! They are such a blessing in many lives and project the love of God in everything they do. (Hannah Gray), Madison & Garrett Scarborough - first year wedding anniversary (Teresa Kincaid), Rick & Diane Mullinax - 9.8, Shirley Helms, Barbara Fields, Glenn Bickerstaff
Concerns: My sister's son who is on drugs - my aunt at Five Oaks Nursing Home (Ronnie), Tom Griffin - continue to get well (Rob Cox), Diane Deal - rehab continues and she is improving (Joyce Deal), Holly Young - first chemo treatment completed (Joyce Deal), Bruce DeMarcus Family - brother of Judy Petrea - passed away unexpectedly Friday, March 13th - Norris City, Illinois (Macky Petrea), Darlene Gantt & Family - Darlene was moved to Tucker House at Hospice (Becky Eckels), Ralph Smith
March 8
Joys: Ralph Smith - at home and healing (Ed Kusper), Jimmie & Frank are well and here at church this morning
Concerns: Phil Smith - continued need for prayer (Linda VanPelt), Shirley Helms - pneumonia (Roger Hamilton), Tom Griffin - has some serious health issues - will be home in a day or so after a week in the hospital (Eric McKnight), Dave Drum - Alzheimer's and was involved in a wreck over the weekend - in ICU (Becky), Holly Young - chemo starts next week for 16 weeks (Joyce Deal), Ernest Higgs - circulation problem in his leg (Joyce Deal), Diane Deal - rehab continues (Joyce Deal), Sarah Gove and her family - she lost her father to cancer - she is only 22 years old - pray for peace and comfort (Hannah Gray), Barbara Fields - knee surgery (Frances Hartsell), Howard Weaver - surgery Friday on leg (Frances & Barbara), The Family of Leslie Storie - Leslie passed away, Family of Leslie Storie - death of Leslie who was fighting cancer (Rick & Diane), Darlene Gantt & Family - continue prayers (Becky Eckels), Tom Griffin - still in hospital on IMC - breathing difficulties (Diane Mullinax), Ronnie's family and friends - a lot of them are sick or have lost a loved one - pray for me as I help others - sometimes can be a lot to do at one time helping so many
March 1
Joys: Lenten Tuesday morning Bible study on Romans and Paul, Scott Hinson (Brantley's Dad) from power of prayer his Dad was ate up with cancer in his colon and stomach - now he is 96% cancer free and there is hope he will beat it!! Thank you for all your prayers.
Concerns: Leslie Storie and Darlene Gant - both are in Hospice care with cancer (Rick & Diane), Coworkers being laid off - over 96 coworkers are being laid off due to loss of a contract (Sherry Childers), Tom Griffin - his health issues (Margaret Griffin), Diane Deal - in rehab trying to adjust her medicine (Joyce Deal), Holly Young - continue to pray for Holly - radiation treatments finished - CAT scan in 3 weeks (Joyce Deal), Larry Tucker Family - he passed away last Sunday - his wife passed away in December (Amy Ritchie), National Eating Disorder - All those who suffer from eating disorders. Awareness week has just passed, but to remember the millions of people who are affected by this illness, which has the highest mortality rate of any mental illness. Pray for peace, comfort and understanding that nothing is bigger than God. (Hannah Gray)
February 22
Concerns: Ralph Smith, Guyeska Family & Kayla Christy - death of Angel Guyeska yesterday (Betty Christy), Darlene Gantt & Family - Hospice has been called in to help with Darlene (Becky Eckels), All those in the storm's path (Becky Eckels), Tom Griffin having trouble with heart flutter and high heart rate (Diane Mullinax), Betty Howard's Family - sudden death this week (Vicki Gurley - aunt), Holly Young - continue to pray for her (Joyce Deal), Diane Deal - health issues (Joyce Deal), Phil Smith - grew up at Bethpage - in hospital with serious health problems (Linda VanPelt), Summer Thomas - in hospital and needs our prayers (Brooke Iosue)
BIG ELM RETIREMENT CENTER: Paul Christy
FIVE OAKS MANOR REHABILITATION: Barbara Fields
LIBERTY COMMONS REHABILITATION: Burch Thomas "Tom" Griffin
TRINITY OAKS RETIREMENT CENTER: Shirley Helms
ST. ANDREWS LIVING CENTER: Eloise White
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Sermon for Sunday, March 15, 2015 |
Rev. Ellen Campbell Gardner's sermon from
Sunday Morning Worship on March 15, 2015.
Giving our best to the glory of God, and working for the Kingdom.
Thank you to Jean Brown for uploading the sermons.
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Serving This Sunday |
HEAD USHER
Carrie Paxton
USHERS
Steve and Sandy Gaskey
Paula Myers
Macky Petrea
LECTOR
Jean Brown
CHILDREN'S NURSERY
SUNDAY SCHOOL & WORSHIP
Linda VanPelt & Peggy Overcash
CHILDREN'S SUNDAY SCHOOL & WORSHIP
Cheryl Kusper & Dougie Kirkman
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Our Attendance and Financial Stewardship
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OUR ATTENDANCE STEWARDSHIP
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March 15th
Sunday Worship - 96
Sunday School - 50
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OUR FINANCIAL STEWARDSHIP
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3/15/2015
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Year-to-date
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General Budget Giving
Weekly Budget Needs
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$5,269.00
$4,620.95
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$46,827.00
$50,830.45
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10¢-A-Meal Offering received for 2015: $836.70
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Lectionary for the week of March 22 - 28, 2015 |
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Sunday, March 22, 2015
Monday, March 23, 2015
Tuesday, March 24, 2015
Wednesday, March 25, 2015
Thursday, March 26, 2015
Friday, March 27, 2015
Saturday, March 28, 2015
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Please drop us an e-mail and let us know
if there is something you would like to see included in the newsletter.
We would love to hear from you!
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photo by Jean Brown | |
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