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6020 Mooresville Road | 704-933-2209
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We Took a Trip! ELI 2015
A month ago, I had the privilege of traveling with three of your elders; Sherry Childers, Steve Gaskey and Roger Hamilton to attend an Elder Leadership Institute Immersion Retreat in Estes Park, Colorado. The Elder Leadership Institute (ELI) is a program that trains Teaching and Ruling Elders about disciplines that will deepen their spiritual lives and the spiritual lives of the churches they serve.
I had heard about this program three years earlier at a conference in Greenville, SC. The moment I heard about it I knew, this was something we needed to do at Bethpage! Did we have lousy elders? Goodness, no! But I have always believed that one of the greatest gifts our Presbyterian polity has made to the worldwide Church is the office of elder and its goal to encourage the priesthood of all believers. After all, eldership IS the very meaning of Presbyterian in Greek. So, I knew that one of the ways to church growth would naturally have to come through a stronger eldership.
But ELI was expensive and I knew that Bethpage, like many, many of the other churches in the area, had fallen on leaner times. I could not and would not ask the church to pay for the event! So, I applied for a $2,400.00 grant from the Church Development Committee of the Presbytery and got it! (That is another good story for another time.) Next I cleared out the rest of my Continuing Education funds and part of my Pastoral Expenses fund (I did say I believed in this program!) and made the reservations for Colorado. No money was taken from Bethpage's general fund for this trip.
God is so good! The conference could not have been any better for the elders that went and for your pastor! The location was beautiful, the lectures were TOP NOTCH on topics ranging from: How to developing spiritual habits in the eldership and in our churches, the state of the church in our changing culture and how to begin a discipleship program in your church. Morning and evening worship was inspiring and each of the four of us left Colorado feeling focused and revived.
Over the next year the eldership of Bethpage will be embarking on a journey of spiritual growth, focused on developing a better understanding of who we are as a church. This discussion will be led by internet lectures by some of the greatest minds in the PCUSA today. Our prayer is that such deep study will unite both our elders, and as a result, our congregants around an identity that is reformed, relevant and resolutely focused on growing as disciples of Jesus Christ to powerful serve the community around us. Do you have any questions about ELI? You may want to check out their website at www.elderleadership.org or you may want to talk with me, Roger, Steve or Sherry personally about ELI. Either way, we will be happy to share our experience and hope with you. But if you don't get around to asking, don't worry, you will be hearing more about ELI as we go along.
Blessings, Ellen
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Stewardship Sunday in this Sunday, November 15th.
Please don't forget to bring your Estimate of Giving Card.
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American Red Cross Blood Drive at BPC, November 16th
In association with the American Red Cross, Bethpage will be having a Blood Drive in the Fellowship Hall on Monday, November 16th 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 17 th! To schedule your appointment, please call Chris Ferguson at 704-680-2783 or visit www.redcrossblood.org and enter sponsor code: Bethpage Presbyterian.
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"Suds of Love" Servants Needed!
Our "Suds of Love" laundromat ministry with Fred L. Wilson Elementary School continues on Thursday, November 19th. We need volunteers to be at Harris Laundromat (1205 West C Street, Kannapolis) on that day from 11:00 AM until 1:00 PM and 6:00 until 9:00 PM. If you would be available, please contact Christel Josey (704-706-5752) or Chris Ferguson (704-680-2783). If you can't volunteer on the 19th, but would still like to help, we need donations of quarters and laundry detergent. Thanks for your support!
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Communion on Christ the King Sunday, November 22, 2015
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Join Bethpage for Hanging of the Greens
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 22nd at 1:00 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.
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Senior High Youth Group 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 are available in this Sunday's worship service bulletin. We will bring the trees to Bethpage church on Saturday, November 28th. Items can be picked up in the Bethpage Church pavilion/parking lot from 2:00 until 3:00 PM. Extra order forms are available on the church's web site or outside the church office. Payment must accompany orders. Please make checks payable to Bethpage Senior Highs. The deadline for turning in orders is Sunday, November 22nd.
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Thanksgiving Holiday Schedule
The deadline for items for the November 29th and December 6th editions of The Beth Page is Monday, November 23rd. There will not be any Wednesday evening supper or G.I.F.T. Program on Wednesday, November 25th. The church office will be closed Thursday, November 26th and Friday, November 27th for the Thanksgiving holiday. Donna Moore will be out of the office November 30th through December 4th.
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Fifth Sunday Reminder!
On Sunday, November 29th our 9:55 AM Worship Service will be held in the BPC Fellowship Hall.
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Kannapolis Area Presbyterian Men Breakfast Meeting
All Kannapolis Area Presbyterian Men and Women are invited to attend our quarterly breakfast meeting on Sunday, December 6th at 8:00 AM at Bethpage United Presbyterian Church, 8701 Mooresville Road, Concord. We look forward to an informative presentation from our guest speakers, Ileen Barge and Kirsten Bahnson, who work with the Murdock Study at the Research Campus in Kannapolis. For further information, please contact Frank Melton at 704-795-8114 or 704-279-7583. The members of KAPM are dedicated to serving others in the name of Christ. |
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A Note from the Nurture Committee
With the cold and flu season upon us, the Nurture Committee has prepared a care basket with cough drops (regular and sugar free), tissues and water. The basket has been placed on the table just as you enter the church from the front door. Please feel free to take advantage of it. |
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Prayer Joys and Concerns
November 8
Joys: Cassidy Snider - accepted at Wingate and received a scholastic scholarship (Diane Mullinax), Cassidy Snider - she got accepted at Wingate College - Congratulations Cassidy! (Cameron Mullinax), Stewardship Sunday next week - expectantly awaiting God's movement (Rev. Ellen), For my new great grandson - Max (Barbara Shifflett), Sherry Childers - traveling mercies to Little Rock
Concerns: Rick Mullinax - 1st chemotherapy behind him - needs continued prayers for healing and comfort (Diane Mullinax), Rick Mullinax - He is not feeling well because of his chemotherapy and he cannot taste much when he eats (Cameron Mullinax), Mallory Semour - she broke her arm - fell off her sister's bunkbed (Chloe Mullinax), Anthony Ballard - in hospital for tests (Rev. Ellen), Ronnie Parks (Jerry Deal), Ronnie Parks - continued healing (Jenny Linebarrier), George Blackmon - in hospital with more complications with flesh eating disease (Betty Christy), Mike Eckels - brother-in-law of Becky Eckels - recovering from a stroke (Becky Eckels), Stephanie Chessmore - daughter of Becky Eckels - relief from cyst (Becky Eckels), Justin Wilder - grandon of Becky Eckels - surgery on November 12th to repair torn knee (Becky Eckels), Arron & Lana Russell - Buddy Russell passed away Friday morning - he was Arron's father and Lana's husband (Hailee Scarborough), The family of Harold Davis - Harold passed Saturday morning (Leigh Ann Allen), Linda Pugh - respiratory health issues - she is Cameron and Caliyah's great-grandmother (Leigh Ann Allen), Calvin Rodgers - upcoming medical tests (Janice Morgan), Carolyn Stahl - diagnosed with cancer this week (Ellen Shore), Ethel Overcash - tired (Betty White), Family of Joyce Dayvault - she passed away on Wednesday - funeral today (Jenny Linebarrier)
Mrs. Betty White & family - we are thankful to be a part of this family (Rev. James & Jody Lewis), Ernest Gardner III - 2 job interviews this week! (Ellen Campbell Gardner), Elisabeth Bryson as she prepares to give her mother, Jean Harwood-Stanhope a kidney 1st week of December (Linda VanPelt), Leona Pressley - at Hospice House preparing to go to heaven (Linda VanPelt)
Concerns: Bill Kusper - Addictions leading to serious health and personal problems (Ed & Cheryl), Rick Mullinax - starts new chemotherapy Thursday - every three weeks (Diane Mullinax), Winston Salem University - victims of shooter & families - the shooter and his family (Jean Brown)
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October 25
Joys: The Church - over all time and place (Rev. Ellen), Joy Bethpage is still here! - safety after gas leak! (Rev. Ellen), Bick Bickerstaff - NE Rehab Center room 2607 - doing much better (Rev. Ellen), Charlotte & Mallory - moved to 106 N. Ridge Ave. (Charlotte), Rev. Ellen Campbell Gardner - pastor appreciation (Roger), Sergio Schmidt - faithful ministry of Christ Savior - example of the Reformed Church around the world (Rev. Ellen), Family/flowers - Helen Helms (Fred Helms), granddaughter Cameron Mullinax's birthday (Diane Mullinax), Ernest Gardner - his performance in Fidelo (Rev. Ellen), Mrs. Betty White/Ministry James & Jody Lewis - just to give thanks (James Lewis)
Concerns: Sergio Schmidt - continued ministry (Rev. Ellen), Hannah/Adam Jackson & Meltons - Hannah rehab (Charlotte), Cheryl Peeler - had surgery Thursday - ruptured hernia in stomach (Fred Helms), Ronnie Parks - stroke (Jenny Linebarrier), Death of Olga Tomberlin - prayers for family (Rev. Ellen)
Concerns: Justin Wilder - Becky Eckels' grandson - got hurt playing football (Becky Eckels), Rick Mullinax - bone and CT scan this week (Diane Mullinax), Ronnie Parks was moved to progressive care - long way to go (Joyce Deal), Family of Paul Christy (Betty Christy), Stephanie Eckels - pain from cyst (Becky Eckels)
BRIAN CENTER-CONCORD: Edward Rodgers
CAROLINAS REHABILITATION-NORTHEAST: Glenn Bickerstaff
ST. ANDREWS LIVING CENTER: Eloise White
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Serving This Sunday
Head Usher
Linda VanPelt
Ushers
Kim & Ellen Shore
Curt & Kim Gibson
Lector
Kevin Hamilton
Children's Nursery (Sunday School & Worship)
Dougie Kirkman & Hannah Jackson
Children's Sunday School & Worship
Christel Josey & Marsha Johnson
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Recent Memorial
In memory of Keith Ballard (Darrell Ballard's brother):
Aubrey and Alice Tarlton
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A Stewardship Moment
"Each time we give, it breaks the materialism syndrome . . . which is 'I've got to have more, and I'm greedy and I have to hold on to what I have.'"
(John Maxwell)
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Our Attendance and Financial Stewardship
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OUR ATTENDANCE STEWARDSHIP
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Worship Service - 78 Sunday School - 54
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OUR FINANCIAL STEWARDSHIP
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General Budget Giving
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Expenses
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Year-to-date
as of 11/7/2015
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$184,311.84
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$182,025.95
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11/8/2015
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$3,291.00
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$8,410.41
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Current Balance
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$187,602.84
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$190,436.36
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10¢-A-Meal Offering received for 2015: $3,318.65
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Sermon from November 18 2015
Rev. Ellen Campbell Gardner's sermon on Sunday, November 8, 2015
"You Really Shouldn't Have"
BELIEVE topic Compassion
Nehemiah 9:6-9, 16-19, 21 Mark 1:40-45
Thank you to Jean Brown for uploading the sermons each week!
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Daily Lectionary for November 15 - 21, 2015 |
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We Welcome Your Input!
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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Sunday School at 9:00 AM - Worship Service at 9:55 AM
Bethpage Presbyterian Church, Kannapolis 6020 Mooresville Road | Kannapolis, N.C. 28081 704-933-2209 (church office phone) Church office hours: 8:30 AM until 3:30 PM, Monday - Friday
Rev. Ellen Campbell Gardner, pastor 704-431-3700 (cell) 704-934-3457 (home)
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© 2015 Bethpage Presbyterian Church, Inc. All Rights Reserved.
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