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6020 Mooresville Road | 704-933-2209
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A Word from Rev. Ellen
"In those days a decree went out from Caesar Augustus . . . Can you finish the sentence? Most likely you can if you have been alive from the 2nd to the 21st century. These are the first lines of the second chapter of Luke, the Christmas story. It is easy to say the words, but what do they mean to you this year? Memory can be a tricky thing, because often it serves utility at the expense of substance. For instance, as I was decorating our Christmas tree this year, I was so caught up with the right placement of the ornaments, getting them all on the tree, that I was missing their deeper importance; that they were given to me by people I have come to love, to celebrate the one I love most and who most loved me; the savior, Jesus Christ the Lord. There was Jill Hamilton's ornament, the ones the Petrea family gave, Paula Myers' gingerbread men, the Josey's cutout wood ornament, the Ballard's pewter wreath, my mother-in-law's cloisonné fish and Aunt Jeanette's hand tatted stars.
What difference do a few ornaments make? All the difference in the world! They remind me/us all to be aware of God's presence in every breath, that each activity becomes an opportunity to see deeper than ordinary - into the extraordinary of God with us. My prayer is that in your final preparations, Emmanuel will fill each and every present bought, each cookie baked and eaten, every ornament on the tree, with the message, "For God so loved the world!"
I hope you will allow the miracle of Christmas to be seen with new eyes this year? Enclosed is a link that may help make the meaning of Luke 2:1-20 new to you this Christmas - enjoy! Rev. Ellen
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Flowers in the Church This Sunday, December 27th
The flowers in the church sanctuary this Sunday, December 27th are given by Betty White and Family to the Glory of God and in loving memory of Bernard White.
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Holiday Schedule
There will not be a Wednesday evening supper or G.I.F.T. Program this week, December 30th. The church office will be closed Friday, January 1st for the New Year's Day holiday. Wednesday evening supper and G.I.F.T. Program will resume on January 6, 2016! Please join us and don't forget to make your supper reservation by Noon on Tuesday. You may register by signing the Ritual of Friendship pad on Sunday, calling the church office, or submitting this form.
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Joint Choir Cantata DVD's
If you were not able to be at church last Sunday, but would like to experience the beautiful Christmas Cantata, Jean Brown will have DVD's available in the church office for you to borrow and view at home.
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Pastoral Care While Rev. Ellen is Away
Rev. Ellen will be out of the office January 2nd through January 9th, 2016 on vacation. If you have a pastoral care concern please call the church office, Diane Mullinax - Nurture, or Roger Hamilton - Clerk of Session.
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BELIEVE Resumes
BELIEVE resumes Wednesday, January 6th during G.I.F.T. Program and Sunday, January 10th during Sunday school and worship.
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Annual Church Meeting
Our Annual Church Meeting will be on Sunday, January 31, 2016, immediately following the 9:55 AM Worship Service. Reports will be distributed to the congregation on Sunday, January 24th so that you will have time to review them prior to the meeting. Please try to be present for this important meeting in the life of our church. Ministry Area Moderators, please turn in your reports to the church office by Thursday, January 14, 2016.
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"Suds of Love" Servants Needed!
Our "Suds of Love" laundromat ministry with Fred L. Wilson and Woodrow Wilson Elementary School continues on Thursday, January 21st. 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 21st, but would still like to help, we need donations of quarters and laundry detergent. Thanks for your support!
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Auto Bell Car Wash Coupons for Sale!
Sandra Cox has Auto Bell Car Wash coupons - $15.00. See Sandra if you are interested. This is a Senior High Fundraiser. Thanks for all the support!
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2016 Offering Envelopes
Our 2016 Offering Envelopes have changed. As a cost saving measure, the new envelopes no longer have your envelope number. To make sure you receive credit for each contribution, please include your name and envelope number on your envelope before placing it in the offering plate. Your 2016 offering envelopes are available for pick up in the hallway behind the sanctuary. If you have a mailbox in the church office, your envelopes will be there. If you can't find your envelopes, please contact the church office. Thank you!
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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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Christmas in Heaven
Betty White wanted to share this special poem for all of those who are going through this Christmas season missing a cherished loved one.
Blessings, Rev. Ellen
Christmas in Heaven
I see the countless Christmas trees around the world below.
With tiny lights like Heaven's stars reflecting on the snow.
The sight is so spectacular, please wipe away that tear.
For I am spending Christmas with Jesus Christ this year.
I hear the many Christmas songs that people hold so dear.
But the sound of music cannot compare with the Christmas choir up here.
I have no words to tell you the joy their voices bring.
For it is beyond description to hear the Angels sing.
I know how much you miss me. I see the pain inside your heart.
But I am not so far away. We really aren't apart.
So be happy for me dear ones. You know I hold you dear.
And be glad I am spending Christmas with Jesus Christ this year.
I send you each a special gift from my heavenly home above.
I send you each a memory of my undying love.
After all, love is a gift more precious than pure gold.
It was always most important in the stories that Jesus told.
Please love each other as The Father said to do.
For I cannot count the blessings or love He has for you.
So have a Merry Christmas and wipe away that tear.
Remember I am spending Christmas with Jesus Christ this year.
© 1999, by Wanda Bencke - have requested permission.
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Highlights of the October 19, 2015, Stated Session Meeting
- A quorum was declared by the moderator, Rev. Ellen Campbell Gardner. Motion made by Dougie Kirkman, seconded by Matt Josey. The meeting was called to order followed by opening prayer and study by Rev. Ellen Campbell Gardner.
- Agenda was amended to hear report from Mission/Evangelism, Worship, Education communication and Moderator's Report regarding Christ Savior. Motion made by Sherry Childers and seconded by Joyce Deal.
- Election of Clerk of Session: Roger Hamilton confirmed as Clerk of Session 2015-2016.
- Session approved:
- Minutes of the Stated Session Meeting on September 21, 2015.
- November 2015 calendar.
- Facilities reservation requests.
- A membership transfer for Terry Suther (#565) and Ann Oehler Suther (#566) to Ann Street United Methodist Church, 335 Ann Street, Concord, N.C. 28027. Roger Hamilton and Ellen Campbell Gardner to write a letter of regret.
- Session received a card of thanks from Betty Christy.
- Moderator's report was received by Session.
- Rev. Ellen Campbell Gardner updated Session on new policy submitted to Christ Savior from the Charlotte Presbytery Church Development Committee.
- Education Committee would like for Bethpage Youth and Members to participate in 2015 Sweet Street - Church sponsored Halloween event in downtown Kannapolis.
- Session reviewed the September 2015 financial reports.
- Session decided that it would designate Boy Scout funds balance from closed account at the end of 2015 with 10% of those funds designated to Mission. Motion made by Joyce Deal and seconded by Sherry Childers.
- Roger Hamilton asked the Chair of Finance Committee in lieu of using the Stewardship form letter that they had requested for him to sign as Clerk of Session, that he would write his own letter regarding the November 15, 2015 Consecration Sunday Service. Letter would be submitted to Stewardship Committee for approval and any changes they would like to make prior to letter being mailed to congregation. Finance Chair and Session agreed by accord. Moderator asked if she might do the same with permission from the Finance Chair in advance and chair agreed.
- Next Communion will be November 1, 2015.
- Session received a written report from Mission/Evangelism in response to questions from the Personnel Committee.
- Mission/Evangelism Ministry Area reminded Session of the Blood Drive on November 16, 2015.
- Session discussed offering policy for Christmas Cantata. Worship Committee will communicate with three other churches that members should bring their own offering envelopes for the general offering. Joint choirs will determine how to distribute the undesignated cash offering donated prior to the December 20th Service. Motion made by Matt Josey and seconded by Joyce Deal. Approved.
- Next Session meeting will be Monday, November 16, 2015, at 7:00 PM.
- Adjournment and closing prayer by Rev. Ellen Campbell Gardner.
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Highlights of the November 8, 2015, Called Session Meeting
- Joyce Deal has resigned her position on Session via letter. The Session of Bethpage Presbyterian Church accepts her resignation with regret and compassion. Kim Shore asked that a copy of the letter be distributed to the Session.
- Joyce's resignation leaves the Finance Committee without Session representation. Roger Hamilton will be asked to represent the Session in the November 9, 2015, Finance Committee meeting.
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Prayer Joys and Concerns
December 20
Joys: Choirs of Bethpage, Kirkwood & Flow Harris - beautiful Cantata - special thanks to all involved especially Charlotte and Mallory Penland (Rev. Ellen), Caroling with our youth group (Charlotte Penland), Kyle Christy - grandson - graduated Saturday, 12/19, from UNCC with a degree in Finance (Betty Christy), Glenda Kirkman - Happy Birthday Nana (Braelyn, Cannon & Guy)
Concerns:
Ronnie's friend - God's son's birth love, hope and peace in these hard times (Ronnie), Brandi - bronchitis/voice (Brandi Coley), PFC Synne Bradshaw's family - friend and fellow soldier - was found in her patrol car unresponsive - she is 24 years old - prayers for her family and unit (Sherry Childers/Christine Gunter), Keith Miller - is having breathing difficulties (Jimmie Melton), Shawna Christy - granddaughter - has had surgery for broken fibula and tibia - pray for continued healing (Betty Christy), Lisa Christy - daughter-in-law - started chemo Friday (Betty Christy), Rick Mullinax & Family - Rick is in hospital (Rev. Ellen)
Joys: Frances Tate - she asked for our prayers this morning at breakfast (Glenda Kirkman)
Concerns: Phil Allen - having an ultrasound Thursday - Has an artery or vessel getting larger (Amy A. Ritchie), Whitney Parks - My cousin Barry Parks' 18 year old daughter - She had surgery on Friday - she had a lump in each breast (Amy A. Ritchie)
Joys: Elisabeth Bryson - home from hospital after giving a kidney to her mother - Jean Harwood - Jean is still in recovery but doing well (Linda VanPelt), Keith Christy - happy to see you here (Charlotte Penland)
Concerns: Lisa - having tests at this time (Becky Eckels), Shanda - fell skating and broke her ankle (Becky Eckels), Edna Overcash - in hospital running tests (Teresa Kincaid), Lynne Hopkins - diagnosed with breast cancer (Marty Paxton), Buddy Overcash - starting chemo and radiation for throat cancer (Teresa Kincaid), Gail Harrington - neighbor - in the hospital unknown illness (Diane Mullinax), Tim Lomax - friend - unidentified internal? Hoping no surgery required (Jean Brown), Parks Family - as they heal from Ronnie's passing (Rev. Campbell Gardner)
Joys: Getty's - wonderful concert at Christ Covenant Presbyterian Church (Rev. Ellen), Alicia - found a job Tennessee State Legislature - proofreading (Vicki Gurley)
Concerns: Rick - next chemo, Jean & Elisabeth - Elisabeth will give her mom, Jean, a kidney Tuesday - prayers for successful surgery (Linda VanPelt), Parks Family - Death of Ronnie Parks (Diane Mullinax), Aunt Ruth Shelton passed away (Jean), Family of Ruth Shelton - Ruth passed away at the first of the week - she was my Aunt, my father's last sibling (Jean Brown), Donut Lady in Mooresville - selling donuts to support her family/medical bills (Hannah Jackson)
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BRIAN CENTER-CONCORD: Edward Rodgers
CAREMOOR RETIREMENT CENTER: Edna Overcash
ST. ANDREWS LIVING CENTER: Eloise White
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Serving This Sunday
Head Usher
Roger Hamilton
Ushers
Jill Hamilton
Eric Hamilton
Kevin Hamilton
Aubrey Tarlton
Children's Nursery (Sunday School & Worship)
Linda VanPelt & Peggy Overcash
Children's Sunday School & Worship
Sandra Cox & Richie Goodman
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Our Attendance and Financial Stewardship
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OUR ATTENDANCE STEWARDSHIP
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December 20
Worship Service with Choir Cantata - 197
Sunday School - 70
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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 12/19/2015
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$214,004.84
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$212,045.68
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12/20/2015
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$6,502.00
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$4,427.87
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Current Balance
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$220,506.84
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$216,473.55
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Year-to-date Budget Needs: $235,668.45
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10¢-A-Meal Offering received for 2015: $3,725.95
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Daily Lectionary for December 27, 2015 - January 2, 2016 |
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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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