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6020 Mooresville Road | 704-933-2209
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Generous Friends!
Last week we established that there are two kinds of people in the church; people who understand that they are unable to save themselves from sin (the humble in heart) and those of us who think they are doing a pretty good job of it (Lord, I am glad I'm not like . . . ) all on their own. Jesus was pretty clear, the Lord justifies the self avowed sinner; freeing them from excuses and opening them to deep gratitude. The same cannot be said for the proud and self-sufficient. They are doomed to self-deception and overpowering pride. Not a pretty combination. Generosity isn't something we can make happen, it is a gift for the heart freed by grace.
So how does this radical (all the way to the root) generosity manifest itself in our relationships with one another? We live in relationships with others as Jesus did, by always giving the other person the benefit of the doubt, offering costly forgiveness; especially when we don't feel like it or know they won't appreciate it! Why? Because that is the way Jesus did it! Do you remember how Jesus forgave Peter? How many times did Peter fail to follow through with his good intentions. ALOT! Like the time he promised to stay awake and wait with Jesus. (We know how that turned out.) Or when he denied Christ's very existence outside the High Priest's house. Yet, the last chapter of John shows Christ's forgiveness when he asked Peter (3x) "Do you love me?" The gift of His relationship, His forgiveness gave Peter back his life and purpose in ministry.
Forgiveness like this is not easy - 70 X 7; the disciples couldn't even count that high and we can't forgive that high. But God is not asking us to count or even like his command. He IS asking us to forgive as he forgives. We are created in his image, so we learn that our greatest fulfillment comes in being like him with; strong relationships that have their basis in the Triune God's generosity; acting as God acts. How will our world, our church, our families change as we love and forgive as Jesus Christ directs and LIVES? It would be radically generous, that is for sure! Blessings, Rev. Ellen
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Kirkwood PC Presents A Double Feature
The Bethpage congregation is invited to Kirkwood Presbyterian Church, this Sunday, September 18th at 6:00 PM, as they host a double feature program with the Jones Sisters Bluegrass Band and DeMarcus Russell's Mime Routine. The oldest Jones sister is 17 and DeMarcus Russell is a member of Bethpage United Presbyterian Church. Please come out and support these young people as they are devoting their lives to God. The concert is free, a love offering will be received.
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Donna Moore will be out of the office, Monday, September 19th through Friday, September 23rd.
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Don't Forget to Make Your Wednesday Supper Reservation!
You are invited to join us for supper and fellowship prior to the G.I.F.T. Program each Wednesday at 5:45 PM. To help us prepare for the correct number of people, we ask that you make a reservation by signing the Ritual of Friendship pad on Sunday morning, by calling the church office (704-933-2209), or by clicking here. If you would like to be on our "standing reservations list" (this means you will remain on the list each week unless you call and ask us to remove you!) please indicate that when you sign up. Also, please be sure to indicate how many adults and how many children in your reservation! Deadline for supper reservations is Tuesday at Noon. We look forward to seeing you each Wednesday at 5:45 PM!
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Sunshine Group Meets September 27th
The Sunshine Group will meet Tuesday, September 27th, 9:00 AM at Breakfast Time Restaurant, located at 1170 Copperfield Blvd. NE, Concord, NC 28025 (across from Cracker Barrel.) All are welcomed to join us for a wonderful time of Christian fellowship!
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Bethpage Visioning - October 2nd
To the Faithful of Bethpage Presbyterian Church -
The prophet Joel speaks to a people who have turned from God and whose hearts give only lip service. He writes, "Rend your hearts and not your garments, turn unto the Lord your God, he is gracious and merciful, slow to anger and of great kindness." -Joel 2: 12. As the people turn back to God he makes a promise to them that he will, "pour out my Spirit on all people. Your sons and your daughters will prophesy, your old men will dream dreams, your young men will see visions." -Joel 2: 28. A vision, dreaming dreams and telling the world about what God will do are promises and responsibilities of God's faithful people. As Bethpage is full of faithful people, what dreams has God been giving you? Have you had a vision of what the Lord is calling us to do from here on out? Are you a member who would like to share a word about God's goodness now and in our church's future? This IS what it means to be God's people in Kannapolis! That is why the session is gathering the church together on October 2, 2016 right after worship to dream and vision and tell the world about what God will do with his believers at this church. That is the purpose of our meeting on October 2, 2016 immediately after worship in the fellowship hall for a pot luck luncheon. After we have supped together, the congregation will be led in a time of prayer and visioning of God's leading. That information will be added to the sessions visioning and your pastor's vision and we will come away with the focus for Bethpage Presbyterian Church for the years to come.
As you can imagine this will be a very important time together. As your pastor and on behalf of your session, I am asking you to make every effort to be available after church on October 2nd for this VERY important meeting.
Blessings, Rev. Ellen
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Recent Memorials
In memory of Michael Barnhardt
(Janice Morgan's brother-in-law):
Janice Morgan
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Prayer Joys and Concerns
September 11
Joys: Bless the teacher supplies, CCM
Concerns: Janice Morgan - death of her brother-in-law, Steve's brother (Jenny Linebarrier)
Joys: Ernest Gardner (Rev. Ellen), Toot & Faye Rodgers, Margaret Griffin
Concerns: Chris Ferguson's neighbor (Chris Ferguson), Alice Tarlton (Jill Hamilton), Saints among us - Saint Teresa (Ed)
Joys: Alice & Aubrey Tarlton (Jill Hamilton)
Concerns: Alice & Aubrey Tarlton (Jill Hamilton), Mark Gurley's Mom (Mark), School staff, teachers & students (Chris), Margaret Griffin (Ann Ennis), Amanda Ritchie - death of her grandfather (Amy & Amanda Ritchie), Brandi Coley - death of her grandfather (Connie Goodman)
Joys: Christel Josey's birthday (Her family)
Concerns: Amanda Ritchie's grandfather (Amanda Ritchie)
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Quick Links
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Serving This Sunday
Head Usher
Christel Josey
Ushers
Larry & Nelda Riggs
Jenny Linebarrier
Macky Petrea
Lector
Ed Kusper
Children's Nursery (Worship only)
Linda VanPelt & Peggy Overcash
Children's Worship
Diane Mullinax & Marsha Johnson
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Our Financial & Attendance Stewardship
OUR ATTENDANCE STEWARDSHIP
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September 11th
Worship Service - 61
Sunday School - 27
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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 9/7/2016
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$133,611.63
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$142,949.04
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9/11/2016
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$3,856.00
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$5,534.15
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Current Balance
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$137,467.63
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$148,483.19
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Year-to-date Budget Needs: $160,568.90
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10�-A-Meal Offering received for 2016: $2,757.30
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Daily Lectionary for Sept. 18 - 24, 2016
Tuesday, September 20, 2016
Wednesday, September 21, 2016
Thursday, September 22, 2016
Friday, September 23, 2016
Saturday, September 24, 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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