Mission Memo for October 2007
Mission Challenge 07:
1. 63 PWNC churches have sent in forms detailing their commitment to support the salary of at least one PC(USA) missionary.
2. Every church should be receiving a DVD about missionaries the first week of October.
3. David and Jeannene Wiseman will be speaking in several places in our Presbytery during the week following Presbytery meeting. Their schedule is included in this mailing.
RECLAIMING CHRISTMAS:
See attached letter & description. Ginnie is eager to do a program for YOUR church, a family night supper, Sunday School class, PW mtg.
DISASTER RECOVERY TEAMS STILL NEEDED ON GULF COAST!
If your church hasn’t sent a team in a while, or never, to help, please consider it. Billy Wilson and Ginnie Stevens can help you get set up. The letter below from Rev. Susan Loper contains a plea. (Susan is a new member of PWNC; husband Ed is pastor at Marshall.)
Dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ,
It just rained here, leaving the streets of Slidell flooded. Traffic was backed up for miles. In fact, it took me over a half hour to travel .2 of a mile! I can't imagine what it must be like living in the aftermath of a hurricane.
Oh, that's right--I am. There are still many, many houses that need to be repaired or rebuilt, but the same goes for those precious lives that were altered forever. Almost everyone in the little church that I'm now serving as interim sustained some sort of damage, and all have a Katrina story to tell. About all I can do is listen.
And invite individuals, families, church groups, etc. not to forget that disaster assistance groups are still needed to continue the work of rebuilding those lives...PLEASE don't forget these towns, villages, and cities along the coast that don't get the big work groups.They need your support...And please don't wait until hurricane season is over. You're needed NOW! Evacuation routes are all in force; you'll have plenty of warning if/when it's time to evacuate. You won't be stranded, I promise. Not from a hurricane.
Please consider this request, that you find a way of helping to rebuild the still-devastated Gulf coast and all the lives that have been forgotten about. Many, many thanks! Peace and Blessings, Sue Loper
IMPORTANT DATES:
SEPTEMBER 22:
“Reclaiming Christmas” workshop for Cluster A at Bryson City Church, 2-4 pm
PW Fall Gathering at Northminster Presbyterian Church: Workshops on “Malawi Mission” & “Caring for Creation,” 10:45 -12:15 pm. Offering going to NKhoma Hospital.
SEPTEMBER 29:
PW Fall Gathering at Presbyterian Home for Children: Workshops on “Reclaiming Christmas,” “Domestic Violence” and “Eating with Justice” 10:45-12:15 pm.
“The Cross and the Crescent: Focus on Islam” -- a community forum at FPC, Hickory, 8:30 am to 2:30 pm. Speakers: The Basics of Islam, Dr. Jonathan Berkey, Professor, Davidson College; History of Islam and Christian Relations, Dr. James Aydelotte, PWNC; Current Political Situation, Dr. Cynthia Combs, Professor, UNC Charlotte. Local Muslims will join us for discussion. Cost: $15.00 per person or $20.00 per family (includes lunch & a basic text on Islam-- one per family). Register prior to Sept 21 at (828) 322-6343. hickoryfpc@earthlink.net
OCT 1: Nickel a Meal grant applications due in Presbytery office.
OCT 6: PEACEMAKING OFFERING & WORLD COMMUNION SUNDAY
See flyer included in monthly mailing. If you haven’t found you Peacemaking Offering packet, contact Ginnie. Remember, you need to order envelopes and bulletin inserts.
OCTOBER 8: Interfaith Fast for Peace in Iraq: Find materials at http://www.pcusa.org/peacemaking/#fastpeace .
OCTOBER 14: PRESBYTERIAN HIV/AIDS AWARENESS SUNDAY
http://www.pcusa.org/aids-international/resources.htm
http://www.pcusa.org/nationalhealth/resources/online.htm#hivaids
http://www.pcusa.org/phewa/pan.htm
OCTOBER 19 to 21: CHILDREN’S SABBATH
http://www.pcusa.org/children/poverty/worship.htm#boat
Oct 26-27: Presbytery meeting at Lake Junaluska. The theme of the meeting is Mission! See enclosed information sheet.
Oct 28-Nov 1: David & Jeannene Wiseman will be speaking throughout Presbytery. See schedule enclosed. There is a special meeting for everyone with Guatemala connections at Black Mtn Church on Sunday, Oct 28, 2:30-4:30.
Nov 3-11: Disaster Recovery Team to Gautier, MS.
Dec 3-13: Annual meeting of Partnership Committees in Guatemala
Advent: “Reclaiming Christmas,” including gift options that benefit our brothers and sisters in Guatemala and Malawi.
Feb 17-20, 2008 in Memphis Tennessee for the first annual Presbyterians Making a Difference Conference. A group of programs including National Health Ministries, Peacemaking, Self Development of People, the Hunger Program, and the Office of Child Advocacy have joined together to create a unique opportunity to learn of and experience, model programs, demonstrations and skill building for Presbyterians who are interested in becoming more engaged in the life of your congregation or in making a difference in your community
Mar 24-Apr 1: Partner Church Delegation to Guatemala. Cost ~$1200. More info will be mailed to partner churches.
For more information, contact Ginnie Stevens
(vestevens2@aol.com; 828-438-4217).
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