The Joyful News
From Mt.Sharon
www.mtsharoncpchurch.org
Volume 7 Issue 11
Mt. Sharon Cumberland Presbyterian Church
Musing:
I got inspired at Presbytery last week. Sometimes presbytery meetings
can be pretty dry. Some of the business of the presbytery was exciting.
We have received a new ordained member of the presbytery who will
be installed as associate pastor at a local church. Another candidate
was approved for ordination, and yet another candidate was approved
for licensure. Those occasions are always pretty exciting.
But the sermon that was preached during our worship service reminded
me of something that I have known for a while, but that I have been
placing on the back burner—or maybe even under a bushel. Sometimes
the grind of daily pastoral ministry and the many things that take the
church’s time and energy cause me to need a reminder of what a great
responsibility and privilege it is to serve the church as a minister of word
and sacrament.
Rob Truitt from the Dickson Church spoke, and he reminded me what a
wonderful treasure the Cumberland Presbyterian Church is. Sometimes
we who have been around the church for a while overlook what we
have that is unique to offer, but I would like to highlight two things that
many other churches do not have that can reenergize our ministry to
one another and to our community.
First of all, we have a unique theology. Our confession of faith has been
called a “medium theology” in that it balances two great and seemingly
opposing theological statements in scripture. One is that God is in
control of everything. This is called God’s “sovereignty” and those who
follow this path to its end believe that God has predestined things,
especially who will gain salvation and who won’t. The other is freedom
of will. If humans have freedom of will, they can choose to accept or
reject God on their own. The end of this theology would say that God
has no work in our salvation, it is up to us to choose or reject.
Our theology states that God invites all people into community and
relationship, and people also have to answer that call. Both God and
humans are involved in this process, but we have room in our faith for
wide ranges of emphasis on each of these.
In fact, our Confession of Faith is unique in that it offers all Cumberland
Presbyterians that opportunity to read and understand scripture in
various ways and still be in community with one another. That is one
reason we can have such a wide variety of opinions or takes on
scripture. That doesn’t mean that there aren’t certain core beliefs in
our Confession, but there is room for a lot of different people with
different backgrounds, and that is a great strength of our denomination.
Another great thing about the Cumberland Church is that in most of our
churches we have a small enough community that we all know each
other. The pastor and other church leaders can give attention to all the
people in the church, and we can really be a community. That is not to
say that larger churches don’t have certain things they can offer as well,
but churches of the size of Mt. Sharon are able to still claim the title of
family.
We have such wonderful things to offer to people. People who are
searching and have been confused or hurt by other churches could find
a wonderful environment for growth and acceptance from our church
and our Confession of Faith. I invite you to get excited about our church
and its potential to touch the lives of people around here. If you are
excited, and you share that excitement with others, great things will
happen!
Love, Brother Chris
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DO YOU LIKE TO TRAVEL?
Well, this is your opportunity for a wonderful travel experience!!
Robert Watkins, a CP minister will be hosting a tour to Egypt,
Jordan and Israel from August 26 through September 9, 2012.
The cost is $4,300. More information is available at
www.pilgrimtours.com/groups/aweexodus.htm or you may call
Bob at 319-431-0990. His email is watkr@mac.com. He is the
former director of international missions and still a consultant to
the Ministry Council/Board of Missions.
8th ANNUAL GOLF TOURNAMENT!!!
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May 5 ( that’s this Saturday!!!) at the Pebble Brook Golf Course!!
Registration begins at 11:00 a.m. Putting Contest will begin at
May, 2012
11:30 and end at 1:00 p.m. Shotgun Start is at 1:30 p.m. If you are
to help with the tournament please be at the course by 10:45!!
(Maybe some of the youth would like to help, too. All you have
to do is “show up” at the golf course!!!)
And remember….it is not too late to sponsor a TEE, a GREEN or
a CART!! Also, gift cards are still needed for door prizes!! If you
have not made your contribution contact Donna Bruce or Carol
Warren for more information. We hope everyone will support
this annual fund raiser for the Building Fund!!
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BUILDING FUND REPORT
At the April 29th Building Fund Luncheon a total of
$2,445 was collected. Also donations were received in
memory of Ronnie Nixon and Ruth Vincent. Thanks to
all who faithfully support this monthly commitment
to reduce the debt of our new building. The current
building loan balance is approximately $414,906.87.
Principal reduction through March was $11,314.82.
Also, if you would like to purchase a brick for the Prayer
Garden in memory or in honor of someone, there will be
a new order placed within the next few weeks. See any
member of the Session for more information. Proceeds
from the brick sales goes toward off-setting the building
debt.
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Reminder to women of all ages:
Mt. Sharon Mothers Day Luncheon is Saturday, May 12 at
12:00 noon in the Fellowship Hall. This year’s theme is Mothers,
Daughters, Sisters: Sharing Stories Across the Generations.
Please come and feel free to invite guests. There is no charge for
this luncheon. There are sign up sheets in the narthex, on the
bulletin board outside the church library, and in the fellowship hall.
You may also contact any of the committee members:
Paula Jordan, Angela Pursley, Liz Raymer, or Joy Warren.
This annual event always provides delicious food, entertainment,
and wonderful fellowship. Please remember to complete and
return the questionnaire that you should have received as an e-mail.
There are also hard copies available in the narthex of the church,
alongside a box where you can return your copy. You should be
able to fill out the e-mail questionnaire and send it directly to
Paula Jordan. We need these by May 6 in order to put together a
booklet for the luncheon.
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ARE YOU LOST IN THE “WOULDS”?
“I would go to Sunday School but Sunday morning is my only
time to sleep in.”
“I would take my children to Sunday School and church but Sunday
is my only day to do what I want to do.”
“I would bring my child to church but I let them decide what they
want to do.”
“I would teach a class but I don’t have time to prepare.”
“I would give more to the church, but there’s just not much left
after paying the bills.”
“I would come on Wednesday night but I’m too tired.”
Sound familiar? Don’t be lost in the “woulds”… find your way out
by thinking and saying “I will”!! …and by looking to Jesus for your
help. He will show you the way. Copied, with some liberties!!
OUR PRAYER CONCERNS: Our Church, Children’s Home,
Families in need in Robertson County, Missionaries, Our
Session, World’s Leaders, Troops, Sandra Armour, Russell
Ayers, June Bell, Dot Bigger,Treshia Binkley and Family, Joyce
Boner, Glen Brown, Virginia Carpenter, Onice Carter, Debbie
Clinard, Brooks Cooper, George Cothren, Patty Dean, Billie Muriel
Duffer, Patty Dunn, Melba Ellis, Barbara Fitzhugh, Dot Fuqua,
Onis Goode, James Harrison Goodwin, Joseph Groves, Andrew
Hagewood, Jeanette Holman, Joann Hunter, Abbiegail Jackson,
Penny Johnson, Mary Keith, B.J. Kendricks, Norman Lewis, Mary
Michaels, Martha Morris, Dirk Moulton and Family, Cody
Norwood, Tristan Numbers, Ursala Otto, Angie Parker, Bernice
Parker, Jerry Poole, Tommy Powell, Ryan Pugh, Linda Rhodes,
Madell Rice, Larry Richardson, Helen Riley, Jerry Rippy, Toni
Robinson, Anna Schott, Jimmy Sharpe, Norene Shaw, Jerry Smith,
Mary Smith, Tony Sneed, Lorraine St. Pierre, Helen Smith, Jody
Swearingen, Tommy Tougtes, Addie and Janie Warden, Micah
Warren and Russell Wilson.
The Families of Frank Anthony, Frances Browning, Bobby
Hunter, (Julie Hand’s Uncle), Charlene Leath, Dink
Lipscomb, (Kathy Neal’s grandmother), Don Mason,
Ronnie Nixon, Hunter Thompson
Buddy White and Wayne Womack
NEW REQUEST:
The Families of Mac Briggs,Lottie Frey, Judy McGregor,
Mary Beth Warren Johnson, and William Wilcox.
Sara Grace Dotson, Medford and Jean Keith, Angie Lynn, Bill
Reynolds and James Broadrick.
exams later this month
and our graduates who will be entering a new stage
in their lives.
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Thanks to Judy Mitchell and Chris Hall who provided
the April altar flowers in memory of Michael Wayne Mitchell and
Willard Hill. May flowers will be furnished by Brenda
Adcox and Pat Brown.
4th
4th
11th
13th
13th
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Jenna Baker
Donna Smith
Bill Spencer
Michael Hall
Maddie Hall
27th
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15th
20th
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28th
29th
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14th Zach Pursley
22nd Pat Brown
23rd Barbara Hall
23rd Emily Neal
26th Joy Warren
Pauline Bracey
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Tim & Ginger Adcox
Bobby & Mary Ellen Neal
Buford & Liz Raymer
Brian & Mary Oakley
Shawn & Carmen Jones
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5th Golf Tournament
10th
CPWM to feed the Coopertown Men’s Club
Ladies Night
Sign up sheets for providing food are on the
bulletin boards.
Reminder: There will be guests at this
meeting. Prepare
an extra serving of your food!!!!
12
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Mother’s and Others Luncheon. Remember
to sign up or let
Paula Jordan know you are coming. Don’t
forget your
Questionnaire!!
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CPWM meeting at 5:30 p.m.
Memorial Day
Every Sunday: Early Worship, Sunday School,
Morning Worship
and the $1 per week per family for the CPWM
monthly project.
Youth meetings are every Sunday evening at 5:00
p.m.
Choir rehearsal is at 7:00 p.m. every Sunday.
“WOW” every Wednesday night. 6:00 meal; 6:30
Bible Study.
PLAN AHEAD FOR JUNE HAPPENINGS!!!
June 3rd – Bridal Tea honoring Megan Walker and
Nico Gregali
1:30 to 3:00 p.m. in the fellowship hall.
(They are registered at Dillard’s and
Target.)
June 18th-22nd – 5:30 to 8:00 p.m. Vacation Bible
School
June 25th-29th – Choctaw Presbytery Mission trip.
CPWM News . . .
REMEMBER all our students who will be taking
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28th
The Mt. Sharon CPWM held their monthly meeting on Sunday, April 15,
2012 at 5:30 p.m. There were 21 members, 1 Sunbeam Girl and 1 guest
present.
Carol Warren called the meeting to order. She also gave a devotional on “All
in the Family” and read scripture from Romans 12:5. Janice S. read the
minutes from March and reported that there is $10,765.63 in the treasury.
Carol also announced that Anna Schott is taking a leave from her duties with
CPWM due to recent health issues. Carol will be assuming Anna’s
responsibilities. Janice read a thank you letter from Robert Gardner and the
Master’s Table for the monetary donation from the CPWM and for the
assistance of several of our ladies in food service. Janice also read a thank
you note from Linda Osborne.
Session member, Mark Drexler, held a discussion regarding renovation of the
church sanctuary. The session has requested that CPWM donate a portion of
the cost for the renovation. The construction estimate is approximately
$9,600. Donna B. made a motion that CPWM contribute $4,600 and the
motion was seconded by Judy M. Motion carried. We also agreed that
collections from our narthex “money jar” during May, June and July will be
used toward the renovation. Joy W. suggested that we also should consider
asking for a “special” offering to be used for the renovation as well.
Amy H., Carol W. and Janice S. attended the Spring Regional meeting on
April 14 in Charlotte. A memorial donation was made for Ronnie Nixon and
Ruth Vincent. Barbara Hall reported that she will have a sign-up sheet
posted on the bulletin board for food and/or money for the Coopertown
Men’s Club Ladies Night on May 10. She expects approximately 90 people
to attend. Paula J., chair of the Mother’s Day event, reported that it will be
held on Saturday, May 12 at noon. There will be a sign-up sheet on the
bulletin board for attendees. Paula distributed questionnaires for the women
of our church to share motherhood memories and she will also be
videotaping some responses. Angela Pursley will prepare the meal. The
nominating committee for 2012-2013 Chairwomen did not have a report.
Claire Adcox read the minutes from the Sunbeam Girls April meeting and
Paula H. announced that they will not be having another meeting until fall.
Paula also requested that the Sunbeam Girls should have another table at the
Fall Festival for an activity to be determined. Ginger A. reported that the
Father’s Day event will be held the weekend before Fathers’ Day. Donna B.
advised that there are tentatively 28 teams for the Golf Tournament which
will be held on Saturday, May 5. She still needs gift cards or money for
prizes and items for the goody bags which will be distributed to the players.
Angela Pursley will prepare dessert items for the meal served to participants
after the tournament.
Thanks to Elizabeth Williams, Kim Barnett and Donna Bruce for delicious
refreshments.
Our meeting ended with reciting the CPWM prayer.
OUR NEXT MEETING WILL BE HELD MAY 20. WE URGE ALL
LADIES OF OUR CHURCH TO ATTEND.
REMEMBER THE “MONEY JAR” COLLECTIONS THIS MONTH WILL GO
TOWARD THE RENOVATION OF THE SANCTUARY. There is a “jar”
in each class room as a reminder!!!
~Congratulations to Linda & Ronnie Osborne on the arrival
of twin grandchildren! Jensen and Alayna were born on April 17. Proud
parents are Justin & Amy Osborne.
~Congratulations to Charles & Maxine Walker on their 65th wedding
anniversary on March 29th.
~Nate Woodrum finished 2nd in the overall events in the State Bowling
Tournament in Knoxville. Nick Woodrum, Hunter Beirne, Zach Suter
and Nate were members of the team winning 3rd place!!
~Claire and Ethan Adcox ran in the Nashville Kids Marathon last weekend.
This was Claire’s 6th race and Ethans 5th race. Congratulations!!
~Drew Jordan will be graduating from Centre College in Danville, Kentucky
on May 20! Drew will graduate with a BA degree in English and a minor in
Creative Writing. Drew continues to write poetry and short stories. Two
of his poems were recently selected to appear in the Spring 2012 edition
of the San Pedro River Review, a literary journal published by Blue Horse
Press in Redondo Beach, California. One of the poems is written in memory
of “Doc” Evans, a longtime member of Mt. Sharon and a man whom Drew
greatly admired.
~Gavin Nixon has been named the “Scout of the Year” by the Department
of Tennessee Veterans of Foreign Wars. He will be awarded this at the
State Convention in June. Gavin will be graduating May 22 and will attend
Tennessee Tech University this fall.
~Brandi Drexler is Valedictorian of the 2012 graduating class of
Springfield High School. Congratulations!! Brandi has been accepted to
Florida Institute of Technology, Georgia Tech, Rochester Institute of
Technology, Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute, UT Knoxville, UA in
Huntsville, Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University. She has decided to
attend Florida Institute of Technology in Melbourne, FL. She is planning
on majoring in Aerospace Engineering.
~Brent Drexler has made the “A” honor roll all year again. Good work!!
~Nicole Duncan is planning to attend Tennessee Tech in Cookeville in the
fall. She wants to train to be a Neonatal Nurse.
~Good Luck to all our youth as they conclude another year of school!!
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Remember to read the Bible!! It’s user friendly!!
Plus we offer tech support here at Mt. Sharon on Sundays
at 10:30 a.m.!!!!!!