Volume XLVIII December 3, 2014 No. 49

Volume XLVIII December 3, 2014 No. 49
Advent Updates
From time to time I like to take a moment to update our congregational family
about important events and transitions in the life of our church. As Advent begins
and we turn our gaze towards Christmas 2014, please join me in prayer as I note the
following:
- I hope you all saw Nolan Huizenga’s beautiful letter announcing his transition to
Second Presbyterian Church in Nashville, TN. Nolan’s final Sunday with us will be
December 14. We will recognize him, pray for him and thank God for his ministry
with us at White Memorial that morning. Until then, I encourage each of you to send
a note of appreciation to Nolan, as we are all grateful for his devotion to the gospel
and his Christian ministry among us.
- Our conversation on marriage was very well attended. I want to thank everyone
who came to the event or sent questions in for us to review. Between now and the
new year, I will work with our staff and a team of Session members to determine and
develop a best next step. For now, the conversation continues, and I hope you will
listen and pray with us as we seek to be faithful and pastoral.
- Just before Thanksgiving, our Property Acquisition Committee, in partnership with
the Strategic Vision Implementation Team and in agreement with the Session of our
church, completed the purchase of the property at 1700 Oberlin Road. Our Manual
of Operations requires us to notify our congregation of any property acquisitions.
This announcement serves as official notice. But more importantly, I hope you’ll pay
attention to newsletters in the coming months as our Implementation Team shares
some of our hopes and dreams for the future at White Memorial.
- As Christmas approaches, I hope you’ll be near our worshipping community. Please
note the time change of our 8:15 a.m. worship service on December 21 to 8:00 a.m.
On that day we will enjoy our Advent and Christmas Cantata. We have five services
on Christmas Eve - three for children and families and Candlelight Lessons and
Carols services. We truly hope you and your loved ones will join us as we celebrate the
birth of our Lord.
- Several days a week during Advent, those of you who receive our newsletter by
email will receive an Advent devotional. These will not come every day. But each time
they do arrive, we encourage you to read them, pray the prayers, read the scriptures
and give deep thought and consideration to the Holy Spirit. Advent is a time of great
meaning. Advent is prophets’ song. Advent is the elevation of hope, joy, peace and
love. Advent is a time of witness to what God can and will do next. As these devotions
might help our souls be elevated, so might we give attention to our devotional lives in
these days and weeks leading us to Christmas, guiding us like a star to the manger.
Worship Sunday, December 7,
the Second Sunday of Advent,
at 8:15, 9:30 and 11:00 a.m.
Sacrament of the Lord’s Supper
8:15 & 11:00 - in pews
9:30 - by intinction
Sermon:
Valleys, Hills,
and That Which Stands Forever
Scripture:
Mark 1:1-8, Isaiah 40:1-11
Hymns:
Savior of the Nations, Come
Come, Thou Long-Expected Jesus
Baptism:
(11:00) Christopher Porter Poole,
child of Maury and Chris Poole
Advent Midweek Worship
During Advent, join us for worship in the
sanctuary on Wednesdays at 6:30 p.m.
and Thursdays at 12:10 p.m. Services
are approximately 30 minutes long. The
theme will be The World is About to Turn.
For a calendar of Advent events,
visit whitememorial.org/advent.
Pastor-On-Call Telephone Number:
919-605-4593
Don’t forget to wear your nametag!
May Advent grace abound,
Christopher Edmonston
As of December 1,
we have received
804 pledges for a total
of $2,931,826.
Thank you for your support
of WMPC.
Joys and Concerns
Prayers and Christian Concerns to:
Jackie and Gary Freeman, Kristin,
Chandler and Rollings on the death of
Jackie’s mother, Elizabeth Beigel
Voegelein, November 24; Carl Hibbert
and Carl Hibbert Jr., on the death of Carl’s
uncle, Frederick Wilson Hibbert, November 30; Roy and Kristin Cooper, Hilary,
Natalie and Claire on the death of Roy’s
father, Roy Asberry Cooper, Jr., November
28.
Baptisms - November 30:
Adele Scott Whitehead, child of Christen
and Michael Whitehead, grandchild of Joy
and Jimmy King.
Relative in the Hospital?
Please call the church office to let us know
of relatives and friends who are in the
hospital so that our pastoral staff may visit
them. Due to HIPAA regulations, hospitals
do not inform us when a member is hospitalized (even though a request for your church
affiliation may appear on the admissions
form.) We print members’ names in this
newsletter and on our hospital board at
church so we may pray for them. Please tell
us if you or a relative do not want your name
included; otherwise, we will follow our
usual practice. Contact Susan Roberts at ext.
210 during business hours. After business
hours, the pastor on call pager number is
919-605-4593.
New Presbyterians:
Ridge William Allen, born November 6,
child of Emily and Wes Allen, grandchild
of Iris and John Pritchard.
In the Church Triumphant
Esther Child Gardner
November 25, 2014
WMPC family members:
husband, Bill Gardner
Bereavement Care Team
The Bereavement Care Team reaches out to
those who have lost loved ones. A team is
on call one month per year to offer a meal,
greet visitors and stay in the home during the
Service of Witness to the Resurrection. Call
Jean Williams or Cynthia White to join this
team.
Birth Announcements
Sometimes, due to short hospital stays and
weekend births, we miss finding out about
our “new Presbyterians.” Call Rebecca
Turner at 919-834-3425, ext. 222, if you
have a new baby.
Ushers and Greeters Needed
If you can serve once per quarter or more
as an usher or greeter for a Sunday service,
please contact Susan Roberts at
919-834-3425, ext. 210, or
[email protected]; or Eddie
Williford at [email protected]. This
is a great way to become more involved at
White Memorial!
Is a White Memorial Friend or
Your Attention Please
Cancer Companions
The Cancer Companions class invites
anyone touched by this disease to join us
for Christmas refreshments, fellowship and
information on our upcoming Church School
offering in February: Seeing God in Your
Cancer Journey. We will meet on Sunday,
December 7, from 9:30-10:45 a.m. in C203.
For details, contact Becky Bock at
[email protected], or Lisa Hebacker at
919-834-3425, ext.208, or
[email protected].
Compassionate Friends Service
Oakwood Cemetery will host its first
Compassionate Friends Candle Lighting
Service on Sunday, December 14, at 7:00
p.m. in its mausoleum. The candle lighting
unites family and friends around the globe
for one hour to honor the memories of
the sons, daughters, brothers, sisters and
grandchildren whose deaths were untimely.
Oakwood invites families who have lost
a child, regardless of where their child is
interred, to attend this event. Families are
welcome to bring a photo or memento of
their child. There will be a reading of the
names of the children being remembered.
To RSVP, contact Robin Simonton,
Executive Director of Oakwood, at
[email protected].
Christmas Eve Bell Services x 3
Join in the ringing of bells at one of our
Bell Services at 3:30, 4:30 and 5:30 p.m. on
December 24! Bring a bell to accompany
the singing of carols. Listen to the anthems
of children’s choirs, hear the Christmas story
and worship with joy! Nursery care is not
provided.
Stock Donations
Gifting appreciated stock is a great way
to make your contributions to the church.
If you are gifting stock, please write, fax
or phone Jody Grayson when you make
the transfer so we can comply with your
instructions and give you credit for your gift.
We need to know the brokerage firm you
are using, the number of shares, the name of
the stock, and how you would like your gift
allocated.
Elementary Kids’ Movie Night
Attention Young Families! Save the date for
the next Elementary Kids’ Movie Night on
Friday, January 9. Watch for more details.
Labyrinth
Mark your calendars for January 16-18,
2015. Everyone is invited to come walk the
large labyrinth returning to Pickard Hall.
Hosts will be available to get you started.
More details on hours to come.
Koinonia
Do you want to take a spiritual journey in
2015? Come join the Thursday Koinonia
Group from 1:00-2:00 p.m. as we meet
weekly January 8-March 19. We will use the
book Sensible Shoes by Sharon Garlough
Brown to learn about key spiritual practices
and how to find tangible support for a deeper
life with God. Contact Tracey Daniel at
[email protected] or
919-834-3425, ext. 247, with questions.
St. John’s Bible
The Saint John’s Bible is the first
commissioned handwritten, monumental,
illuminated Bible in the modern era. WMPC
is honored to host 17 reproduction prints
which will be on display January 16 through
February 13. More details to follow.
The WMPC Weekly, December 3, 2014
Page 2
Save the Date!
Friday, February 6, 2015
6:30 – 8:30 p.m.
more details to follow
The WMPC Weekly, December 3, 2014
Page 3
Christmas Share
The WMPC Weekly, December 3, 2014
Page 4
For details and registration forms, visit whitememorial.org/pw.
Senior Adult Spring Trip White Memorial Senior Adults, Keenagers & Friends
Knoxville s Asheville s Beautiful Mountains s Secret City s Biltmore in Bloom s Grove Park Inn
April 27-30, 2015
Tour price includes deluxe motor coach, all tours and attractions, hotel accommodations,
four breakfasts, four lunches, three dinners, all taxes and gratuities (and chocolate).
Tour cost per person: Double $745 s Single $955
Reservations with a $200 deposit are due NOW (or until bus is full). Balance is due by January 31, 2015.
Make checks payable to White Memorial Presbyterian Church marked for Knoxville/Asheville Trip.
Mail to Tonya Higgins at WMPC, 1704 Oberlin Road, Raleigh NC, 27608.
Contact Susie Jackson or visit whitememorial.org/senior-adults for details.
The WMPC Weekly, December 3, 2014
Page 5
The worship service is preceded by a spaghetti supper from 5:00-6:00 p.m. for $5. During the Joy Gift service,
children ages four through fifth grade will come forward twice–once to hang ornaments that they made in Church
School, and the second time to place under the tree their unwrapped offerings of new toys or food for families in need.
The Cherub, Carol and Joyful Noise Choirs will participate in the service. Childcare is provided for children who are
three and younger, beginning at 6:00 p.m. No reservations are necessary for dinner or childcare.
The WMPC Weekly, December 3, 2014
Page 6
the 2015
college conference
at montreat
How do we seek the
peace that God gives?
Where can you participate in bringing about
peace in the world? Join us this January as we
explore how, as college-aged young adults, we
can find peace within our identities as children of
God, and how that identity motivates us to share
and build peace in our broken world. We will
engage with these challenging issues and discern
how they inform and are shaped by our faith.
come pray, worship, play, discuss, and explore
peace together as we seek to be peace Bound.
Jamie
Tworkowski
keynote leader
Jamie is the founder of to Write
love on her arms (tWloha), a
non-profit movement dedicated to
presenting hope and finding help for people struggling
with depression, addiction, self-injury, and suicide. the
tWloha team has responded to more than 160,000
messages from more than 100 countries, in addition to
investing $850,000 directly to treatment and recovery.
January 2-5, 2015
January 2-5, 2015
Register
now
at1 at
register
beginning
oct.
Montreat.org/college
montreat.org/college
amos
Disasa
Worship leader
amos was born in ethiopia and
immigrated to the united states
with his family in 1983. downtown
columbia was the first neighborhood that they called
home. three decades later, amos and his wife sarah
are downtown again to help lead a new presbyterian
(u.s.a.) church in the city center of columbia, sc.
alexie
Torres-Fleming
keynote leader
alexie founded youth Ministries for
peace and Justice (yMpJ) in 1994
with the mission to rebuild the Bronx
river neighborhoods of the south Bronx by preparing
young people to become prophetic voices for peace and
justice. alexie is pursuing her Master of divinity at new
york theological seminary and serving as the executive
director of the seminary’s Micah institute.
kelley
mclachlan
Music leader
kelley serves as the director of
Worship arts at downtown church,
where amos is the organizing pastor,
selecting music for worship, writing liturgy, and leading
the band while playing guitar, and singing with a group of
very talented musicians. she also works with amos on a
variety of other projects.
The WMPC Weekly, December 3, 2014
Page 7
Christian Education
Disciple One Bible Study
Disciple One is a 34-week overview of the
Bible intended for 8 to 12 participants and
composed of daily Bible reading assignments,
commentary and questions for reflection and
response. Three to four hours per week of
preparation is needed for this study. Disciple
One meets weekly for a short video lecture
by a Biblical scholar, followed by sharing and
discussion of the week’s readings. Our next
Disciple One class will begin January 7, 2015.
It will meet from January through May, take
a break for the summer, resume after Labor
Day and run through December. Contact
Daniella Kamis-Brown at 919-834-3425, ext.
212, or [email protected] to
register by December 20.
Update on Children’s 2014 Offering
“VCS was the highlight of my summer!”
The children’s 2014 Church School
offering has paid for 13 Haitian children
to experience the life-saving six-week $69
regimen of Medika Mamba.
This was what a grandfather said after he
helped with Vacation Church School last
summer. VCS offers an opportunity for adults
to share their gifts, time and love for God
and children. VCS 2015 will be the mornings
of June 15-19 for children age 3 (by August
31, 2014) through fifth grade. Want to add
this highlight to your summer – from just
one day to the whole week? Contact Carol
Holt at [email protected], Kristy Wood at
[email protected], or Lynn Springfield at
919-834-3425, ext. 232, or
[email protected].
First - Fifth Grade Skating Party
Children in grades 1-5 are invited to a
skating party at Jellybeans at 1120 Buck
Jones Road on Saturday, January 10,
from 10:00 a.m.-noon. Admission is $3,
including regular skate rental; rollerblade
rental is $1 more. Children may also
bring money for games and refreshments.
Parents are welcome to leave or to stay and
skate for the same price. No reservations
are necessary. Call Lynn Springfield at
919-834-3425, ext. 232, with questions.
What do they do
in children’s Church School?
Let’s take a peek at an example of the fun and inviting environment
our Church School teachers provide for our children to grow in faith!
Dear Parents,
I really enjoyed seeing all of your children who attended Church School this past week. We had a great time
and learned lots about Joseph and his coat of many colors. Listed below are a few of our activities from class.
• Molly wrote our Bible verse of the week on the board for us – I know the plan I have in mind for you,
declares the Lord. Jeremiah 29:11
• Harrison, Molly and Davis read Genesis 37, a scripture passage that went along with our lesson.
• Many of the children participated in a play starring Joseph, his father, Jacob, and many of his brothers. The
brothers were very jealous and upset with Joseph.
• We enjoyed music time.
• We watched a video to reinforce our Bible lesson while we frosted cookies and decorated them with
sprinkles to look like Jacob’s coat.
One of the most important activities of the day was the FORGIVENESS GAME. The children were split into teams.
They were given a paper bag with lots of heavy books in it. The goal was to race to take out a book and come
back for the next person until their bag was empty. They learned that, when you hold a grudge or are upset
with someone for an extended amount of time, it really weighs heavy on your heart. Many of the children said
it made them feel sick and tired. It was like a weight was lifted when they finished unloading their books. Our
lesson was about forgiveness and how important it is for us to forgive others.
I hope to see each of your children at church soon.
Blessings,
Tammy Peatross
Third Grade Church School Teacher
The WMPC Weekly, December 3, 2014
Page 8
Communion
Assistance Needed
Calendar for the Week
Sunday, December 7 (Mark 1:1-8; Isaiah 40:1-11)
8:30 a.m. -
10:45 a.m. -
1:30 p.m. -
2:30 p.m. -
3:00 p.m. -
4:00 p.m. -
5:00 p.m. -
5:30 p.m. -
The Communion Guild, a subcommittee
of the Worship Committee, is responsible
for preparing for Sunday morning
communion each month. If you are
looking for a small but very meaningful
way to serve at WMPC, we invite you to
consider joining us.
Please consider serving by:
• Polishing silver – we are fortunate
to have beautiful silver communion
service sets at WMPC, and we need
periodic help polishing the silver.
• Washing linens – we are also
fortunate to have lovely linens used
each month when communion is
served. There may be one to three
pieces of linen that require hand
washing and pressing each month.
• Preparing the elements – we meet
on Saturday mornings to prepare the
bread and juice for Sunday morning
communion. We typically have six
helpers and are usually finished
within an hour and a half.
• Donating linens – we are in need
of new linens for the communion
table and the card tables used during
communion. If you have linens that
you would like to donate, please let
us know. If the dimensions are not
exactly right, we may consider having
them re-sewn to fit.
Advent II
Communion - All Services
Christmas Share (Connector)
Youth String Ensemble (L304)
Girl Scout Troop 1140 (C203-204, C301)
Suzuki Group Recital (Sanctuary)
Youth Band (K100)
Youth Choir (L304); Fifth Connection (Off Site)
PYC Dinner/Programs (Dinner-Geneva; High School-K100; Middle School-C100)
Women’s Retreat Meeting (C204)
Monday, December 8 (Ps. 40; Isa. 5:8-17; 1 Thess. 5:1-11; Luke 21:20-28)
Presbyterian Women Circles: See feature in November 26 newsletter.
11:30 a.m. - Advent Communion Worship (Sanctuary)
noon
- Presbyterian Women Gathering/Lunch (Pickard)
1:00 p.m. - Career Strategies Lab (C304)
4:30 p.m. - T’ai Chi for Exercise (Pickard)
5:30 p.m. - T’ai Chi for Exercise (Pickard)
6:45 p.m. - Disciple 4 Bible Study (C301)
7:00 p.m. - Alcoholics Anonymous (C100); Single Adults Gift-Wrapping for Jaycees (C200)
7:00 p.m. - Eagle Scout Ceremony (Sanctuary)
7:30 p.m. - Handbell Choir (S300)
8:00 p.m. - Adult Basketball (Pickard)
Tuesday, December 9 (Ps. 85; Isa. 5:18-25; 1 Thess. 5:12-28; Luke 21:29-38)
7:00 a.m.
8:30 a.m.
9:30 a.m.
1:00 p.m.
5:30 p.m.
6:00 p.m.
6:30 p.m.
7:00 p.m.
7:30 p.m.
- Men’s/Women’s Breakfast/Bible Study (Geneva/K100)
- Yoga for Exercise (C100)
- Fit After Fifty (Pickard)
- Career Strategies Lab (C304)
- StepUp Holiday Party (Pickard)
- Service Committee (W400)
- Boy Scout Troop 395 Patrol Leader/Council (K307)
- Chancel Choir Rehearsal (S300)
- Boy Scout Troop 395 (K303-308); Seasonal Choir Rehearsal (S300)
Wednesday, December 10 (Ps. 53; Isa. 6:1-13; 2 Thess. 1:1-12; John 7:53-8:11)
9:30 a.m.
1:00 p.m.
4:30 p.m.
5:15 p.m.
6:00 p.m.
6:15 p.m.
6:30 p.m.
6:45 p.m.
8:00 p.m.
To learn more or to express interest in
serving on the Communion Guild, please
contact Anne Boney at
[email protected]; or Jim Graham at
[email protected].
- Twelve Extraordinary Women Study (Off Site)
- Career Strategies Lab (C304)
- Cherub Choir (L309); Joyful Noise Choir (L304); Carol Choir (S300)
- Wednesdays Together Dinner (Pickard/Geneva)
- Community Allocations (C300)
- Nursery for Advent Worship (L102)
- Advent Midweek Worship (Sanctuary); Disciple 2 (K301)
- Young Adult Bible Study (C102)
- Al-Anon (C100)
ursday, December 11 (Ps. 126; Isa. 7:1-9; 2 Thess. 2:1-12; Luke 22:1-13)
Th
9:30 a.m.
10:00 a.m.
noon
12:10 p.m.
12:30 p.m.
6:00 p.m.
7:00 p.m.
7:30 p.m.
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
T’ai Chi for Exercise (C200)
Christian Believer Bible Study (K301); Keenagers Trip to Temple Theatre (Off Site)
Nursery for Advent Worship (L102-103)
Advent Midweek Worship (Sanctuary)
Advent Lunch (Geneva)
Weight Watchers (W400)
Sanctuary Choir (S300)
Webelo Scouts (K303-308); Seasonal Choir Rehearsal (S300)
F
riday, December 12 (Ps. 130; Isa. 7:10-25; 2 Thess. 2:13-3:5; Luke 22:14-30)
9:00 a.m.
9:30 a.m.
8:00 p.m.
- StepUp Leadership Workshop Series (C200)
- Fit After Fifty (Pickard)
- Alcoholics Anonymous (C100)
Saturday, December 13 (Ps. 80; Isa. 8:1-15; 2 Thess. 3:6-18; Luke 22:31-38)
December 23 newsletter deadline:
Tuesday noon, December 9.
8:30 a.m. - Church School Setup (L311-312)
9:00 a.m. - Advent Wreath Rehearsal (Sanctuary)
10:00 a.m. - StepUp Unity Workshop/Rehearsal (Pickard)
The WMPC Weekly, December 3, 2014
Page 9