THE VENTURES

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THINK.
LIVE.
SERVE.
FAITHFULLY.
T HE V ENTURES
July 2016
Volume XLV,
Issue 07
THINKING ALOUD Dr. Bob Ferguson Reading has been one of my
favorite activities most of my
life. Through books I have
traveled places I have never
been, met people who lived long
before me, and carried on
conversations with people whose
languages I do not speak.
Reading has allowed my mind
and heart to expand in ways
that otherwise would not have
been possible. In the last 10
years or so my reading has
changed…I read authors whose
works have stood the test of
time as well as those just
becoming known. Most of what
I have read through the years
has enabled me to engage the
human condition, to understand
us “humans” a little better from
a different perspective. The
great authors, those whose
works endure, William Faulkner,
Ernest Hemingway, William
Shakespeare, etc., are those
through whose eyes we are
better able to understand
ourselves. I’ll not list them —
you probably know the great
works better than do I.
SUMMER SUNDAYS
Bible Study – 9 am
One Worship – 10 am
So, with that in mind…here’s
some “theological” works you
might want to peruse this
summer:
• Life Lines — Forrest Church.
A Unitarian minister who died
in his 50’s of cancer (2009) he
revived a dying church — All
Souls — in New York City.
Any work by him is
stimulating — I also profited
from Love and Death: My
Journey through the Valley
of the Shadow — which is his
wrestling with issues of life
and death as he dealt with
pancreatic cancer.
• Will and Spirit — Gerald G.
May, M.D. I first read this
book over 30 years ago — and
have reread it at least 6 times
— and given away more
copies than I can remember.
(If you have mine, please
return!) His dichotomy of
“willfulness and willingness”
as aspects of our human spirit
and how we exercise our will
is profound. He examines the
nature of religious experience
at a depth unsurpassed in
pastoral psychology.
• The Reason for God: Belief
in an Age of Skepticism —
Timothy Keller. A
Presbyterian professor turned
pastor, he has built an
incredible church, Redeemer
Presbyterian, in the heart of
NYC since 1989. His is a
powerful voice addressing
the skeptical unbelievers —
and in so doing he touches
our doubts as well.
• Simply Good News: Why
the Gospel Is News and
What Makes It Good —
N.T. Wright. Anything by
N.T. Wright is good — he is
a creative and insightful
Biblical scholar and
theologian. This is a must
read for any Christian who
wants to more fully
understand “the gospel of
Jesus Christ” and what that
gospel means for our world.
Enjoy…and email me with
what you have found helpful.
Keep loving, praying and
serving…the Kingdom is near.
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The Ventures
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Rev. Meg Lacy
LIFE IN THE COMMUNITY
Celebrations are in order!
Congrats to you, Emerywood
Family, for all you are doing in
the High Point community!
Your efforts are being noticed,
they are making an impact, and
it is time we celebrate them!
During the month of June,
I had the privilege of
participating in TWO wonderful
events that recognized the
efforts of our members at work
in the community.
On Tuesday, June 7th,
Emerywood received the
Community of Faith Partner of
the Year Award from
Northwood Elementary, for our
involvement at the school in the
2015-2016 school year. I had
the great privilege of sitting
down with our Northwood
volunteers later in the month to
debrief our experiences at
Northwood this past year and
let me tell you, our people have
big hearts! Our members who
are serving at Northwood are
giving not just their time, but
their energy, heart, creativity,
and love. They are lunch
buddies and breakfast buddies,
tutors and grandpals, classroom
helpers, and so much more.
They make the school a more
welcoming, hope-filled place
because of their presence there,
and the commitment to the kids
they work with. They are
shaping the lives of their
students, and their students are
also impacting our volunteers…
these kids, with their dreams,
abilities, courage, curiosity, and
resilience, show us so much
what God is like. Maybe it was
these qualities Jesus was
thinking of when he said that
the Kingdom of God belongs to
the little children.
Another event on Tuesday,
June 7th also celebrated the
work of our congregation with
the community (it was a busy
day!). That afternoon our “7”
group hosted a multi-ethnic
potluck to celebrate the end of
the class for our ESOL program
this year. If you’re in the
church building during the
week, you may have noticed
that we’ve had a crew of
women from all over the world
meeting in the children’s wing
to study English together, to
fellowship, and to steal a few
hours away from their little
ones to learn and grow. Its
been a true gift to have them
here with us, making use of
our space, and developing
relationships with them, and
with their instructors from
GTCC and Guilford Child
Development. The end-of-theyear potluck that Tuesday
afternoon was a beautiful
picture of the relationships
we’ve built with these women.
The table was full of all the
different kinds of food from all
over the world, representing
the different women, their
families, and traditions… from
grape leaves and tostadas, to
mac and cheese, and apple pie,
it was quite the variety! And,
more importantly, quite the
reflection of God’s kingdom. As
we sat around, eating and
chatting, I felt the whole room
being shaped by the presence
of these women, their
commitment to learning
English, their concern for their
children, their courage to make
a new home in a new place,
where they know very few
people and have very few
resources. There were
moments that felt awkward, as
our different cultures and
traditions rubbed up against
theirs, but that is the gift, I
think, of joining with people
from all over the world. God’s
Kingdom doesn’t promise to be
comfortable… but it does
promise to be full of love, joy,
and connection. I am so proud
and impressed by the EBC
women and men who have been
volunteered with these ESOL
students throughout the
spring—offering them snacks,
conversation, and a safe space to
ask questions and be known. It’s
been a privilege to watch God’s
kingdom bubbling right up here,
among us.
Thanks, EBC, for all you do to
support these efforts. We don’t
do it to have good programming,
or so others will think we are
nice… we do it because this is
what the kingdom of God looks
like, this is what we pray in the
Lord’s prayer, when we ask that
God’s will be done “on earth as
it is in heaven.”
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WOMEN’S MINISTRY NEWS
Thank You
The Women's Ministry Team would like to extend a big thank you to all involved with the
cake auction! There was some intense (and entertaining) bidding! We raised $1,965 to
benefit the Women's Ministry at EBC and Triad Ladder of Hope!
Pool Party
Saturday, July 16, 2 – 4 pm
All are invited for our annual summer get-together!
Take a dip to cool off or just relax around the pool and then
enjoy a dip (or two!) of ice cream. See you there!
Women's Summer Bible Study
Join us as we take a deeper look into the lives of the women of the
gospels through the practice of Lectio Divina. This study is designed
so that you can join whenever you are able. Join us each Thursday,
through July 28th, at 7 pm in the All Saint's Room (Parlor).
Save the Date
Saturday, October 1st - Day trip to the Brushy Mountain Apple
Festival in North Wilkesboro and dinner in Winston Salem.
SERMON SERIES
In the Summertime…Words and Warnings from the Prophets
A brief, four sermon, focus on the prophets of Amos and Hosea. Their call to an ethical lifestyle, which does
not ignore or abuse the poor is still valid and determinative for any culture/society. How do we hear these
words in light of the increasing divide between rich and poor in our community?
July 10th
Amos 7:7-17
“God’s Plumb Line…”
July 24th
Hosea 1:1-10
“Modern Family Redux?”
July 17th
Amos 8:1-14
“A Real Famine…”
July 31st
Hosea 11:1-11
“Who Is this God We Worship Anyway?”
ON THE GO GANG
Thursday, July 21, 9:30 am (no charge)
“The Art and Architecture of Louise Voorhees”
Come see a display of Louise Voorhees, the designer of the Little
Red School House at the Theatre Arts Galleries in High Point.
Enjoy a program by Benjamin Brigg with Preservation
Greensboro and Van Voorhees Trivette, granddaughter of
Voorhees. Sign-up in the Gathering Area or call the office.
The Ventures
CHILDREN’S CHATTER
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Kelley Kennedy
What a great week we had at Camp Creation Care 2016! The children explored what it means to be
responsible for God’s creation, for each other and for themselves. Thanks so much to the volunteers that
made this Vacation Bible School possible – Meg Lacy, Joe Blosser, Cassandra Linthicum, Kristin Cain,
Whitney Aiken, Joyce Setchfield, John Setchfield, Heather Alston, Maggie Kennedy, Allie Blosser, Sharon
Buck, Mitch Buck, Rick Bednarek, Michelle Bednarek, Myles Patterson, Allison Almond, Misty Lynch, Robin
Webster, Lisa Bishop and John Kennedy.
I would like to take this time to thank Emerywood Baptist Church and all of her members for affording me
the opportunity to take my upcoming Sabbatical. I will use this time for studying the Children’s Programing
at several key churches in our area – seeing how they carry out the task of nurturing and educating God’s
youngest and liveliest. I will also take a Silent Retreat – a long time dream. I look forward to seeing you all
at the end of August.
Be a child of the Light
MINISTRY TEAM COUNCIL
Sunday, July 10, 4 pm
The Ministry Team Council, which is compromised of the chairs of the Ministry Teams,
will meet to give updates on activities of the teams and plan for the upcoming year.
We hope you will be in attendance at this important meeting. If you are unable to be
present, please designate someone from your Ministry Team to attend.
PROJECT CONNECT
In the past few weeks we were able to "Amen" three families into Emerywood membership.
While that puts a smile on God's and our faces it does not mean the journey is over.
Likewise, our responsibility for integrating these families into the life and activities of Emerywood is not
over. It is easy to fall into the notion that it is incumbent on the new families to introduce themselves, find
out church activities in which to engage and ask Emerywooders to join them socially. Obviously, the
opposite is true.
If you are unaware of the new members, ask friends who they are. Search them out to say hello and offer a
word of encouragement or invite them to something you know of. Often it’s most satisfying to have
someone of a different age group or ilk connect with a new member.
One of the great joys in life and example of mirroring Jesus, is to meet new folks, initiate a relationship and
become lifelong friends. Sometimes it just happens, but more often it is an intentional effort. We all are
encouraged to make an intentional effort to support all our fellow members and particularly those new to
our congregation.
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WORKERS IN THE ‘WOOD
WEST END MINISTRIES
MEAL
Coordinator – Michelle Loyd July 7
Sanctuary Choir “I desire to do your will, my God;
Your law is within my heart.”
Psalm 40:8
August 4
Adult III/Adult IV Classes RED CROSS
BLOODMOBILE
Thursday, July 7
2 – 6:30 pm
Fellowship Hall
For appointments,
call 336-885-9121
DEACON IN SERVICE
July
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ADULT SPECIAL CLASS
July
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Ron or Rachel Young
Judy Brice
Lorraine Griffin
Ginger Michaud
Janis Stephenson
ON-LINE GIVING
Judy Patterson
Suzi Morris
Mallory Ingram
Alan Patterson
Judy Patterson
On-line giving is simple,
convenient, and secure.
Contact the church
office for information
on how to set up
scheduled or periodic
contributions.
August
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Ben Partin
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Woodie Cain
August
07
Amanda Taylor
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Louise Hendrix FACTS & FIGURES
HOSPITAL VISITATION
July
01 & 08
15 & 22
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Mary Carroll
Bill Brookshire
Jim Long
August
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Jim Long
HOMEBOUND VISITATION
July
Janis Stephenson
Louise Stanley
August
Carlton & Lamarie Clinard
May
Month to date Income
Month to date Expenses
Year to date Income
Year to date Expenses
84,184
50,524
33,660
275,554
250,184
25,370
NEW COLOSSUS (Statue of Liberty)
Not like the brazen giant of Greek fame,
With conquering limbs astride from land to land;
Here at our sea-washed, sunset gates shall stand
A mighty woman with a torch, whose flame
Is the imprisoned lightning, and her name
Mother of Exiles. From her beacon-hand
Glows world-wide welcome; her mild eyes command
The air-bridged harbor that twin cities frame.
"Keep, ancient lands, your storied pomp!" cries she
With silent lips. "Give me your tired, your poor,
Your huddled masses yearning to breathe free,
The wretched refuse of your teeming shore.
Send these, the homeless, tempest-tossed to me,
I lift my lamp beside the golden door!"
by Emma Lazarus
The Ventures
HAPPY BIRTHDAY
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Madeline Picha
Jordan Washburn
Louise Hendrix
Jim Yates
Fran Queen
Mary Vaughn
Ashley Williams
Dylan Allman
Lynn Walser
Mary Carroll
Dean McBrayer
Rachel Young
Lorna Benton
Lynn Simril
David Jollay
Ed Lefler
George Wallace
Lauren Picha
Lora Nugent
Ken Smith
Bugsy Brown
Phil Dixon, Jr.
Lizzie Lawrence
Ella McMichael
Tera Thomas
Ed McCoy
Misty Lynch
Cooper Trammell
Linda Welch
Abby Blair
Keller Morris
Brook Patterson
Katie Kennedy
Eric Webster
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ANNIVERSARY WISHES
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Lamar & Corinne King
Ed & Phyllis McCoy
Jim & Carolyn Long
Ron & Rachel Young
Ed & Janice Doherty
Curtis & Cara Kiser
Brandon & Suzi Blair
Bill & Carolyn Brookshire
REMEMBER
IN PRAYER
Jerry Byrd
Judy Edwards
Dana Hatcher
Jim Long
Billy Morris
OUR SYMPATHY TO
Vicki Davis on the death of her
cousin, Chris Morley, of
Charlotte, NC.
Trish Blair on the death of her
sister-in-law, Helen Clapp Melvin,
of White Lake, NC.
The Family of Dot Burnley on her
death.
“God is our refuge and strength,
an ever present hope in times
of trouble.”
Psalm 46:1
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Church Office Closed
West End Ministries Meal
Red Cross Bloodmobile
Ministry Team Council
Women’s Pool Party
On the Go Gang
REGULAR SCHEDULE
Sundays
9 am Bible Study
10 am Summer Worship
Wednesdays
11:15 am
Intercessory Prayer
12:00 pm
Wednesday Bible Study
3 – 4:30 pm
Food Pantry
6 pm
Sanctuary Choir rehearsal
Thursdays
7 pm
Women’s Bible Study
EMERYWOOD BAPTIST CHURCH
PERIODICALS
1300 Country Club Drive Ÿ High Point, NC 27262
www.emerywoodbaptistchurch.com
PERIODICAL POSTAGE PAID
AT HIGH POINT, NC 27260
The Ventures (USPS 175-000) Published monthly.
POSTMASTER:
Send address changes to:
1300 Country Club Dr., High Point, NC 27262
WEDNESDAY NOON BIBLE STUDY
Dr. Bob and Rev. Meg lead a casual Bible study on Wednesdays at noon. Come during your lunch break and
eat around the tables as we discuss the scripture passages that are related to the Worship Service and
Sunday Bible Study passage, as well as additional chapters from the book being used. All ages are invited to
join us. During July the focus is on Amos and Hosea.