June 2014 - Carmel Presbyterian Church

Carmel Presbyterian
The Carmel Letter — June 2014
2014 Confirmation Class Welcomed
By Howard Meredith
After being examined by the Elders during a called Session meeting Saturday, May 19th, Carmel added five new members. The
new members
were introduced
to the Congregation during
the Sunday service the following day. These
dedicated Christian believers
included the
following: Addison Atkins, granddaughter of Joe and Marla Figard; Elizabeth
“Lizzy” Buie, daughter of David and Julia Buie; Claire
Hamrick, daughter of John and Elizabeth Hamrick; Alex Tiddy,
daughter of Brian and Julie Tiddy ; and Carlo Zollinger, son of
Richard and Gretchen Zollinger.
If you see names that you are not familiar with, please take the
time to introduce yourselves and get to know them. As a Loving
Church, it is the responsibility of each of us to individually welcome new members, even if they have been attending for several
months and are the daughter, son, or grandchild of one of our
members. Welcome them by name and extend warm congratulations to each one of our new members.
We want to thank those who have encouraged them and helped
them along their path to membership – Cliff Blythe, Julia Buie,
Carol Harris, Dan and Reeda Zidaroff.
Thanks for being a Loving Church and for welcoming and getting
to know each of our new members
A letter from a CPWS parent
House and Grounds Committee
By Angela Copperwheat
By Joe Figard
Carmel Presbyterian Weekday School has just completed another successful year. The end of the school year is such a bitter sweet time as we say
goodbye to many of the children that we have watched grow over the
years. One of our graduating families wrote a very special letter to all of
the teachers that I would like to share with the congregation. This letter
is evidence of God’s love that is in the halls of the CPWS every day. I feel
so very lucky to be a part of such a wonderful place.
House and Grounds is a busy committee with the daunting task
of keeping all our buildings and grounds in top shape. This
year we've overseen the following, roof leaks, smells in Ligon,
nesting geese, trimming, and various repairs to our aging and
complicated heating and cooling system.
I hope you have a blessed and relaxing summer. I will be here throughout the summer gearing up for our 2014/2015 school year to begin. We
still have spaces available, so send your neighbors, friends, and family our
way!
————————————————————————————————————
May 20, 2014
Five years ago, if someone had told me that my heart would
break at the end of preschool, I would have been skeptical. I expected my daughters to enjoy their time making friends, playing
and learning, but I had no idea how much those simple things
would mean to me. At CPWS, my children made solid friendships,
learned and expressed empathy, accomplished things that made
them proud, learned to write their names. They didn’t even know
they were learning; it was natural and it was fun.
In the midst of these simple things, I remained in awe of how
God works through others, how He gave me faith to hand over
my most precious cargo, and how that trust continues to affect
our lives. What started out as a group of strangers are now some
of my very favorite people in this world. They are mothers to my
children, caretakers who love them as much as I do, angels with
endless patience, unlimited hugs and gigglemaking abilities.
Our next tasks are helping as needed with William Buie’s Eagle
Scout project, working with Carol to make Vacation Bible School
a success, and planning a work day in late June. We also have
a number of other tasks to undertake — repairs to our Kiosk,
Sanctuary lighting issues, peeling paint in the men's bathroom,
landscape issues and minor repairs to keep our building safe
and comfortable.
If you'd like to help out with VBS, a workday, or join our committee please contact Joe Figard.
Thank you isn’t strong enough. It merely touches the edges of
how strongly I feel for the teachers and staff at CPWS. Not only
did you care for my children, you took the time to care for me
too. On our very first day, Angela called me 30 minutes after drop
off just to tell me that Kacy was fine--no more tears and having a
blast. She gets it. To care for the children is to care for their mamas. You ALL get it. And I am forever grateful.
Thank you for five fantastic years. Thank you for guiding my girls
and helping them grow and learn. Thank you for the fun and the
giggles. Thank you for giving them a solid foundation. And thank
you for supporting me--encouraging me, reminding me to have
faith. You are a fantastic bunch of women, phenomenal teachers,
patient guides. I love each of you and consider myself privileged
Truth of it is, my heart has broken a little each May since that first to have been a part of the CPWS family.
one. That’s four heartbreaks so far. And with this fifth and last
Thank you.
May of preschool now here, my heart is crumbling with sadness
With an overflowing, thankful heart,
and bursting with joy all at the same time.
Dee Wood
We’re on the web at carmelpresbyterian.org
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The Carmel Letter — June 2014
Congratulations 2014 Graduates
High School
Virginia McNeill
Madison Rowe
Elizabeth Tiddy
College
James Bramlett
Carson Milner
Another God Moment
Carmel Leader Series — Elder Mark McGrath
By Howard Meredith
Mark McGrath has had a diverse church background. His acceptance of opportunities to serve in geographically broad communities as a Library Director also
allowed exposures to alternate
church experiences. Mark and his
wife Jeani joined Carmel Church
nearly six years ago. The couple
were married on Christmas Eve
ten years ago in Charlotte, Jeani’s
home for more than twenty years.
By Gretchen Zollinger
Their home is a bungalow in the
country” just off Sardis Road
It was September of Y2K. We weren't members of Carmel Presbyterian yet. We didn't have a church family to support us during where they are surrounded by
our adoption journey. And here, the two of us were in Guatema- trees full of birds, and frequent
la, in the hotel lobby, anxiously waiting for our adopted baby son hawks. Their companions include
deer, squirrels, chipmunks, geese
to be delivered to us by the foster family and our attorney. Had
and the neighbor’s cat. They have a small pond with fish just
we made the right decision? What if we weren't cut out to be
behind their home.
parents? This was the last few moments being a couple. We
would be a family very, very soon. I was anxious, scared, and full Mark served as a Deacon for a year and then as Church treasurer
of doubt and second thoughts. Had we in fact made the right
for three years. Mark was ordained as an Elder in the class
decision?
of 2017. He is now the Chairman of the Worship Committee,
The revolving hotel lobby doors started to shift. A familiar face
emerged, looking around. Our adoption attorney spotted us and
started walking quickly over, briefcase in hand. A few steps behind him was a petite Guatemalan woman carrying a chubby 10
month old with lots of straight black hair and big brown eyes.
The baby had on a little blue jean shorts outfit with rug rat emblemed shoes. The foster mom walked slowly, with her face snuggled up to the baby boy, as if she was savoring her final moments
with her foster baby.
Richard and I squeezed hands and we both said, "here we go".
We all quickly got on the elevator to go to our room where it
would be more private for the "giving over." The ride up was a
bit awkward, the foster mom still holding this beautiful baby boy.
Richard and I weren't sure what to do, emotions ready to erupt.
And then, our "God moment" happened. "Carlo" as he would be
named, stretched out his chubby little arms, directly toward Richard and leaned into Richard's chest as if he knew Richard was his
Daddy. A huge smile was flashed my way as if to say, "Hi Mommy, I see you too. Just give me a minute with Dad." Tears of joy
flowed from both me and Richard. In that one quick moment, all
my doubts evaporated! God had spoken through our sweet baby
boy, and our family was born!
What's one of your God moments? Let us hear from you.
Gretchen Zollinger
A Thank You
From Carolyne Coates
Dear Friends,
Bryan and I are overwhelmed at the outpouring of love we have
received from our Carmel family regarding my hip surgery and
recuperation. The cards, phone calls and well wishes have reminded us of all the reasons we love and miss Carmel. Thank you
for encouraging me towards such a speedy recovery.
Fondly,
Carolyne and Bryan Coates
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serving God and our congregation. Mark says that his two constant companions are Colossians 3:23; “Whatever you do,
work at it with your whole heart, as working for the
LORD” and the lessons for life conveyed in the philosophical
words of the book “The Velveteen Rabbit.” Mark’s ministry is
service -- and you will often find him handling the sound board
during Sunday services, seated next to Ginger Godbold on the
Dylan Williams Receives Eagle Scout Award
Congratulations to Jason Dylan Williams who received his Eagle
Scout Award on January 22, 2014. At
just 15 years old it is truly quite an accomplishment. He also recently received
an additional rank for his Bronze Eagle
Palm as well. For those who are wondering and don’t know, Dylan’s Eagle Service
Project was done at Carmel Presbyterian
Church.
He and his fellow scouts, parents and
friends, worked several weekends last fall
in the upper parking lot to repaint the
parking stripes, handicap spaces, curbs
and median as well as planted four new trees along with fifty Liriope plants in the center median, then added new mulch down the
center median and along the driveway near the Ligon Hall Building.
We hope you are enjoying the results of his service project.
Thank you to everyone who have given their time, money and
said prayers on his behalf. You have helped to make his goal of
becoming an Eagle Scout a reality! It truly takes a village!
Milestones
Love and Sympathy to:
•
Joey Godbold and his family on the death of his
father, Norman Godbold, Thursday, May 22, 2014..
Carmel Presbyterian Church
Carmel Presbyterian Church — June 2014
Prayer List for June 2014
Scripture tells us to “pray for each other” (James 5:16).
As a body we pray for our congregation, alphabetically rotating
through our church membership on an annual basis. Each week
we pray for specific Carmel families.
June 1-7
Jim and Becky Szeyller
Jane Taylor
Barry and Leslie Teague
Brian and Julie Tiddy—
Elizabeth, Alexandra, and
Catherine
June 8-14
Deanie Tiddy
Mike and Julia Todd
Jaime Todd
Charlie and Connie Tricebock
Although you may not know each member of our congregation, our God listens to the prayers we bring on
each other’s behalf before his throne. Please make a
commitment to include your brothers and sisters at
Carmel Church in your daily prayers.
June 15-21
Liz Tricebock—Dylan and Taylor
Matt and Tara Twitty—Riley
Anna Ure
Paul and Susan Vadnais
June 22-30
John and Margaret Vaughan
Patricia Watkins
Chris and Ellen Weiant—Taylor
Charlie and Wendy Williams-Dylan
The deadline for the July 2014 Newsletter is Thursday June 19th., 2014.
If you have stories of interest to share please let us know! Help us tell the Carmel Story.
Just a reminder that all articles are limited to 250 - 300 words.
We’re on the web at carmelpresbyterian.org
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Carmel Presbyterian Church
Carmel Presbyterian Church
2048 Carmel Road
Charlotte, North Carolina 28226
Phone: 704-366-5114
Fax: 704-364-5719
We’re on the web at
carmelpresbyterian.org
Carmel Small Groups
Sit and Stitch
The Sit and Stitch group has grown again;
are you next? Please join us on the first
Wednesday in June which is the 4th. We
will meet in the Church library from 10:00
until noon. Normally we would also meet
on the third Wednesday, but in June that
date falls in the middle of our exciting Vacation Bible School so we will cancel on
that day. Priscilla Perkins can answer any
questions.
Mission Update — Evelyn Davis
Dear Carmel Friends,
I’m always glad to connect with you, and
to thank you for being part of my ministry
and service for our Lord. This means a lot,
and I appreciate your friendship, prayers,
and gifts.
The Sit and Stitch group is in need of
acrylic yarn in any color and in any
amounts. Partial skeins are welcome. If
anyone has any to donate, please call
Priscilla at 704-365-4077. Free pick-up
service!!!
Ligon Hall from 10:00 until noon and enjoy
a great time. Debbie Ferrell is our leader!
Band of Brothers
Band of Brothers is a discipleship and accountability group for men with a hunger
to become dedicated disciples of Jesus
Christ in word and deed.
Amani Beads
Amani Beads is a really fun group of ladies Meeting time: Saturday mornings at 7:00
who have very little jewelry making experiLocations: Panera Bread on Highway 51
ence. We would welcome new members
at Carmel Road and Panera Bread at
and we can teach you all we know. We
5940 Fairview Road
meet twice a month and in June those
Contact:
Bret Burquest or Eric deNeve.
dates are the 11th and the 25th. Come to
at Carmel. All adults deal with six life
tasks, and there is a different emphasis on
each during the different decades of life.
1. Who Am I? 2. Who Will Be With Me?
3. What Work Will I Do? 4. Can I Achieve
Balance? 5. Will My Journey Be Meaningful? and 6. Can I Make A Difference? If
any of the Sunday School classes or any
group would be interested in having me
share this topic, just let me know!
busy between now and September updating all the others. I hope that Carmel will
appoint several to join us (there will be
both a short session and a full session).
Some have asked if I am still planning the
two month trip to India that they have
requested. Originally I was scheduled to be
there in June and July – but after the Prayer Conference was changed from April to
As you know, each time my newsletter
September because of my hernia surgery
comes out (approximately every three or
The
Prayer
Days
and
Retreats
Conference,
and the long time in rehabilitation, the
four months), I offer a copy of one of my
travel would be too close to that Conferwhere
participants
will
experience
all
six
six prayer topics. I have been updating
Life Tasks: Strength for the Journey for my prayer topics and two retreats, will be held ence. My supervisor in Dallas is helping me
consider a later time.
newsletter that will come out in June when in September at the White Oak Center
near
Charlotte.
In
addition
to
updating
the
my Advisory Board has its regular meeting
Blessings to All! Evelyn (^_^)
topic that I have listed above, I will stay
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