Greetings to all. We had a wonderful trip and we got to see our Grandson Tyler receive his blue Infantry rope and graduate in

Georgia, had a wonderful wellness retreat in Montreat, North Carolina and got to see what the Ark might have looked like in Williamston, Kentucky. What a treat that was to see the enormity of such a vessel. I guess Dorothy was correct though in the Wizard of Oz when she said that there is no place like home, and it is good to be back in Texas and back in Burnet serving with such a great cloud of witnesses. I speak often of mission activities and this month I want to discuss one such opportunity. I have mentioned Kairos to you often since we got here but would like to give you some additional information. First Kairos, or Gods time, is an ecumenical mission effort that is designed to offer the love of Christ to those in prison. The program began as an offshoot of the Cursillo program which began in 1944, and the first Kairos Prison Ministry weekend was held in 1967 in Florida and has spread to 38 States and 12 countries, as we share the love of Christ with the most hardened criminal. One of the biggest problems with prisons is that they do not necessary rehabilitate, as much as they incarcerate which is why there is such a high recidivism rate, which is somewhere around 75%. Over time, with Kairos being involved in the prisons, that rate reduces dramatically for those who attend a Kairos weekend and drops to somewhere around 8%. This is why the state of Texas has asked Kairos to hold a weekend in every prison in the state. The weekend is similar to a Walk to Emmaus or Cursillo if any of you are familiar with those and is designed to share the love of Christ in a way that allows the incarcerated to understand how much God loves them and that there is nothing that they have done that God cannot forgive if only they will accept the freely given Grace. In Texas prisons, the goal is to get the gang leaders to attend a weekend because they know that if you can change the leaders, then it is easier to change the

general population and in so doing, you improve the conditions in the prison. Some people call Kairos the cookie ministry because cookies are one of the main attractions of the weekend. Over the weekend, there will be approximately 12,000 dozen cookies distributed in addition to meals and other forms of Agape. All of this is done to show the attendees that they are not forgotten and there are people who care enough about them to share this “wealth” with them, and while the primary mission is not to convert, conversion often happens. It is amazing to see a hardened criminal cry and declare his love for Christ while sharing with their fellow inmates. I tell you all of this in hopes that you will embrace and participate in the upcoming weekend on September 26-30 at the Hughes Unit in Gatesville. Before you throw down this newsletter and wonder when it was that I lost my mind, let me explain. First of all, even if everyone wanted to go into the prison, there is not room, however, there are many ways of participating without going into the prison. The weekend has been designed to allow the inmates to slowly recognize God’s love for them, and to do that takes a lot of help from those who do not go in to the prison and that is where I am hoping you will choose to participate. The following are some of the ways you can participate.

1. Pray – The weekend and every member of the team is bathed in prayer from the time the weekend starts to the end of the weekend. One of the ways we show the inmates how they are loved is with a prayer chain. We take all the times people are praying and staple them together to make a literal paper chain. Once the chain is created, it will circle the room several times which shows the inmates that they are literally surrounded in prayer. If you can pray for just one 30-minute time period it would be very helpful. You will find prayer chains around the church. Simply put your First name only, and the time on the sheet where possible.

2. Provide cookies. Each team member is tasked with bringing at least 100 dozen cookies for the weekend which seems like a lot, but to reach the 12,000 dozen takes a lot. If you want to help us

Burnet Presbyterian Church Newsletter for September, 2018

P. O. Box 126

Burnet, Texas 78611 E-mail: burnetpres@gmail.com

Phone: 512-756- 4366 Website: www.bpcburnet.org

by making cookies or purchasing them, if you do not want to make them, it would be greatly appreciated. Because of the audience that is receiving them, there are very strict requirements as to size and ingredients so, if you are interested, see Jean or me for instructions.

3. Attend a closing. If you have participated in a Walk to Emmaus or other similar event, you know how important the closing ceremony is, and a Kairos closing is up there with the most moving I have ever experienced. Again, this is not for everyone, but if you have questions about this program, attending a closing on Sunday afternoon will help you understand. To do this you must register with your driver’s license to be put on the gate list so you can enter. If you are interested let me or Jean know so we can help you. There is a time limit on when this must be done, so if you think you might want to do so you can register while you make up your mind.

4. Finally, you can contribute financially. The financial cost to put on a weekend is somewhere around $17,000.00 for each prison, each weekend. If you would like to make a tax-free donation please make your checks to Kairos and give them to me or Jean and we will turn them in so that your donation is properly documented.

I have rambled enough and will wrap up by saying that there are very few mission opportunities that are as rewarding and beneficial. The reward comes from knowing that you were instrumental in changing the life of a hardened criminal. One of the many benefits is that by reducing the recidivism rate and helping the men improve, you not only save tax dollars spent continuing to incarcerate them, but you also improve yours and every community that they return to. Additionally, you are being faithful to scripture because Matthew 25:37 says: “when I was in prison you visited me”. So, when you help or visit a prisoner, you might be visiting Jesus Christ. Thank you for your loving and prayerful consideration. God Bless and Keep You,

Pastor Josyph

** Pastor’s Report Miles Driven Last Month - 292 Miles driven Month to date - 190 YTD Miles driven - 3108 Visits - 14 Home - 9 Hospital Visits - 5 Nursing Home -

** First Responders Appreciation

A short service honoring First Responders of Burnet will be held in our church sanctuary Monday, September 10, 2018, at 6PM. At the reception following,

you will have the opportunity to meet and personally thank these people. Along with heartfelt prayers, hearty snacks of sustenance will be served. Please, if you are able to provide appetizers such as meatballs, sausage wraps, finger sandwiches, little quiches or cheese and crackers, contact Alice Anglin, 512-756-4512.

** Meals on Wheels August Gift Bags “The congregation of Burnet Presbyterian church extends to you Cool blessings during a Warm August.” On August 15th, 80 goody bags were delivered to Meals on Wheels for Burnet clients, along with this message. The bags were packed with a fresh banana, a pudding cup, a package of 4 cookies and a bag of Sunchips. This was the third of 4 gift bag deliveries using a portion of your 2017 Thanksgiving Offering. Total collected last November was $1185. Out of that collection 7 HEB Gift Cards were purchased for $210. LACare received $487.50 to be used as needed. The remaining $487.50 has been used throughout this year for the Meals on Wheels gift bags. October will be the final gift bag distribution of the year. If you would like to help with gift bags please contact Janie Howell or Pat Collins. PS. The day after the goody bags were delivered, we received a call at the Church from Sherry Frey. She shared how she was a 65 year old women who lives by herself with her cat. She received her goody bag from the Church, as she has in the past, and how she is always so excited to get them. She related that it is just like Christmas, “I can’t wait to tear into the bag to see what is in there”. She repeated numerous times how grateful and thankful she was to the church for providing these and how very much she appreciated it. She said, “God bless the church for doing this”.

** Praying for Persecuted Christians

Afghanistan is deemed the second most dangerous country in the world to follow Jesus by OpenDoors.org. Tribal loyalty is the strongest and most important influence on people’s lives in Afghanistan. Leaving the religion of the community is unthinkable. Converts who cannot be convinced to recant may end up in a psychiatric hospital, or beaten up by neighbors and friends. Their homes and businesses may be destroyed, and, depending on the family, they might even be killed. However, when families witness the life-changing power of Christ, it can be that the whole family converts. This must be kept absolutely secret. Prayer Points

For God to strengthen and encourage His followers so that they remain faithful, despite the pressure of family and friends.

That the Lord of Hosts will protect the small number of Christian converts who are in hiding. (estimated thousands versus a population of 34.2 million)

For stability and peace in the country, and in

openness to religions other than Islam.

** Presbyterian Women

Even at our stages of live, it is always with high expectation and joy that we anticipate our “first day of school”! For P.W. women, the first day will be Monday, September 10 at 1:30 PM in the church Parlor. For those who will be coming for the first time, the meetings begin with prayer and our Bible Study led by Sue Hosterman, and end with a short business meeting led by our moderator, Alice Anglin. We are generally finished by 3:00 – 3:15. We do take up a free will offering which is spent on mutually agreed to service projects. Believe it or not, refreshments are not served! (I think this us UN-Presbyterian!) Our Bible study book this year is God’s Promise I AM WITH YOU by Amy Poling Sutherlun. If you did not order a book, but would like to attend the meeting, please, please do come. We will be delighted to share our books with you. If you have a friend that would like to participate in the Bible Study, please bring them with you. While they are welcome to stay for the entire meeting, we do have ladies who come from churches to our Bible Study and leave before our business meeting starts. Mark your calendar: Monday, September 10 at 1:30 PM in the church Parlor. Bring your Study Book and your Bible. See you then! Janie Howell, Secretary

** MOC Minutes for July, 2018

Four men, Carl, Dick, Pastor Josyph, and Hap met at Storm’s for breakfast, fellowship and a short business meeting. Treasurer Jack Butler reported $598.00 in the treasury prior to the meeting. Business conducted was to make a $500.00 contribution to Burnet Boys and Girls Club. Carl led the devotional based on scripture from Nahum 1:1-7. As my friend and I went for a walk, we talked about our love for the Bible. She surprised me when he said, “Oh, but I don’t like the Old Testament much. All that hard stuff and vengeance.” We might resonate with his words when we read a book like Nahum, perhaps recoiling at a statement such as, “The Lord takes vengeance and is filled with wrath. The Lord is slow to anger but great in power.” When we dig more deeply into the subject of God’s anger, we understand that when He exercises it, He’s most often is defending His people or His name. He seeks justice for wrongs committed and redemption of those who have turned from Him. We see this not only in the Old Testament, as He calls His people to Himself, but also in the New Testament when He sends His Son to be the sacrifice for our sins. We may not understand the mysteries of God’s

character, but we can trust that He not only exercises justice, but that is also the source of all love. We need not fear Him, for He is “good, refuge in times of trouble. He cares for those who trust in Him.” Next meeting will be September 2, 2018. Submitted by Hap Zimmerman

** Remembering Wilber and Shirley Roberts September, 2015 was the last time that Wilber and Shirley were able to serve as Usher/Greeters. At that time, we had a project in place to interview the serving Ushers and publish a little bio in the newsletter in an effort to get better acquainted with each member. It was my pleasure to interview the Roberts at their home where I discovered what an amazing, delightful couple they were! Here’s their story: I am convinced that every story in our congregation is the BEST Story! This month you will learn about Wilber and Shirley Roberts, native Texans, who truly personify the values and work ethic folks had in the “good old days”. As Wilber Said, “We did what we had to and we always got by.” Wilber, the third of seven children, was born on Cowhouse Creek in Coryell County, Texas. His family had to relocate to Star, Texas in 1942 when the U.S. Government chose his family’s land to build Camp Hood (now Fort Hood). He eventually settled in Round Rock and graduated from Round Rock High School. Meanwhile, Shirley was born in Andice, Texas and had one younger brother. Her family moved to Georgetown where Shirley attended Georgetown High School. Through mutual friends Shirley and Wilber met at a Halloween Party in 1951 and according to both of them, “It was love at first sight!” By this time Wilbur was working for the LCRA in San Marcos, but that work was interrupted when he was drafted into the Army. Wilber went off to Basic training for six months, but did not ship out to Korea as they had feared, He was instead given orders to El Paso so…Wilber and Shirley got married in 1953 and moved to West Texas. Daughter Debbie was born in El Paso and after Wilber was discharged from the Army in 1955, the Roberts family moved to Dallas. Wilber graduated from Radio and TV Technician School in Dallas under the G.I. Bill. After he graduated, the Roberts moved to Austin where Wilber decided to follow in the footsteps of many of his family members and go to Barber School under the G.I. Bill. Shirley worked at Kress in Austin while Wilber went to school,

but she was pregnant with son Edgar and it was frowned upon for pregnant women to work. Since she was such a good worker the folks at Kress put her behind a tall counter in layaway where she “hid out” while pregnant. As soon a Wilber graduated from Barber School, Shirley stayed at home to take care of their two children. After all, Wilber was earning 75 cents for a Man’s haircut and 50 cents for a boy’s haircut! To make ends meet, Shirley babysat children of working mothers in her home for $1.00 per day and took in ironing at 10 cents per shirt! Their third child, Charlotte, was born in 1959 to complete their family. In 1964 the Roberts family bought their first house on land that is now between Austin and Round Rock. They had a vegetable garden, an orchard, chickens, pigs, and calves which they raised for food! Shirley did all kinds of canning and freezing to feed her family, in addition to the babysitting. They lived in that house until they retired and moved to Burnet 18 years ago. The Roberts have 20 grandchildren and 21 great-grandchildren. They both enjoy playing games. Wilber enjoys fishing and hunting, and Shirley enjoys quilting and crocheting. Shirley describes herself as “mean as a snake and dressed like Jezebel” while Wilber shared that he comes from a musical family and could “pick the guitar”. In fact he would serenade Shirley on the front porch. We were blessed to have the Roberts in our church family. Janie Howell

** Session Review August, 2018 The Burnet Presbyterian Church State Session Meeting took place on August 28, 2018 at 4:30 p.m. at the library of Burnet Presbyterian Church. Present: Nancy Allen, Alice Anglin, Pat Collins, Alvin Nored, Armour Shin, Carl Spinner, Marsha Spinner (Clerk), Hap Zimmerman (Treasurer); Rev. Josyph Andrews, Moderator. A quorum was present. Josyph opened the meeting with a prayer. Josyph gave an opening devotional based on James 1:17-27 (including “Do not merely listen to the word…Do what it says.” Hap presented the Financial Report for July which the Session accepted. Josyph gave the Session his Pastor’s Report. The following decisions were made:

There will be a movie presentation, including snacks, on October 12 from 2:00-4:00 p.m.

There will be a barbecue at the Shins on December 7 at 5:30 with Josyph and Fred doing the cooking.

There will be a Congregational Meeting to present the 2019 budget, approve the terms of call for the pastor, and to elect officers on Sunday, October 28 after the worship service.

A poster advertising a fund raiser for the Fellowship of Church Women will be displayed in the Narthex.

A gift of an ice maker which will be installed by Alan Tanner was gladly accepted.

The meeting was duly adjourned and Josyph closed with a prayer. Respectfully submitted, Marsha Spinner

** Annual Time & Talent Survey and Financial Pledge Watch your mailboxes. Fall is the time of year the committees send out the annual Time and Talent Surveys and the Financial Pledge forms. Filling these out and returning them are vital to the church as we set next year’s budget based on the financial pledges, and committee chairs are able to recruit volunteers, based on interests you sign up for. Please take the time to complete both of these very important papers and return them to the church office no later than September 16, 2018.

** LACare During the month of June, 955 individuals from 318 families were served. Numbers went up in July with 1046 individuals from 359 families being served. The need is great for cereals, canned corn and Spam. Please continue to support this great ministry for the hungry in our community. We received the following correspondence from LACare: Burnet Presbyterian Church, From the staff and volunteers at LACare, thank you for your generous donation of $750 received in August 2018. Monetary donations such as this allow LACare to continue to make a difference in the lives of our clients in Burnet County. The need continues, and we appreciate your support as we try to meet it. L. Orr, Volunteer

** July2018 Financial Report The July financial report, as approved by the Session on August 28, 2918, is included at the back of the newsletter. If you get the newsletter via email, please remember the financial report is an additional attached document, along with the calendar.

** August Game Day Twenty people gathered in the Fellowship Hall on Saturday, August 11 for a decadent lunch of Dominos Pizza, fruit, cake and Lonnie Anglin’s homemade ice cream! After lunch we enjoyed various card games and Mah Jongg. Drawings for door prizes continued through the afternoon, and many players went home with lovely gifts! A good time was had by all!