Laurel Gazette

January 2017

SAINT TO SAINT… GROWING THE FAITH AND THE CHURCH!

For some folks the word, “evangelism,” is associated with negative feelings: standing on a corner… passing out tracts about God’s judgment against those who don’t repent; buttonholing people to harangue them about the need to believe; or discovering your neighbors really don’t want to be interrupted with a door-to-door encounter. This association is unfortunate; however, as the word itself comes from the Greek phrase for “Good News.” And that’s what it’s supposed to be… not bad news… but Good News.

While evangelism can mean a training program to reach out to a community in an organized way, it actually begins with just one person sharing their faith with another. And that faith-sharing isn’t repeating memorized Bible verses about salvation but rather just reflecting upon the good the Lord has done in your life. “Above all, I thank God for this…” Complete that phrase in the presence of another, and – bingo - you’re an evangelist!

I recently participated in an evangelism workshop at Union Presbyterian Seminary, and as a result of that gathering, a number of us who attended continue to meet to discuss ways to demystify evangelism within our churches. And this is vital… for whether we like it or not, evangelism is how the church grows – one person sharing faith with another, one believer inviting a friend to join them in worship or mission or Christian fellowship.

Laurel needs to grow, both as a way for us to accomplish more as a congregation and as a sign that the Spirit is shaping and building us up as followers of Jesus. Ultimately, we, who are the members and friends of Laurel, and the Body of Christ, a living organism that frankly either grows or withers. I believe I can speak for all of us in saying; we want Laurel as a Body, as a godly organism, to grow and thrive.

On Sunday, January 29, I’d like to invite you to

join me after worship in the Fellowship Hall for some refreshments and discussion about growing the church. We’ll begin by sharing a little about what brought us to Laurel, what keeps us here and how we sense God is at work in our lives. And then we’ll see where the Spirit takes it from there!

This is a just a first meeting to get us talking about the “E-word.” There’s no commitment beyond that. Most of us are not cut out to be a Billy Graham or pulpiteer, but I believe Jesus calls each of us to reflect upon why we follow him, and if the occasion arises, to be able share that in a comfortable way with another.

The commitment of time is 45 minutes to an hour, depending upon how many turn up and how our discussion goes. No one will be asked to go beyond their comfort zone or even to say anything at all, just to take a first step to move toward Jesus’ call to “go and make disciples.” I hope you’ll take and chance and join me on the 29th!

Together with you in ministry,

Pastor Mark

PASTOR MARK INSTALLED AS PASTOR

Nine teaching and ruling elders of the Presbytery of the James led in worship on

Sunday, December 4 to install Rev. Sprowl as Pastor. Pastor Mark had been serving in a temporary capacity as Covenant Pastor since he began his most recent service to the church in June, 2013.

Parts of the service included Pastor Mark renewing his ordination vows, a charge to the congregation by Rev. Nancy Clark and a charge to the “new” pastor by Laurel Ruling Elder Duane Berger [shown in photo.] Other ministers and elders included Rev. Robert Johnson who preached, Revs. Kay and Don Steele, Rev. Beverly Bullock who moderated the installation commission, Mark’s wife Reverend Jan Humphreys, and ruling elders John Kauffmann from King’s Chapel and David Ross from Ginter Park Church.

Our choir sang a favorite and very appropriate anthem, “Many Gifts, One Spirit,” and the members of the Member Care and Mission team prepared a lovely reception. Per the Presbytery’s request, an offering was taken for the Presbytery’s fund to render emergency assistance to pastors, and $250.00 was sent to the Presbytery.

“TOASTMASTERS” TO MEET AT LAUREL

Toastmasters is a national organization to help people become more comfortable as public speakers. The local chapter had been meeting at Martin’s grocery store on Staples Mill, but, of course, that store has closed. In seeking a venue close to Martin’s, their leadership contacted Laurel, and after thorough consideration, the Session has approved use of our Fellowship Hall

by the group on the first, third and fifth Mondays of the month 6:00-8:30 pm for a six-month period.

The group’s leadership understands that occasionally, the church may have an activity that may conflict with their meeting, and they would need to make other plans. In approving the Toastmasters proposal, the Session believes it is acting as a faithful steward of our buildings, providing meeting space for an enterprise that helps the community in the same way we do with the Girl Scouts. Members and friends of Laurel, of course, are welcome to attend the Toastmaster meetings and even join the group if desired.

JANUARY C ALENDAR SUNDAY, JANUARY 1 8:45 am Adult Sunday School 10:00 am Worship –Communion (No team meetings) MONDAY, JANUARY 2 (Church Office Closed in observance of holiday) WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 4 Choir Rehearsal 7pm SATURDAY, JANUARY 7 7:30 am Men’s Breakfast 9:00 am Church De-Decorating Party SUNDAY, JANUARY 8 8:45 am Adult Sunday School 10:00 am Worship 11:00 am Team Meetings MONDAY, JANUARY 9 10:00 am Elsie Bradshaw Circle WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 11 6:15 pm All-Church Dinner 7:00 pm Choir Rehearsal SUNDAY, JANUARY 15 8:45 am Adult Sunday School

10:00 am Worship 11:00 am Lingering MONDAY, JANUARY 16 6:00 pm Toastmasters WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 18 7:00 Choir Rehearsal SUNDAY, JANUARY 22 8:45 am Adult Sunday School 10:00 am Worship 11:00 am New Beginnings Team WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 25 7:00pm Choir Rehearsal SUNDAY, JANUARY 29 8:45 am Adult Sunday School 10:00 am Worship – 5-Cents-a-Meal offering 11:00 am Evangelism meeting MONDAY, JANUARY 30 6:00 pm Toastmasters *Choir meets each Wednesday evening at 7:00pm *LAMB’s Basket 1st Monday and 4th Tuesday of each month **Faith Revival Church will meet each Sunday 6:00 pm. Tuesdays, 7:30 pm, Fridays 7:30 pm, Saturdays 7:30pm

*MINISTRY TEAM MEETINGS DATE CHANGE*

Members of Session Ministry Teams, note that the January meetings will take place (this month only) on the second Sunday in January (the 8th) following worship. There is no regularly scheduled meeting of the Session in January.

The Shepherd on Call for the month of January is Howard Lawrence. He can be reached at 360-1088

MEN’S BREAKFAST – JANUARY 7

Join the men of the church at the International House of Pancakes on Broad, east of Gaskins at 7:30 am, Saturday, January 7 for a good time of fellowship and hearty food.

WALK IN MINISTRY

There will be a signup sheet in the Narthex for the Walk In Ministry in January. Please keep your eyes and ears open for more on this opportunity to serve the less fortunate in our community!

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DE-DECORATING DELIGHT! – JANUARY 7

Join us as we de-decorate the church and store Christmas away for another year on Saturday,

January 7 at 9:00 am. What went up ever so slowly comes down really fast!

Member Care would like to thank everyone for the generosity they showed to our Christmas families this year with the outpouring of gifts and also food for them. They truly appreciate all we have to offer for them. Member Care would also like to thank all those who contributed food and efforts for the Installation celebration we held in Mark's honor as we finally got him installed as our Pastor!

May I offer all of you a big thank you for letting me serve as your treasurer for eleven years. It has given me the opportunity to meet most all of you...You know the old saying is... when you owe someone money, you get to know them pretty well. I have learned many things from being treasurer but the main thing I have learned is that all of you will do anything for your Church. I will continue to do the same... Again thanks so very much.

Pete Rose

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Dear Friends at Laurel,

Thank you so much for the Christmas check. It is a true blessing and my pleasure to be your Director of Music. My sincere thanks to all of you for your constant support.

I want to wish all of you a new year filled with happiness, love, good health and music!

David Clatterbuck

Sanctuary Flowers for

January

January 1- Howard Lawrence - to the glory of God and in honor of Pete Rose for his years of dedicated service as our treasurer.

January 8 - Flash Bowlin - to the Glory of God and in honor of the love of my life, Mary Jane.

January 15 - Jean Cole - In loving memory of Don on his birthday.

January 22 - Claudia Hicks - to the glory of God and in memory of Merle on his birthday.

January 29 -Karen Johnson and Carl Carpenter-in honor of David Clatterbuck and the choir.

Happy Birthday to the following members

and friends of Laurel!

Geoffrey Wariuki (2)

Rudy Van’t Riet (4)

Shane Rose (6)

Stafford Bowlin (10)

Duane Berger (23)

Brenda MacRae (24)

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PASTOR MARK ON MEDICAL LEAVE

Pastor Mark will have rotator cuff surgery on January 5 and the Session has given him up to three weeks to recuperate. He hopes to be back in the office prior to that time, but plans have been made for others to preach for those three Sundays. Should you require emergency pastoral assistance during this period, please contact Marcy Deisher, 804-247-9341 or Carl Carpenter, 804-447-4383. Pastor Mark has written a letter to the congregation regarding his time away to those on the church’s mailing list, and a copy has been posted on our website, www.laurelpres.com.

Martin Luther King Jr Day,

Monday January 16, 2017

ANNUAL MEETING – FEBRUARY 26

Plan now to stay after worship on Sunday, February 26 for the Annual Meeting of the congregation. Friends of the church as well as church members are

welcome to attend.

At the meeting, we’ll review the highlights of our ministry in the past year including a look at our finances, look at the budget for 2017 and listen to your ideas to help us as a congregation to both reach out and within with the love of God. We’ll also have a brief meeting of the corporation as required by law.

Join us for this year’s Annual Meeting, and gain a greater appreciation of what this congregation does with your support!

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MOUNTAIN MAN BREAKFAST AND DECORATING PARTY

Early on Saturday, December 4, Duane Berger, Steve Scearce and Mark Sprowl gathered to prepare the fixing’s for a breakfast

for “Mountain Men and Mountain Gals”. Duane used his tried-and-true recipe cooked over hot coals, and the result was welcomed by hungry folks at the breakfast. Later those gathered decorated the church for the Advent-Christmas season. A group took a special interest in making the sanctuary wreaths more decorative this year.

GIVING THANKS FOR TREASURER PETE ROSE

In addition to the offices of teaching and ruling elder within our church, there are two others which involve an election due to their vital importance to the life and ministry and the church: Clerk of Session and Church Treasurer.

On Sunday, December 11, we recognized the service of Pete Rose who has served as our Treasurer for eleven years. Pastor Mark, in the worship service, noted that the work of

the Treasurer is seldom commended but mightily noticed the moment a dollar amount doesn’t quite match up. Laurel is a small church, but those familiar with our finances understand there’s quite to bit of work to reconcile all the contributions and payments on a regular basis.

Showing their appreciation for Pete’s long commitment to this ministry, the congregation gave him a standing ovation of thanks. As a token of the congregation’s gratitude, Pete was presented with a gift certificate to Jake’s Place in Ashland, one of Pete’s favorite restaurants. Pete was also given a framed certificate of thanks prepared by the Presbytery. During December, Pete has been helping Rob McBane learn the ropes as he assumes the office of Treasurer in 2017.

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We regularly want to lift up Laurel members and friends who help our ministry both on a regular

basis and at special times. So, in this issue of the Gazette we thank…

Gladys Chamberlayne, for providing nursery care for two young children for a couple who attended the Christmas Cantata when she saw

the regular helper was not present.

Carl Carpenter, for installing new (working) locks in the pastor’s office and for seeing that (working) locks were installed on the doors to the choir room and other classrooms.

Dixie Mertens for changing the bulletin board each month, giving us dates of birthdays and news to provide help and also make us smile!

Rick Short, who takes the service from the worship bulletin each week and transforms it into words for the overhead screen.

Gladys Bowles, for providing music for our Christmas morning worship service.

Mary Jane Bowlin, for creating her colorful and biblical bulletin boards and for add elegance to our receptions with her artful decorations.

Jean Cole, for managing our flower ministry and keeping the weekly dedications straight.

Brenda MacRae, for providing us with a wonderful tool for churchwide communication in her monthly production of the Gazette.

Ann Whitby, for keeping up with our Missions bulletin board which reminds us all the great outreach Laurel is doing within the community

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Come join the Elsie Bradshaw Circle Women’s Bible Study at Laurel Presbyterian on the second Monday of each month at 10:00 am in the Mamie Stone Parlor. All our welcome! Serving God through…Study and Scripture, Service and Stewardship, Seeking and Sharing.

New additions to the list are in bold

type

Let us keep the following people in our prayers, sharing in both their joys and needs:

Our First Responders – Police, Fire, Rescue Our Military Personnel

Corinne Augustine – mother of Carol Short Lorraine Binford

Flash Bowlin Marshall and Gladys Chamberlayne and Family

Vickie Chaplin Jean Cole

The Coulson Family Wayne and Marcia Deisher

Deisher-LaPrell Families Randy Duff – brother of Lorraine Duff

Susan Dyson Lucille Hayes Jimmy Hicks

Sherri Kolb, daughter of Vickie Chaplin Anne Leveridge Buddy Mallory

Michelle McBane and Family Ann McDermott & Family

Dixie Mertens Shirley Milliken

Trudy Moolenaar Richard Rader, nephew of Bonnie Poff

Cathy Roeder John Schutrumpf Tripp Shepherd

Jim Smith Jackie and Jan Stevens

Billie Summers Prayers for Ruling Elders

Prayers for friends and families Prayers for the Middle East countries

Prayers for the homeless Prayers for Laurel’s mission Prayers for New Beginnings

If you know of someone in need of prayer or are in need of prayer, please call Flash Bowlin at

672-6009

CHOIR SANG THE CHRISTMAS STORY IN “ONE SILENT NIGHT”

In this year’s Christmas cantata, “One Silent Night,” our choir, under the direction of David Clatterbuck, lovingly retold the ancient story of the birth of our Savior, the joyous strains of the angels, the coming of the shepherds and the worship of the Magi. Adding to this inspiring rendition were the notes of Matt Bruins’ trumpet and the voices of Laurel friends Sherry Talbott and Rick Glass. Within the work, Carol Short, Cheryl Dorman and David Clatterbuck sang lovely solos. Performance of the song, Behold the Child, may be seen on the church website www.laurelpres.com.

We give thanks for our choir and music director who inspire us at every worship service and especially during these holy seasons. Regular members of the choir including Duane and Janice Berger, Kathy Boyce, Gladys Bowles, Mary Jane Bowlin, Vicky Chaplin, Ruth Doering, Cheryl Dorman, Lauren King, Shelby McBane, Clint and Glenda Miller, and Carol Short.

NOMINATING COMMITTEE ELECTED

At a meeting of the congregation on Sunday, December 11, the congregation voted for Margaret Fitch and Barbara Rose to join Bob Anderson, already designated by the Session, to serve as members of this year’s Congregational Nominating Committee. In the New Year, they will be seeking nominees from the congregation for the office of ruling elder.

At the meeting, the congregation also voted to change the language of the Laurel Handbook of Operations to permit the Nominating Committee to range in size from three to five, depending upon the individuals who are willing to serve

during a particular year. As a small church, it’s sometimes difficult to secure members for the Nominating Committee, and this change gives the Session the leeway to adjust the number as the need demands. Further, the new wording provides that members of the Nominating Committee may serve up to three one-year terms before they must be off for a year.

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MAKING THE HOLIDAY MERRY FOR OUR CHRISTMAS FAMILIES

Thank you, thank you to all who contributed both food and personal gifts to make Christmas bright for this year’s Christmas families – one suggested

by the Coal Pit Learning Center and the other by the Virginia Randolph Educational Center. Also special thanks to Elder Margaret

Fitch for coordinating our efforts and playing

Santa in delivering our gifts to the families.

Margaret Fitch shared this information about the Christmas families: The family from Virginia Randolph included a single Mom with 3 children: Joshua is 14 and Haleigh is 11. The little boy Copley is and goes to Virginia Randolph. The family from Coal Pit also includes a single Mom and 3 children. Brandon is 14, Christian is 11, and Lauryn is 4. This mother cried when I talked to her. She was so happy we were doing this for her. She is working 2 jobs and going to school.

2016 Christmas Poinsettias

We thank the following individuals and families for their gracious gift of poinsettias for our sanctuary at Christmas GIVEN IN HONOR OF…

My Children, Leslie & Rob by Sue Bell

My Wife, Mary Jane Bowlin The Laurel Church Family by Flash Bowlin

My Grandchildren - Katherine Cooper, Stone, Gentry and Cooper Dyson by Jackie Cooper

Freda Lynn & Karen Regina Moore by Vickie & Graham Chaplin Family

Susan Tinsley & Jimmy Hicks by Claudia Hicks

Mary Lawrence by Clint & Glenda Miller

Our Mother Shellmith by Washington Ndirangu & Pauline Njoroge

Our Children Eric, Michelle & Chris by Larry & Michal Runyon

Rev. Mark Sprowl, Dixie Mertens, Mrs. Miller Claudia Hicks, Marshall & Gladys Chamberlayne, Sue Bell Flash & Mary Jane Bowlin, Carolyn Stinger by Nana Sarfo-Kantanka

Corinne Augustine by Rick & Carol Short

Our Children, Tim & Holly by Mark & Jan Sprowl

GIVEN IN LOVING MEMORY OF…

Elias Abwe and Monica Nkede by Agnes Abwe & Ivo Nkede

Loving Parents, Bob & Pauline Johnson and Bill & Dorothy Carpenter by Carl Carpenter & Karen Johnson

Our Son Sid by Marshall & Gladys Chamberlayne

Our Friend Sue Skelding by Jackie Cooper & Elaine O’Brien

Harry & Gertrude Doering, Arthur & Edna Weirich Roger Doering by Ruth Doering

Aiden Engle and Ann & Frank Griffin by Margaret Fitch

Linda V. Henderson by Michael L. Henderson

Merle Hicks by Claudia Hicks

Mr. & Mrs. Gosnell by Kathy Horigan

Dr. & Mrs. Franklin W. Mathewson by Eddie Ann Mathewson

Berk McDermott by Ann McDermott

My Mother Helen Glass by Dixie Mertens

Howard Lawrence, Sr. Nancy & Joe Miller by Clint & Glenda Miller

Barbara’s Great Aunt Elizabeth Love Bacon by Pete & Barbara Rose

Our Mothers & Fathers by Larry & Michal Runyon

Jane Caldwell Gilley & Grace Amanda Gilley by The Scearce Family

Parents Genny & Jim Smith Elsie & Andrew McCutcheon by Jim & Judy Smith

Parents Ray & Cissie Sprowl Jim & Marian Humphreys by Mark & Jan Sprowl

My Parents by Carolyn Stinger

January 2017

Task/

Responsibility 1/1/17 1/8/17 1/15/17 1/22/17

1/29/17

Communion

Usher Captain

Michael Henderson Bob Anderson Steve Scearce Wayne Deisher Dixie Mertens

Usher Team Ginger Lanier Eddie Ann Mathewson Mary Scearce Marcia Deisher Carolyn Stinger

Usher Team Karen Johnson

Ann Whitby Michelle McBane

Becky Lolnai LaVerne Miller

Usher Team Carl Carpenter Michael Whitby Rob McBane (Need Volunteer)

Lorraine Duff

Usher Team

Sound System

Steve/Mary Scearce

(Need Volunteer)

Bob Anderson Rudy van’t Riet Rob McBane

Projectionist

Karen Johnson Rudy van’t Riet Jacob Scearce Karen Johnson Rudy van’t Riet

All month prep:

Rick Short

Lay Reader Michael

Henderson Carl Carpenter

Duane Berger Michael

Henderson Carol Short

Nursery

Michelle McBane Kathy Horigan

Gladys Chamberlayne Michelle McBane

(Need Volunteer)

Children's Church (Need Volunteer)

(Need Volunteer)

(Need Volunteer)

Gladys

Chamberlayne (Need Volunteer)

Communion Prep Michael

Henderson

Communion Prep

Communion

Captain

Bob Anderson

Communion

Server

Bernie Cheatham

Communion

Server Gladys

Chamberlayne

Communion

Server Rob McBane

If unable to serve your commitment, please contact another to serve in your place.

Thank you for volunteering!

DEADLINE FOR GAZETTE – 19th OF EACH MONTH

Consider going paperless and receiving the Gazette via email. Just send me a message at the below address and I will take care of the rest. Brenda MacRae

Gazette email: pbmacrae@comcast.net 804-672-3707

Laurel Presbyterian Church 9675 Staples Mill Road Glen Allen, VA 23060