volume li december 13, 2017 no....
TRANSCRIPT
Volume LI December 13, 2017 No. 50
WMPC WEEKLY
Visit whitememorial.org to view
this week’s Sunday Snippet.
Writing (and Reading) as Advent Discipline
One of the challenges of Advent is that it occurs in December: because of cultural
Christmas practices, December is one of the busiest months for families. I have long believed
that December is the hardest month for women and mothers. Advent is even more
challenging for people who have suffered death and loss in their lives. Each day the approach
to Christmas can be a reminder of who is no longer present. I have also learned over my
years of pastoral care that Advent, with all of its focus on pregnancy and birth, can be
emotionally draining for people struggling with infertility. Advent comes with opportunities
for spiritual growth — of this I am sure. But it is also a challenge with its pre-Christmas rush
and emotional drain for many — of this I am equally sure.
To push back on this drain, at White Memorial we offer you an Advent devotional each
year. One page of Christian insight, thought, and prayer serves as a daily reminder of the
promises of God, the challenges of human life, and how these two very real realities intersect
in this sacred time of year. Our devotional is a yearly opportunity to settle the heart and mind
on things above, and truly prepare our souls for the joy of Christmas.
This year our devotional is truly exceptional. You can receive it daily via email, or pick
one up in print form at the church office. It is written by Erin Duffy, an Elder currently
serving on our Session. Writing such a project is a serious undertaking. Devotion is required
of the writer to write at the level which she has written. Devotion is also required of you, the
readers, as a good devotional asks readers to consider theology in new ways. Writing and
reading are amazing devotional practices. There is a reason why the great Christian mystics
recorded their visions and thoughts in written form - so that we might follow their devotional
pathways.
Erin has done nothing less. She has cut a pathway through Advent for us and done it with
honesty, creativity, and faithfulness. Here is what she wrote for December 11:
Although the date on this devotional is December 11, it’s being written in early
November. I admit that what burns within my breast isn’t a lamp lighting the way to all the
things that please God best. What is already starting to burn is a panicky, constricted feeling
born out of all the things I have to do in the next few weeks. But how many of those things
help me meet Christ, or welcome him ‘aright?’ For me, the answer to that question lies in
whether or not I can do them with joy and love, without resentment and stress.
She ends the entry by asking, do our commitments and activities this time of year help us
meet and welcome Christ? That’s a good Advent question. Of course, it’s a great question for
faithful people every day. Isn’t that the point of all we do? To meet and welcome Christ? To
share God’s love with others? I think so. And with Erin’s writing we have a beautifully
written devotional, which, through our reading can help us meet and share Christ every day.
May Advent grace abound,
Christopher Edmonston
Imagine Campaign Update As of Monday, December 11, we have received 655 pledges totaling $13,751,442.30 toward
our goal of $17.5 million.
Stewardship 2018 Update As of Monday, December 11, we have received 732 pledges totaling $3,060,755. Thank you
for your support of the ministry of White Memorial Presbyterian Church.
The WMPC Weekly, December 13, 2017 Page 2
Joys and Concerns Baptisms - December 10: Windsor Gray Johnson and Isles Maddox Johnson,
children of Tyler and Michael Johnson; Reeder Layne Magee,
child of Liz and Jack Magee.
Marriages: Emily Burns Jasmin and Curtis Tresher, December 9,
Melrose Knitting Mill, Raleigh, NC.
Hospitals (*designates discharged): Duke Raleigh: *Bill Chr istian.
Prayers and Christian Concerns to: Spence, Rebecca, Christian and Brittan Harrell on the death
of Spence’s father, Spencer Louis Harrell, Sr., November 29;
Jim, Helen, Cameron and Laura Cain on the death of J im’s
father, E. Lee Cain, November 30; Andy and Beth Betts, Brad,
Lauren and Julia Betts, and Tyler and Kendall Betts on the
death of Andy’s mother, Rosa Belle Hamm “Tissie” Betts,
December 6,; Peggy Baughman on the death of her mother,
Margaret Edna Watson McKee, December 7.
Congratulations to: Gail and Gray Hutchison and Betsy Hutchison on the bir th
of Gail and Gray’s grandchild and Betsy’s great-grandchild,
Lydia Lee Hunt, November 21, to Mary Gray and Brian Hunt.
New Presbyterians: Derby Kathryn Davis, born December 4, child of Eleanor
Scott and Hill Davis, grandchild of Dee and Tom Davis.
Christmas Eve Bell Services Join in the ringing of bells at one of our two Bell Services at 3:00
and 4:00 p.m. on December 24! Bring a bell to accompany the
singing of carols. Enjoy the children’s choirs, see and hear the
Christmas story presented by the WMPC Puppeteers and worship
with joy! No nursery is provided.
Church Officer Nominations Nominations are being accepted for new ruling elders and
deacons. The Churchwide Nominating Committee will begin
meeting in late January to consider nominations for new church
officers. Please give prayerful consideration to placing a church
member into nomination for the office of elder or deacon. The
officer nomination form can be found on pages 7-8 of this
publication and on our website.
Honorary Life Membership Nominations Presbyterian Women is accepting nominations for Honorary Life
Membership for 2018. The honor recognizes those who are active
and faithful servants of God in our church and community.
Prayerfully consider nominations for this honor. Applications are
online at whitememorial.org/pw. Send recommendations to
Carolyn Younger at [email protected]. Nominations will be
accepted through February 15, 2018.
There’s Still Time to Register for the Women’s Retreat! Register by January 5 for the Presbyterian Women’s Retreat,
January 26-28 in Pinehurst, NC! Join us as we explore Forgiveness:
Seeking Wholeness in a Broken World with Anna Rainey Dickson.
Visit whitememorial.org/pw to register.
Your Attention Please
Save the dates for April 13-14, 2018! Don’t miss this opportunity to grow in community with other men from White Memorial as we enjoy the outdoor setting of Camp New Life led by Steve Lindsley, senior pastor of Trinity Presbyterian Church
in Charlotte. The retreat will include deep discussion, live music and great fellowship.
Monday Night Men’s Bible Study to Resume The Men’s Bible Study will resume on Monday, February 5, 2018,
at 6:00 p.m. Watch for details!
April 13-14
In the Church Triumphant
William Reed Raynor III – December 6, 2017
WMPC family members: wife, Millie Raynor, and children,
Watsie and Reed
The WMPC Weekly, December 13, 2017 Page 3
The WMPC Weekly, December 13, 2017 Page 4
Community Ministry and Missions Volunteers Needed for Poinsettia Delivery Each Christmas, members of White Memorial take poinsettias from
the sanctuary decorations and deliver them to our homebound
members who can no longer attend worship. If you have some time
on December 17 after worship or December 18 and 19 during the
workday, please stop by the sacristy and take one of the plants.
Names and addresses with enclosure cards will be ready for you in
the sacristy. If you have time for even one visit, that would be a
great help. To sign up or ask questions, please call Judy Pidcock at
919-834-3425, ext. 238, or Amy Claprood at ext. 210.
Help Provide a Holiday Meal for the Salvation Army WMPC will provide a meal for the women and children at the
Salvation Army on Monday, December 18. You can provide a dish
to be delivered or help serve. Servers are limited to 3-4 people. This
would be a wonderful way to help make the evening special for
those in the shelter. Contact Michelle Jeutter at [email protected]
with questions or to help.
Educator’s Fund
If you work in the Wake County Public School System, this fund
could help you meet an immediate or otherwise not covered
need. We offer small grants to help with student, teacher or school
nurse needs, etc. Contact Gloria Johnson at 919-834-3425, ext. 207,
or [email protected] with questions.
Oak City Outreach Collection Help the WMPC Young Adults collect
donations for Oak City Outreach. Items
needed are: bars of soap, wash cloths (dark
colors), lotion, shaving cream, deodorant (men
and women), toothbrushes, toothpaste,
shampoo, cough drops, tissue (individual
packs), lip balm, disposable razors, over the
counter pain relievers. Items need to be travel
size and unopened/unused. Drop off items in
marked bins located in The Connector.
You Can Help Deliver Healthy Kids Kits to Haiti in March Plans are being made for a four-day trip to Haiti Thursday to
Monday, March 8-12, 2018. Trip participants will deliver health
kits to children who attend Haiti Outreach Ministries’ four schools.
In addition to delivering health kits, we’ll share a Bible story with
children, learn about healthcare in Haiti, attend church services and
enjoy guided cultural tours. Accommodations will be in a
comfortable hotel close to the airport. This short trip is ideal for
first-time visitors as well as returning visitors. If you are interested
in participating, contact Diane Payne at [email protected].
Opportunities to Contribute:
Through December 22 Gloria Johnson’s office
Sundays through December 17 The Connector
The goal is to assemble 500-1,000 Healthy Kids Kits before Dec. 31. Currently, we have collected 80 kits.
You can fill a one-gallon zip-lock with the items below OR bring individual items. Multiples of
individual items accepted.
H E A LT H Y K I D S K I T S f o r H A I T I
Hand towel
Regular size toothpaste
Washcloth
Band aids
Bar of
soap
Nail
clippers
Toothbrush
Toy
2 dollars
Large Tooth Comb
The WMPC Weekly, December 13, 2017 Page 5
The WMPC Weekly, December 13, 2017 Page 6
Faith Formation Study The Messiah with Faith Foundations The Faith Foundations Sunday School class welcomes you to
our Advent study, The Messiah by Walter Brueggemann. We
will examine how the royal titles in Isaiah 9:6 were understood
before Jesus’ birth and how Christians interpret Jesus as
representative of each title. Join us at 9:30 a.m. in K301.
The Challenge of Paul Faith Foundations Sunday School class invites you to a January-
May adult education study, The Challenge of Paul. This
DVD-based discussion series features renowned historical Jesus
scholar John Dominic Crossan, who will guide us through the
first-century world of Paul’s time and place. Our class meets
every Sunday at 9:30 a.m. in K301. Questions? Contact John
White at [email protected] or Susan Hibbert at
The Presbyterian Outlook is Available in the Library If you were impressed by Jill Duffield as she preached and
taught on November 19, please come to the Caldwell Library to
read The Presbyterian Outlook. Located in the magazine rack (it
spins) on the top of a short bookshelf in the middle of the room,
The Presbyterian Outlook comes out every other week. Near the
front of the magazine you’ll find a column titled “Editor’s
Outlook,” in which Jill Duffield writes well and powerfully.
You will be glad to have read the column, and you will keep up
with what is going on in our denomination.
First Friday Movie Night R E S E R V A T I O N S R E Q U I R E D B Y N O O N 1 / 3
Register and pay online at whitememorial.org/register.
Where: K100 When: Friday, January 5 Who: K - 5th grade Registration: $5 per child = pizza and bottled water Time: Drop off and pizza dinner 5:45 p.m. followed by movie. Pick-up at 8:00 p.m. Bring your own sleeping bag or blanket!
2018 Youth Lockout
7:00 p.m.-7:00 a.m. January 12-13
Middle and high School students
Register now!
First - Fifth
graders
January 20 | 10:00 a.m.-noon
Jellybeans | 1120 Buck Jones
For more information
contact Lynn Springfield at
919-834-3425, ext. 232
$4 admission; $1 extra for skates Bring money for game machines and refreshments, if you wish.
Parents are welcome to leave or stay and skate (same price)! Reservations are not required.
The WMPC Weekly, December 13, 2017 Page 7
In March or April 2018, you will be asked to vote for a slate of officers to serve a three-year term in leadership, planning and care for the church. Please give prayerful consideration to placing a church member into nomination for the office of Elder or Deacon. Nominations for rising high school juniors will also be considered. Typically, those elected to be officers have been members of WMPC for at least three years. OFFICERS AT WHITE MEMORIAL ARE EXPECTED TO SERVE IN THE FOLLOWING WAYS:
Participate in Officer Training Classes (Wednesday nights in September)
Begin service next October
Serve on a Sessional or Diaconate committee
Attend monthly meetings and called meetings to the best of one’s ability
Act as commissioner to a Presbytery meeting as available (elders only)
Serve communion as available and as needed (elders only)
Provide pastoral and spiritual care for congregation
Share in leadership of the annual Stewardship Campaign
Communicate pastoral concerns and helpful suggestions to the pastors in a timely manner
Participate in visitation, ushering and serve as Treasurer’s Assistant (deacons only) TO HELP YOU JUDGE THIS PERSON’S QUALIFICATIONS AS A CANDIDATE FOR ELDER OR DEACON, PLEASE CONSIDER SUCH AREAS AS THE FOLLOWING: PARTICIPATION IN CHURCH LIFE
Christian commitment
Attendance at public worship
Participation in church activities (church school, fellowship groups, etc.)
Offices held
Services rendered CHRISTIAN LIVING IN DAILY LIFE
Within the family
At work
In the community PERSONAL CHARACTERISTICS AND SKILLS
Cooperativeness
Willingness to learn
Ability to follow through on assignments/commitments
Openness to new ideas
Maturity of judgment
******* All recommendations must be received by January 16, 2018. This form may be placed in the offering plate on Sunday or mailed to the church office marked:
White Memorial Presbyterian Church Attn: Officer Nomination Committee 1704 Oberlin Road Raleigh, NC 27608
(See next page for nomination form.)
Officer Nomination Form - Instructions
The WMPC Weekly, December 13, 2017 Page 8
White Memorial Presbyterian Church
Person recommended: _____________________________________________________________________
For Elder _________ For Deacon _________
The Presbyterian Book of Order states the “Elders should be persons of faith, dedication, and good
judgment. Their manner of life should be a demonstration of the Christian gospel, both within the
church and in the world. It is the duty of elders, individually and jointly, to strengthen and nurture the
faith and life of the congregation...”
“The office of deacon as set forth in Scripture is one of sympathy, witness, and service after the example
of Jesus Christ.” They shall “minister to those who are in need, to the sick, to the friendless…”
How long has this person been a member of WMPC?
____________________________________________
Has this person been an elder/deacon of WMPC or governing officer of another church? _______________ If so, where? _____________________________________________________________________________
Why do you recommend this person for the office of elder or deacon? ___________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
In what ways has this person demonstrated involvement in the ministries of WMPC? ___________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
To the best of your knowledge, does this person practice sound theology and accept the theology of the Presbyterian Church? ___________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
How has this person demonstrated Christian commitment outside the church? ___________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
Recommended by: _____________________________________________ Date _______________________
Officer Nomination Form
Calendar for the Week Sunday, December 17 (Isaiah 61:1-4, 8-11; John 1:19-28)
Advent III
Worship (8:15, 9:30, 11:00 a.m. - Sanctuary; 11:00 a.m. - OnPoint@1704, Pickard)
9:00 a.m. - Christmas Share (Connector)
9:30 a.m. - OnPoint House Band (Pickard)
Celebration of Christmas/Farewell to Laura Boyd (Geneva)
11:00 a.m. - Cancer Companions Alumnae Group (C203)
noon - Poinsettia Pick-up & Delivery to Shut-ins (Sacristy)
12:15 p.m. - Youth Sunday Meeting: Preachers (C200)
4:00 p.m. - Youth Choir (S300); Women’s Retreat Committee (C301)
6:30 p.m. - Diaconate Meeting (K200)
Monday, December 18 (Ps. 122; Zech. 1:7-17; Rev. 3:7-13; Matt. 24:15-31)
8:00 a.m. - Poinsettia Pick-up & Delivery to Shut-ins (Sacristy)
9:15 a.m. - Toddler Open Gym/Worship (Pickard)
9:30 a.m. - Russia Sewing Group (C200)
5:00 p.m. - Serve Dinner at Salvation Army (Off Site)
5:30 p.m. - T’ai Chi for Exercise (Pickard)
6:30 p.m. - Not a Silent Night: Mary Looks Back to Bethlehem (C301)
7:00 p.m. - Alcoholics Anonymous (C100)
8:00 p.m. - Adult Basketball (Pickard)
Tuesday, December 19 (Ps. 33; Zech. 2:1-13; Rev. 3:14-22; Matt. 24:32-44)
7:00 a.m. - Men’s/Women’s Breakfast Bible Study (Geneva/K100)
8:00 a.m. - Poinsettia Pick-up & Delivery to Shut-ins (Sacristy)
8:30 a.m. - Keenagers Golden Years Breakfast (Raleigh Convention Center)
10:00 a.m. - Not a Silent Night: Mary Looks Back to Bethlehem (C301)
3:00 p.m. - Labyrinth Open for Walking (Chapel)
5:45 p.m. - StepUp Ministry Holiday Party (Pickard)
6:00 p.m. - Centering Prayer (W400)
Wednesday, December 20 (Ps. 50; Zech. 3:1-10; Rev. 4:1-8; Matt. 24:45-51)
8:00 a.m. - Clothing Closet (W100)
9:30 a.m. - Bible Belles (Off Site)
10:00 a.m. - Building Committee (W400)
4:30 p.m. - Carol Choir (L304); Joyful Noise Choir (S300); Cherub Choir (L311)
5:00 p.m. - Wednesdays Together Dinner (Pickard)
5:30 p.m. - Widows of White Memorial (Geneva)
6:15 p.m. - Nursery for Advent Worship (L102)
6:30 p.m. - Advent Midweek Service (Chapel)
7:00 p.m. - Young Adult Bible Study (C102); Disciple 1 (K307); OnPoint House Band (K100)
8:00 p.m. - Al-Anon (C100)
Thursday, December 21 (Ps. 18:1-20; Zech. 4:1-14; Rev. 4:9-5:5; Matt. 25:1-13)
8:00 a.m. - Labyrinth Open for Walking (Chapel)
9:30 a.m. - Thursday Morning Bible Study (W400); T’ai Chi for Exercise (C200)
7:30 p.m. - Webelo Scouts (K304-307); Sanctuary and Chancel Choirs (S300)
Friday, December 22 (Ps. 102; Zech. 7:8-8:8; Rev. 5:6-14; Matt. 25:14-30)
8:00 p.m. - Alcoholics Anonymous (C100)
Saturday, December 23 (Ps. 90; Zech. 8:9-17, Rev. 6:1-17; Matt. 25:31-46)
C=Calvin Building
K=Knox Building
L=Luther Building
W=Witherspoon Building
S=Sanctuary Annex (Jane Bell Gathering
Space, choir rooms, sanctuary, nurseries)
The WMPC Weekly, December 13, 2017 Page 9
Christmas Gathering and Party for Laura Boyd December 17, 9:30-10:30 a.m. in Geneva
Hall. Come celebrate Laura’s ministry!
Youth Sunday Preachers’ Workshop December 17, 12:15-1:30 p.m. in C200
Looking Ahead Mini Kick-Off, January 7, 5:00-7:00
p.m. for students and parents. Play
Name that Tune with Rahn Sutton!
2018 Middle & High School LOCK
OUT! January 12, 7:00 p.m.-7:00 a.m.
CROSS Middle School Service
Weekend, February 2-4; registration is
online now.
Weekly Youth Email Newsletter Additional details about all youth
programs and events, can be found in our
youth email newsletter. Do you want to
receive the weekly youth email newsletter
that’s full of great information? Contact
Deb Smith at [email protected]
to be added to the contact list.
January 3 newsletter deadline: Tuesday noon, December 19
NAMI Family-to-Family is a free, 12-session education program for family, partners, friends and significant others of adults living with mental illness.
The course includes information on illnesses such as bipolar disease, schizophrenia, major depression and other mental health conditions. It is designed to help
all family members understand and support their loved one living with mental illness, while maintaining their own well-being.
Hosted by NAMI Wake County and White Memorial Presbyterian Church
January 6 – March 24, 2018
For more information or to register, contact Sheron Sumner at [email protected] or 984-200-0620.
www.nami-wake.org
“I wish I had known about this course when my family member first experienced difficulty. It will make a difference in
your life and in your family member’s life.”
Family to Family Class Starts January 6, 2018