Feb. 2011Vol. 2011Issue 2

Wright Congregational,United Church of Christ

4821 Franklin Rd.Boise, Idaho 83705

(208) 343-0292E-Mail:

wrightucc@qwestoffice.netWeb: wrightucc.com

Published Monthly,Mailed pre-paid at

Boise, Idaho .Permit No. 127

* * *Ministers: All of Us

Pastor:Rev. Michael S. Black

Secretary:Robin Canning

Choir Director:Ron Apperson

Organist:Ginny Trapp

Cry Room availableFor restless little ones.

Board Chairman:Will Patterson

Moderator:Jo Elliott-Blakeslee

Youth Leader:Kate Hall

Custodian:Robin Canning

Pilgrim Cove BoardMembers:AI Busche

Jim Morrow

Fall, Winter, SpringSchedule:

9:30 Adult Sunday Sch.10:45 Worship &

Children's Sunday Sch.Fellowship- Noon

Communion Served theIst Sunday of each month

-No Sunday Schools

Summer -June, July & AugustWorship at 10 a.m.Fellowship 11:00

lD~ ~ "1.Wka ~ oJ ~

The Wright UpsWELCOME TO FEBRUARY!

A MONTH OF SUNDAYS (pLUS ONE) AT WRIGHT CHURCH

SUNDAY, JANUARY 3010:45 AM: - \Vorship And Celebration Service

Sermon Theme: "A New Look At An Old Story: Feeding The 5000"Choir Anthem: "Lonesome Valley"

NOON: ANNUAL CONGREGATIONAL MEETINGAdoption Of Final Budget & Installation Of 2011 Officers

SUNDA Y, FEBRUARY 610:45 AM - Worship And Communion Service

Sermon Theme: "Several Excellent Excuses" - Part 1Choir Anthems:

"A Song At The Crossroads" & "Gifts Of Bread And Wine"

SUNDAY, FEBRUARY 139:30 AM - Adult Sunday School- I Corinthians Series Begins

10:45 AM - Worship And Celebration ServiceSermon Theme: "Several Excellent Excuses" - Part 2

Choir Anthem: "Follow Me To Jordan"

SUNDAY, FEBRUARY 209:30 AM - Adult Sunday School

10:45 AM - Worship And Celebration ServiceSermon Theme: "Several Excellent Excuses" - Part 3

Choir Anthem: "There's A Quiet Understanding"

SUNDAY, FEBRUARY 279:30 AM - Adult Sunday School

10:45 AM - Worship And Celebration ServiceSermon Theme: "Several Excellent Excuses" - Part 4

Choir Anthem: "God Comes Along"**************

Special Children's Moment During Worship - Then K-6 ClassesYouth Group After Church

Child Care For The Little OnesRefreshments & Conversation Hour After Church

A MESSAGE FROM MIKE

Jesus said, "Don't worry so much about things! ...But strive first for the Kingdom of God,And all you really need will be yours"

(A paraphrase from Matthew 6)

I couldn't help but think of these words of Jesus as we have been facing the most difficultbudgeting year in memory. I don't know that it is of any consolation, but virtually every minister I talkto reveals that their churches are also in the midst of extremely trying times financially. Mostly, I think,these circumstances are a reflection of the hardships we all are facing to a greater or lesser extent becauseofthe "great recession".

But I want you all to know, in advance of Sunday's Annual Congregational meeting, howdiligently and faithfully our StewardshiplBudget Committee and the Board have been working to moveus toward a reasonable and balanced budget: The Ministry portion of the budget for 2011 has beenreduced by over $4000 from last year; the search for less expensive, yet adequate, property insurance hasresulted in our paying about $2200 less than 2010; and they have proposed cuts in almost every otherbudget category which results in a proposed 2011 budget that is overall more than $11,000 less than2010-and it still is not completely balanced.

Other things that are being implemented-some very small, some bigger-to help reduce costsinclude our office going to all white paper, saving the cost of the more expensive color paper; using theold Pilgrim Hymnal more, so that fewer hymns will be printed in the bulletins; printing far fewer largebulletins, to save the copy costs; at least temporarily ending our pastoral tradition of sending birthdayand anniversary cards to members; even more than now, making sure the heat is turned "way down" inunused parts of the church in the winter, and the air conditioning turned "way up" during the summer;considering eliminating funds now budgeted for nursery care and special musicians; and just askingeveryone to do what they can to keep our costs down.

On the income side, the committee and board have floated some ideas: Asking each familypledging unit to consider increasing their pledges by $1.00 per week-Tami and I are starting this, and ifeveryone did, it could result in a relatively painless increase in income of more than $3,000 for the year;challenging each fellowship group in the church to make it a goal to have some special fundraisers overthe year-say with a goal of $1,000 each. Another possibility comes from this: While the 2011 GeneralFund pledges to date are down from last year, surprisingly the pledges to the Building Loan Fund areconsiderably up-in fact they surpass the needed building fund payments by some $4,000 for the year.Perhaps you would consider reallocating some of your pledges so that more is directed to the GeneralFund. These are all just ideas, but have some real merit.

NOW, having said all that, I return to the spirit of Jesus' words above. Yes, we have to carefullymanage our money resources as the Committee and Board are working so hard to do, BUT, let's notbecome so focused on or obsessed by or worried about these issues that we lose sight of our mission, ourfaith, our purpose. Let us together realize that "this too shall pass", things will get better, and that it will,as always, be true that when we keep seeking first God's kingdom, then and then only will we see thateverything we really need will be ours as well.

Book Club & Library NewsThe Book Group will meet at 1:00p.m. on Thursday,

February 3,2011 in the church library. The book to be dis-cussed is Moloka'i, by Alan Brennert.

Future programs include:March 3: Think No Evil by Jonas Beiler

April 7: Call Of The Wild, by Jack London (The Big Read for 2011)

Board of Directors meeting,VVednesday, Feb. 16

at 7 pm in the social hall

Worship attendance on:.Jan. 2-94.Jan. 9-70

.Jan. 16-58

.Jan. 23- 64Jan. 30-

Ushers for Feb.:Carol Rivers, Denise Steelman,

Mary Ellen Parsons, Robin Canning

Communion- Feb. 6Servers:

Jo Elliott-Blakeslee, Mary Jo PresleyJack & Joan Wenske

Liturgist:Dave CarmenCare Givers:

Meredith & Chuck PondAltar Care:

Denise Steelman

FEBRUARY COMMUNITYSUPPER

Feb. 24, 20116:00 p.m.

ISUN~t~~~~~1CLASSES

For kids in K-6 is everySunday during worship,

except the First Sunday of eachmonth-Family Communion Sunday

**EXTRA SPECIAL NOTE**A special thank YOlrtfOIiiOur King's Daughters Group.

January was the I eeting for this very wonderfulgroup of ladies. The King's Daughters Fellowship hasbeen with our church for many, many years. Its mem-

bers have gotten much older and the decision to disbandwas made. The money from their treasury was giving to

the churches general fund.Thank you King's Daughters for all the wonderful thingsyou have done for Wright Church and your many years

of service.

.-'-'-'-'-'-'-'-'-'-'-'-'-'-'-'-'-'-'-'-'-'-'-'-'-'-'-._._._.,: Singles Group at Wright Church :! Will gather for a movie & pizza night on Thursday, i, I

i Feb. 6 beginning at 6:00 p.m. in the youth room i: upstairs. ~i A couple of movie selections will be available for i: our choosing, along with pizza choices plus salad. :! We will split the cost of the pizza.i Please bring your own beverage, banky, piwow,i schnuggie or what ever makes you comfy forI .•

i watching movies.: All singles welcome.I~.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-._._._._.

NEWS FROM THE WOMEN:Women's Fellowship will meet on Wednesday, Feb.

2 at 1:00 in our social hall.Hosts & Program by:

Maxine Briggs & ILeen McArthur:"What Is On The Front Of Your Fridge"

And what does it tell us about you?Please bring an item from your fridge door and tell usabout it. Where did you get it, how long has it been at-

tached to the door, why is it special?, etc.Light refreshments will also be served.

All ladies are welcome.

**WOPE P(j{O~ TJFEcn:;fSBlYEm, **By now you should have receivedan invitation in the mail to be part

of the Women's Feiiowship.Please make your choices on the

postcard and drop it in the mail sowe can start planning someactivities for you. The nextmeeting wi!! be Wednesday.

February 2 at 1pm in the SocialHall at the church. Hope to see

you there.

Gifts have been given in Loving Memory of. ...Joy Chapman by r-

Vivian Berth-Smith II

Boise Camp 150 WOW Ie I

BiJI Presley by ~(f.~ I-c;WJ ' I

Willard & Bethene Dykes lfD I

Margaret Johnston~

f

Letha Gribble

SOME OTHER IMPORTANT STUFF

--The Sunday Morning Adult Bible Studyresumes on Sunday, February 13. Syl Appersonand Mike Black will co-teach a series on theimportant, instructive, and sometimescontroversial I Corinthians. Come and join useach Sunday morning at 9:30 in the Social Hall.

--I hope you noticed in last month's issuethe announcement of a Church RevitalizationWorkshop being bosted for our UCC churches atFirst Congregational UCC on April 1 & 2.Featuring a nationally known church growthstrategist from Massachusetts, Rev. PaulNickerson, this "boot camp" promises to inspirethe participants to new and exciting growth intheir churches. The workshop requires that theminister and at least three lay members attendall sessions. Please let Mike know in the nextweek if you are willing to give tbis time andattention to the future of our church. Cost isnominal, and we must let First Church knowsoon of our intentions.

And finally, this enduring food for thought:

"And so, my fellow Americans, ask notwhat your country can do for you; ask what youcan do for your country ... With a good conscienceour only sure reward, with history the final judgeof our deeds, let us go forth to lead the land welove, asking His blessing and His help, butknowing that here on earth, God's work must trulybe our own. "

(From the Inaugural Address of President JohnKennedy, January 20, 1961.)

------------ -- - - ---

TREASURER'SREPORT2010 YEAR END

Total Gen Fund Income$129,749.60

Total Gen Fund Expenses$133,683.21

Balance -$3,933.61

Although our actual expenses for2010 were less than projected by

l<t'o, our actual income was less thanprojected by 4 <t'o and our pledged

income for 2011 is projected to beless than 2010, which meansan

even larger deficit. T was relatingthe church's budget woes to afriend the other day and she

related the following story to me.

When you give someonea hug itbrings joy to that person and that

person's joy is spread to othersand their joy to others and so onand so on. And when you give your

financial pledge to your church it islike giving God a hug and his joy is

spread far and wide. Has yourwallet given God a hug today.

Please consider this when giving tothe church.

IPrayerfully yours :Janice Aagaard I

I II Treasurer II IL J

When God solves your problems, you have faithin His abilities, when God doesn't solve your

problems, He has faith in your abilities.

lOaTH ANNIVERSARY COMMEMORATIVE ITEMSARE STILL AVAILABLE Get Yours Today

T-SHIRT, PLATES, MUGS - Items are now halfprice or less.

: Office and Janitorial supplies greatly appreciated !~and needed. Suggestions are 81/2 X 11 white paper, :: 11 X 17 white, toilet paper, glass cleaner, ;: 33 gallon garbage bags. I

I1._--'---0-'-'-'-------'-'---'---'-'-'-'-'-'-'-'-'-'-'-._._.-._._'

"Many Thanks"To each of you for your love, prayers and the

wonderful cards and visits to mom during her finaldays. You are all very much appreciated ~~~

The Joy Chapman Family ; 7'First Congregational Church

Leader TrainingWill be held at Wright Church on

Saturday Feb. 12 from 9:00-3:00 p.m.Our Women's Fellowship will be providing

morning snacks, lunch, and afternoon snack.**Wright church ladies, if you are interested inassisting with lunch or providing snack items

please contact Janice Aagaard at 887-3854 forthe menu details.

OLD FASHIONED PIEAND ICE CREAM

COFFEE HOUR, SUNDAY, FEB. 13following worship.

Sponsored by The Wright Church SinglesFREE WILL OFFERING.

All money collected will go directly to ourgeneral fund to help balance the budget.

Celebrate Valentines Dayand Presidents Day

with a piece of Pie and ayummy scoop of

ice creamSun. Feb. 13

~'II

MEN'S BREAKFASTWill be Saturday, Feb. 5 in our social

hall beginning at 8:30 a.m.All men are encouraged to attend.

Great fellowship, food, programs andan all around good time. ~

_ .._ .._ .. _ .._ .._ .._ .. _ .._ .._ .._ .._ .._ ..,.!;,:- Sign up for Altar Flower 1-l sponsor and Coffee Hosts i~r··-··-··~-------------··~

lOur Food Pantry is empty.! Your donation of nonperishable items ~! and paper goods is greatly appreciated ~! NO open packages or out dated itemsL._ .._ .._ .. _ .._ .._ .._ .._ .._ .._ .._ .._ .._ .._ .._ .._.

YOUTH GROUPSUPER BOWL SUBS.

PLACE YOUR ORDER TODAY.Once again this year our youth group willbe making "special order" super bowl sub

sandwiches just for you.PLACE YOUR ORDER TODAY.

Our youth will be downstairs after worshipto help you with your order.

Your subs will be ready for you to pick upfollowing worship on Super Bowl Sunday,

Feb. 6

SAIL BOAT & SKI BOAT FOR SALEPilgrim Cove via Al Busche is selling two of the three boats presently in our dirt lot.

If you are interested please contact Al Busche at 383-9181. Want to have fun on a party barge?The pontoon boat could be available for rent once the season of boating comes upon us.

Contact Al Busche for details.

Stewardship Message from Carl Van Slyke

Raising Up Tomorrow's ClergyRochelle A. Stackhouse is the Senior Minister of The Church of the Redeemer, United Church ofChrist, New Haven Connectic-ut.

Here am 1; send me! Isaiah 6:8

If you own a UCC Desk Calendar, you will notice that every once in a whilethe Church has designated Sundays for special emphasis. At the end ofFebruary, the Calendar calls us to observe "Seminary Sunday/ChurchVocations Sunday." It's not one of those top ten Holy Days that manyobserve, but in the long Epiphany Season this year, you might want to take amoment to think about this one.

I am the second child and first daughter of my home church. I still give thanksfor all the support, both financial and spiritual, that my congregation gave memany years ago when I heard God's call and went to seminary. If your churchhas a student in discernment, preparing for ordained ministry, you arehonored indeed, and they need your care. If you don't, there are probablystudents somewhere in your Association or Conference who also need yourcare, for someday your church may be seeking a new pastor and you will relyon qualified candidates being available!

There's one more step you might take. When was the last time youencouraged a high school or college student in your congregation to considerordained ministry? Is there someone in your congregation feeling a call mid-career who needs encouragement and support? It takes a local congregationto raise up tomorrow's Clergy. Give thanks for your pastor; give help to thosewho will serve the next generation of your congregation!

ATTENTIONPLEASE READ AND BE THEREWHAT: Important Congregation Meeting

WHEN: Sunday, January 30, following worshipWHY: Installation of church officers---our leaders--- for 2011

Presentation and adoption of Church General Fund budgetfor 2011

There are some changes that have already been implemented and furtherchanges are planned as a result of decreased giving. It is important that

you be present to hear what is planned and why.

Called to Serve

Each of you were called to serve! Thank you for accepting the callto serve Wright Church for the year of our Lord 2011. The slate ofOfficers and Committee Chairs including the Diaconate representsthe best of our Church,

Service to our Church can be difficult but it is can also be veryrewarding. Conducting the business of our Church is a necessaryactivity, even if it is not a favorite activity of the Church.

Worshiping God, praising God as our heavenly Father, celebratingthe life of Christ, fellowship with other Christians, these arefavorite activities of our Church. Setting budgets, paying bills,setting priorities for limited resources, caring for our building,making difficult decisions regarding all manner of the affairs of theChurch are necessary activities, but not favorite activities of theChurch.

Yet here you are, answering the call to service. God chose you toconduct the business of Wright Church. God made the right choiceand knows as the Board and the Diaconate; we will make our bestdecisions to fulfill our role as leaders with in the Church.

In a prayer borrowed from These Days:

God, we give thanks for your dedicated people who share theirtalents freely. Give us strength and courage to carry out yourcalling. Amen

Respectfully submitted,Will Patterson, Board Chair

February 2011Sunday

28

Wednesday Thursday

25

Saturday

DMonday Tuesday

2

1:oop.m.Women'sFellowship

7:00 Choir Reh.

310:30 Bible Study

t-Book Club

6-Singles Movie/pizzanight, Youth room

Friday

4 58:30a.m.

Men's Breakfast

6r-

10:45 WorshipCommunion

Noon: FellowshipYouth Group

1

7:00 Alanon-Alateen

7 8 9

6:00 Huntington'sGroup Meeting

7:00 Choir Reh.

10

10:30 Bible Study

11 12

S-3:001st Church Leader

Trainingat Wright Church

Lunch provided byWright Church

Women's Fellowship

10:45 WorshipSunday School

Noon: Singles- Pie & IceCream fund raiserYouth Group

10:45 WorshipSunday SchoolNoon: FellowshipYouth Group

10:45 WorshipNoon: FellowshipYouth Group

5:30 BUGS board

7:00 Alanon-Alateen

1514

21 22

7:00 Alanon-Alateen

16

I 7:00 Board of IDirectors Meeting

7:00 Choir Reh.

23

7:00 Choir Reh.

17

10:30 Bible Study

2410:30 Bible Study

6:00 p.m.Community

Bench Supper

30 Hour amine youth groupver nighter

18 19

26

IN LOVING MEMORYLillian Brandt (1914-2011)

Last week one of our longtime members, LiJlian Brandt, passed away at the age of96. Lit and her late husband Ray had been members of our congregation since 1957.

Born and raised in the far north country of Minnesota, Lil was one of ten childrenraised on a farm. She and Ray were married in 1937, and were husband and wife for 62years until his death in 1999. They had two children, Jim and Jean, and through them, Lilis survived by six grandchildren and 15 great-grandchildren.

Lil and Ray first moved west during World War n and Ray worked in the PortlandShipyards. By 1953 they settled in Boise, just down the street from the church. Lil wasactive in Women's Fellowship, Sunday Worship, and many other projects of the churchthrough the years. She was also a longtime horsewoman, waitress, snowmobiler, traveler,gardener, and beloved mom, grandma, and friend to many. She was truly a sweet ladywho left a special mark on many people. We send her to heaven with much love!

*********Sadly, we just today received phone calls telling us that two longtime former

members have passed away in the last 24 hours: Frank Fry died at age 79 in his home stateof Pennsylvania, where he and his beloved wife Faye moved a few years ago. And 95-year-old David Wolfe passed away in Tuscon, AZ. He and his late wife Doris had been part ofWright for years. Dave also just moved a couple of years ago to Arizona to be near family.

i JAlVIES w.- MOORE_

VeSt-Lord,--11- [:~~lTl~_ l ,-Q- -I--- ------.:,. --

~. I~~'- - , .

~? 1Cli!l§ !»~"But

-I Have- Several:ExcellentExcuses -

Thursday Morning Bible Studybegins February 3. -10:30 a.m, in the youth room

''Yes.,Lord., I Have Sinned.,Intt IHave Several Excellent Excuses"

By James W. MooreStudy books are available near the Sanctuary or

call the office & we will hold one for you.Cost is $15.00

Everyone is welcomeBriug you fa;vorite Bible and share thc cxperience of great

discussion and fricmlsbip.

Wright Community Congregational ChurchUnited Church of Christ4821 Franklin RoadBOise, ID 83705(208) 343-0292

•••

~~I~t

~"~ L- ~

Happy BirthdaysFeb. 2011

2-Stephanie Bastow3-Pete Busche7-Maxine Briggs9-Ethel Farnsworthll-Steve RobbinsIS-John Tauati

William Tauati18-Ron Apperson19-5ally VanderVeen20-Dale Ramsey2S-Shirley Spiva27-Matt Gillmore

Happy AnniversaryFeb. 2011

N one known this month

A Non-ProfitOrganizationU.S. PostagePAIDBoise, IdahoPermit No. 127

I Return Service Requested I

SIGN UPS ARE NEEDED FOR BCOFFEE HOUR AND ALTAR FLOWERS "t _

SHEETS ARE DOWNSTAIRS

Thanks to everyone who agrees to help out on Sunday Mornings,as of this writing these folks are covering these areas:

Feb. 6:Greeters: Frank & Jama Capshaw

Flowers:Coffee Host:

Feb. 13:Greeters: Lois Taylor & Ann Durand

Flowers: Charlotte DayCoffee Host: Singles Group-s-Pie & Ice Cream

Feb. 20:Greeters: George & Nancy Miller

Flowers: Dale ShoemakerCoffee Host: Andrews Family

Feb. 27:Greeters: Dorothy & Gil Haskins

Flowers:Coffee Host: