1. Art and Diseño

February 2015
Voice of Faith
A Newsletter of Faith Presbyterian Church
Volume XLXVIII Issue 2
Dear Friends,
Faith’s
Leadership
Team
Tom Lovell
Pastor
256-881-4983
Holly H. Yeuell
Director of Christian
Education
256-881-1727
Sally M. Priester
Interim
Choir Director
256-881-0899
Shari Williams
Preschool Director
256-880-8218
Published by:
Faith Presbyterian
Church
5003 Whitesburg Dr.
Huntsville, AL
35802
Phone: 256-881-4811
Fax: 256-880-9355
Email:
[email protected]
Home Page:
http://presby.org
Find us on
FaceBook
As I noted in my message to you in the January newsletter, one of my hopes for our church
in 2015 is for each member of our congregation to become personally engaged in our ministry
in a tangible fashion. Our Elders and Deacons do a magnificent job of leading our ministries,
caring for our facilities, and providing the necessary supportive assistance which enables Faith
Presbyterian Church to respond to God’s call upon us. However, the responsibility of
supporting and being involved in the ministry of the church is not and should not be reserved
only for those who have been ordained to office as Elders or Deacons. We have elected these
men and women to lead us in ministry, and in order for them to do so effectively, the
congregation needs to be actively involved in the programs and ministries of our church as
well.
Opportunities to engage in the ministry of our church abound, and the best way for you to
become involved is to participate in the work of one of our Sessional or Diaconate Committees.
Each of these committees has specific needs ranging from serving on the committee itself to
plan and implement programs, events, and ministries, to assisting in those programs, events,
and ministries. There are opportunities for engagement in one-time events as well as short and
long-term involvement. I am confident that there is a place for each member of our
congregation to become actively engaged in our ministry.
There is a question which I heard posed to a congregation many years ago, and as corny as it
may sound, it is one that seems fitting as we contemplate our engagement in the life and
ministry of the church. The question asks: “If every member were a member like me, what
kind of church would my church be?” In its section on the meaning of church membership,
the Book of Order of the PCUSA offers these words: “Membership in the Church of Jesus
Christ is a joy and a privilege. It is also a commitment to participate in Christ’s mission. A
faithful member bears witness to God’s love and grace and promises to be involved
responsibly in the ministry of Christ’s Church.”
In his first Letter to the Corinthians, the Apostle Paul describes the Church as the Body of
Christ, which, just like our individual bodies, is composed of a variety of different parts, each
vitally important to the health of the entire body. Each one of our members, each of you who
are reading this newsletter is vitally important to the life and ministry of Faith Presbyterian
Church and it is my prayer that during the coming months, you will seek to discover ways in
which you can become personally involved in our ministry. I am confident that the more we
engage the members of our congregation in the ministry of our church, the more we will be
able to engage the community and world in which we live with the good news of Jesus Christ.
I look forward to sharing this wondrous journey with you!
Grace & Peace,
Tom Lovell
Voice of Faith—February 2015
Jan and Richard Stairhime
Dear Faith Family,
are proud to announce their son,
I’d like to thank our Faith family for your concern
and prayers during my recent fall and illness. We
very much appreciated the home communion (Stan
Cowan and George Edlin) and the many cards and
phone calls. Knowing what a caring church we have
provides a lot of comfort.
Rick Stairhime,
was ordained and installed on January 11th, 2015
as a Deacon in the First Presbyterian Church
In Charlottesville, VA.
Jan & Richard are excited grandparents-to-be
as Rick and his wife Anne are expecting
their first baby in May.
Brenda Ray
Volunteer Needed
The Elderly Mission Project at FPC needs a person(s) willing to deliver a 50 lb. box of non-perishable food
once a month to a couple on Stevens Avenue (in the 5 Points area). This service would take about an hour a
month, and if you wish, a smaller box may be brought to divide the food so carrying it would be easier. The
time and day of delivery is your choice, but it needs to be within a week after the 3rd Thursday of the month.
Thanks for your consideration.
Billy Spears, Elderly Mission Project Coordinator
256-536-2912 or [email protected]
WEDNESDAY NIGHT
SUPPERS
February 4th: Hamburger Steak with Gravy,
Sweet Potato Fries, Green Beans with Onions,
Salad, Rolls, Cream Cheese Coffee Cake
LUNCH AT FAITH
February 11th: Pot Pies, Herbed Corn, Salad,
Rolls, Banana Bread Brownies
Monday, February 9th
at 11:30 a.m.
In the Fellowship Hall
February 18th: Red Beans & Rice with
Sausage, Potato Salad, Maque Choux Corn
Casserole, Green Salad,
Bread Pudding with Custard Sauce
February 25th: Stuffed Bell Peppers, Roasted
Carrots, Mashed Potatoes, Rolls, Salad,
Berry Pie Bars
The program will be Andrea Williams, Director
of the 305 Eighth Street House. She runs this
halfway house for people who fall through the
government cracks.
This has been a multigenerational calling for her family.
To make your reservations, please contact the
church office at 256-881-4811 or email
[email protected].
The menu will be Orange Marmalade Chicken, Au
Gratin Potatoes, Mixed Salad, Rolls and Dessert
Surprise.
You can also make standing reservations!
Questions or food allergy issues, please email
Rachel at [email protected].
We would love to have you join us!!!
2
Voice of Faith—February 2015
Women of the Church
The Women of the Church will gather on Tuesday, February 3rd at 9:00 am in room 109
for a time of fellowship, food, Bible study, and service. Our Bible study, led this month
by Holly Yeuell, is Lesson Six: The Aroma of God Among Us from 2 Corinthians 2:14-17
and 6:14-7:1. Hostesses for this meeting are Pat Bartman and Dee Schmidt with Jeanne
Hightower serving as our Moderator. Betty Lou Grigsby will be finalizing the plans for the February
service project: The WOC-sponsored WHITESBURG TEACHER LUNCHEON scheduled for Friday,
February 6th from 11:30-1:00 at Whitesburg P8 School. Women of all ages and stages of life are invited to
come and join us!
Wednesday Night Bible Study in February
As we gather for the first two Wednesday evenings in February, our topic will be, “Learning
From Children.” Using the wisdom found in some classic children’s literature we will reflect
upon and discuss God’s presence in our lives and what it means to be part of the Body of
Christ.
The third Wednesday in February is Ash Wednesday which means that following our regular
meal, we will gather in the Sanctuary at 6:15 pm for our Ash Wednesday Service.
On February 25th, we will begin a Lenten Study entitled, “Final Words From the Cross,” using a video series
created by Dr. Adam Hamilton, who also authored the series we used this past Advent season.
You are invited
to attend a
Music Ministry Update
As we move through this time of transition in
the leadership of our Music Ministry, we want
to thank Sally Priester for serving as our Interim
Choir Director and Christopher-Joel Carter, IV
for his assistance with the music for our 8:30
am service. The search process for a new
Director of Music Ministries will begin soon
and we covet your prayers as we seek the one
whom God will call to join us in ministry.
Casual Reception
to celebrate the wedding of
Brenda Carney & Stan Cowan
on
Sunday, March 1, 2015
3:00 - 5:00 pm
in the Fellowship Hall
Join us for a me of congratula ng the newlyweds and welcoming Brenda to the Faith community! In lieu of gi s, you are invited to make a dona on to Faith Presbyterian or your favorite charity. Hostesses for the recep on are: Margaret Murray, Clairene Runnion, Krista Lovell, Pat Bartman, Joyce Doolin, Be y Lou Grigsby, Nancy Hamilton, Candace Krugh, Libba Nicholson, Jan Miller, Cassandra Murray, Pa Powell, Be y Richardson, Lana Smith, Shirley Stokes, and Claire Whitmore We have the following opportunities for you to
be involved in our music ministry:
Choir - rehearsals on Wednesdays at 6:15 pm
Hand Bells - rehearsals on Sundays at 4:00 pm
Sally is adding a 5th Grade Hand Chimes
group very soon. Please contact her at 256-429
-9162 or [email protected] if you are
interested.
3
Voice of Faith—February 2015
4
Voice of Faith—February 2015
MILITARY PERSONNEL UPDATE
It is easy sometimes for us all to slip into casual optimism as a war appears to come to a close. The
drawing down of formalized troop involvements in Afghanistan, for example, encourages us to imagine a
time when our church family will have no members in uniform. Sadly, that is unlikely to ever be the case.
The American abolitionist Wendell Phillips said in 1852," Eternal vigilance is the price of liberty", and
the post-9/11, ISIS-ascendant world in which we live today underlines the truth of that statement. Let us
continue then to be aware of and ever-thankful for the thirteen members of the Faith Presbyterian Church
family who still wear our nation's uniforms:
CPT Scott Warnke, US Army, grandson of Jeannie and Russ Davis - Assigned to Naval Post-Graduate
School, Monterey, CA, where he is pursuing a Master's degree in Systems Engineering.
SEAMAN Josh Fohner, US Navy, grandson of Phyllis Fohner and son of Kelly and Mike Fohner Medically discharged as a result of injuries sustained during SEAL training. Currently at home in
Arkansas.
SSG Chris Lovelace, US Army, Grandson of Jan Newell - Continues to serve in his assignment at Ft.
Bliss, El Paso, TX.
PVT Kim Lovelace, US Army, wife of Chris Lovelace - serving alongside her husband in TX.
CPT Andrew Wilson, US Army, husband of Emily Caldwell Wilson - Continues to serve in his
assignment in Ft. Carson, CO, where he is accompanied b y his wife.
A1C Benjamin Satake, US Air Force, grandson of Betty Lou Grigsby - Still serving as an aircraft
mechanic at Dyess-Merkel Air Force Base, TX. He is accompanied by his wife and two children.
PO3 Peter Martin, US Navy, son of Bridgett and Phillip Martin - Continues to serve aboard a ship
stationed in Sasebo, Japan. He became engaged while home for a short while over Christmas.
Congratulations to the entire Martin family!
AIRMAN Tyler Torres, US Air Force, grandson of Betty and Billy Spears - Continues to serve in
Incirlik, Turkey, after a short visit home for the holidays.
PVT Jeffrey Powell, US Marine Corps, grandson of Charlotte and Wayne Miller - Completed basic
training in late January and is awaiting February orders while on leave at home in Dothan.
SPEC James Campbell, US Army, son of Kerry and Jim Campbell - Has returned from duty in Cuba and
anticipates orders to WA in the near future.
PFC Cameron Campbell, US Army, son of Kerry and Jim Campbell - Anticipating deployment overseas
in April or May.
CPT Doug Reynolds, US Army, son of Rebecca and Bob Reynolds - Continues to serve as a support
group commanding officer at Ft, Carson, CO.
MAJ Bo Reynolds, US Army, son of Rebecca and Bob Reynolds - Still deployed overseas, while serving
as a headquarters company commander out of Ft. Benning, GA.
5
Voice of Faith—February 2015
OPPORTUNITIES FOR MINISTRY AND SERVICE
Faith Presbyterian Church
2015
Below is a list of our Sessional and Diaconate Committees along with a brief description of their work and the
Elders and Deacons assigned to them. You are encouraged to review this information, decide where your gifts and
talents can be best used and to contact one of the respective Elders and Deacons to volunteer to share in that
ministry.
Session Committees:
Worship: The Worship Committee is responsible for planning, implementing and supporting all of the worship
opportunities of the congregation. Volunteers are needed to support our music ministry, to prepare Communion,
to usher, to serve as greeters, to assist with seasonal worship opportunities and in many other ways. Elders Wayne
Whitmore and Mariam Steele serve as our Worship Committee Elders.
Discipleship: The Discipleship Committee is responsible for our church’s ministry of Christian Education, which
includes our Youth programs, Sunday School, Vacation Bible School and weekly Bible study opportunities.
Teaching, working in the nursery, assisting the classroom, accompanying the youth, and leading Bible studies are
among the opportunities for ministry available through this committee. Elders Nancy Beason and Erin Cobb serve
as our Discipleship Committee Elders.
Outreach: The Outreach Committee is responsible for engaging our congregation in mission and ministry to our
community and beyond. Faith has a long history of mission involvement and with the retirement of Frank
Broyles, we need the input of many to continue this vital aspect of Faith’s ministry. Volunteers are needed to
serve as contact persons for our partner mission agencies, to be personally involved in mission projects, to
organize various mission events and to help coordinate the wide variety of missions in which we are engaged.
Elders Joel Robinson and Bob Captain serve as our Outreach Committee Elders.
Fellowship: The Fellowship Committee is responsible for nurturing the community life of our congregation and
does so by providing dinners, events, outings and other gatherings which brings the members of our congregation
together. New ideas for fellowship are always welcome and there is a constant need for assistance with organizing
and implementing our activities. Elders Bob Ogle, Candace Krugh, and Joyce Doolin serve as our Fellowship
Committee Elders.
Evangelism: The Evangelism Committee is responsible for discovering ways in which we can share the good
news of Jesus Christ and the good news about Faith Presbyterian Church to our community. Sharing what our
church does and finding ways to invite others to join with us in ministry is the primary purpose of the Evangelism
Committee and assistance is needed with keeping our Website up-to-date and helping us to discover ways to reach
those in our community who may be in search of a church home. Elders Mike Garber and Henry Norton serve as
our Evangelism Committee Elders.
Stewardship & Finance: The Stewardship & Finance Committee is responsible for creating and overseeing the
annual budget as well as assisting with our annual Stewardship Campaign each fall. Assistance is needed in
keeping track of the church’s finances, promoting faithful stewardship among our members and developing our
annual stewardship campaign. Elders Ron Miller and Bob Reynolds serve as our Stewardship & Finance Elders.
6
Voice of Faith—February 2015
Personnel: The Personnel Committee is responsible for overseeing, evaluating, and supporting the members of
the church staff. Since our staff members engaged in a variety of functions, we are always in need of members
who are willing to provide support and encouragement to our staff members. Elders Steve Murray and Richard
Stairhime serve as the Personnel Committee Elders.
Diaconate Committee:
This year, we revised the organizational structure of our Board of Deacons into three Ministry Teams which are
described below. Each of these teams is composed of several Deacons who will welcome your involvement in
their ministry.
Care and Nurture of Members Ministry Team: This Ministry Team is responsible for providing assistance,
care, and support for our members who may be experiencing a time of difficulty in their lives as well as seeking to
integrate visitors and new members into the life of our congregation. Some of the ways in which this Ministry
Team provides care and support for our members include: providing meals in times of crisis or need, providing
transportation to/from therapy and other appointments, sending cards to members, assisting with receptions or
meals for the family in times of death, visiting hospitalized members when Tom is away, and helping visitors and
new members assimilate into the life of the church. If you are interesting in assisting this Ministry Team, the
Deacons serving on this team are: Holly Wilks, Cheryl B. Adams, Meredith Ennis, Connie Burnside, Camille,
Solley, Stan Cowan, and Marcia Flatau.
Buildings and Grounds Ministry Team: The responsibilities of this team are pretty self-explanatory as its
members are responsible for the upkeep of our entire church campus. From overseeing the work of our lawn care
service, to working with our HVAC contractor, to trimming bushes, painting rooms, making minor repairs, to
scheduling and supervising other maintenance work, the B & G Ministry Team needs lots of hands to keep our
buildings and grounds looking nice and in working order. You can assist by attending seasonal work days,
sharing your “handy-person” skills, or by being part of a regular work group for our buildings or grounds. Serving
on this Ministry Team are Deacons John Spears, Libba Nicholson, Tom Jarvinen, Joe Powell and Tom Erwin.
Administration Ministry Team: This Ministry Team is responsible for the maintenance of our office systems
and equipment, the security of our building as well as the receipt of our weekly offering. Volunteers are needed to
assist with keeping our building safe, our computers in working order (in concert with our much-valued technical
expert, Ron Jones), overseeing the function of our other office equipment and the counting, recording and
depositing of our weekly offering. Deacons Betty Richardson, Anna Norton, Sally Priester, and Jack Chapman
are assigned to this Ministry Team.
7
Voice of Faith—February 2015
6:00 PM
Presbytery
Cluster Mtg. - FH
February
2015
All events are subject to change. Please complete a Facility Use Form to reserve a room.
You can find the form on our website
(www.presby.org) or at the church office.
Thank you!
8
Voice of Faith—February 2015
Preschool News
Happy New Year! Preschool staff and students are so excited to return to Faith after
our Christmas vacation and have hit the ground running. The students continue to learn
about God’s grace and love, and they practice thankful prayers daily. Although we stay
bundled up inside during most of the winter months, we occasionally have warm
enough weather to play on the playgrounds- which remains such a special treat (especially with our new play
structure).
Many thanks go out to Mike Garber for updating our website. The link remains intact from the church’s
website, or you can visit it directly at: www.preschoolpresby.org.
Registration for the upcoming 2014-2015 school year for currently enrolled students is Wednesday, February
4. It opens to the general population on Monday, February 9. We have a few open spots remaining in our
Toddler, Three, and Four year old classes. If you, or someone you know, are interested in a part-time
preschool program, please contact the preschool office at 256-880-8218 or [email protected]. We gladly
provide tours and additional information about our preschool program throughout the year. Please help us get
the word out about our fabulous, faith-based program!
Grace and peace, Shari Williams, Preschool Director
Christian Education Happenings
from Holly Yeuell, Director of Christian Education ([email protected] or 256-881-1727)
Youth Sunday is February 22!
The Faith Youth will lead worship on the first Sunday of Lent,
February 22. There will be one worship service at 10:30 am in
the Fellowship Hall. Come be part of an exciting worship time
exploring this year’s theme, Way to Pray!
LOGOS is here!
Great news! We are partnering with First Presbyterian Huntsville to provide the wonderful Wednesday
night program LOGOS for children, youth, and families. LOGOS is a FUN program that includes
worship skills (usually music), Bible Study, and family style dinners with crazy themes. LOGOS meets at
First PC from 5:00-7:00 pm on Wednesdays. Please see Holly Yeuell to find out how YOU can sign up!
February Youth Fellowship:
February 1:
February 8:
February 15:
February 22:
skip MS Youth
2:30-4:00 pm MS Youth Fun
skip MS Youth
2:30-4:00 pm All Youth Fun
5:30-7:00 pm Sr. High Supper and Bible at the Yeuells’
4:00-5:00 pm Sr. High Starbucks
5:30-7:00 pm Sr. High Pizza Program at church
YOUTH REMINDERS:
Presbytery Youth Retreat, March 13-15.
VBS
Summer mission trip and youth conferences are registering NOW.
Please see Ms. Holly for more information about these you-will-want-to-go events!
9
July 7-10
Voice of Faith—February 2015
News from Mervat Nuwayhid….
Dear friends, I am thankful to the Lord for your care, support and prayer over the years.
My boys and I are grateful to each one of you for standing with us as we reach others with
the gospel, and for all your prayers for our family. The Lord has blessed me with a strong
friendship among the moms and patients from the hospital where I serve as a spiritual care
volunteer. Please pray that the Lord would give me wisdom to know how to help each
family as it is needed. The Lord has opened the door for me to work with the International Learning Center in
Jacksonville, FL to help teach English as a second language while using Bible curriculum and Christian
values. The Lord has put it on my heart to open a center in Orlando to help families that come as refugees or
immigrants from the Middle East, especially the families who are sick with cancer that come to the Mayo
Clinic for treatment. Most of the families are Muslims. Please pray that God would open the door for me to
share His Word with those families, and help see where God will fit in their life despite cancer and hard
situations. I continue to provide meals and cupcakes to the families in the hospital and I continue to send
Sunday School materials overseas to four countries. In him, Mervat
Mervat’s ministry is a part of our 2015 Outreach budget. You are invited to send Mervat a note of
encouragement to 320 Wolfberry Lane, Chuluota, FL 32766 or [email protected]
10
Voice of Faith—February 2015
With the first meeting of 2015 and new members on the Session, the first order of business was committee
assignments. Those assignments and a description of committee responsibilities can be found within this
newsletter.
In addition, the Session approved Linda Rass to continue as the Stated Clerk, and Margaret Morrison and
Marilyn McGhee as Treasurers for 2015. Henry Norton was elected commissioner to the next Presbytery
Meeting (February 21st at First Presbyterian, Florence) and Krista Lovell will be the alternate. At the
Presbytery Meeting, Dr. Lovell will be installed as the moderator of Presbytery for 2015. The Presbytery will
vote proposed on proposed amendments to our Book of Order during this meeting. Open meetings to review
and discuss these amendments will be held within the Presbytery including one held here at Faith on Tuesday,
February 10th at 6:30 pm.
Dr. Lovell carried over two weeks of unused vacation into 2015 and will take one of those weeks March 4-11,
2015. Becca Phillips was approved to preach at both services on March 8th. The Session approved an
Operating Budget of $607,095 for 2015. The details of this budget will be presented to the congregation at the
Annual Meeting scheduled for February 1st. After considerable discussion and prayer concerning the need to
move in a new direction with the leadership of the church’s music ministry, the Session approved a motion to
release Bill Hovik from his position as our Director of Music Ministry and provide him with a fair and
reasonable severance.
The Session will have its annual retreat on February 6-7. 2015 in the Fellowship Hall. The next Session
meeting will be on the 7th at the conclusion of the retreat.
Annual Meeting of the Congregation on
Sunday, February 1st at 9:45 am in the Fellowship Hall.
Please bring a breakfast finger food to share.
FINAN¢IALLY $PEAKING
INCOME/EXPENSES
PLEDGES & NON-PLEDGED
DEC
DEC
Y-T-D
Y-T-D
INCOME
$82,615
$617,566
ACTUAL
$80,103
$585,944
EXPENSES
$62,860
$608,118
BUDGET
$49,583
$595,000
$19,755
$9,448
$30,520
$(9,056)
On-line giving is through Logos Ministry Connection.
To create an account, go to https://
presby.logosconnect.com. If you need help setting up your account with Logos Ministry Connection, please
contact the church office. Copies of the monthly summary of the finances of the church are available outside
the church office.
Margaret Morrison, Treasurer
11
Voice of Faith—February 2015
Voice of Faith
Inside This Issue:
From the Pastor
Thank You Note
Congratulations
Volunteer Needed
Lunch at Faith
Wednesday Night Suppers
Women of the Church
Wednesday Night Bible Study
Music Ministry
Carney-Cowan Reception
Faith Mission Challenge
Military Personnel Update
Opportunities for Ministry & Service
February 2015 Calendar
Preschool News
Christian Education Happenings
Outreach Update
Session Synopsis
Annual Congregational Meeting
Financially Speaking
1
2
2
2
2
2
3
3
3
3
4
5
6
8
9
9
10
11
11
11
The Church Office
will be closed on
Monday, February 16th
in observance of
Non-Profit Organization
U.S. Postage
PAID
Permit No. 332
Huntsville, AL
Faith Presbyterian Church
5003 Whitesburg Drive
Huntsville, Alabama 35802
Return Service Requested
Worship Attendance
8:30
58
50
47
83
January 4th
January 11th
January 18th
January 25th
10:30
113
115
109
98
March 2015
is Tuesday, February 17th
Please e-mail your article to
[email protected] or place in
the newsletter box by the church
office door.
Worship Themes for February
February 1st
Communion
Souperbowl of Caring Sunday
“It’s What We Do”
Matthew 25:31-46
February 8th
“Don’t Forget, Don’t Ever Forget!”
Isaiah 40:21-31
February 15th
Transfiguration Sunday
“Listen to Him!”
Mark 9:2-9; Exodus 24:12-18
February 18th
Ash Wednesday Worship
“Heartfelt and Honest Confession”
February 22nd
First Sunday in Lent
One service at 10:30 am
Psalm 51
Youth Sunday
February Birthdays
5th
5th
8th
8th
9th
9th
9th
10th
14th
Dave McGhee
Beth Whitener
Christopher-Joel Carter, IV
Haley Chapman (14)
Lana Smith
Rebecca Reynolds
Brent Beason
Katie Captain
John Haley
15th
15th
16th
18th
18th
18th
19th
19th
22nd
Tyler Edmondson
Karson Edlin (13)
Katie Lott
Jim Duncan
Carol Lynn
Natalie Karigan (1)
Marley Woody (21)
Reece Adams (13)
Doris Martin
12
22nd
22nd
23rd
25th
25th
26th
27th
28th
Ann Redus
Ginger McElhaney (5)
Sarah Curtis
Nita Garrett
Rasheed Antonios
Henry Norton
Jessica Offutt
Cort Flatau (7)