The Visitor Community Church at Tellico Village February 2015 Living Boldly Women's Retreat April 10-12, 2015 Ridgecrest Conference Center (near Asheville) “For God didn’t give us a spirit of fear, but of power, love, and self-control.” If you want to realize the promise of this verse from 2 Timothy 1:7, then consider joining the women of the Community Church at Tellico Village for our retreat “Living Boldly”. Gathered with other women in the beautiful Blue Ridge Mountains of western North Carolina, you will feel like you’re miles away from the rest of the world. So come away. Explore the depths of faith. Return to “Live Boldly” in the days to come. Worship leader for the conference, Nancy Owen, has also served as Worship Leader for WednesdayChurch! at the Community Church for over five years. She has an extensive music background and enjoys connecting people with the love of God and the worship that follows. Debra Walters is conference retreat leader and a Board Certified Chaplin. She has served Asera Care Hospice in Atlanta for eight years in pastoral care and grief counseling. She began this journey into spiritual direction and end of life care over thirty years ago. Debra also has a masters in ministry from McAfee School of Theology at Mercer University where she is obtaining her doctoral degree in ministry. She has also written extensively on Living Boldly and Dying Well and currently is a bible teacher and leads a prayer team ministry. Registration forms and detailed information available at the Welcome Desk or church office. Registration Deadline February 22, 2015 FAITH NOW: How did we get here? Feb. 6-7, 2015 Cost $20 per person includes 4 sessions and lunch Led by William and Carolyn Blevins How did Christianity become what it is? What happened throughout the course of history to bring Christianity to where it is today? What influenced Christianity in America as we know it? Why so many Christian denominations? What’s unique about Christianity in America? How do we stand up for religious freedom today? Join friends from the Community Church at Tellico Village as we explore these questions and more in our winter conference entitled, “Faith Now: How Did We Get Here?” Led by scholars Bill and Carolyn Blevins, retired professors of religion from Carson-Newman University, each session will take us on a journey through history from the birth of Jesus up to contemporary issues such as “How do we protect religious freedom in today’s multicultural society?” So join us February 6-7, 2015 for this enlightening conversation which will challenge your minds and deepen your faith. Registration Deadline Feb. 1, 2015 brua ONE ANOTHERING... “Pathfinders” My friend Tom McKibbens is interim pastor at the church I just left. It is in a similar place as this one; not geographically but situationally. He points out that there are two ways a congregation can spend the interim period between settled pastors. The most common way is by reclining. The easy-chair model; that charges a search committee to go fishing for another senior pastor and in the interim wait till the new pastor arrives to set a course of action. That is the typical way most churches proceed. A more productive way he calls the pathfinder model. A pathfinder never remains in neutral but moves ahead, deliberately, aware of the terrain so the church can continue to improve, change and experiment. Yes, even during the interim. That’s what interims are for. The search process swings both ways. The committee has questions of the candidate and the candidate will have questions of the church. My biggest question would be how adaptable is this place? Some? Not much? Some of each? Just realize this. Fit is not static but dynamic. Fit is not a one time thing. Having a good fit is always in a constant state of adjustment. Those unwilling to adjust will not have a good fit in any endeavor. How willing are our people to adjust to the new and unfamiliar? I have been able to experience some of that firsthand in my time here. The Apostle Paul provides us with the biblical formula (Philippians 3:13-14). The most important thing is Paul didn’t see himself as one who has “arrived.” But he offers three areas that make for a successful process: “forgetting what lies behind,” “straining toward what lies ahead,” and “pressing toward the goal.” Three qualities that surely make for healthy pastor/congregational relationships: flexibility, persistence, and perseverance. When those three are present church can be good. Without any one of them, not much. I hope our church will have the pathfinder approach. I believe it has the most to offer. Br’er Dan 2nd mile smiles: to Lowell Studebaker for his volunteer work with the Fire Department and rescue efforts. At Ease in Zion Council Notes The council spent a large portion of the January meeting discussing the 2015 church budget. However, we were not able to finalize the budget in order to present it to the membership for their approval. We need your help! One thing that is delaying our action is we have not received responses from all of you. There are almost 100 boxes of offering envelopes that remain in the narthex. If you haven’t returned your pledge card, please do so, and don’t forget to pick up your box of offering envelopes. An update on the senior pastor search. The final four candidates have been selected. They should be in Tellico in February for face to face meetings with the search team. Your continued prayers for the success of their selection would be helpful. In His service, George M. Walter Council Chairperson Community Church Concert Series Spring 2015 Mayuki Miyashita Concert Pianist Sunday, February 15 4:00 p.m. Prodigy pianist Mayuki Miyashita was the 2014 Young Classical Musicians Competition winner, and won second place in the 2013 Kaufman Music Center International Youth Piano Competition in New York. Tickets $10 each and can be purchased in the narthex on Sundays or the church office. 1865: Anonymous 4 With Bruce Molsky March 12, 2015 7:00 p.m. The four vocalists of Anonymous 4 have performed for sold-out audiences on major concert series throughout the world. Joining with Bruce Molsky, the Rembrandt of Appalachian fiddle, they explore the music of the Civil War. Tickets $10.00 each. The Raleigh Ringers Saturday, May 2, 2015 7:00 p.m. America’s premier, professional handbell ensemble combines technical artistry with innovative staging and showmanship. Tickets $10 each. Adult Christian Education Opportunities Center for Lifelong Learning Winter-Spring 2015 Weekly Small Groups: Seekers: Adult Co-Ed Small Group Bible Study Leader: Shared Leadership—Facilitated by Rev. Dr. Sarah Hallstrand Time: Sundays at 9:15 AM Place: The Fireside Room, off the Founder’s Chapel Description: The Seekers class uses the Adult Bible Series published by the United Methodist Church’s Abingdon Press. The February theme is “Stewardship for Life.” Discussionbased. The Seekers welcome all with open arms. New! Adult Co-Ed Small Group Bible Study Leader: Marian Smith Time: Sundays at 9:15 AM beginning January 11 Place: Lower Level CLC Room B Description: This is a new class that will begin with Max Lucado’s book on Acts. Each individual or couple will have a book to use for preparation before class, but can also be completed during class. Discussion-based. All are welcome! Adult Co-Ed Small Group Bible Study Leaders: Nancy Owen & Helen Tate Time: Wednesdays at 3:00 PM Place: The Parlor (across from the Narthex Café) Description: This is a class started by members of the WednesdayChurch! Praise Team, open to all. Study subjects include: knowing God, growth in faith and beliefs, maturing in the Christian Life, understanding and using personal gifts. Discussion-based. Call Helen Tate (423-884-2793) for more information. Women’s Small Group Bible Study Leader: Linda Collins Time: Thursdays at 9:30 AM Place: The “White House” Library Description: This is an in-depth Bible study with the free exchange of ideas. Some homework encouraged. All ladies welcome to attend! WednesdayChurch! Lenten Series Exploring the Human Journey. Topics Include Created from Dust In the Image of God Male and Female To Care for Creation Jesus, Our Model To Whom Much Is Given Much Is Required The Journey begins with the imposition of ashes on Ash Wednesday, February 18th, 6:00 P.M. Join Us! Community Church at Tellico Village December 2014 Financial Update Summary: While pledges fell short of budget by $43K (3.1%), we were able to more than offset it through the mortgage restructuring we accomplished in March. Our financial expenses were $91K below budget and most all other areas were at or below budget as well. For the year total revenue was above expenses by $42K, which was added to our Operating & Building Reserves. One positive area of overspending was in our missions area where our special missions collections exceeded both budget and 2013. Our balance sheet ended the year in great shape. The Operating and Building Reserves are now over $265K. Prepaid pledges (2015 pledges made in 2014) are over $150K. This is important as it helps the church to meet its obligations through the year. Most importantly, Imagine Campaign contributions in December enabled us to pay down an additional $90K on our mortgage balance. The mortgage balance at the end of 2014 was down to $4,441K. While this may still seem like a lot, we celebrate this level because, collectively, we have paid off ½ of the initial cost of the new sanctuary. We are truly blessed to have such a generous congregation! We are still missing a few 2015 pledge cards. Pledges are an important tool in helping us plan for our financial needs. So, if you still haven’t submitted your pledge card, please contact Carrie Tatman in the accounting office to help us complete our 2015 Budget. 2014 was a very successful year for the church. We enter 2015 with new challenges to do God’s work. Thank you for your support! Community Church at Tellico Village Income Statement - Full Year 2014 ($1,000) Actual Budget Fav/(Unfav) 1,512.5 1,567.7 (55.2) Operations 183.1 187.5 4.4 Personnel 653.1 656.5 3.4 Missions 137.4 128.9 (8.5) Ministries 65.5 81.9 16.4 Finance 430.8 522.3 91.5 1,469.9 1,577.1 107.2 42.6 (9.4) 52.0 Revenue Expenses: Total Expenses Surplus/(Deficit)(1) (1) Money added to or used for reserves Community Church at Tellico Village Cash Reserves ($1,000) Mortgage Status (1,000’s) December 31, 2014 Cash 6.6 2014 Balance – Jan. 1, 2014 5,130.4 Operating Reserve Fund 173.3 Debt Reduction Fund 10.1 Reduced Through Imagine Contributions 480.0 Prepaid Pledges 150.2 Monthly Mortgage Payments 209.5 Building Maintenance Reserve 92.0 Other Reserves 113.3 Balance – Dec. 31, 2014 4,440.9 Book Review Dr. Robert M. Puckett LET ME TELL YOU A STORY, Life Lessons from Unexpected Places and Unlikely People; Tony Campolo, Thomas Nelson, Nashville, 2000, 223 pages, $12.99. EARTHY MYSTICISM, Spirituality for Unspiritual People; Tex Sample, Abingdon Press, Nashville, 208, Paperback, 104 pages. CRADDOCK STORIES; Fred B. Craddock (Edited by Mike Graves and Richard Ward), Chalice Press, St . Louis, Missouri, 2001, Paperback,155 Pages. All the best preachers I ever heard were great storytellers, and Tony Campolo, Tex Sample, and Fred Craddock are among the best. They learned the art of storytelling from Jesus whose parables are among the greatest stories ever told. Stories well told have the power to be entertaining and captivating at the same time. Clarence Jordan practiced that art well. His stories often snuck up on you and suddenly you knew that they were about you! Tony Campolo is a pastor, author, lecturer and professor of sociology at Eastern College, in St. Davids, Pennsylvania. He says that he learned the importance of storytelling from the Danish philosopher Soren Kierkegaard who declared that the Christian gospel is not so much heard as it is overheard! In fact it is always overheard if it is heard at all according to Kierkegaard. What is overheard is the major theme of this book. Many of these stories reveal how God loves all people of all races and tribes. One such story is the Hasidic story of when the Israelites are delivered from the Egyptians at the Red Sea and the Egyptian armies are drowned. There is a big celebration in heaven and one of the angels asked archangel Michael, “Where is God?” Michael answered, “God is off weeping because many thousands of His children were drowned today!” Then there is the story of the African-American woman who worked in a soup kitchen. (p. 9) As the door was opened for the hungry street people to come in she prayed, “Lord, we know you’ll be comin’ through the line today, so help us to treat them well!” (p. 28) Finally, there is the story of the elderly woman who underwent serious surgery when her prospect of recovery was slim. “The first thing she saw when she opened her eyes was the blurred image of her doctor in his white doctor’s jacket. She smiled and said, ‘Hello, God! My name is Mary!’ That is faith’s assurance in action.” (p. 204) Tex Sample is a freelance lecturer, workshop leader, and preacher. He was the Bible leader at the Annual Conference of the International Council of Community Churches last summer in Omaha. He confesses that he does not find much help in conventional approaches to spirituality. He is moved best by his observance of what is going on in ordinary human lives, and this is what his stories are about. Stanley Hauerwas says about Earthy Mysticism “To tell a truthful story well is not easily done. To tell a truthful story well about God’s refusal to abandon us is even harder. But in this beautiful book of pain, tragedy, and healing Tex Sample tells stories of God’s refusal to abandon us truthfully.” His most moving story for me was about his personal experience working in the oil fields of Mississippi when he was eighteen. The work was hard and it was hot that summer. He worked with an older African American who knew more about the work than Tex did but he was white, so he was the boss. One morning the water can had been stolen off the truck but Tex decided to go ahead without one. His fellow worker found an old rusty syrup can and filled it with water. As they struggled through the day, the heat got the best of him and he had to accept the black man’s offer of water from the rusty syrup can. Having never drunk from anything after a black person, he took the can with a trembling hand and drank. He said “As I drank, it hit me. This is the cup of salvation given for you... I was being served Communion!” (p. 35) One of Craddock’s most moving stories was about an experience in the middle of winter in a Canadian bus station where he was served some awful soup. He could not eat it, but it was warm. A poor woman came and asked for a glass of water. The greasy spoon waiter demanded that she had to buy something in order to get the water and stay long enough to get warm. She had no money and was told she must leave. When she started to leave, everyone there got up to leave with her and the waiter said, “All right, all right, she can stay.” Everybody sat down, and he brought her a bowl of soup. Fred decided to try the soup again and found that it was not so bad after all. He said, “I have no idea what kind of soup it was. but I do recall when I was eating it, it tasted a little bit like bread and wine. Just a little like bread and wine.” (p. 84) A good story well told can fill one’s life with deeper meaning!! Adopt a Valentine Financial Yeast Seminar February is “Adopt a Valentine Month” benefitting the Kids First Child Advocacy Center. You can “adopt” one or more children for $25 each. Your gift will be used in the crucial work of helping abused children. Offerings can be put in the Special Offering Envelopes located in the pew racks. Please indicate on the front of the envelope and your check that you are donating to the “Valentine Offering”. Presented by the Stewardship Committee Thursday, February 19, 2015 7:00- 8:00 p.m. in the Choir Rehearsal Room A Service of Healing Prayer Wednesday, February 11, 2015 *Illness *Injury *Surgery *Grief *Memory loss *Depression *Broken relationships ***We all need healing from something! Join friends at the Community Church for a service of healing prayer on February 11 at 6:00 p.m. An invitation will be issued for those wishing to receive a special anointing with oil. *Are you hurting? Pray. Do you feel great? Sing. *Are you sick? Call the church leaders together to pray and anoint you with oil in the name of the Master. Believing prayer will heal you, and Jesus will put you on your feet. *And if you’ve sinned, you’ll be forgiven - healed inside and out. -James 5:13-15 The Message Wishing Well Ongoing Collection There is a basket on the side of the Wishing Well where you can drop off your used ink cartridges. They are recycled by the Good Samaritan Center to help pay some of their expenses. This seminar will be an informative question and answer discussion on estate planning and tax implications as they pertain to The Endowment Fund of Tellico Community Church established September 18, 2014. Presenting the seminar will be sought after speaker, Victoria Tillman, of Anne M. McKinney P.C. Attorneys. Victoria has been with this firm since 2001 and focuses her practice in the areas of estate planning, estate and trust administration, and estate and gift taxes. The Purpose of the Endowment Fund The Endowment Fund is established to further the overall mission of the church and to cushion the church from the effects of the up and downs of the economy on our congregation’s giving. The Fund provides opportunities for members and friends to make charitable gifts to the church that will be a source of financial support beyond the term of the annual operating budget. The Endowment is not intended to replace the regular giving of church members for established purposes and programs which are normally funded through the church’s operating budget. Rather, endowments and other designated funds should enhance and expand the overall ministry and outreach of the Church to make Disciples of Christ. Kitchen Volunteers Needed The Friendship Kitchen needs a volunteer to lead Cooking Team #3. Each team is responsible for the Friendship Kitchen meal (1st & 3rd Mondays) every other month or six times a year. Also needed is a volunteer to be the third person on one of the Friendship Kitchen meal routes. Call Judy Stiles at 458-0878. 2014 Caps, Socks & Mittens Drive Thank you to everyone for your generous donations of caps, socks, scarves and mittens during this year’s drive. We netted just under 1000 items which went to Good Samaritan of Loudon County and Good Shepherd of Monroe County. Your support of the Mission Team’s event is greatly appreciated as always. We know the recipients of these items would say thanks to you as well. You warmed the heads, hands and especially the hearts of so many. THANK YOU! From the TVCC Mailbox….. January Memorial Gifts In Loving Memory of…. Stephen Ministry Our team of 30 Stephen Ministers provided more than 1,000 hours of one-to-one care in 2014. Each minister typically serves one care receiver at a time and meets with that person once a week offering Christ-centered care. Men are matched with men, women with women. The caring relationship lasts for as long as the need remains. Will you reach out in 2015 to receive this offering of loving care and concern for whatever you might be going through? No matter how minor or major the issue, this gift is free for the taking. You don’t even have to be a member of our church. It’s up to you to ASK. Contacts: Jan Elliott 865-458-3604 / Peggy Mills 865-458-0911 Anne Ingram 423-836-2717 / Church Office 865-458-1516 Bette Bierer Jim and Jan Elliott William (Bill) Burch Polly and Timothy Click Floyd and Mary Lou Foster David and Mary Frierson Edward and Catherine Galante James and Pamela Gecsei Art and Gene Heidrich Emily and John Jeffcoat Joe and Nancy Lamberth H. William Lurton Barney and Kathleen Mead William and Wilma Shipnaugh Vic and Suzanne Vickery Rarity Bay Women’s Club Jack and Lynn Asinger Carolyn Brown Martha Jean Brown Brenda and David Bryan Richard and Shirleen Edens Don and Helen Tate Louise and Dick Teising David and Patricia Van Leeuwen Alice McWilliams Lagonda Norwood Thurman Clardy L. Andy and Hilda Anderson Gloria Cox Good News Class Forest Hills UMC Linda Swift Mr. and Mrs. Lewis Walters “Lunch Bunchers” Celebrate in December with Mystery Santa Our monthly Lunch Bunch get together held in December was a special event. Prior to being served the food our special guest Santa Claus made a visit passing out candy canes, and then leading everyone in a Christmas carol. It was so nice of him to take time out of his Christmas delivery preparations to spend time with us. After Santa was done, the Lunch Bunch gang enjoyed a delicious fare of stuffed shells, garlic bread, “something green” and Santa brownies (in honor of our guest). Lunch was prepared by our super chefs Robin Zang and Judy Stiles. There was also a special team of volunteers there to help serve and clean up. Lunch Bunch meets the last Tuesday of each month from 12 to 1 p.m. in the CLC. If you are interested and would like more information about joining this group call Nancy at the church office at 458-1516. Marilyn Hensley with Santa Can you guess who he is? February 2015 CALENDAR Sunday Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday Sat. 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 & 10:15 Worship Services 8-11 Nursery available 9:00 Tellico Joe Café 9:10 Children’s Sunday School and Confirmation classes 9:15 Adult Bible Study – Fireside room (Hallstrand) 9:15 Adult Bible Study – Lower CLC/ Rm. B (Smith) 10:15 Children’s Church *Inquirer’s room after both services 9:30 Crafters 12:00 Friendship Kitchen 2:00 Ensembles 7:00 AA 2:00 Bells 3:00 Alzheimer’s SG 3:00 Praise Choir 4:00 Children’s Choir 6:00 WednesdayChurch! 7:00 Choir Practice 9:30 Bible Study 10:00 Music Team 2:00 Parkinson’s SG 7:00 Stephen Ministry 2:30 Bulletin Folders 8:30 - 2:00 Adult Ed. Faith Now! 8 9 10 11 12 13 8 & 10:15 Worship Services 8-11 Nursery available 9:00 Tellico Joe Café 9:10 Children’s Sunday School and Confirmation Classes 9:15 Adult Bible StudyFireside room (Hallstrand) 9:15 Adult Bible Study – Lower CLC/ Rm. B (Smith) 10:15 Children’s Church 5-7 Family Connection 9:30 Crafters 11:00 Prayer Shawl Group 2:00 Ensembles 7:00 AA 10:00 Trustees 2:00 Bells 2:00 Healing Hearts 9:30 Mission Team 12:00 ACT Luncheon 3:00 Praise Choir 4:00 Children’s Choir 6:00 WednesdayChurch! 7:00 Choir Practice 9:30 Bible Study 2:30 Bulletin Folders 15 16 17 18 19 20 8 & 10:15 Worship Services 8-11 Nursery available 9:00 Tellico Joe Café 9:10 Children’s Sunday School and Confirmation classes. 9:15 Adult Bible Study – Fireside room (Hallstrand) 9:15 Adult Bible Study – Lower CLC/ Rm. B (Smith) 10:15 Children’s Church *Inquirer’s room after both services 4:00 Mayuki Miyashita Concert Pianist Performance 9:30 Crafters 12:00 Friendship Kitchen 2:00 Ensembles 7:00 AA 10:00 Finance Team 2:00 Bells 9:00 Worship Team 3:00 Praise Choir 4:00 Children’s Choir 6:00 WednesdayChurch! 7:00 Choir Practice 9:30 Bible Study 3:00 Council 4:30 Spaghetti Supper 6:30 Stewardship Program- Choir rehearsal room 7:00 Stephen Ministry 2:30 Bulletin Folders 22 23 24 25 26 27 8 & 10:15 Worship Services 8-11 Nursery available 9:00 Tellico Joe Café 9:10 Children’s Sunday School and Confirmation classes 9:15 Adult Bible Study Fireside room (Hallstrand) 9:15 Adult Bible Study – Lower CLC/ Rm. B (Smith) 10:15 Children’s Church 9:30 Crafters 2:00 Ensembles 7:00 AA 12:00 Lunch Bunch 2:00 Bells 9:00 Women’s Cancer 9:30 Bible Study Support Group 3:00 Praise Choir 4:00 Children’s Choir 6:00 WednesdayChurch! 7:00 Choir Practice 6:30 - 8:30 Adult Ed. Faith Now! 2:30 Bulletin Folders 14 Valentine’s Day 21 28 More About Our Church General Information Worship Services each Sunday at 8:00 and 10:15 a.m. Informal Worship Service WednesdayChurch! each week at 6:00 p.m. Want to Explore Membership? There is an “Inquirer’s Room” available the first and third Sundays of the month at the end of both services where you can inquire about membership and other spiritual matters. Adult Sunday School (when scheduled), between services at 9:15 a.m. Tellico Joe Café serves fresh hot coffee and pastries to guests and church members. Café hours are 9 am to noon on Sundays in the CLC fellowship hall. Televised services are available on YouTube. Find the link at www.tellicochurch.com. Enjoy scenes from this and previous services! Find us on Facebook: www.facebook.com/tellicochurch Spiritual Support Alcoholics Anonymous Every Monday 7 p.m., lower CLC Alzheimer Caregivers Support Group 1st Tuesday of month at 3 p.m., white house Helping Hands Carl (408-1400), Dick (458-1946) or Church office (458-1516) Healing Hearts Support Group 2nd Tuesday of month at 4:00 p.m., white house Hospitalization Support Call the church office - 458-1516 Men’s Cancer Support Group Contact Morry Smith at 458-1219 Parkinson’s Support Group 1st Thursday of month at 2 p.m., lower CLC Pastoral Counseling Contact Pastors Dan, Tim or Pastor Rhonda at 458-1516 Prayer Chain Call Jan Elliott at 458-3604 or [email protected] Stephen Ministry Anne - 423-884-2335 / Peggy – 458-0911 / Jan – 458-3604 Visual Impairment Support Marshall Pierce - 408-0395 Women’s Cancer Support Group Last Wednesday of month at 9 a.m. white house, Sandy VerVelde 458-0687 Children and Youth Ministries Family Connection is a monthly event designed for both parents and children to come together at the church and share food and family activities along with other families. The “Connection” is held the third Sunday of each month from 5-7 in the fellowship hall unless otherwise scheduled. Children’s Music Time meets Wednesdays in the choir room from 4 to 5 for kids preschool through 1st grade. Kids have fun while developing musical skills. Children’s Church takes place each week during the 10:15 service for children in Kindergarten through 4th grade. After the children’s service they adjourn and move to meet in the lower CLC for additional activities. Weekly Sunday School at 9:10 Preschool, elementary, tweens and teens all meet in the lower level CLC. Nursery Care is provided all year long during Sunday School, Sunday Services, and also at WednesdayChurch! Staff emails Interim Senior Paster Dan Ivins – [email protected] Associate Pastor Tim Meadows – [email protected] Associate Pastor Rhonda Blevins – [email protected] Minister of Music John Orr – [email protected] Office Manager Pat Ouderkirk – [email protected] Director of Media Ministries – Mark Powell– [email protected] Children & Youth Ministries – Leilani Cooper - [email protected] Accounting – Carrie Tatman– [email protected] Receptionist Nancy Moser – [email protected] Facilities Coordinator Jeff McDaniel – [email protected] 130 Chota Center, Loudon, TN. 37774 General email – [email protected] Website – www.tellicochurch.com Facebook – www.facebook.com/tellicochurch
© Copyright 2024