Thursday, August 30, 2007

2007-2008 Presbyterian Women

Welcome back to another exciting year of Presbyterian Women. As most of you know, we are staying in the same circles as we work through a bible study which is taking us two years to complete. We will be continuing our study of Experiencing God: Knowing and Doing the Will of God by Blackerby and King.

Circle #1 and Circle #2 will continue to meet on the first Tuesday of the month at 9:30 am from September through May.

On September 4, 2007 Circle #1 will meet at Madge H's house, and Circle #2 will meet in the parlor at the church building.

Each gathering this year will center on Galatians 5:22 and feature the "Fruits of God's Holy Spirit." We are looking forward to an uplifting and fruitful experience for our very exceptional group of ladies at First Presbyterian Church.

USSV Needs for Sept 2007

We collect for United Samaritan Services of Vernon every Communion Sunday. As Christ has shared his life with us, let us share with one another. Here is a current list of needed supplies:

Canned Goods:
Tuna, Ranch-Style Beans, Meat, Pork-&-Beans, Fruit, Carrots, Tomatoes, Mixed Vegetables

Macaroni & Cheese
Spaghetti Noodles
Spaghetti Sauce
Jello

Vacation Bible School: Wrap-Up

First Presbyterian’s adventure in Narnia was a huge success! Almost 130 people attended the special event, a showing of the movie The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe on Monday night. About 75 kids were involved in the activities on Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday evenings.

They began each evening with a meal followed by a lesson and singing. The elementary age children were divided into two groups for recreation and crafts. During recreation, they did archery and jousting, played relay games and games from medieval times. During craft time, they made and decorated shields, goblets for the Royal Banquet, and crowns to show that all are children of the true King, Jesus Christ.

Preschoolers were also playing, learning and creating in their own classroom, ably led by Susie O and Tarah N.

While the children were busy learning, adults gathered in the Parlor to have discussions about C. S. Lewis and some of his writings--specifically Mere Christianity and The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe.

A very special thanks goes to Carrie B for coordinating all the activities with Sara H and Evelyn M. Sara organized the crafts and, along with James, wrote the curriculum. Evelyn was the creative genius behind the fantastic decorations in Staub Hall. It really felt as though we were entering Narnia each evening.

Middle school and High school students were great help with all activities. Thanks to all of them for volunteering their time each day!

Several adults from both First Presbyterian and Faith United Methodist were instrumental in helping activities run smoothly for the children.

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Dear Church Family,

I want to thank everyone who in some way participated in Vacation Bible School. It was a true success. I want to say a special thanks to all the youth. You are amazing!

I had so many comments from people from other churches that were very impressed with our church and truly envious of us. They say what a wonderful church family we are.

I also want to thank you for allowing me to be apart of VBS. My favorite part of VBS was getting to know everyone and spending time with you. I am truly blessed.

God Bless,
Carrie

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What a beautiful experience I have just had working with so many of my church family members and others decorating for and participating in Vacation Bible School! I can name over fifty people who helped me in some way. I never felt stranded or alone in this venture. What a blessing!

Thank you so much for donating items, loaning Christmas trees, furs, sheets, and table covering for the Royal Banquet, helping with table decorating, cutting snowflakes, and making the needlepoint bookmarks.

Our wardrobe and beaver hut took shape thanks to the efforts of Vincent, Alan, and Jacob L and Mary Jane E, who also created the Aslan poster. A special thank you to Brenda L and her art department at the State Hospital for constructing the ice castle.

God bless Bobby E, Bobby B, and James H who climbed that huge ladder to hang the snowflakes. Thanks so much to Sara and James who inspired me and Carrie B, her girls and my grandchildren who stayed at my side through it all.

Everyone's help was greatly appreciated. I would like to name each of you, but space will not allow that. I have certainly given credit to all of you by word of mouth, and God knows who you are.

I had complete faith from the beginning that the entire VBS adventure would be a success because God was "in charge". Praise Him!!!

In Christ,
Evelyn M

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Dear James, Sara and Staff of VBS,

Thank you so much for allowing us to be a part of this fantastic VBS!! We were so glad that you all accepted us at such a late date and you really showed God’s grace to all who came. We truly appreciate that!!

God bless you all...
We love you all...

Faith United Methodist children and children’s ministry team leader,
Sandy M, Krystal Y, Angelica A, Anthony T,
Avery, Cassandra, Israel, Anastasia,
Andrew, Jonathan and Mitchell

Property & Personnel: Sept 2007


WELCOME NEW STAFF:
Property and Personnel would like to welcome Alan L to the church staff. Alan has accepted the new part-time position of Landscaper & Groundskeeper. He will be helping to maintain the flower beds, sidewalks, and grounds at the church and the manse. Alan is an energetic and enthusiastic young man who is very knowledgeable about plants and their care. He has some great ideas on how to make our grounds more attractive. We are very fortunate to have Alan help us. Please encourage him in his efforts.

RECENT PROJECTS:
  1. Replaced the inefficient and unreliable heating and air conditioning unit at the manse.
  2. Replaced old, worn out appliances at the manse.

UPCOMING PROJECTS:
  1. Have a work day to clean out the bed in the south courtyard at the church.
  2. Make needed repairs to the exterior of the manse.
  3. Explore options for improving the sound system in the sanctuary.
  4. Explore options for maintaining the church yard without the use of our wells since our wells are still dry and there is little hope of being able to use them in the future.
  5. Recruit more members to our committee to help us achieve our goals.

Meet the Members: Sept 2007

Bobby and Carrie B have been married for 13 years and have 2 daughters M age 11 and E age 10. Bobby grew up in Vernon and moved to Canyon, Texas for college. Carrie grew up in Portales, NM and met Bobby in Canyon. They moved to Vernon in Oct of 1997.

Bobby is a Financial Advisor at Edward Jones and Carrie is a homemaker. M is in Middle School in the 6th grade and E is at Shive in 5th grade. The girls are 11 months apart. They recently had Carrie's grandmother move in with them due to illness. Her name is Grace P.

The B family loves to travel. Their favorite vacations are going to the beach. They also love to go for walks. They like to walk to the church and take their dog, Colonel for walks. They also like going to the movies. Bobby, Carrie and E like to help M with her charity, Bibles for Hope, that she started in 2006. There is not much that they don't enjoy doing as long as it is together.

Friday, August 24, 2007

Welcome to Our E-newsletter

Welcome to a new way to keep in contact at the First Presbyterian Church of Vernon, Texas. We've been talking about going on-line for a while, but we have now finally taken the first steps. Keep checking this space for current news and information about our life together.

I'd like to thank all the folks that helped get us on-line. Jacob O and Don P helped with technical advice. Susan G adapted some designs and provided a bunch of encouragement. Mary Jane E did a ton of work to get us started. Without her, we never would have moved beyond wishful thinking. I am thankful to all of your dedication to better communication within and beyond our congregation.

Grace & Peace,
James