February 2018
From the Moderator
We think quite a bit about Jesus, but maybe spend too little thinking about the Holy Spirit. It is understandable. Jesus is a man with a story, and many artists have painted him as he appeared in their imaginations. There are exceptions, but you don’t see many paintings of the Holy Spirit.
An atheist friend once told me he understood about God (meaning more-or-less as most believers understand him), and he understood about Jesus, but he didn’t understand the Holy Spirit. I know this man well, and as I might have told him, that though he might be an atheist, the Holy Spirit is moving in him all the time. Whenever he follows the teachings of Jesus, whether he knows it or not, and goes out and helps the poor (in the many ways I know he has often done) I believe the Holy Spirit is moving in him. “God is love,” according to Jesus. What is it other than love— love of God’s world and the people in it—that makes him do the good things he does? Too bad he does not participate in our faith.
We don’t see the original Jesus walking the streets, but the Holy Spirit is among us always, and we sense it in individuals. I believe it grows stronger or weaker in the church, according to our faith.
Earl
The following ministers have been engaged to lead our services in April.
April 1--Reverend Bill Palmer
April 8-- our own Wyatt Ports
April 15 -- Sean Kennedy
April 22 -- not yet determined
April 29 -- Reverend Robin Moscatti
from the Moderator
Tributes to Pastor June
June, thank you for being who you are.
There doesn’t appear to be a dishonest bone in your body. You know yourself and accept yourself as God accepts you, sunshine or shadow. If people like you that’s good, and if they don’t they’re missing out. Some call that being pure of heart; others call it integrity. In my book integrity goes a long, long way. It is a very great asset— certainly a Christian asset— and I pray and expect that quality will see you proudly through the years that lie ahead.
Earl Simpson
Over the last few years, June has been my pastor, my teacher, my counselor, my confidant, and my friend. It saddens me a great deal that will no longer be the case. June will no longer be my pastor but will forever remain my very dear friend. May God's blessings always be with her.
With Christian Love, Pat Tinsley
Pastor June
When I was working full time and driving back and forth to Richmond every day I took many things for granted. My eyes were not focused on the world around me, but on myself and my work. Since I have started working at our Church my whole world and perspective has changed. My eyes see things that I was unaware of previously. I have a better understanding of what makes a good Pastor, such as yourself. You go beyond whatever I may have expected before.
You have worked to prepare God’s people for the service, rising to the challenge and training other members of our congregation to do the Church’s ministry. You reached out to in our community even though they were not members of our church.
You have made yourself available 24 hours a day to those who need you. You have spent countless hours driving people to doctor appointments, trips to Richmond and other areas. You are always there to care for those who are sick or shut in. You answer every call and serve as counselor, coach, advisor, arbitrator, and social worker. You made all of us understand your ministry is a calling, not a job. Even those few who put road blocks in your path will one day understand what a great pastor we have had for the past five years. Or they will simply disappear so that we go forward as a cohesive congregation.
Many thanks for having been there for us and being a true servant leader.
Mindy & Ahmet
A Tribute and A Thank You
Philippi Christian Church has been blessed these last few years with an extraordinarily dedicated pastor – a pastor with many years of experience and a passion for her calling. She wanted us to discover the importance of studying scripture and how this practice could help us better understand how to follow in the footsteps of Jesus. She was willing to deliver two distinctly different worship services most Sundays to convey this message. This pastor saw the importance of church interaction with the community, fellowship and acceptance among all and looking beyond our own backyard to humanitarian issues worldwide. She was compassionate, visiting many more sick, grieving and dying individuals than anyone knew. Gifted in the art of prayer, she delivered many moving pastoral prayers as well as prayers and meditations for numerous other occasions. Our pastor had a passion for words, a love of writing and a desire to get people to think about things, evidenced by her re-phrasing of “WWJD” into “What would Jesus have me do?” This pastor showed strength and grace amid death and drama, both in her own family and in the church family.
Personally, I have much for which to thank this pastor. She awakened my creative side and encouraged me to move beyond my “safe zone”. She prompted me to think about scripture – something I knew very little about. This pastor brought me laughter with her stories, moments of reflection with her sermons and deeply moved me with her pastoral prayers. I will miss this pastor – Pastor June E. Haislip – and I think Philippi Christian Church will miss her, too. You know what they say – “Sometimes you don’t know what a good thing you have until it’s gone…”
Maryanna Fisher
March 2018
Of course, I have nothing but accolades for June Haislip for I was part of the Search Committee who chose her to come to serve Philippi.
To me, June has not only been my Pastor, but also my friend. I see in her compassion, commitment, and courage. Her prayers embody both God’s and her concern for all people with her lovingheart and who also accepts those whose life experiences are diverse, without judgment. She has concentrated on our potential, not our sins.
Wherever June goes when she regrettably leaves Philippi, she will bring the same enthusiasm, nurture, and loving heart that has exemplified her tenure here at Philippi Christian Church.
Ethel Wiley
Pastor June,
Thank you for being a wonderful Pastor and friend. It has been a joy working with you the past five years.
We know God has bigger and much better plans for you, but we are really going to miss you!
God bless you. Love,
Juanita & Dewey
Date / NameApril 4th / Blair and Linda
April 11th / Bill & Nan
April 18th / Dellie & Faye
April 25th / Mary Lee & Jimmy
Scriptures for April
April 11 Corinthians 15: 1-11John 20: 1-18
April 8Acts 4: 2-35John 20: 19-31
April 151 John 3: 1-7Luke 24: 36b-48
April 221 John 3: 16-24John 10: 11-18
April 29Acts 8: 26-40John 15: 1-8
FEBRUARY STEWARDSHIP REPORT
Stewardship Report February 2018
Date Total Income
02/04/18 $2292.50
02/11/18 $2235.50
02/18/18 $3507.00 + pancake 778.00
02/25/18 $1653.50 woc 70.00
02/26/18 Wilson $ 6653.34
Total $ 17119.99
Income needed each month: $12742.88 (4 Sundays)
Total income (monthly) $17119.84
Total expenses$(12988.84)
Overage/shortage $4130.99
April 201
Sunday / Monday / Tuesday / Wednesday / Thursday / Friday / Saturday1 / 2 / 3 / 4 / 5 / 6 / 7
EASTER
Combined
Service
Youth Group /
8 / 9 / 10 / 11 / 12 / 13 / 14
Youth Group / 4:45 Lectionary
Group
6:30
Cub Scouts
Sting Ray Stitchers / 7:00 Board of Directors / 4:00 Elders
15 / 16 / 17 / 18 / 19 / 20 / 21
Youth Group / 4:45 Lectionary
Group
6:30
Cub Scouts
22 / 23 / 24 / 25 / 26 / 27 / 28
Youth Group / 4:45 Lectionary
Group
6:30
Cub Scouts
29 / 30
Combined Service
Youth Group / 4:45 Lectionary
Group
6:30
Cub Scouts /
Elders: Dani Shelli, Delli Kennard, Lucina Crittenden
Deacons: Bonnie Simpson, Linda McKitrick, Joyce Saunders, Steve Hilker
As many of you know our fellow Disciple, NORMAN HALL, is a prolific writer. At the age of 95 he writing yet another book, the history of Deltavilleand and its people. Norman is a native of Deltaville and his family tree goes a long way back. He certainly has some very interesting stories to tell. Below is Norman’s “The Development of a Christian” written on October 25, 2017. Why don’t you stop in and see Norman some day and pay him a visit. I am sure he would love to see you.
The Development of a Christian
- A Christian should always greet others with, caring, compassionate, courtesy in a sincere manor.
- A Christian offers comfort to those who have experienced difficulty or sadness.
- A Christian takes special care and shows honest feelings for others, especially the elderly who live alone and like to reminise about their youngter lives and experiences. The attentive action of a Christian promotes good mental health and spiritua awakening.
- A christian should not criticize, belittle another person.
- A Christian should make every effort to thank someone who has or is now performing duties of a Christian.
- A Christian always presents oneself for love of family, others and faith in God
- A Christian is always in mental touch with God.
- A Christian can not see God but can feel the spiritual emotions surging through their ody. From God’s force field throu Jesus Christ, God’s ambassador, (earthly connection) for human kind.
At a very young age, as I recall, my Dad quoted a statement from a Biblical writing as follows – “Nothing to be that has not been before”
A reporter asked Albert Einstein if he believed in God. His answer, I believe there’s a supreme force.
Years ago when listening to a program on the radion, a story was told about a mountain climber who experienced difficulty advancing up the mountain side. Day light hours soon became dark hours. The climber realized he was in danger, paused and prayed to God where ever he placed his hands and feet for God to give him holding support and he would do the hard work of climbing. A search party the nxt morning found the climber on the mountain plateau.
Thank you Norman for your contribution
Up Coming Events and Programs
173rd Regional Assembly of the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ)
Lynchburg College
Lynchburg, VA
May 31 – June 3, 2018
Craig Springs Camp and Retreat Center
Beyond Belief, The Universe of God
June 25 – 29Nature Camp
July 1 – 6Special Camp
July 8 – 13First Triple
July 16 – 21AMPDD Camp
July 22 – 27Second Triple
July 29 – August 3New Covenant
August 3 – 6Family Retreat
Spring Work Weekend @ Craig Springs
May 25-27