CHERRY FORK PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH
April,2011
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From the Pastor’s Desk
Dear Friends,
This month I want to tell you the story of Tom Shufflebotham. Tom is a man who is passionate about his hobby. He worked many hours in perfecting his craft. He studied, read, and practiced to be the best at what he does. He is praised by his peers as having no equal. You are probably wondering what his talent and hobby are.He is the best at charming worms from the ground. His record is 511 worms in thirty minutes. He is proud of his talent and shows off wherever and whenever he can. You may find this talent not very remarkable, yet it is something he treasures.
If you think of your life there are probably things you have put time, effort, and money into that at the end were not that important. Yet at the time they seemed very worthwhile. However, for the things we want or like we are willing to sacrifice for them. In Acts 2:42-49 we read of Jesus’ followers as they form the first Christian community. These people had left their families, friends, and work to follow Christ and show His presence in their lives. They lived together, ate together, and shared everything together in the name of Jesus Christ. If we want to be a community like this it takes sacrifice, commitment, and energy. Bill Hybels writes in his book Contagious Christianity that for Christians to really influence the world with the gifts the Holy Spirit has given them, they must make the effort to grow and mature in faith.
When we look at our faith journey, how often is it focused around Sunday morning? I believe we all want to grow closer to God and become the people He is calling us to be. However, we do not always put in the work it takes to grow. I think sometimes we just hope for growth without taking any real steps forward. Think of your health, if you want to get healthier (i.e. lose weight, lower blood pressure etc.) one day of exercise and eating right will not change your health. Even one day a week of diet and exercise will not do much to your long term health. Our faith lives are no different. It takes time in prayer, sacrifice of priority: allowing God to be in control of our finances and time, and commitment to journeying with others in faith as well. Christ comes to give us life to the full, but it is the life he ordains for us. Let us journey together in this new life, encouraging and supporting one another as we grow in faith.
Peace of our Lord,
Nate
(editor's note: Last month's article from Nate stated it would be his " last one ever for the Cherry Fork newsletter". However, he has agreed to supply us with a monthly article until we are able to have a regular pastor again.)
Session Minutes
March 16
The Session of the Cherry Fork Presbyterian Church held its regular meeting in the social room at 6:30. The meeting was opened with prayer by Rev. James Goff, moderator. Elders present were Jane Leonard, Linda Purdin, Jackie DeAtley, Ryan Wagner, Gary Kimberly, Diana Shreffler, and Betty Beam, clerk. Barbara Jean Havens and Chris White were present from the Committee on Ministry. The treasurer and clerk's reports were read and approved. $1000 was sent to the Cherry Fork/Seaman Pastor's account to pay bills due while still yoked. Presbytery requests $200 to be paid each month into the retirement fund. The Seaman treasurer will make next month's payment, and after that our share will be sent from the Cherry Fork treasurer. A correction was made to the clerk's report stating that the salary of a part-time commissioned lay minister is to be $17,000.
Barbara Jean Havens and Chris White discussed with the session the relationship with Rev. Manzo and the Cherry Fork Church and also the yoke with Seaman.
Ryan, Diana, and Jane reported for their committees on events held in 2010. Food for the Soul will be March 25 from 5 to 7. The youth program for Easter will be at the beginning of worship service. Com-munion will be postponed from April 3 to Palm Sunday, April 17. There will be no Maundy Thursday Service at the Cherry Fork Church. Rev. Goff invited the congregation to Good Friday Services at the Williamsburg Presbyterian Church. A lap top computer that will work with internet was purchased for the church for $489.
A teacher is needed for the early elementary Sunday School class. The session decided to invite Seaman to the
Mother/Daughter banquet.
Lavera "Jean|" Eldridge of Cherry Fork passed away February 15. Services were held February 18 at the Cherry Fork Presbyterian Church under the direction of the Lafferty Funeral Home in West Union, with Rev. Al Hamann officiating. Interment followed at the Cherry Fork Cemetery. Jean was a member of the Cherry Fork Presby-terian Church.
The meeting was adjourned at 8:15 until the next regular meeting to be held April 19 at 6:30. The meeting was closed with prayer by Jane Leonard.
Betty Beam, clerk
Cherry Fork Presbyterian Women
The Cherry Fork Presbyterian womenmet on March2in the social room of the church.Penny Tolle, Moderator, opened the meeting with prayer, and cardswere signed for those named. Jane Hesler,hostess, read from the Mission Yearbook for Prayer and Study about Kenya, people in mission in East Africa.
Twelvemembers answered the roll call by bringing a donation for the Preg-
nancy Center. The secretary and treasurer reports were read.
The oyster supper will be held at the Wayne Township Community Center on Saturday, November 19. Discussion of fixing Easter plates will be at the next meeting. Jane Hesler, Ann Downs, and Penny Tolle volunteered to be on the committee for the Mother/Daughter Banquet. The spring gathering will be held at the Crestview Church on Saturday, April 9. The birthday offering will be received at this meeting. The Interfaith Hospitality Network of Northern Kentucky is the service project.
Ann Downs had the lesson "Singing Hymns of Hope". The scripture was from Revelation 7-8:5. She closed the meeting with the prayer in the lesson.Jane served delicious refreshments. The next meeting will be April 6 with Sarah Kay Blytheas our hostess.
Corresponding Secretary, Sarah K. Blythe
Upcoming Events
Greeters for April:
4/3: Jared Shupert family
4/10: Phil Shreffler family
4/17: Danny Bryant & Brandon McClellan
4/24: Brent Harper family
4/19: session meeting
4/29: Food for the Soul
Caring Committee for April:
Alter Flowers for April:
Thanks!
Dear Congregation and Caring Committee,
Thank you so much for the books and "Wrinkles" the dog that you gave me when I had pneumonia. "Wrinkles" kept me company and the books were fun to hear.
I am feeling much better.
Thank you.
Leah Caldwell
Prayer Joys & Concerns
Diana Shreffler
David Work
Joe Hall Sydney Davis
Steve Kelly
Homeless families
Jerry Greenlee
Adams Co./Ohio Valley School District
Gary Novaria
Delores Hesler
Homer Eldridge
People in Libya, Egypt
Susan Powell and son Nathon
Amberlee Miller
Nancy Atkinson
Tom Hillsberry family
Dean McClellan
Michael Newbauer
Marty Gilkerson
Unemployed
Ruth Ann Baldwin family
Leah Caldwell
Charles Behm
Katie Phillips
Leah Barlow
John Caldwell
Merl Ralston
Russell Blythe
Pauline Mathias
Japanese victims
Ellen Foster
Jewel Foster
Nelson Atkinson
Owen Havens
Frances Lauderback family
Jodi Agnew
James William Work
Sarah Kay Blythe
Natalie Shreffler
Brian Kirker
Food For The Soul"
Free meal for the church and the community onApril29, 5-7 p.m. Come and enjoy the fellowship!
Sew Much Comfort Program
The troop support group of Northminster Presbyterian Church is interested in getting involved with the Sew Much Comfort program. This is a national program that provides adapted or new clothing for injured soldiers who require clothing that is easy to put on and remove. We are looking for persons interested in learning more about this program and are willing to offer their time and talents with a sewing machine. The regional coordinator is located in Michigan , and is willing to come and talk to a group and bring samples of the clothes they would like us to make. Anyone who enjoys sewing is more than welcome to participate. For more information please contact Bob Earley (513.522.8686). Judy Laning (513.821.3978) or Mary Mizelle (513.931.8830). Thanks in advance for your support.
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