Thursday, September 27, 2007

Rummage Sale for Habitat for Humanity

Items are being collected for the Habitat for Humanity Fund Raising Sale that will take place October 6th at Smokey's Mini Storage on Van Vorris Drive. If you have items to donate, they are being collected in the small storage room off the Fellowship Hall.

Some of the items being accepted for the rummage sale are knick knacks, bed sheets, any and all furniture and household items, books and music.
No clothes please. For more information, please call Sarah Dell Gray at 563-3082.

Prayer List

Garrison Toole, Virginia Estes & the family of Maurice Estes (Carole Murphey’s father); Jimmie Thompson (heart surgery); Mr. & Mrs. Jimmy Carr, Sr. in the loss of their son, Jimbo Carr; David Douglas, Banks Brasell III, Whitney Brasell (daughter-in-law of Joyce and Banks Brasell), Gloria Westbrook, Ruth Kelly, Caroline Brady (cancer), Ed Lamb (Richard Lamb's brother), Beverly McLaughlin (Larry Smith's cousin), Dot King, Mary Agnes Girner, Mario Bobo, Betty Carpenter, Jennifer McBride, Calvin Patton, Jr., Maleria Taylor, Lindsey Cannon, Angela Perkins (Gail Corr's daughter), Jeb Neel (Iraq), Peggie Robertson (Valerie Campbell's sister), Betty Darby Cole, Bobbie Jean Pounders, Bob Norris, Dudley Beall, Sarah Cummins, John Cody Dalrymple, Olivia Fitch, Bobby Jones, Donna Magee, Charles Tindall, Mary Lou Mitchell, Jeff Nichols, Frances Paulk (Dixie Gladney's sister), Tony Ray (Beverly Patton's brother), Georgia Seale, Buddy Young

Wedding Invitation

You are cordially invited

to the wedding of

Mina Ross Bryan

and

Jerry Bufkin Lightsey

on

Saturday, September 29, 2007

6 o’clock PM

Batesville Presbyterian Church,

Batesville, Mississippi.

Invitation From Fairfield

Frankie Ward, Activities Director at Fairfield of Batesville invites all groups to schedule a visit or visits to Fairfield. She suggested hosting a Bible study, choirs of all ages, group sing-alongs, children’s groups and PYF visits. Please consider making Fairfield part of your group’s outreach ministry. For more information, call Frankie at 563-2345.

Welcome, Pastor Karen!

Pastor Karen O'Brien's goal is to be in Mississippi by this Saturday, September 29th. She hopes to attend (not preach) one or both of the worship services on Sunday morning, September 30th.

PYF and SNL News

Next Sunday, October 7th, PYF and SNL will NOT meet due to the scheduling of the Fall Picnic.

Fall Picnic October 7th

The Fall Picnic will be Sunday, October 7th at 5:00 PM in the backyard of the Whitten house. Fish plates will be $5 for adults and $3 for children. Please bring a dessert to share. Thanks in advance to all of the deacons and others who put so much work into these picnics!

PW Donations

The PW Coordinating Team is extending an opportunity to all Presbyterian women to make a $10 donation to support the activities of PW in the coming year. You may make your check payable to Claire Sanders, PW Treasurer. Your support is greatly appreciated.

Sanctuary Flowers

The flowers placed in the sanctuary this Sunday, September 30th will be in honor of the wedding of Jerry Lightsey and Mina Bryan.

Congregational Meeting 9/30/07

There will a congregational meeting during the 11:00 worship service this Sunday, September 30th to vote on new officers for 2008. Rev. Greg Goodwiller has given the Session permission to elect a Moderator to conduct the meeting in the absence of a minister. Adam and Mona Pittman will “preach” during the 11:00 service. David Honnoll will be the 9:00 speaker.

Monday, September 24, 2007

SNL Progressive Dinner

On Sunday, September 30th, SNL will meet at the church at 4:30 PM for a progressive dinner. We will enjoy appetizers at the home of Suzan and Ben Graves, dinner at the home of Gina and Don Kilgore and dessert at the home of Angela Waldrup. We will return to the church around 6:30 PM. For more information, call Meg Woods. See you then!

Wednesday, September 19, 2007

Sharing God's Love Through Art

The Pottery Mission is open, and everyone is welcome at the Whitten House. So you think you have no artistic talent? I will prove you wrong! We will try to have 3 projects to choose from every month. If you are feeling “artsy,” you’re always welcome to make your own things.


I will start “open doors” on Mondays from noon until 4 P.M., beginning October 1st. Feel free to grab a buddy or your “group” of friends and come to the Pottery Mission. It’s great for a women’s circle. I will be glad to have private sessions for you or your group. Please call to set up an appointment. Otherwise, the door is open on Mondays. There will always be a small fee to cover the cost of art supplies.


October’s three feature projects will be:

1. leaf wind chimes

2. bird house

3. leaf bowl (a kitchen item which is great for showing off your up-coming holiday meals)


Bring a CD and we will create, laugh and “spread some love”. Hope to see you “ALL” there.

Love,

Fred Henry


To Our Friends and Church Family

As most of you reading this know, I am getting married this month. My fiancée is Mina Ross Bryan. We decided to have a service for family and close friends here in the church. Well, as you might know, we both have large families and a lot of close friends. My closest friends and family are you people here in our church, and Mina and I want very much for you to be a part of this service and celebration on Sept. 29th at 6 PM in the sanctuary. The reception following the service will be at the home of Mike and Joanne Druetto.

Jerry Lightsey

Thirst Quenchers

Are you a young adult seeking a Bible Study or Sunday School class that's right for you? Meredith and Will Fleming want to form a discussion-based, flexible Bible Study or Sunday School class. They are willing to work with your busy schedule. Anyone interested can contact Meredith at mccarlson26@gmail.com.

PYF Bowling Trip

PYF will meet Sunday evening, September 23rd at 4:00 PM at the church to go bowling. They will travel to Oxford Lanes in the church bus, returning around 7:30 PM. Bring money for supper.

Baptism of Samara Hopper

Samara Kathleen Hopper, daughter of Heath and Varina Hopper, will be baptized this Sunday, September 23rd during the 11:00 A.M. worship service. The flowers placed in the sanctuary that morning will be in honor of Samara by her grandparents, Kenny and Candy Hopper.

Intro. of Pastor Karen

Part 3 of 3

This is our final introduction article. The interim committee is hopeful they have provided the church membership with a thorough introduction of Pastor Karen.

Attached is a list of expectations included in her contract with the church. Please note it includes both things she will be responsible for doing as well as the congregation’s responsibilities.

The interim pastor will:

· Support the church in providing a healthy transition to the next installed pastor

· Moderate Session and Congregational meetings (as approved by St. Andrew Presbytery)

· Serve as head of staff

· Assist the church

· Lead worship and preach all Sundays

· Arrange for substitute preachers on any Sundays not present

· Call on the sick and homebound

· Provide administrative leadership

· Officiate at weddings and funerals

· Lead new member classes

· Work with committee chairpersons and moderators

· Represent the church in dealing with outside organizations

· Pray for the church during the interim time

The congregation and the Session will be responsible to:

· Support the pastor in her ministry

· Provide regular compensation according to the terms outlined in her contract

· Provide a performance review at least annually

· Pray for the pastor during the interim time

· Offer goals for the interim time

As we enter into the phase of an Interim calling, the Church must be patient and recognize the importance and role the Interim plays in calling our permanent Pastor. The committee is confident that everyone will be supportive in assisting Pastor Karen in her new role. She will be challenged as she works on building relationships and getting to know everyone personally. You are encouraged to get involved, extend an invitation or just make time to visit with her. As Pastor Karen gets to know us better, she will be able to help and guide us, and pray for us in the most appropriate way.

We pray that everyone will be inspired, motivated, and will stay engaged with doing God’s work. Pastor Karen will be a great resource for all of us. As you get to know her better, let her wisdom, compassion, and humor provide everyone with the necessary support they need to carry on with God’s work.

Delay of Pastor Karen's Arrival

Due to an unexpected family medical emergency, Pastor Karen’s arrival in town will be delayed for a short time. Her brother had surgery Tuesday; let’s all hold her family in our prayers. David Snellgrove has graciously agreed to conduct the 11:00 worship service this Sunday in Karen’s absence.

Monday, September 17, 2007

Thank You from Covington and Davis Families

To our church friends and family:

The love and concern shown by our friends and church family in the death of our sister, Sybil Jackson, has been a blessing to all of us. The beautiful flowers, cards, and delicious food remind us how fortunate we are to be a part of Batesville Presbyterian Church.

God bless you.

Donald & Betty Davis

Maxine & James Covington

Friday, September 14, 2007

Prayer List

Garrison Toole, Maurice Estes (Carole Murphey's father); Jimmie Thompson (heart surgery); Mr. & Mrs. Jimmy Carr, Sr. in the loss of their son, Jimbo Carr; the family of Sybil Jackson (Donald Davis and Maxine Covington's sister); David Douglas, Banks Brasell III, Whitney Brasell (daughter-in-law of Joyce and Banks Brasell), Gloria Westbrook, the family of Linda Shockley (Marty Snellgrove's sister), Ruth Kelly, Caroline Brady (cancer), Ed Lamb (Richard Lamb's brother), Beverly McLaughlin (Larry Smith's cousin), Dot King, Mary Agnes Girner, Mario Bobo, Betty Carpenter, Jennifer McBride, Calvin Patton, Jr., Maleria Taylor, Lindsey Cannon, Adam Burkes (Iraq), Angela Perkins (Gail Corr's daughter), Jeb Neel (Iraq), Peggie Robertson (Valerie Campbell's sister), Betty Darby Cole, Bobbie Jean Pounders, Bob Norris, Dudley Beall, Sarah Cummins, John Cody Dalrymple, Olivia Fitch, Bobby Jones, Donna Magee, Charles Tindall, Mary Lou Mitchell, Jeff Nichols, Frances Paulk (Dixie Gladney's sister), Tony Ray (Beverly Patton's brother), Georgia Seale, Buddy Young

Wednesday, September 12, 2007

Session & Deacons Meeting Highlights

The Deacons are planning the fall picnic on Sunday October 7; fish plates will be $5.00 adults and $3.00 children

The Deacons have started the preliminary planning for the Kirkin O’ the Tartan Service next spring. Brad Clark is working to secure the Memphis Bagpipers, as well as looking for a guest Scotsman to fill the pulpit.

The Session has called for a Congregational meeting to be held Sunday, September 30 to vote on new officers for 2008.

The Session approved the use of the church for Taylor Phillips’s wedding on June 14, 2008.

In other news during the committee reports, the following activities were discussed:

· Molly Hawkins reported that Zach and the Junior and Senior High Youth are soliciting host and hostess volunteers for Sunday night PYF activities and fellowship at their homes.

· Laurie Monteith reported that Susan Lewis and Michelle Mundroff will be organizing an after school youth choir program for elementary-aged youth.

Brad Clark encouraged other members to attend the upcoming Presbytery meeting in October. He pointed out that our church needs a voice at these meetings, and our delegates need to be involved and heard on the important issues.

The Session wanted to thank the Worship Committee and chairperson, Harriet Beall, for their efforts in scheduling ministers and speakers during August and September.

Bulletin Board Volunteers

A special ‘thank you’ to Pat Hendren and Michelle Mundroff for taking charge of the bulletin board in the Recreation Room. Thanks also to Connie Waldrup for her continued work with the “In the News” bulletin board in the hall.

Mark Your Calendars for These Events

· The next Presbytery meeting will be October 2nd at the First Presbyterian Church in Starkville. Registration begins at 9:00 AM; worship begins at 10:00 AM.

· October 7th at 5:00 PM is the date and time of the BPC Fall Picnic. Fish fry plates will be $5 for adults and $3 for children.

· The 2007 Christmas Cantata, presented by the adult choir, is scheduled for Sunday, December 16th during the 11:00 AM worship service.

Thank You from Marty Snellgrove

To my church family,

It is comforting to have the out-pouring from love from you. Your telephone calls, prayers, cards, food, and flowers have meant so much to me and my family in the loss of my sister, Linda. She is my angel who I loved dearly. I pray that God will continue to be with me in these days ahead. Thank you, and may God bless each of you.

Marty Snellgrove

Preparing for Pastor Karen's Arrival

As we prepare for her arrival, several people have already volunteered assistance. Thanks to Dot King’s family for letting Pastor Karen stay in Dot’s home the first several weeks after her arrival. Her rental property will not be available until the first part of October; therefore she will be staying at Dot’s home until then.


Michelle Mundroff is organizing a Welcome Wagon package for Pastor Karen. There will be a list posted on the bulletin board if you would like to participate in this ’welcome’ gift. The list includes essentials: cleaning supplies, toiletries, and food staples. These items will be gathered together at the church prior to her moving into her rental property.


Susan Lewis, Bill Mundroff, and Lloyd Campbell have volunteered to freshen up and repaint the Pastor Study. As they complete this project, they will be in need of some miscellaneous donations for the finishing touches. If you would like to help, please contact Susan.

Congregational Meeting 9/30/07

There will be a congregational meeting during the 11:00 worship service on Sunday, September 30th to vote on new officers for 2008.

PYF Hosts Needed

Please contact the church office if you are willing to host PYF (grades 6 through 12 - usually around 15 kids) at your home or in your yard one Sunday evening.

Some ideas include: baseball, badminton, bonfire, hayride, touch football, swimming, simple cookout with fellowship, hotdogs and outdoor games. Anything is appreciated to put a little zip into our PYF!

Thanks to Susie Vandyke, Johnny & Nancy Spencer, and Buddy & Sarah Dell Gray for hosting PYF recently!

SNL Bowling Trip

Sunday Night Live will resume this Sun., Sept. 16th with a “Back to School” bowling trip. They will meet at the church at 4:30 P.M. and travel to Oxford Lanes, returning around 7:00 P.M. Please send money for concessions.

Beginning the following week, the normal meeting times for SNL is 4:30 - 6:00 P.M. for ages K - 5th grade. However, 6th graders are welcome to participate at any time!

Introduction of Pastor Karen

Part 2 of 3

This week’s installment will take a look at Pastor Karen’s education and work history. At a high level, she has been working in the Interim Pastor role for over 10 years and was ordained in 1990.

Her formal education includes:

*B.A. in History from University of Delaware

*M.A. in Christian Education from Princeton Theological Seminary

*Masters of Divinity from Princeton Theological Seminary.

She is currently working on her Doctorate of Ministry at Austin Presbyterian Theological Seminary.

She has been an Interim Pastor since 1998. Listed below, starting with the most recent, are the churches she has supported and helped through calling of a permanent pastor:

  • The Church of the Eternal Hills, Tabernash, CO; it has 307 members.
  • Wheat Ridge Presbyterian Church, Wheat Ridge, CO; the church has 220 members.
  • Presbyterian Church of Kent, OH, a church of 300, located in the university community
  • First Presbyterian Church of Annapolis, Annapolis, MD; the church has 675 members.
  • Harmony Presbyterian Church, Phillipsburg, NJ; the church has 250 members.

Pastor Karen’s work history back in the 1980’s and 90’s, includes 15 years at Centenary College, Hackettstown, NJ. She held the following jobs: Counselor, Assistant Dean, Interim Associate Dean, and Adjunct Faculty (Instructor) for Humanities, Religion, and ESL (English as a Second Language). Centenary is a small liberal arts college with 300 daytime students and a large evening extension program. In addition to working at the college, she was the Stated Supply for over 10 years at Beatty Town Presbyterian Church, Beatty Town, NJ, a rural church of 50 plus members.

Prior to that, in the late 1970’s Pastor Karen worked at Princeton Theological Seminary for over 5 years as Assistant Director of Field Education, and for 3 years at The Presbyterian Church of Bound Brook, NJ as Director of Christian Education.

Monday, September 10, 2007

Friends Day at Camp Hopewell 9/30/07

Camp Hopewell invites you to Friends Day on Sunday, September 30th from 3:00 - 8:00 PM. There will be games, facepainting, story telling, arts and crafts, music and food; or you could just enjoy a fall afternoon at Hopewell!

There will be fried catfish plates for $10 for adults, $7 for kids 10 and under, and free for kids under age 3. All proceeds from the meal will go toward the Hopewell Pool Renovation Fund. If you have any questions, call the Camp Hopewell office at 6662-234-2254.

Thursday, September 06, 2007

Christian Sympathy

We extend our deepest sympathy to the family of Sybil Jackson, sister of Donald Davis and Maxine Covington.

Wednesday, September 05, 2007

PYF Reminder

PYF will continue to meet each Sunday evening at 5:00 P.M. at the Whitten house. Plans and practice for Youth Sunday (in October) will begin soon.

Tuesday, September 04, 2007

Introduction of Pastor Karen Brostrom O'Brien

Part 1 of 3

Over the next three weeks as we prepare for the arrival of our Interim Pastor, the committee would like for everyone to get to know Pastor Karen better. First of all, when asked, “What is your preferred title or way to be addressed?”, she responded with “Pastor Karen”.

Let’s look over a biography that was included in her application. This is a brief overview; however, it does give us a look into what she is all about.


Who I am: by Pastor Karen

I am a life long Presbyterian. I grew up in a very historic church in Bergenfield, New Jersey. My father’s ancestors arrived in that community early in our country’s history. For generations our family was associated with South Presbyterian Church, Bergenfield. The church was important to me in my early years. Later my experience at Johnsonburg, a Presbyterian camp, helped me on my faith journey.


A sense of call to work in the church came to me at an early age. I was fascinated with family and friends who were able to talk about issues surrounding faith and personal beliefs. I learned to discuss doubts openly and was taught to pray about concerns. Friends, music, and church got me through adolescence and young adulthood.


When I went to college, I attended Head of Christiana Presbyterian Church in Newark, Delaware. My mother’s family was connected to this church. The members were outgoing and gracious. I sang in the choir one year. This church helped me grow and understand the connectional system of the Presbyterian Church. The sermons were different from home but it was here in Newark that I started to listen attentively to sermons and begin to understand the movement of the worship service.


When I arrived at seminary after college, I knew I was in the right place.


I have a strong interest in growth and support of leaders in the church and candidates for ministry and church vocations.


My family consists of my son, David, a newspaper staff reporter in Kent, Ohio. My parents and my two sisters (and their families) live in New Jersey. My brother and his family live in Colorado.


Next week’s newsletter will include more detailed information about her lifelong dedication for doing the work of God and that of the church. This will include the many places she has lived, and her career highlights that take her from Director of Christian Education through her last ten years as an Interim Pastor.

PW Circles Meet Again Soon

A reminder:
  • The PW Afternoon Circle will meet Monday, September 10th at 2:00 PM in the Recreation Room.
  • The PW Morning Circle will meet Tuesday, September 11th at 9:30 AM at the home of Mrs. Billie Garner, 105 Dabney Station.
    • Morning and Afternoon Circle members are reminded to read the books of Jonah and Ruth.
  • The PW Evening Circle will meet Tuesday, September 18th at 6:00 PM in the Session room.

Christian Sympathy

We extend our deepest sympathy to the family of Linda Shockley, whose services were in Lenior City, TN on Tuesday, Sept. 4th. In lieu of flowers, the family requests memorial donations be sent to:

Attn: Frankie
Louden Co. Sheriff's Office, Toys for Tots Program
12680 Hwy. 11 West, Suite 1
Lenoir City, TN 37771