The Weekly Grapevine - Sunday, November 17, 2019
TODAY – NOVEMBER 17, 2019
Head Usher: Jane Tesh
Side Usher: Margaret Cockerell
Children’s Church Teachers: Loida P. Slate and Anna Peterson
WEEK AT A GLANCE
Sun, Nov 17
9:45 am – Adult Sunday School
11:00 am –Worship/Children’s Church
3:00 pm – Housewarming Party/Valerie Parker
5:30 pm – Beacons/Confirmation
Mon, Nov 18
8:15 am – First Steps Preschool
Tues, Nov 19
6:00 pm – Daisy Scout Troop Meeting
6:00 pm – Girl Scout Recruitment Meeting
8:00 pm – NA Meeting
Wed, Nov 20
Weekly Grapevine Items Due
8:15 am – First Steps Preschool
5:00 pm – Faith Friends
7:30 pm – Choir Rehearsal
Thurs, Nov 21
6:30 pm – Surry Quilters’ Guild
7:00 pm – AA Group/Scout Hut
Fri, Nov 22
8:15 am – First Steps Preschool
11:30 am – Keenager Lunch/Mi Casa
PRAYERS AND PRAISES
Prayers
Our Church Family Homebound Members: Ilene Boyles, Frieda Chauncey, June Hollman, Mae Turpin
Our Church Family: Brad Ballentine, David Banfield, Mike Beal, Norma Bowen (Valerie Parker), Kat Cooke (Kathy Moody), Megan Eads, Vernell Goins (Kathy Moody), Crystal Harrelson (Bob & Terri Keck), Robin Phillips Hauser (Carla Cheek), Bobbie Lane, Kristin Leathers (Barry & Cheryl Schneider), Mike Shelton (David & Millie Beal), Linda Parker (Valerie Parker)
Friends of our Church Family: Ron Cocca, Gary Harold, Frank Hilliard, Danny Romasko, Payden Simmons
If you wish to add anyone to the prayer or praise list, please do so by using one of the blue cards found in the backs of the pews (chairs in the Koinonia Room) and either drop them in the offering plate or place them on the board outside the church office.
Please be sure to follow us on Facebook and Instagram and sign up to receive the Online Grapevine so you can receive all the latest announcements. If you are not on social media, please be sure Lynn has your current email address!
Are you visiting with us? If so, we are glad to have you! A couple of things you may inquire about: 1) Restrooms are located in the upstairs foyer and hallway. 2) Nursery is available to children birth-2 that lasts the entire length of worship. Children age 3-Kindergarten can stay in worship for the Children’s sermon, then have the option of going to Children’s Church. If you have further questions, please see one of our ushers.
CHURCH MINISTRIES
The Flowers in the Church are given to the Glory of God as “We are His workmanship, and created in Christ for good works…” ~ Eph. 2:10
Beacons: (Youth, 6th-12th grade) Will meet this evening at 5:30 p.m.
Room in the Inn – A Winter Shelter: There will be a Question and Answer time immediately following worship today for folks to learn more about the short-term mission our church will be hosting this coming January and February. We will meet in the Koinonia Room.
Annual Thanksgiving Feast: On Sunday, November 24th, we will come together and celebrate all that God has done and continues to do for us. The feast will be held immediately following worship. Join us as we give thanks. Sign up today (if you didn’t last week). Please indicate if you and/or your family are coming. You can also call the church office – by Thursday, November 21st. Cost is $10 per person. Children 10 and under will eat free. The menu will consist of ham and several holiday fixings as well as dessert and drink. It will be catered by Chris Wishart.
Thanksgiving Meals Update: You all have been so gracious! In addition to the Beacons selling pumpkins at the Autumn Leaves Festival, donations have been received so far will feed 49 families! We will be feeding the residents at the Shepherd’s House, along with the Children’s Center. We need 8 more meals in order to reach that goal! Meals are $45.00 and will feed a family of 6-8. If you would like to sponsor a family, please write a check to the church (separate from your regular giving) made payable to: FPC Beacons and place it in the offering plate or give it directly to Joy Barlow or Margaret McGuire. Deadline to purchase meals is Friday, November 22nd.
Children’s Ministries News: Godly Play will be held during Sunday school every week for our children from 10:00 to 10:45am; all aged children are welcome! Faith Friends is meeting every Wednesday evening from 5:00 – 6:00pm. We have also begun a new Bible study this fall for our third through sixth graders. Our next Bible study will be held on Monday, November 25th, from 5:30 to 6:30 p.m. Our topic for this month will be: “How young Christians can overcome peer pressure.” Dinner will be provided. If you would like to volunteer your time or donate money for a children’s dinner, or have any questions or concerns, please see Loida for more information or you can contact her at Loida@fpcma.com or (919)748-9223.
Girl Scouts – Friends Today…Changemakers tomorrow: Register for any of our troops in Surry County – or start your own! There will be a Troop Open House held on Tuesday, November 19th, here at the church in the Scout Hut from 6:00-7:00 p.m. Bring whatever questions you have and they will do their best to answer.
Keenagers Upcoming Activities: Friday, November 22nd: We will meet at Mi Casa on Main for lunch at 11:30 a.m. Tuesday, December 3rd: We will be going to the Christmas Show at the Wohlfahrt Haus. Sign-up sheets are on the Keenagers board in the upstairs foyer.
Coming Soon: Advent/Christmas Book Table – Keep an eye out for a table of devotional books for Advent and Christmas that will be available for purchase.
WITNESS
Operation Christmas Child: Mark your calendars. On Saturday, December 7th, we have a reservation from 1:00-5:00 pm in Boone to process shoeboxes. You must be 13 years of age or older to participate. See Sandy Bowers for more detailed information.
CELEBRATIONS
Birthdays: 11/19: Samantha Cooke, Bailey Bouma; 11/20: Brian Minter, Heather Stafford; 11/21: Bert Wood
Anniversaries: 11/23: Tim and Laura East
You are invited! To a housewarming party for Valerie Parker (she’s bought a house!) this afternoon from 3:00-5:00 p.m. in the Fellowship Hall. In lieu of gifts, Valerie is requesting gift cards that will go towards purchasing items for her new home.
CHURCH FINANCIAL UPDATE
Financial resources are not our mission, but they are the fuel that propels the mission. -Cliff Christopher
Here are three updates on different aspects of our church’s finances. The first is where we are in this years operating budget. The second gives the results of our recent stewardship season. The third is an update on Renew, our capital campaign.
2019 Operating Budget
Jan-Sept 2019
Income – $146,364.28
Expense – $158,977.18
Jan-Sept 2018
Income – $157,410.10
Expenses – $159,403.87
Our expenses exceed our income. This is not uncommon given that offerings often are greater at the beginning and end of the year. Our year to this point has been full of worship from the last days of Christmas through Lent and Holy Week and Easter to this morning’s baptism. Your generous tithes and offerings have allowed us to welcome new staff, provided meals for the hungry, hosted over 40 kids at VBS, sent our students on retreat this summer and supported the 18 children and families that come to First Steps, our preschool program.
Planning for the 2020 Operating Budget:
Statistical Report on Consecration Sunday Results
October 27th was Consecration Sunday where folks completed their Estimate of Giving Cards. A total of 33 giving units completed Estimate of Giving cards this year. A total of 14 of these giving units increased their financial commitment above their last year’s amount. A total of 33 giving units present to fill out Estimate of Giving Cards on Consecration Sunday committed a total of $100,178. Based on last year’s giving records, we can expect to receive $93,666 during the coming year from people who have consistent giving patterns during the past 12 months but weren’t present on Consecration Sunday. Based on the average total of loose offerings during the past 3 years, we can expect to receive $4,641 during the coming year from that source. This gives us a grand total of $198,485 anticipated income from pledges for the next 12 months. The total income for our general operating budget during the last 12 months was $212,805. Next year, we can expect our operating budget income to increase by $22,269. This is a 10 percent increase in total giving above last year.
Update on Renew: Our Capital Campaign
Together we are preparing our building and our lives to proclaim the gospel to the next generation. Our campaign to raise funds for our building is going great. We have raised over $400,000 towards renovations and $50,000 towards a building endowment. Currently there is a challenge gift of $100,000 that will match any other gifts dollar-for-dollar. If you would like to make another gift or have not made your commitment, now is a great time.
The Committee meeting with the architect to create a liturgical master plan is excited about the progress being made in the design process and should have drawings to discuss with the Session and the congregation in the coming weeks. These will show the concrete ways this campaign will make our sanctuary more accessible, beautiful and functional.
Work in the sanctuary should begin in the New Year once plans are finalized and our team of contractors and builders is in place.
Head Usher: Jane Tesh
Side Usher: Margaret Cockerell
Children’s Church Teachers: Loida P. Slate and Anna Peterson
WEEK AT A GLANCE
Sun, Nov 17
9:45 am – Adult Sunday School
11:00 am –Worship/Children’s Church
3:00 pm – Housewarming Party/Valerie Parker
5:30 pm – Beacons/Confirmation
Mon, Nov 18
8:15 am – First Steps Preschool
Tues, Nov 19
6:00 pm – Daisy Scout Troop Meeting
6:00 pm – Girl Scout Recruitment Meeting
8:00 pm – NA Meeting
Wed, Nov 20
Weekly Grapevine Items Due
8:15 am – First Steps Preschool
5:00 pm – Faith Friends
7:30 pm – Choir Rehearsal
Thurs, Nov 21
6:30 pm – Surry Quilters’ Guild
7:00 pm – AA Group/Scout Hut
Fri, Nov 22
8:15 am – First Steps Preschool
11:30 am – Keenager Lunch/Mi Casa
PRAYERS AND PRAISES
Prayers
Our Church Family Homebound Members: Ilene Boyles, Frieda Chauncey, June Hollman, Mae Turpin
Our Church Family: Brad Ballentine, David Banfield, Mike Beal, Norma Bowen (Valerie Parker), Kat Cooke (Kathy Moody), Megan Eads, Vernell Goins (Kathy Moody), Crystal Harrelson (Bob & Terri Keck), Robin Phillips Hauser (Carla Cheek), Bobbie Lane, Kristin Leathers (Barry & Cheryl Schneider), Mike Shelton (David & Millie Beal), Linda Parker (Valerie Parker)
Friends of our Church Family: Ron Cocca, Gary Harold, Frank Hilliard, Danny Romasko, Payden Simmons
If you wish to add anyone to the prayer or praise list, please do so by using one of the blue cards found in the backs of the pews (chairs in the Koinonia Room) and either drop them in the offering plate or place them on the board outside the church office.
Please be sure to follow us on Facebook and Instagram and sign up to receive the Online Grapevine so you can receive all the latest announcements. If you are not on social media, please be sure Lynn has your current email address!
Are you visiting with us? If so, we are glad to have you! A couple of things you may inquire about: 1) Restrooms are located in the upstairs foyer and hallway. 2) Nursery is available to children birth-2 that lasts the entire length of worship. Children age 3-Kindergarten can stay in worship for the Children’s sermon, then have the option of going to Children’s Church. If you have further questions, please see one of our ushers.
CHURCH MINISTRIES
The Flowers in the Church are given to the Glory of God as “We are His workmanship, and created in Christ for good works…” ~ Eph. 2:10
Beacons: (Youth, 6th-12th grade) Will meet this evening at 5:30 p.m.
Room in the Inn – A Winter Shelter: There will be a Question and Answer time immediately following worship today for folks to learn more about the short-term mission our church will be hosting this coming January and February. We will meet in the Koinonia Room.
Annual Thanksgiving Feast: On Sunday, November 24th, we will come together and celebrate all that God has done and continues to do for us. The feast will be held immediately following worship. Join us as we give thanks. Sign up today (if you didn’t last week). Please indicate if you and/or your family are coming. You can also call the church office – by Thursday, November 21st. Cost is $10 per person. Children 10 and under will eat free. The menu will consist of ham and several holiday fixings as well as dessert and drink. It will be catered by Chris Wishart.
Thanksgiving Meals Update: You all have been so gracious! In addition to the Beacons selling pumpkins at the Autumn Leaves Festival, donations have been received so far will feed 49 families! We will be feeding the residents at the Shepherd’s House, along with the Children’s Center. We need 8 more meals in order to reach that goal! Meals are $45.00 and will feed a family of 6-8. If you would like to sponsor a family, please write a check to the church (separate from your regular giving) made payable to: FPC Beacons and place it in the offering plate or give it directly to Joy Barlow or Margaret McGuire. Deadline to purchase meals is Friday, November 22nd.
Children’s Ministries News: Godly Play will be held during Sunday school every week for our children from 10:00 to 10:45am; all aged children are welcome! Faith Friends is meeting every Wednesday evening from 5:00 – 6:00pm. We have also begun a new Bible study this fall for our third through sixth graders. Our next Bible study will be held on Monday, November 25th, from 5:30 to 6:30 p.m. Our topic for this month will be: “How young Christians can overcome peer pressure.” Dinner will be provided. If you would like to volunteer your time or donate money for a children’s dinner, or have any questions or concerns, please see Loida for more information or you can contact her at Loida@fpcma.com or (919)748-9223.
Girl Scouts – Friends Today…Changemakers tomorrow: Register for any of our troops in Surry County – or start your own! There will be a Troop Open House held on Tuesday, November 19th, here at the church in the Scout Hut from 6:00-7:00 p.m. Bring whatever questions you have and they will do their best to answer.
Keenagers Upcoming Activities: Friday, November 22nd: We will meet at Mi Casa on Main for lunch at 11:30 a.m. Tuesday, December 3rd: We will be going to the Christmas Show at the Wohlfahrt Haus. Sign-up sheets are on the Keenagers board in the upstairs foyer.
Coming Soon: Advent/Christmas Book Table – Keep an eye out for a table of devotional books for Advent and Christmas that will be available for purchase.
WITNESS
Operation Christmas Child: Mark your calendars. On Saturday, December 7th, we have a reservation from 1:00-5:00 pm in Boone to process shoeboxes. You must be 13 years of age or older to participate. See Sandy Bowers for more detailed information.
CELEBRATIONS
Birthdays: 11/19: Samantha Cooke, Bailey Bouma; 11/20: Brian Minter, Heather Stafford; 11/21: Bert Wood
Anniversaries: 11/23: Tim and Laura East
You are invited! To a housewarming party for Valerie Parker (she’s bought a house!) this afternoon from 3:00-5:00 p.m. in the Fellowship Hall. In lieu of gifts, Valerie is requesting gift cards that will go towards purchasing items for her new home.
CHURCH FINANCIAL UPDATE
Financial resources are not our mission, but they are the fuel that propels the mission. -Cliff Christopher
Here are three updates on different aspects of our church’s finances. The first is where we are in this years operating budget. The second gives the results of our recent stewardship season. The third is an update on Renew, our capital campaign.
2019 Operating Budget
Jan-Sept 2019
Income – $146,364.28
Expense – $158,977.18
Jan-Sept 2018
Income – $157,410.10
Expenses – $159,403.87
Our expenses exceed our income. This is not uncommon given that offerings often are greater at the beginning and end of the year. Our year to this point has been full of worship from the last days of Christmas through Lent and Holy Week and Easter to this morning’s baptism. Your generous tithes and offerings have allowed us to welcome new staff, provided meals for the hungry, hosted over 40 kids at VBS, sent our students on retreat this summer and supported the 18 children and families that come to First Steps, our preschool program.
Planning for the 2020 Operating Budget:
Statistical Report on Consecration Sunday Results
October 27th was Consecration Sunday where folks completed their Estimate of Giving Cards. A total of 33 giving units completed Estimate of Giving cards this year. A total of 14 of these giving units increased their financial commitment above their last year’s amount. A total of 33 giving units present to fill out Estimate of Giving Cards on Consecration Sunday committed a total of $100,178. Based on last year’s giving records, we can expect to receive $93,666 during the coming year from people who have consistent giving patterns during the past 12 months but weren’t present on Consecration Sunday. Based on the average total of loose offerings during the past 3 years, we can expect to receive $4,641 during the coming year from that source. This gives us a grand total of $198,485 anticipated income from pledges for the next 12 months. The total income for our general operating budget during the last 12 months was $212,805. Next year, we can expect our operating budget income to increase by $22,269. This is a 10 percent increase in total giving above last year.
Update on Renew: Our Capital Campaign
Together we are preparing our building and our lives to proclaim the gospel to the next generation. Our campaign to raise funds for our building is going great. We have raised over $400,000 towards renovations and $50,000 towards a building endowment. Currently there is a challenge gift of $100,000 that will match any other gifts dollar-for-dollar. If you would like to make another gift or have not made your commitment, now is a great time.
The Committee meeting with the architect to create a liturgical master plan is excited about the progress being made in the design process and should have drawings to discuss with the Session and the congregation in the coming weeks. These will show the concrete ways this campaign will make our sanctuary more accessible, beautiful and functional.
Work in the sanctuary should begin in the New Year once plans are finalized and our team of contractors and builders is in place.