St. Paul Lutheran Church in Pinehurst Newsletter for November, 2012

St. Paul Lutheran Church

Monthly Member Newsletter for November, 2012

Pastor's Comments: Hope is Important in Times of Trial



Hurricane Sandy has approached the most populated section of our Nation and the epicenter of our Nation’s commerce. Some 50 million individuals are expected to have experienced the effects of this storm. At the moment, those educated and experienced in the science and art of meteorology have predicted that Storm Sandy was the most powerful storm to make land-fall on this section of our Nation in history. By the time you are reading this, all that was only prediction will have been settled. But there was no one “predicting” if the storm would harm people…they declared with absolute certainty that it would. Unprecedented evacuations were underway, even as I write. Our prayers go up to our Father for all who must undergo this tremendous adversity.

No doubt, mean-spirited people will say in the days ahead that “God is punishing” this or that sin in such and such people. Others will counter by saying that in a solar system like ours, and on a plant like ours, storms are the natural outcome of the laws of the universe. As Christians, we seek understanding from the witness of God, the Holy Spirit, through the Scriptures He inspired, Scriptures which link everything to the Victory of Jesus on our behalf. When Adam sinned, God cursed the ground because of that sin: “…cursed is the ground because of you,” Genesis, Chapter 3. The earth is often a violent and deadly place, and Apostle Paul metaphorically personifies creation as man groaning for relief from a curse, Romans 8.20-21. There is much we just don’t know, but we do know that even the violent weather in creation is tied to the sin of the first man, Adam. Sin always has its consequences. But so does righteousness.

St. Paul goes on in Romans 8 to explain that, because of the righteousness of Jesus Christ, by God’s grace, the new head of the human race, the One through whom God judges us, a day of perfect peace is just beyond the horizon. In that Day, creation itself will be renewed in glory and perfection. In that Day, there will be no more storms that rampage over the surface of sea and land and bring human suffering and death. Through one man's sin, suffering and death came into the world – the created order. Likewise, in the grace and mercy of God, through One Man, Righteousness, Salvation and Life are being restored. Because of the righteousness of Jesus, even creation will be different than anything we have ever known. Let us pray for God’s mercy for those having to endure the consequences of the first Adam’s sin. Let us praise God Almighty that because of the righteousness of the Second Adam, Jesus Christ the Lord, we do not suffer without hope, but live with a real and certain future of peace.

Christ’s Peace be with You, Pastor White



Sermon Recordings: Sunday sermons are being digitally recorded in audio format. They are available to members or anyone interested. Requests should be made by specifying the Sunday sermon date you want. Please send your requests to: Leo Magiera at Lmagiera@earthlink.net.



Chase Sammon's Eagle Scout Project: One of our members, Chase Sammons, worked on a leadership service project which benefits the community. His Eagle Scout project was to organize and complete a “prayer garden” for use by church members and other folks from the surrounding community. Chase and several friends and church members showed up on Saturday, April 28th, to help with his project. Please feel free to sit in this garden, if you have a chance, and reflect on the beauty of our Lord's creation, while

expressing your private prayers. In mid-August, the Review Board checked over his project and granted him the Eagle Scout Merit Badge confirmation. In February, 2013, the Eagle Court of Honor will be presenting him with the actual Merit Badge and Elizabeth says many family members will be coming in from out of town to be here for this presentation. She will keep our congregation apprised of the details for this ceremony.



Volunteer Reminder for Sunday SNACKS: We do enjoy having snacks available after the services. Please remember to sign up to bring some goodies from time to time to enjoy with coffee.



Reminder for Other Signup Sheets: There are signup sheets for Sunday flowers, opening and preparing the sanctuary, reading liturgy, setting up communion/altar, communion assistant, and “greeters”. Please check over some of these sheets to see if you can help out. The signups for some items have been limited.



Potluck for November: Monday, November 12th, will be our 3rd potluck of the 2012 season. Please bring a dish to pass for others to enjoy. The social begins at 6:30 PM. Hope to see you !



Weekly Bible Study Schedule Announcement: Our Fall Bible Study began the end of September . These studies continue on Tuesdays at 7:00 PM at St. Paul Church. We will continue to study the Book of 1st Corinthians. Please make plans to attend and invite your friends.



Mystery BIO: This mystery couple met through a mutual friend in Hinsdale, IL. They were married in Elmhurst, IL in December of 1974, and resided there for 25 years. Mutual friends who had purchased property in Pinehurst and invited them down when their house was complete, was one reason they first came here to visit and fell in love with the beauty of the area and low taxes compared to the Midwest. Another great thing was they were able to play golf on January 1 of the new year. Their previous church affiliation was with Immanuel Lutheran (LCMS) of Elmhurst, IL. They are both retired, but there is still lots of work to do around the house. They both worked for Electro-Motive Division of GM when they retired in 2001, with a cummulative number of years with GM amounting to 68. You won't ever see them driving anything but GM !

She enjoys playing Scrabble on the computer and doing crafts and singing and he enjoys dabbling in mechanics, golf and crossword puzzles. No pets yet, but time will tell. Three children: son in Dallas, one son in Chicago, and daughter in Florida. Favorite places to visit are Chicago (because of lots of family still there), Disneyworld and Puerto Vallarta, Mexico.

Notes from the desk of your Church Council President:



Important Coming Events: November 4, 2012 Special service for “All Saints” Sunday

November 11, 2012` Stewardship Sunday

November 18, 2012 Annual Congregation meeting following service

Where should we be in ten years: The church council is asking members to give prayerful thought to

where St. Paul Lutheran Church should be in the next ten years. Consider that it is Christ's command

that we spread His Word to all that we come in contact with. How should St. Paul congregation proceed?

What resources will we need in the future? Should we target a specific group, age, race and/or other

personal qualifications? If we don't have a direction and begin moving and planning for the future, we

may not have a future. It is up to you. The Pinehurst area is growing, and there is no reason why we

should not be growing along with the community.

We would like you to give the church council your ideas. You may want to give us your ideas in a note to

one of the council members, or you are welcome to come to one of our council meetings, which are always

announced in church, to discuss your ideas. Either way, we are looking for your help to grow.



Your council president, George Venet



Prayer Requests: If you have a prayer request, put it in the pastor's mailbox or send it via email or call on his phone. Help your pastor care for you. Nothing is as powerful as prayer. Please keep Jim Roberts in your prayers and George Venet's brother, Bill, who suffered a stroke but is doing better. Also please pray for the family of Larry Leslie of St. James (he was called by the Lord on March 19), and also Patricia McCarthy. We have received word from Cliff Huner that the father of Steve Molen (who is the Managing Partner for Thrivent in NC/SC) is dying of cancer and not expected to make it much longer. Please pray for the family of Steve Molen. Also, add Barbara Nelson to your prayers. She recently had gall bladder surgery and is on the mend. Pray for Lloydene Meilbrecht, a member of St. James, who broke her ankle two weeks ago. Prayers are also requested for Marie Hagemeister, Rich Mancuso's aunt who is facing the loss of sight in her right eye from macular degeneration. Please also pray for Sylvester Dixon of St. James who recently lost his mother. If you have anyone you want to add to our prayer list, please advise George Venet or Pastor White.



Pastoral Office Hours: Please call or email Pastor (pastorwhitelcms2.10@gmail.com) for an appointment Monday through Friday if in need of pastoral assistance/guidance. You may request to be met at St. Paul Church or at your home.



Ladies Bible Study / “Eve Circle”: Our group has begun to meet on Thursdays, at 5:45 PM at the church. We invite any ladies that are interested to please join us. We have Bible study from 5:45 PM until 6:45 PM. Then we go out to dinner somewhere. Our Bible study is on the first Thursday of each month and a “good will” project is done on the third Thursday of each month. Our upcoming project is yet to be determined. We would welcome any newcomers and ideas ! (Shirley Wake/Louise Jensen)



“Friends of St. Paul Name and Address List”: There is a copy of our present members and friends list on the desk in the back of church. Please review this list and mark any changes or corrections on it. From time to time, John Wake will make the changes/corrections and put new copies on the desk in church. (John Wake)

Birthdays in November: 11/1 Jean White 11/24 Priscilla Loomis

 11/7 Christine Mancuso



Anniversaries in November: 11/21/53 Pat and Dick Bock (59 years !)

11/30/68 Louise and Roger Jensen (44 years !)

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Please Note: If we have missed anyone's birthday or anniversary during the last year, please let Karen Dickens know. These dates were initially obtained from the “Membership Profile Sheets” pastor asked all the church members to fill out in July of 2011. If you came to us after that date and need to get a profile form, please let Karen know so we can add your information and birthday/anniversary dates to our spreadsheets. Thank you.

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Quilt News: I want to thank everyone who has been helping sell our raffle tickets for the quilt. Please

turn in any money and tickets you may still have out by Sunday, November 18th, to me (Shirley Wake). The quilt drawing will be on Sunday, November 25th, following the worship service. Again, thanks for all the help

and support !

Shirley Wake



Weekday Bible Study: St. James Church, Wednesdays from 6 to 7 pm.
Prayer Ministry: St. James invites you to gather for prayer on Saturdays, 10:00 am.

Choral Recruits: In line with providing beautiful music to our Lord's glory, our little “choir” is looking for new recruits. If you feel that you can hold a tune and would like to try us out, please join us Sundays at 8:30 a.m. when we begin rehearsing before service. We really need new voices in all areas. (Contact Sondra Nelson or Karen Dickens)

Food for Coalition: St. Paul donates cans of stew, vegetables and fruits to the Coalition in Southern Pines. Please place these items in the basket in the back of the church.
Thrivent Financial News: A special THANK YOU to those who participated in the Habitat Repair drive in Robbins on Saturday, November 3rd. There will be additional work days in the future, so if you couldn't participate this time, maybe you can for the next one. I will keep everyone posted.
Thrivent members will be able to vote for the new Pines Chapter Board of Directors for 2013 on Sunday, November 11th. You can bring the ballot that was emailed/mailed to you or we will supply you with a ballot. Please see Louise Jensen or Henry Fuhrmann in the conference room right after church.

Thrivent members should note that the Annual Pines Chapter Luncheon is scheduled for Sunday, December 2, 2012, at OSLC Fellowship Hall at 12:45 PM. More information will be sent to you via email/mail for making reservations.
If anyone has any questions about Thrivent Financial for Lutherans, please feel free to see me or Louise Jensen or John Wake.

Henry Fuhrmann, President of Pines Chapter, Thrivent Financial for Lutherans



Background of our replacement Organ/Organ Fundraising: Our wonderful replacement organ was originally purchased in December, 1987, by a doctor in Raleigh, NC, from the Hopper Piano & Organ Company at a cost of $33,000. The doctor gave this organ to Our Savior Lutheran Church, Raleigh, several years ago. The organ has been well maintained through annual maintenance contracts.

The money contributed by us to our “Organ Fund” has been used to pay the costs associated with the
movement and installation of the organ at St. Paul, plus funding an escrow account to pay premiums for the annual maintenance contract. The seven speakers have been relocated to a new shelf on the back wall, that is above the hallway into church, between the two cold air returns. The labor to accomplish this speaker shelf was done by several members of our church. The speaker re-hookup was contracted out.
Your church council will be meeting soon to discuss a date for an Organ Recital. The recital will allow
the organist to demonstrate the range of music that this fine instrument can provide. If you have a
favorite composition or hymn you would like included in this recital, please let me know.

John Wake

Our Giving of Time and Money: October, 2012

Average Sunday Attendance: 40 YTD average attendance: 41

Offerings for October totalled: $ 5,534, plus the anonymous $ 5,000 matching gift toward our Organ Fund. Gifts through the first ten months of the year total $77,184. We pray you each will be able to worship with us as we approach the season of Advent.

Big Thanks ! Section: To the team of carpenters and installers...... A “special” thank you to John Wake, Rich Mancuso, Ron Behrens, Roger Fromm and Dick Bock for all the help in erecting the shelf, designed and built by Dick Bock, to hold the 7 speakers for the new organ. Each speaker weighed about 70 pounds, and it took over 6 hours to complete the installation on October 16th. Thank you to Dick Bock, too, for all the prep work at home in building and painting the shelving and obtaining the speaker covers.

It is just astonishing to me that they could do the installation in one day !!! (Karen Dickens)


Mystery Bio Program: We are presently out of bio information sheets from congregational members. If you haven't already filled out a bio form, don't forget to pick up your “Mystery BIO” form on the desk in the back of the church. Then you can either slip it in my mailbox at church, or email me the information or call me at home (910) 295-6063, and I will include your BIO in one of the next monthly newsletters. Thanks, Karen Dickens. Email is: wolfandwife@embarqmail.com (that's a Q not a G in my email address).

Newsletter Items: If you have any news/articles you want included in next month's newsletter, please advise me ASAP, or right after the last Sunday of the month. Karen Dickens (910) 295-6063.

CONTACTS



Pastor Denton White: Home: (919) 577-9989 Cell: (919) 609-8687 Email: pastorwhitelcms2.10@gmail.com

Mailing address: 808 Barneswyck Drive, Fuquay Varina, NC 27526

Music Director: Ms. Sondra Nelson (910) 692-6979
Our mystery bio couple for November: Chris and Karen Dickens