NEWSLETTER

October 2009

     STEWARDSHIP CAMPAIGN    

      “Enough: Discovering Joy Through Simplicity and Generosity “

              Stress. Anxiety. Fear. These words too often capture the state of mind of many of us in America today. Whether from natural disasters or the recent collapse of the U.S. and foreign economies, the issues are very disturbing. Paying off consumer debt, loss of savings, lower income growth and tighter credit have caused many to face a change in life styles.                     

Most of us to varying degrees have, like the prodigal son, wasted money through impulse buying , the need to keep up with the neighbor, or the need to acquire something now. In pursuing the American dream, it has been tempting to borrow excessively against the future and allow debt to control our lives.                                                                                                         

              All of us have struggled with these issues at one time or another. They are important issues and can not be ignored. That is why over the coming weeks we’ll explore what the Bible   teaches us about financial management. A key part of finding financial and spiritual freedom is found in simplicity and in exercising restraint and with the help of God we can. 

               The resource book for our campaign is Enough… by Rev. Adam Hamilton.  We give him credit for his timely writing and counsel about Christian stewardship.                           

               At the conclusion of our campaign in October, we will have the opportunity to make personal commitments of our offerings to God through our church in the coming year. We will consecrate these commitments in the worship service Sunday October 25, 2009.                                                 

               Join us in the coming weeks as we look at how we can manage our financial resources and truly experience simplicity, generosity, and joy.  

Stewardship Report

September 2009

Economic conditions and projections last fall were not good and thus it seemed prudent to plan for reduced income and expenditures.  This was accomplished by reducing the 2009 year budget below the 2008 year actual levels. Projected income was reduced by $26,000.00 and expenditures by $32,000.00. The resulting 2009 budget was austere but managed a $3,500.00 surplus.

In January, we learned the LOGOS Baptist Church income would be less than was budgeted.  As of 8-31-09, the LOGOS income was down by $5,200.00.  An additional $3,500.00 expenditure was required for repairs to one of our air conditioning units in August.

So how are we doing?  Thanks to all of you, SACC is doing quite well.  Special additional donations of $3,000.00 have almost restored the $3,500.00 in personnel compensation reductions.  Through the end of August, additional pledges of approximately $6,000. 00 have been collected.  In spite of the economy being down, donated investments have appreciated by over $2,000.00.  The bottom line is that at 8-31-09, income exceeds expenditures by approximately $6,000.00.

Through your gifts and financial support, SACC is able to serve in practical and creative ways to meet the needs of others.  We look forward to your continued support to fulfill our mission.

Simple Gifts

'Tis the gift to be simple, 'tis the gift to be free,

'Tis the gift to come down where we ought to be,

And when we find ourselves in the place just right,

'Twill be in the valley of love and delight.

When true simplicity is gain'd,

To bow and to bend we shan't be asham'd,

To turn, turn will be our delight,

Till by turning, turning we come out right.

The song entitled Simple Gifts was composed in 1848 by an elder of the Shaker tradition, Joseph Brackett. The Shaker religious community was established by Mother Ann Lee in England during the late 1740s and was an offshoot of the Quaker sect.  Shakers agreed with Quakers that the spirit of God could be discovered by each person individually, but desired a worship service filled with a greater exploration of God’s spirit. Shaker services were filled with singing, dancing, and spiritual visions.

Shaker communities in New England tended to be communal and emphasized the goal of perfection—even work was a manifestation of prayer and meant to completed with great care. The Shakers became  known for their furniture design and construction, architecture, and other inventions. Today, Shaker creations are highly valued because of the incredible attention to sturdy craftsmanship.

A fitting theme for St. Andrew’s fall 2009 stewardship campaign, Simple Gifts is probably the best known example of Shaker song and was intended to be a dance tune. Although modern audiences are familiar with the first verse, the second and third verses are also compelling.

'Tis the gift to be loved and that love to return,

'Tis the gift to be taught and a richer gift to learn,

And when we expect of others what we try to live each day,

Then we'll all live together and we'll all learn to say,

(refrain)

'Tis the gift to have friends and a true friend to be,

'Tis the gift to think of others not to only think of "me",

And when we hear what others really think and really feel,

Then we'll all live together with a love that is real.

(Dr. Lisa Morales, Minister of Music)

World Communion Sunday – October 4                               

            World Communion Sunday – celebrated the first Sunday in October – is a very special day for churches around the world.  On this day, we celebrate our oneness in Christ, the Prince of Peace, in the midst of the world we are called to serve – a world in great need of peacemaking.

            World Communion Sunday originated in the Presbyterian Church (USA) in 1936.  From the outset, planning included expansion to other denominations.  In 1940, Rev. Jesse Bader, a Disciples leader, promoted the extension of this special Sunday to many churches throughout the world. 

            At SACC, reading scripture in several different languages will remind us that Jesus comes to bring hope and salvation to the whole world. Sharing communion reminds us that God's covenant of love extends to the whole world and to each believer.

(Promotional photo from National Council of Churches web site.)

Captain Gary and Catfish

   Reading the church’s newsletter provides pertinent information, and, occasionally, a human interest story.  Consider Gary Stephenson and his lifelong  love of fishing. 

   Gary is a professional grocer with Sprouts, but he would rather catch his dinner and share with friends.  Many guys in Saint Andrews have fished with Gary in recent years.  Gary, Jim Wilson, and our Pastor have taken kids in the church on field trips for city pond fishing. 

   Gary caught this five pound catfish on a spinnerbait (unusual, but true) along the dam at Lake Lewisville.  Ben Smithson helped with the landing net.

    --

   Fishing is as old as the biblical records.  Jesus called some of His disciples from those who were fishermen in Galilee.  Jesus calls each of us to be 'fishers of men' in our sharing of His Good News with others.

OCTOBER BIBLE BEE                                

Test your knowledge.  How many can you answer?  Researching the Good Book is allowed.  Answers found below.

1. Which Gospels state that Jesus taught with authority and not like the teachers of the law?                                               
2. Where was Jesus when he said, “I and the Father are one”?
3. Jesus told people not to focus on the speck of sawdust in their brother’s eye when they had what in their own eye?
4. True or false?  Jesus spent about ten years teaching and performing miracles with his disciples.
5. In which of the Gospels is Jesus called “the Lamb of God”?
6. Who was the only person to call Jesus “the Lamb of God”?
7. To which group who opposed him did Jesus say, “At the resurrection people will neither marry nor be given in marriage”?
8. True or false?  Jesus said he was the good farmer.
9. Who did Jesus take in his arms and bless?
10. True or false?  Jesus’ first miracle took place at a wedding.

Answers to this month’s quiz:

          Matthew 7:29 and Mark 1:22

• Solomon’s Colonnade, in the temple
• A plank
• False.  It was about 3 years.
• John’s Gospel
• John the Baptist
• The Sadducees
• False.  Jesus said he was the good shepherd (John 10:11)
• Little children
• True (John 2:11)

Notes from the Board Meeting

            The Church Board met on Sunday afternoon, September 20.  Items considered by the Board included:  receiving a completed copy of the new lease with MiniSkool / Peanut Gallery;  reviewing financial reports;  appointing persons to serve on the Nominating Committee;  reviewing the timeline for the Stewardship Campaign; adjusting the pastor's compensation to the previous budget level, and , reviewing outreach commitments.  The next meeting of the Board will be on November 15.

Letter of Appreciation

            This is a belated thank you to you and Anne and Tricia and all the folks from Saint Andrews who helped us with Crocodile Dock Vacation Bible School in July.  Thanks to your monetary contribution and to the efforts of your five youth and two adults – and to your prayers – we were able to provide approximately 80 area children with a safe place to come and have fun learning about Jesus, as well as to create art projects, sing, play games, eat fun snacks, follow the adventures of Chadder Chipmunk, and get to know other adults and older youth as Christians and friends.

            We hope to work with you again next year on the “High Seas Adventure.”

            Thank you again for you support and friendship.

            In Christ,

            Nancy E. Pratt

            Director of Christian Education

            The Nor’Kirk Presbyterian Church

Once Again-Bargains Galore!

Saturday, October 10th , the Carrollton Citizen Police Academy Alumni Association will hold a garage sale at the church from 8-1.  It’s too soon to report exactly what’s for sale but I do know that we have a packed storage shed.  All proceeds benefit the Carrollton Police Department.  If you have something to donate, please bring it that morning or call Cindy Whitten at 972-416-9084 for pick up.

Leadership Schedule for October

Youth Ministry Notes

            The TCU Football Game is Saturday, October 3, in Fort Worth.  Please contact Amy Stephenson or Reggie         

McClendon for details about this special event.

            The annual “Trunk or Treat” Halloween event is scheduled for Saturday, October 24, at 5:00 p.m.  A delicious chili supper with all the trimmings highlights the evening.  Church members decorate the trunks of their cars and share delicious goodies with kids.  Games for all ages will be set up indoors and outdoors.  Participants make voluntary contributions to the Youth Fund at the dinner.  The Youth Fund helps to offset the cost of summer camps and special events for students in our congregation. 

           Youth Sunday is October 18 in conjunction with Children's Sabbath.  Youth of the congregaton will help to lead worship.  The National Children's Sabbath -- a program of the Children's Defense Fund--seeks to raise awareness and motivate efforts to address issues facing children like poverty, lack of health care, malnutrition, and violence in families.

Proposed Dates for 2010 Camps

Here are the dates for next year’s summer camps and conferences.  At this time there is some discussion about Chi Rho I Camp – these dates may change due to Lewisville ISD getting out later than the other districts.  Also I have not included the Reconciliation Camp dates since it will have a different registration process and be limited to 60 youth.  It will be for HS youth.

                Discovery 1         May 29 – 31

                Grand Camp       June 4 – 6  (TBA)

                NEA CYF               June 7 – 12

                Chi Rho 1             June 7 – 12  (NTA)

                TBA CYF                June 14 – 19

                Chi Rho 2             June 14 – 19  (NEA)

                NTA CYF               June 21 – 26

                Chi Rho 3             June 21 – 26  (TBA)

                JYF 1                      June 28- July 2

                Discovery 2         July 2 – 4

                Niners                   July 5 – 10  (TBA)

                Eighters 1            July 11 – 17  (TBA)

                JYF 2                      July 20 – 24

                Eighters 2            July 25 – 31  (NTA/NEA)

Discovery and JYF camps have no area designation and are listed as Tri-Area so leadership is to be shared by all areas.  I have not heard details yet.  The Reconciliation Camp is in July.

 Lyn Robinette—North Texas Area Administrative Assistant

Texas Harmony

 What’s that?  Texas Harmony is a women’s choir that sings barbershop.  They will appear at the Plaza Theater in Old Downtown Carrollton on Saturday, October 10th at 7:00.  The seniors group will be attending, but everyone is invited.  Tickets are $10.  If you would like to attend with the group, please contact Cindy Whitten at 972-416-9084 so she can purchase the tickets.      (Image from Wikipedia)

Spirituality for a Busy World

2009-2010

PROGRAMS OFFERED by

Spiritual Ministries Institute

Tuesday: October 20, 2009

Praying Through Illness

 Ms. Sue Parker, LPC, LMFT

Staying connected with God can be difficult when faced with medical or other significant challenges.  
This program will allow you to take time to consider how you might best help yourself or another
when faced with unforeseen struggles and burdens.

Tuesday, November 17, 2009

Unity: Essential or Non-Essential?

Rev. Don ManWorren

When Jesus prayed, as recorded in John 17:20, "that they all may be one.....
so that the world may believe." For what was Jesus praying?  Does it still matter?

Tuesday, February 23, 2010

Feeling Satisfied

Rev. Brian Hardesty-Crouch

Do you ever feel like what you 'do' is never enough?  Moreover, our culture says
 that what we 'have' is never enough! 
Come and pray for true satisfaction, found in the source of our good and giving God.

Tuesday, March 23, 2010

The Cloaks We Cling To

 Ms. Donnie Hawley

Palm Sunday seems to be misnamed.  The branches are quite secondary to the cloaks (Luke 19:35-36).  Beginning our prayerful reflection on the high drama of Holy Week, this presentation will
help us focus on the cloak we can offer to Jesus this season.

Tuesday, April 20, 2010

Walking Wet In A Parched World

Rev. Dr. David Batchelder

What does it mean to live a sacramental spirituality in a thirsty world? Baptismal identity is
both gift and call where deepened faith and heightened risk go hand in hand.
Both belong to a graced mode of being.

Details and Registration on back.  

Spiritual Ministries Institute:

spirmininst@yahoo.com    214-934-3217

www.SpiritualMinistriesInstitute.org

All Programs offered
at two locations and two times

10:00 am – noon

       at Midway Hills Christian Church,

      11001 Midway Road, Dallas, TX

7:00-9:00 pm (repeated)

at Prince of Peace Catholic Church

5100 W. Plano Parkway, Plano, TX 75093

Our Presenters:

MS. SUE PARKER, LPC, LMFT—21 years of experience Counselor and Marriage and Family Therapist.  She is the former Administrator for the counseling services of Catholic Charities of Dallas Inc and currently the Pastoral Coordinator for Our Lady of Angels Catholic Church in Allen.  A 3 year breast cancer survivor, Sue is a mother of two children and proud grandmother of 3 grandsons.

REV. DON MANWORREN, D.Min.— Retired  Associate General Minister and President of the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ).  He served as Executive for the Iowa Inter-Church Forum, and as pastor in Iowa.  A past  Trustee for Texas Christian University, Brite Divinity School, and Christian Theological Seminary, he is currently active at Midway Hills Christian Church, in Dallas.

REV. BRIAN HARDESTY-CROUCH— President of HOLY MOMENTS, www.holymoments.org and member of faculty for HeartPaths DFW, program in the art of spiritual leadership and spiritual direction.  Creator and faciliator of the Loving God series, a program for spirituality for congregational leaders at Christ UMC, Plano, TX, Brian is an ordained Methodist elder and spiritual director.

MS. DONNIE HAWLEY—Degreed teacher with 25 years experience as Director of Faith Formation at her church, a position  from which she is now retired.  She currently serves as a spiritual director and remains active in a variety of spiritual and formational ministries.

REV. DR. DAVID BATCHELDER—Pastor of West Plano Presbyterian Church frequently sought for his expertise in liturgy and worship. A member of the North American Academy of Liturgy and Convener of the Christian Initiation Study Group, he has published numerous articles on worship and related subjects. His newest work is a book, All Through the Day, All Through the Year: Family Prayers and Celebrations, Augsburg Press.