1. religion and spirituality

The White Spire
NOV/DEC 2014!
FIRST PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH OF ELIZABETHTON!
VOLUME VIII, ISSUE 10
In this issue:
Stewardship 2014/2015:
What We Value
Autumn Worship Guide: The via negativa
Advent at FPCe
Interconnectedness of All Things
Youth Gathering
And more!
From the Pastor’s Computer
Dear Friends,
This letter is
hard to write.
After nine years
of ministry with
you, it is time
for a transition. Beverly and I
will be moving at the end of
December. Our last service
with you will be the Christmas
Eve service. I am in the
process of accepting another
call. When that is finalized in
a week or so, I will let you
know where. Our house is
already on the market!
This congregation has
touched our hearts. It was a
place of healing when I
arrived and a place of
comfort after losing our
son, Zachary. It has been a
place of freedom and hope.
This congregation has
119 West F Street
Elizabethton, Tennessee
37643
www.FPCelizabethton.org
enabled me to grow as a
preacher and pastor. I have
been the envy of many of my
colleagues because this
congregation has allowed and
encouraged me to be honest
from the pulpit, on the radio, in
my blog, and wherever else.
First Presbyterian Church of
Elizabethton is a beacon and an
oasis. I am honored to have
been able to serve with you.
This time between now and the
end of the year will be a time of
tearful goodbyes and a time to
celebrate what we have
accomplished together. We
have accomplished much.
I know there will many
questions regarding next steps.
The presbytery will guide you
and I will do everything I can to
make this transition as smooth
and gracious as possible.
This time between now an
d the
end of the year will be a
time of
tearful goodbyes and a tim
e to
celebrate what we have
accomplished together.
We
have accomplished much.
Thank you for your
ministry to us.
Blessed Be,
John
First Presbyterian invites you to become a part of our fellowship as we worship God and
serve others in the spirit of Jesus Christ. With a commitment to achieving a just and
peaceful world community, our congregation welcomes those of every age, gender, sexual
orientation, race and ethnic identity.
Stewardship 2014/2015: What We Value
If you were in church on October 26th, you heard Bill Kirkwood give this “Minute for Mission.” It’s a work of truth,
engendering a strong sense of community, belonging, ownership and responsibility. It’s a message worth repeating.
Many thanks to Bill for writing this up for our White Spire.
- David Roane, Stewardship, Finance and
Personnel Team Moderator
First Presbyterian Church of Elizabethton is a miracle. I
don’t use that word much, because the universe is so
vast and mysterious almost anything is possible in it.
But the fact that this church exists in East Tennessee
comes as close to being a miracle as anything I can
think of. Our church has been here a long time; it was
founded in 1782, as our bulletin notes. The reason it is
here today is solely because women and men who
came before us did what they had to do to pay the
pastor, heat the building, and take care of the countless
other things needed to run a church. Our
predecessors had no one but themselves to rely on to
keep the doors of the church open. They alone did it.
They did it when the region was being settled; they did
it during the Civil War; they did it
during the influenza epidemic of
1917; they did it during the Great
Wars. Through it all they found a
way to keep the church open, so
that today we are able to be
here, sitting in these pews.
Now it’s our turn. First
Presbyterian is now in our care—
we are its stewards, and it’s up to
us to help it survive. It’s up to us
to keep hope alive in East
Tennessee. If you haven’t already
done so, please write your pledge
for 2015 and consider increasing
the amount you’re pledging. For
several years we haven’t given
enough to cover all of the
expenses of the church. Our weekly expenses average
about $3800, and we give between $1800 and $2800
weekly. That means we have a deficit of about $40,000
now, and unless something changes we can expect it to
continue to grow.
So when I ask you to pledge, I’m not just asking you to
contribute to the church or support our church; I’m
asking you to do your part to keep our church alive.
Those who have gone before us found a way to keep it
alive, and we can, too.
Because we have a significant budget deficit, I’m also
asking you to help us reduce the deficit. Several
members of our congregation have already made
significant donations to help write down the debt, and
Lee and I will follow their lead this morning. I hope you
will join us. We need sizable contributions to do this.
The deficit is currently $40,000; you can do the math.
This is a special time in the life of First Presbyterian.
Soon a chapter in our long history will come to a close
as John and Beverly leave us to move on to the next
chapter of their lives. We can give them no more loving
gift than the knowledge that the church they have
poured their hearts and souls into for the last nine
years is on solid financial footing and prepared to
thrive. Soon the next chapter of our shared history will
begin as a new minister comes to
us—as God sends us our next
pastor. She or he will take a leap
of faith in joining us, and we will
take a leap of faith in welcoming
them into our church. But we
shouldn’t ask a prospective new
minister to take a financial leap of
faith. We need to put the church
on better financial footing so we
can recruit a new minister. So
please, for the chapter that is
closing and the one about to
begin, pledge for 2015 and help us
significantly reduce the deficit we
are now carrying.
First Presbyterian Church of
Elizabethton has been here for a
very long time, and we plan to be here for a long time
to come. If each of us does our part, together we will
continue to make possible a shining miracle in East
Tennessee.
- Bill Kirkwood, Stewardship, Finance and
Personnel Team Member
November 2014
Sunday
SEE COMPLETE CALENDAR DETAILS ONLINE AT
HTTP://WWW.FPCELIZABETHTON.ORG/FPC_ELIZABETHTON/CALENDAR.HTML
Monday
Tuesday
Wednesday
Thursday
Friday
26
27
28
29
30
9:30 AM Choir Rehearsal
6:00 PM Women's
Group
5:30 PM Aerobics
6:00 PM Youth Gathering
10:30 AM Thursdays with
th
th
BOOK
SALE! Nov. 15 & 16 7:00
PM SmallThe
are
unloading
books. Theology books,
Jesus
9:45
AM Adult Forum
Group Shucks
6:30 PM
Bell Choir
Reliterature
loads of books and
hearsalsrecords. Mostly
11:00
AM Pledge Drivebooks, as well as dvds, and some vinyl
5:30 PM Aerobics
11:00
Worship
Service much nothing. Most will go for 7:00
Meditation
8:00 paperback
PM Religion for Life and many
allAMfor
pretty
$2PMhardbound
$1
Radio Program at FPC
1:30
PM Small Groupthan that. Half the proceeds will go to the youth ministry
cheaper
2:00
PM Religion for Life
Elizabethton.
The Super Colossal Book Sale will be Saturday 8a - 5p and Sunday
Radio Program
Noon-3. Bring friends. Super deals on great books!
7:00 PM Dances of Universal Peace
2
9:30 AM Choir Rehearsal
9:45 AM Adult Forum
11:00 AM Pledge Drive
11:00 AM Worship Service
1:30 PM Small Group
2:00 PM Religion for Life
Radio Program
9
9:30 AM Choir Rehearsal
9:45 AM Adult Forum
11:00 AM Worship Service
12:15 PM Gratitude Dinner
1:30 PM Small Group
2:00 PM Religion for Life
Radio Program
6:00 PM The Social Gath-
3
10
7:00 PM Session
17
23
9:30 AM Choir Rehearsal
9:45 AM Adult Forum
11:00 AM Worship Service
12:15 PM Second Sunday
1:00 PM Ten Thousand
2:00 PM Religion for Life
3:00 PM Ten Thousand
5:00 PM Greening of the
7:00 PM Advent Soup
24
30
1
9:30 AM Choir Rehearsal
9:45 AM Adult Forum
11:00 AM Alternative Giving Campaign
11:00 AM Worship Service
2:00 PM Religion for Life
7:00 PM Dances of UniEastern Time Time Zone
5
11
18
5:30 PM Aerobics
7
12
6:00 PM Youth Gathering
6:30 PM Bell Choir Rehearsals
7:00 PM Meditation
13
10:30 AM Thursdays with
Jesus
5:30 PM Aerobics
8:00 PM Religion for Life
Radio Program
14
19
6:00 PM Youth Gathering
6:30 PM Bell Choir Rehearsals
7:00 PM Meditation
20
10:30 AM Thursdays with
Jesus
5:30 PM Aerobics
7:00 PM PFLAG
8:00 PM Religion for Life
Radio Program
26
27
10:30 AM Thursdays with
Jesus
5:30 PM Aerobics
8:00 PM Religion for Life
Radio Program
25
5:30 PM Aerobics
31
6
10:30 AM Thursdays with
Jesus
5:30 PM Aerobics
8:00 PM Religion for Life
Radio Program
6:00 PM Youth Gathering
6:30 PM Bell Choir Rehearsals
7:00 PM Meditation
5:30 PM Aerobics
7:00 PM Small Group
16
9:30 AM Choir Rehearsal
9:45 AM Adult Forum
11:00 AM Worship Service
12:00 PM Book Sale
12:30 PM Prospective
Members Lunch
2:00 PM Religion for Life
Radio Program
7:00 PM Science & Spirit
1st Sunday of Advent
4
5:30 PM Aerobics
7:00 PM Small Group
Saturday
6:30 PM Bell Choir Rehearsals
7:00 PM Meditation
1
8
6:00 AM Belk's Charity
Sale for ARM
15
8:00 AM Book Sale
9:00 AM Photography
Workshop
5:30 PM URI Interfaith
Gratitude Dinner
21
5:00 PM 10KV Setup
22
8:00 AM Moving Sale
8:00 AM Ten Thousand
Villages Artisan Sale
28
29
8:00 AM Food for the
Multitude
2
3
4
5
9:00 AM Presbytery Meet- 6:00 PM Youth Gathering
10:30 AM Thursdays with 5:00 PM Carter Count
nd
MOVING SALE!
ing Nov. 22 , 8a-5p
Jesus
Women's Democratic Par6:30 PM Bell Choir ReAt the Shuck home,
3 Fairwayhearsals
Court, Johnson
Stuff will
5:30 PM Aerobics
5:30City.
PM Aerobics
ty go. Furniture, tools,
7:00cannot
PM Meditationfit in a8:00
PM Religion
for Life
lawn equipment, anything that
two
bedroom
apartment. When you
shop at the Ten Thousand Villages check outRadio
theProgram
moving sale too! Thanks!
6
Page 1/1
December 2014
Sunday
SEE COMPLETE CALENDAR DETAILS ONLINE AT
HTTP://WWW.FPCELIZABETHTON.ORG/FPC_ELIZABETHTON/CALENDAR.HTML
Monday
30
Tuesday
1
1st Sunday of Advent
9:30 AM Choir Rehearsal
9:45 AM Adult Forum
11:00 AM Alternative Giving Campaign
11:00 AM Worship Service
2:00 PM Religion for Life
Radio Program
7:00 PM Dances of Universal Peace
7
15
3rd Sunday of Advent
9:30 AM Choir Rehearsal
9:45 AM Adult Forum
11:00 AM Worship Service
11:00 AM Alternative Giving Campaign
12:00 PM New Member
2:00 PM Religion for Life
6:00 PM The Social Gath6:00 PM Church Family
21
Eastern Time Time Zone
Saturday
5
5:00 PM Carter Count
Women's Democratic Party
6
9
10
6:00 PM Youth Gathering
6:30 PM Bell Choir Rehearsals
7:00 PM Meditation
11
10:30 AM Thursdays with
Jesus
5:30 PM Aerobics
8:00 PM Religion for Life
Radio Program
12
13
16
5:30 PM Aerobics
7:00 PM Tidings of Comfort Service
17
6:00 PM Youth Gathering
6:30 PM Bell Choir Rehearsals
7:00 PM Meditation
18
10:30 AM Thursdays with
Jesus
5:30 PM Aerobics
7:00 PM PFLAG
8:00 PM Religion for Life
Radio Program
19
20
23
24
10:00 PM Christmas Eve
Service
25
8:00 PM Religion for Life
Radio Program
26
27
30
31
1
2
3
5:30 PM Aerobics
9:30 AM Choir Rehearsal
9:45 AM Adult Forum
11:00 AM Worship Service
11:00 AM Alternative Giving Campaign
12:00 PM Inquirer's Class
2:00 PM Religion for Life
Radio Program
7:00 PM Science & Spirit
28
9:30 AM Choir Rehearsal
9:45 AM Adult Forum
11:00 AM Worship Service
2:00 PM Religion for Life
Radio Program
7:00 PM Dances of Universal Peace
Friday
4
10:30 AM Thursdays with
Jesus
5:30 PM Aerobics
8:00 PM Religion for Life
Radio Program
22
4th Sunday of Advent
Thursday
3
5:30 PM Aerobics
6:00 PM Women's Group
9:30 AM Choir Rehearsal
9:45 AM Adult Forum
11:00 AM Alternative Giving Campaign
11:00 AM Worship Service
2:00 PM Religion for Life
Radio Program
5:00 PM AF Progressive
Dinner
14
2
9:00 AM Presbytery Meeting
5:30 PM Aerobics
8
7:00 PM Session
2nd Sunday of Advent
Wednesday
29
5:30 PM Aerobics
6:00 PM Youth Gathering
6:30 PM Bell Choir Rehearsals
7:00 PM Meditation
8:00 PM Religion for Life
Radio Program
Page 1/1
Connect with Us!
Online:
Religion for Life
Web page:
FPCelizabethton.org
John’s blog:
Religionforlife.com
Find us on Facebook!
@John Shuck
@First Presbyterian Church of
Elizabethton, Tennessee
@First Presbyterian of Elizabethton
Youth
Religion is too important a topic to be left alone and too controversial to be left
to the zealots. People do want to hear intelligent programs about religion as it
relates to politics, sexuality, science and more. Religion For Life is a half hour
program that explores the intersection of religion, social justice, and public life
from an educational point of view. Upcoming episodes feature the following guests and
topics:
Oct. 30 - Nov. 5 Sea Raven, Theology From Exile.
Email:
John A Shuck, Pastor
[email protected]
Don Steele, Assistant to the Pastor:
[email protected]
Sandra Garrett, Office Assistant:
Tue-Thurs., 12:00 - 6:00
[email protected]
Elaine Kolp, Treasurer:
Mon. & Wed., 12:00 - 6:00
[email protected]
Beverly Shuck, Music Director:
[email protected]
Mike Elder, Christian Education
[email protected]
Nov. 6-12 Peter Enns, The Bible Tells Me So: Why Defending the Bible Has Made Us Unable to
Read It. Nov. 13-19 Joel Baden, The Historical David: The Real Life of an Invented Hero
Upcoming, in no particular order…
Stephen Patterson, The Lost Way: How Two Forgotten Gospels Are
Rewriting the Story of Christian Origins Amy-Jill Levine, Short Stories By Jesus
Find us here, too!
Church Office and Pastor:
423.543.7737
423.542.4321 (fax)
Mary Cullen Hackett, Proof of Angels Don Steele's cell:
505-870-9655
Lloyd Geering, Reimagining God: The Faith
Journey of a Modern Heretic Religion for Life
Thursdays at 8:00p with rebroadcast
Sundays at 2:00p on WETS, 89.5 FM
Maria Flaccavento, Trekking the Border Mondays at 1:00p with rebroadcast
Sundays at Noon on WEHC, 90.7 FM
Live streaming at www.wets.org and
www.ehc.edu/wehc.
Don Wagner and Walt Davis, Zionism and
The Quest for Justice in the Holy Land R4L podcasts are available on the
church website.
The R4L program blog is at
religionforlife.me.
Lloyd Geering
Worship Guide through Christmas Eve
November 2nd Five Cents A Meal
Offering
National Day of Remembrance
Rev. Dr. Donald M. Steele leads
worship.
November 9th
Theme: Can You Drink the Cup?
Text: Mark 14:32-36
In the dark at Gethsemane, Jesus
asked if he must drink the cup. What
is the cup? What pain and grief does
it hold? Why must he drink from it?
Why must we all? Matthew Fox
writes that the strength of the via
negativa is “a vulnerable strength, the
strength to absorb, to receive the dark
with the light, the pain with the pleasure,
a strength to keep on falling.” The
willingness to “love our enemies,
embrace our fears, enter the darkest of
the dark” is the Christ path. This
leads to our wholeness. (Fox, Original
Blessing, p. 162).
November 30th First Sunday of Advent
Theme: Creating in the Dark
Text: Genesis 1:1-5
December 14th Third
Sunday of Advent/New
Member Sunday Theme: Responding in the Dark
Text: Luke 1:26-38
There is a beautiful creation hymn
with these words:
“In the bulb there is a flower;
in the seed, an apple tree;
In cocoons, a hidden promise:
butterflies will soon be free!
In the cold and snow of winter
there’s a spring that waits to
be,
Unrevealed until its season,
something God alone can see.
There’s a song in every silence,
seeking word and melody;
There’s a dawn in every darkness,
bringing hope to you and me.”
Creativity is alive in the dark. Creation
begins in the darkness. Darkness is
not the absence of life, but the place
of its birth.
Mary responds from the dark. She is
the model of receptivity, trust, letting
go and letting be. “Let it be with me
according to your word.” Mary
embodies courage, the large heart of
compassion. It is no surprise that
millions are devoted to Mary. As we
walk the path of Advent darkness,
Mary leads.
23rd
November
Theme: Journey in the Dark
Text: Qur’an 17:1
“Glory be to Him Who carried His
servant by night from the Sacred Mosque
to the Furthest Mosque, whose precincts
We have blessed, to show him of Our
wonders! He it is Who is All-Hearing, AllSeeing!” Mohammad is taken on a
night journey. How cool is that? The
dark night can be the place of
adventure!
This is a service to acknowledge loss,
to let pain be pain, and to let the holy
one seek us in that sacred place.
December 21st Fourth Sunday of Advent
Theme: Listening to Dreams in the
Dark
Text: Matthew 1:18-2:23
November 16th
Theme: Enlightened in the Dark
Text: Buddha’s Enlightenment
There are many versions of the story,
but the Buddha becomes enlightened
after a long night of many
temptations. We will explore
Buddha’s story of light that comes
from the dark.
December 16th
Tidings of Comfort at Seven
P.M.
The nativity story of Matthew is one
of guidance by dream. The ancients
believed that the dead, the spirits, and
the gods communicated through
dreams. Depth psychology says that
our unconscious is communicating
with us in dreams. In either case, it is
worth our time to listen.
December 7th Second Sunday of Advent
Theme: God in Light and Dark
Text: Psalm 139:7-12
One of the most profound Psalms is
Psalm 139 where the psalmist realizes
that there is no getting away because
there is no “away.” “Even darkness is
not dark for you….” There is
beautiful grace in this. It is a
recognition that even as we fall, we fall
into the holy. There is no state where
Divine Love is absent. The Dark
Night of the Soul is where divine birth
takes place.
December 24th
Christmas Eve Service at Ten
P.M.
Theme: O Holy Night
Text: Luke 2:1-20
Near the longest night of the year, the
winter solstice, the birth of Christ
enlightens the world, so goes the
legend. Christmas with all of its
symbolism is “night language.” It is
truth that comes from the dark, from
the heart, from imagination. We are
invited to suspend our disbelief and
enter the holy night.
More Stewardship 2014/2015
Your Session routinely talks about, plans, discusses and frets over the church’s financial matters. As usual, the topic of funds
and fundraising was on the table in August. Don Steele offered to write a letter to the congregation to help all recognize
some of the valuable activities the church supports. Don’s letter, written in mid-August, is copied, below. It was worth saving
for publication during our pledging time. Don thoughtfully covers many of the activities supported by our church through your
generosity. Some of the activities are common to many churches, and some, at least in our region, are unique to us.
- David Roane, Stewardship, Finance and
Personnel Team Moderator
Dear members and friends of First Presbyterian
Church of Elizabethton
In additional reaching out to our neighbors, our church
provides space for yoga classes three times each week.
While our summer months are usually quiet, the
church has been busy. The financial gifts you pledged
months ago are making an enormous difference in
helping FPCe care for its congregation, and for those
who live well beyond.
On the second Sunday of each month, our Social
Gathering provides a safe meeting place for LGBT folk
to meet and share a meal. As many as 60 people have
attended, regularly driving from as far away as
Southwest Virginia, Bristol, Morristown, and
Greeneville, Tennessee. No other such welcoming place
exists anywhere in our area.
Just what have your gifts made possible? In July, 57
members of our church family participated in a
profound retreat at Holston Camp, in an event that
promised and delivered spiritual, educational, and
physical refreshment and renewal.Your donations
helped cover the cost of the attendance for those who
otherwise would not have been able to attend.
Early in the summer, our youth with the help of their
parents and Sandra Garrett provided a delicious lunch
and fun auction to raise funds for youth activities.
Over $1500 was netted thanks to the generosity of so
many. The funds provided scholarships for one youth to
attend the national Presbyterian Youth Leadership
Conference at Montreat, North Carolina, while other
of our young people participated in the Holston
Presbytery Camp in Banner Elk, North Carolina (our
Youth Director, Samantha Davison, was part of the
Summer staff). Thanks for that!
Our regular contributions each month to the 5 Cents
a Meal program helped make it possible for Food for
the Multitude, ARM, The Shepherd’s Inn, and the Kenya
Water Project all to receive significant grants from the
Presbytery for our work through those organizations.
In addition to financial support, members of our
congregation serve on the boards of all three
organizations, and volunteer as well. Our church
served over 200 people at Food for the Multitude on
three separate times in the summer. ARM volunteers
helped to respond to the food and clothing needs of
over 800 low-income families in Carter County this
summer.
Special spiritual sustenance is offered each Wednesday
evening in the form of the Meditation Group led by
elder Bill Kirkwood.
The Sundae Sunday fundraiser in July sponsored by the
Peacemaking Team raised over $2000 for the clean
water efforts of the Appalachian Service Project.
Supported by your gifts, the Ministry of our pastor,
John Shuck challenges us each Sunday in worship,
teaches us in our “Thursdays with Jesus” class, and
addresses the community through the “Religion For
Life” radio program. “Religion for Life” reaches over
3000 listeners on WETS every Sunday afternoon, which
is likely a greater audience than is reached by any other
religion-based programming in the region. Many of our
new members and regular non-members reference this
program as part of their reason for joining us.
Our deacons have provided Home-Cooked Healing
and multiple visits in times of illness, rehabilitation, and
grief. Their Care Lists contain the names of every
member of the church and they are always ready to
help those in need.
Our church sustains us in times of celebration, as well
as in times of loss, including our farewells to dear
friends.
Continued on next page...
More Stewardship 2014/2015, continued
Our grounds provided the beautiful setting for the
wedding of Katy Pilkington and Eli Ellis presided over
by me during the vacation of Pastor Shuck. Martin Hall
was the scene afterwards of a lavish reception
prepared by the bride and groom with help from
members and friends.
God is present everywhere in the life of FPCe. Last
Sunday we welcomed back the choir after a summer of
special music provided by accompanist Barbara Knisley
and numerous volunteers, planned and offered by
Director of Music, Beverly Shuck. Children continue in
Sunday School led by Bobbie Connolly with Patricia
Pilkington caring for nursery-age children with the help
of additional volunteers. David Roane guides the
challenging and exciting Adult Forum. Our youth
activities have resumed and will continue throughout
Financial Update
the Fall, Winter and Spring on Wednesday evenings
with carefully planned programs accompanied by
delicious meals prepared by the parents. All of the
above presumes having the building open with lights
and water.
With all this happening in the summer, how much more
is possible as activities resume and increase now? The
rhythm of renewal and hope is only possible through
your gifts, which sustain FPCe as an irreplaceable
community of faith, justice, and God's love.
Blessings,
Don Steele, on the behalf of the Stewardship, Finance
and Personnel Committee
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Offering Recap:
Oct. 5th:
$2712
Oct. 12th:
$1159
Oct. 19th: $1945
Oct. 25th:
$13,113*
*$2573 for Offering,
$10,540 for deficit
reduction.
Advent at FPCe
Alternative
Giving
Join us this Advent Season for these wonderful and heart-warming events,
in addition to the Advent,Tidings of Comfort, and Christmas Eve Services
(listed in the Worship Guide in this issue and online).
The Peacemaking Team makes
it easy for you to honor the
true spirit of giving while you
honor our beautiful Earth and
those who dwell upon it by
engaging in their "Alternative
Giving" program.
Nov. 23rd, 5p: Greening of the Church. Join the Worship Team
as we do a little "sprucing up" of the Sanctuary and decorate for the
upcoming Advent and Christmas Season. We are thrilled to have
Roddy Byrd and Wayland Dykes of Roddy's Flowers donating and
guiding the decorating this year. Thank you so much! We can't wait
to see the magic!
Everyone is welcome to join in!
Our Annual Advent Soup Supper will follow the Greening at 7p
in The Tom Dixon Room. Bring your favorite winter soup. The
Worship Team will provide freshly baked bread, a tasty dessert bar
assortment, and beverages.
Dec. 7, 5p: Adult Forum Progressive Dinner, various
locations. If you've attended even one Adult Forum on a Sunday
morning in 2014 you are welcome to be a part of the AF Progressive
Dinner. The evening is divided into 3 courses and locations:
Appetizers, Entree, and Desserts. You bring an offering of your
choice to ONE of these courses and enjoy an evening of fun, food,
and fellowship. Julie Wade will have more details, soon. Look for
information in the Church News, Bulletin Announcements, and on
the website (www.FPCelizabethton.org)
Dec. 9, 6p: Women's Group Annual Christmas Dinner and
White Elephant Gift Exchange. Aubrie Abernethy hosts this
popular (soon to be legendary) potluck and gift exchange. Bring a
tasty dish and a silly (or not!) small gift to exchange. Contact Aubrie
at [email protected] to RSVP or for more information.
Dec. 14, 6p: Church Family Christmas Dinner,
Martin Fellowship Hall. Join us for this heart-warming and
festive evening. Bring a family-sized dish to pass, put on
your brightest holiday outfit (or your favorite Elf Ears!) and
celebrate the season with this wonderful FPCe family.
You will soon find everything
you need on the Peacemaking
Table - information about the
local, regional, and world-wide
organizations chosen as this
year's Alternative Giving focus.
You will find information about
each group, what they do and
how. You will find cards that
can be taken and completed by
you to show loved ones how
you've chosen to honor them
with a monetary gift on their
behalf. Simply make your
choice(s), fill out the
Alternative Giving forms you
will also find at the
Peacemaking Table, and deposit
these, along with a check in
whatever amount you choose
in the box provided.
Look for details, soon!
Gratitude Dinner,
November 9, 12:10p
URI Interfaith Gratitude
Dinner, Nov. 15
Because we all dearly love our church, we are
hosting our fourth Gratitude Dinner on Nov.
9, immediately following the church service. Plan on breaking bread with your neighbors of
faith at the URI Gratitude Dinner Sat. Nov.15 at
the Memorial Park Community Center at 510
Bert St, Johnson City. Drumming is at 5:30 (please
join) and pot luck dinner at 6:00-8:30.
Best of all, our own Rev. John Shuck will serve as
Lead for the evening's festivities.
The meal will be provided by the church
elders, deacons, and Committee on
Community Life. Dishes will include
barbecue, baked beans, salads, vegetables,
macaroni and cheese, and desserts. You don’t need to cook for
this one, BUT we ask that
you attend and DONATE
as much as you
comfortably can for the
meal. Year end is approaching,
and we want to make a big
dent in our deficit which we
can do with your help. R...
O
F
L
U
RATEF
G
M
'
I
T
WHA
1.
2.
3.
So come, enjoy the fellowship,
the good food, and let’s celebrate
what a wonderful church family we have
on November 9. We’re going to ask you to write down three
things you’re grateful for, so be thinking about
that. See you there. It’ll be a lot of fun.
Ten leaders of Tri-Cities
religions and faith
traditions, lead by our
own Rev. John Shuck, will
offer prayers for peace
among people of faith, or
prayers of gratitude
and traditional
blessings within
their tradition.
RSVP so we will know
approximately how many
places to set. ([email protected])
You are welcome to bring family and friends, but
we have a 125 seat limit because of space-- so do
let Jerry know.
Often cultural foods are brought--we ask that you
have a note card with ingredients listed for
religious and allergic discernment. This year we
are asking for a small donation to defray costs.
Another Way to Support Assistance & Resource Ministries (ARM)
Belks Charity Sale on Nov. 8. The tickets are $5, all of which
goes to ARM. Helen Wilson has
tickets.
The Sale runs from 6a to 10a
that day. A ticket is required,
but you will receive $5 off one
purchase. You will also receive a
gift card valued at $5-100!
If you are not inclined to rise and
shine, you can shop anytime from
Nov. 2-7 at your leisure and still
use the ticket for $5 off. Your
purchase will be held, however,
until after the Saturday sale. Non-shoppers are encouraged to
purchase tickets that can be given
away - the cost will still go to
ARM even if they aren't used!
Thank you for continuing to
support ARM with the Open
Arms of FPCe!
The Interconnectedness of All Things: Fair Trade
October’s Peacemaking focus underscores one of the
reasons November’s is so very important.
producers. Fair Trade organizations seek to provide a
fairer balance.
October: Global Human Trafficking
Committed people from all over the world are
attracted to the work of Fair Trade and are involved at
all levels. Groups like Ten Thousand Villages, a major
early player, contract with artisans and small coffee,
tea, and cocoa farmers and co-ops and pay fair
compensation upon delivery of products. All certified
products are
subjected to
rigorous standards
and transparency as
they migrate up the
supply chain to
consumers.
November: Fair Trade
The first is malevolent, the second benevolent. No
two things could contrast more, but they are
interconnected.
Human trafficking is
the second largest
illegal trade, between
drugs and guns, and is
the fastest growing. There are more
enslaved people in
the world today than
at any other time in
history, more than 27
million. This includes
domestic servitude
and the sex trade. More often than not
it involves children. Human trafficking is a
cruel business. Individuals are snared under various circumstances,
but far too often selling children becomes an industry
for desperately poor parents. Children, particularly
girls, are sold to traffickers who purchase ostensibly
for domestic servitude, a more than likely ruse for
supplying the more lucrative sex trade.
As awareness grows, governments and public agencies
intervene, but in poorer areas of the world the sheer
numbers of traumatized victims fortunate enough to
be rescued overwhelm the ability of social service
agencies to care for them. The cost of providing safe
re-entry into society is even more expensive if
safeguards against re-victimization are provided.
Growing concurrently with the illegal horrors is a
beneficent world-wide force called Fair Trade. The
mission of Fair Trade is to provide fair employment
opportunities to disadvantaged and marginalized
farmers and artisans, standing in sharp contrast to
exploitive sweatshops and forced labor. Groups
within the Fair Trade movement work to support
individual artisans and farmers and small cooperatives
by providing fair compensation and that all-important
access to world markets. In third-world countries,
typically, ever-present crony capitalism makes deals
with local governments which marginalize small
Here is where
human trafficking
and Fair Trade
intersect. Thousands
served by FT
organizations have
been rescued out of
slavery, often as not
referred by
overburdened social
service agencies. Some entrepreneurs involved in Fair Trade have
created manufacturing enterprises for the sole
purpose of providing safe work and living spaces and
fair wages for traumatized and still vulnerable
individuals.
Lest we think human trafficking is that bad thing that
happens across the ocean, facts say otherwise. It’s
here, in our country, in our state, and in the counties
we inhabit. Human sex trafficking has become an
epidemic in Tennessee and close by. It’s a rural as well
as an urban problem. The chart on the next page
shows reported cases, but only reported cases. Law
enforcement agencies say they’ve only scratched the
surface. Our official state website covering human
trafficking, ithastostop.com, is a wealth of information
for raising public awareness and sharing resources.
Wherever families and communities have productive
work with fair compensation, all members are freer,
healthier, and safer. That’s what Fair Trade is all about.
Our church has for twenty years or so supported the
Fair Trade movement by successfully hosting the
annual Ten Thousand Villages Festival and Sale, a twoday late November event. This year’s is coming up
soon. Your support will have far reach to change lives.
Continued on next page...
The Interconnectedness of All Things, continued
Year round access to Fair Trade products can be found at 300 E. Main Street in Johnson City. Artisans’
Village, run by Michael and Leah Short, is located just
inside the entrance of the King Center and is the only
certified Fair Trade store in our area. They were
recruited by the Ten Thousand Villages organization to
establish another of their family of stores in an area
lacking a certified outlet. They have endured the
arduous process to become Fair Trade certified
retailers which gives one more layer of credibility with
consumers and the community. You might remember
Each November and December the Peacemaking
Team offers two opportunities for alternative giftgiving. The first is the Ten Thousand Villages Sale
which is held in Martin Hall the weekend before
Thanksgiving. The second opportunity is
Alternative Christmas Gifts. Watch for more
information in December at the Peacemaking Table
and in the church news.
John’s interview with them on Religion for Life a while
back. A visit to the store is a treat. Michael and Leah are
passionate, deeply committed representatives of the
Fair Trade movement. They are articulate and
engaging and love nothing more than opportunities to
tell the story. They are so committed to their work
that they stand ready to present at any forum to
which they are invited - churches, clubs, wherever
people gather. (contact:
[email protected] or 215-2919)
Sat., Nov. 22nd
8a - 5p
Sun., Nov. 23rd
1p-3p
Martin Fellowship Hall
Keep in Prayer
Youth News
Youth Gathering Schedule
for October
Nov. 5: Youth will pack Care
Boxes for A.R.M.
Nov. 12: Let's Go Bowling!
Holiday Lanes, JC
Nov. 19: What is 10,000
Villages?
Nov. 26: Happy Thanksgiving!
Dec. 3: Christmas Jeopardy
Dec. 10: Movie Night at FPCe
Dec. 17: Solstice and Other
Wintery Things
Youth Gatherings take place in
the Tom Dixon Room at 6p most
Wednesdays and include dinner!
Sundays and Youth at FPCe
Nursery: Our nursery, professionally
and lovingly staffed by Tricia and her
team of volunteers, opens at 9:45 and
is able to accommodate wee ones
from birth to school-age.
Sunday School: Bobbie Connelly
guides youth through lessons and
activities in the Tom Dixon Room.
9:45 a.
Time with the Children: Youth
Leader Sam Davison, Rev. John, and an
occasional guest offer topics geared for
young, curious minds as a special part
of the Worship service.
Children's Church: Sam Davison
and others provide lessons and
activities for children 5 and older that
engage their curious minds and tie in
with the theme of the Worship
service.
November/December Birthdays
November
December
11/01
11/02
11/05
11/07
11/09
11/10
11/12
11/13
11/14
11/16
11/18
11/19
11/20
11/22
11/26
11/27
11/28
12/01
12/03
12/05
12/09
12/12
12/15
12/16
12/20
12/21
12/22
12/23
11/24
12/27
12/29
12/30
Harry Farthing
Becca Davis
George Birchfiel
James Ellis
Jim Miller
Melody Faust
Ashlee Dillon
Zachary Hamrick
Lynn Williams
John Woody
Paul Daniels
Diana Heath
Allie Miller
John Gardner
Matthew Bowers
Tom Cowan
Ray Clayton
Tamlyn Bernshausen
JC Mills
Claire Winkler
Lars Carter
Kathe Crossley
Merilee Rogers
CarolAnn McElwee
Sharon Stafford
Kirby Brosmore
Joseph Ortola
Katy Shuck
Virginia Beene
Sutton Brown
Sally Dillon
Gary Davis
Roberta Hissey
Allison Williams
Bill Hampton
Virginia Klemmer
Lynn Brown
Kathy Braswell
Ethan Edwards
Michael Garrett
We remember the following in prayer:
• Hazel Betts
• Amy Bower, on the death of
her mother
• Grace Broome
• Linda Burrows, Barbara
Knisley's sister
• Cathy Ciolac
• Susan Clark's brother, Jim
• Bob Davison
• Laura and Chris Harrington
• The Hege family, friends of
Susan Clark
• Stella Hiortdahl, friend of
Andrea Frye
• Terry Hoeve; the Connellys'
friend
• Holly Lynch, Deb Ilves'
granddaughter
• Vanessa McQueen
• Tony Morrell
• Ginger Oaks
• Amber Sparks, Laura
Harrington's cousin
• Margaret Street
• Susan Sutton, Jim's mother
• Don & Carole Watkins,
Jeffrey's father and stepmother
• Fran Watkins, Jeffrey's mother
• Amy Willingham
• Nancy Wood
First Presbyterian Church
119 West F Street
Elizabethton TN 37643
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Non-Profit Org. - Permit 267
Elizabethton TN 37643
CURRENT RESIDENT OR:
Check out our website!
www.FPCelizabethton.org
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First Presbyterian Church
Mission Statement
With joyful hearts and open
minds we welcome all
persons as diverse, unique,
and individual expressions
of the image of God as we:
Affirm the unconditional love of God
for all people as expressed in the life
of Jesus Christ.
Celebrate God’s grace and creative
work through ritual, sacrament,
music, art, movement, and play.
Honor our Christian heritage while
we explore the knowledge and
wisdom of multiple religions,
science, philosophy, humanities and
psychology to deepen and enrich
our spiritual journeys.
Nurture one another through
fellowship and compassion in a
community that seeks to offer
wholeness.
Embody our faith through local
ministries and in actions that
promote environmental
sustainability, peace, and justice for all
people and Earth.
In awe and gratitude for the
Divine Mystery that dwells
within each of us and
pervades our Universe, we
seek to create a Christian
community that honors our
past, is vitally connected to
our present, and looks with
hope and vision to the
generations after us.
FPCe: What We Value