SEPTEMBER  2010


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      Pastor's Message:

        Dear Friends,
        
        Early on in my Christian life, a Sunday School teacher taught me that 
        there are three ways God answers our prayers: yes, no or wait.  She
        suggested that one way to remember this truth is to think of a traffic
        signal; Green for go, Red for stop and Yellow for wait.  It may be 
        simplistic, but over the years--especially when I had to learn to wait
        patiently on the Lord for the answer that would come in God's own
        time--not mine.

         Several years ago, Country superstar Garth Brooks made famous a
         song that includes the words, "Sometimes God's greatest gifts are
         unanswered prayers."  The song addresses the reality that sometimes 
         we think we know what is best for our lives.  We storm heaven with 
         our prayers only to have God answer with a no, a closed door, a lost
         opportunity.  At the time it hurts and we feel disappointed and confused.  
         " Why not, God? Why can't I have this job?  Why can't I have this
         relationship:  Why can't this problem be resolved:"  It is only in hind-
         sight that we realize the sovereign God who loves us dearly did not 
         give what we wanted, because God had something much better in mind.

         Perhaps you are familiar to the poem attributed to an anonymous
         confederate soldier:  I asked God for strength that I might achieve

 

                  I was made weak, that I might learn humbly to obey.
                  I asked for health, that I might do greater things
                  I was given infirmity, that I might do better things.
                  I asked for riches that I might be happy
                  I was given poverty, that I might be wise.
                  I asked for power, that I might have the praise of men
                  I was given weakness, that I might feel the need of God.
                  I asked for all things, that I might enjoy life
                  I was given life, that I might enjoy all things.
                  I got nothing that I asked for, but everything I had hoped for
                  Almost despite myself, my unspoken prayers were answered.
                  I am among all men, most richly blessed.

             When our prayers are answered with a no or a wait, our faith is tested,
         There are times we must trust that God has a better plan we cannot
          yet see.  Though God may not grant us all we want, God will supply
          our needs.  The Apostles Paul confirms this promise in Philippians 4:19, 
          "And my God will fully satisfy every need of yours according to his
         riches in glory in Christ Jesus." 
What a powerful promise!  As I 
         reflect on my own life, I can affirm its truth. 

         When our prayers are not immediately answered as we would choose,
          let us rest in God's loving promise to satisfy our needs.  Let us
          anticipate how God might be at work preparing something even 
          greater than we can imagine.  Our faithfulness in uncertainty and
          our unwavering trust in the goodness of our God will result in the
          riches of blessings.   


          Yours in Christian love, Pastor Hilda Pecoraro.  

 

       

communion schedule

         September 5

      
October 3

      
November 7

        November 28 (ADVENT)

      December 24      (Christmas Eve)

      January 2, 2011
_______________________________________________________________________________________________

Session Report

Committees are active with Fall planning:
The choir has begun rehearsals 9 am Sunday mornings and will sing the second
Sunday of September.  Mission Interpretation has an ongoing book sale to benefit
the library.  The Thursday morning group has commenced with the study of "Enough"
by the Rev. Adan Hamilton.  The Thursday evening group is continuing..  Both 
welcome participants.  Melva O'Neill will represent Westminster at Presbytery in
Bishop, Ca.  Family Promise will have families staying at the church from the 19th
through the 25th.  
Vacation Bible School ran the end of August with 19 kids and 5 adult participants.
It was reported that the songs were the most popular feature for kids.  A.D. Hopkins
was pleased to have so many dedicated volunteers.  He is in the process of obtaining
a large banner to hang from the front of the church.
The picnic in the mountains brought rain as usual (and even hail) but a least people
managed to eat before the downpour started.  (See photos in the gallery).
Sharon Hallberg, chair of the Administration Committee, has promised to ascertain
that the Policies and Procedures Manual is current and available to all officers.  A
work party was held in August and expects to get more done with the onset of 
cooler weather.  The committee is looking at enhancing the sanctuary lighting.
The Pastor Nominating Committee has been busy checking out their finalist candidates.
Some of these same elders serve on the Nominating Committee to find elders and 
deacons.  There will be a combined meeting of elders and deacons on Friday the 17th
at 6 pm.


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       Financial Report

      In July we received $9,302 in the operating fund.  
      Expenditures for the month totaled $7,920.  Our
      income was $1,382 more than our expenditures.  The
      insurance company paid $3400 from claims made for
      items taken and damage from the recent break-in.  The
      Thai congregation contributed $500 toward expenses
      from their July conference.  Session voted to reimburse
      the capital fund $3200 that was still owed with $5000
      was borrowed to meet expenses a few years ago.  The
      expenses of bringing in and interviewing for a pastor 
      will show up in the next month.

      The deacons are having to cut funding for the food pantry
       since costs have near doubled in recent months.  For an
      average of $600 they spent $1000 in May, another $1000
      in June and $1400 in July!  The needs are great so help as
      you are able both the church and toward food for the deacons.  

         
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Birthdays for the Month of SEPTEMBER

Sarah Borders      1st
Doris Schworer   13th
Ralph Sabey        16th
Robert Thomas    23rd
Kaylee Womack   23rd 
Daniela Stege        25th 
Chimene Buckner  27th  

Anniversary

Ron and Kathie Slaughter
September 11             

 

 Scripture for SEPTEMBER


"Do not fear, O Zion:  
do not let your hands grow weak.
The lord, your God, is in your midst,
A warrior who gives victory:
He will rejoice over you with gladness,
He will renew you in His love;
He will exult over you with loud singing
as on a day of festival."   Zephaniah 3: 16-18

          
       

  

 

 

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