Archive for January, 2010

Presbyterian Disaster Assistance (PDA)

Tuesday, January 19th, 2010

Good Morning Westminster, I would like to share with you some information regarding the PDA efforts to help out our brothers and sisters in Haiti. Buran informed the congregation on Sunday how easily each of us can give to the PDA relief efforts by sending in a check to Westminster, noting on the check the DR number: “DR000064″. We took up a collection for this on Sunday and will continue to collect checks as long as they are needed (FYI: we collected $3,314.00!!!). We will then send a check to the General Assembly as soon as we receive it so that the monies can get to them in a timely manner. You can go to the PDA website to track their daily updates on the relief efforts:  www.pcusa.org/pda.  You can also donate on their website using a credit card.

For His Glory Adoption Outreach, the orphanage where John and Elizabeth Salsbery’s  long awaited adoptive daughter resides, has asked “EVERYONE that receives this to use this information to get on your knees before our Lord and ask Him to provide. We have one nanny that is deceased and the orphanage needs her body to be removed. The orphanage has no drinkable water. In addition they need: formula for babies, medicines, IV fluids (one child is currently on an IV), charcoal to cook, diesel and cash to buy supplies if they find them. They are running out of cash and there are no banks open to get cash, so it needs to be delivered by someone already on the ground or by helicopter. Others are beginning to rob them of what supplies they do have. There are helicopters flying over the orphanage and they have made a sign on the roof that says they are an orphanage and need help. The staff is also working to get together all the paperwork for each child that has an adoptive family in a way that it can be attached to their body if there is an opportunity to evacuate. For His Glory is doing everything we can on this end to contact people who may be able to help. Please pray.” So Westminster – let us pray, pray, pray for these specific needs that they have addressed!!!
        
The Presbytery offers another option for those wanting to send financial assistance: You may also help Rivermont Presbyterian Church by sending contributions directly to the Children’s Nutrition program of Haiti. This program has been a mission of Rivermont Church since its inception more than 10 years ago. CNP is integrated into the community health structure of the district hospital in Léogâne, Haiti and is committed to the survival and growth of children, the rehabilitation of malnourished children, and to the health of mothers. Their facilities were reduced to rubble and the hospital is severely damaged. Their efforts will be needed desperately in an area more severely damaged than Port-Au-Prince. Visit their website at http://cnphaiti.org. To send donations, their address in the U. S. is:        
        
CNP of Haiti        
P. O. Box 3720        
1918 Union Avenue        
Chattanooga, TN 37404          
        
Powell Presbyterian Church has had a long standing relationship with Ludner St. Amour, and The Christian School of New Vision, which also receives student sponsorships from Fountain City Church and possibly others in our presbytery. We finally heard that they are all safe and out of harms way with no damage from the earthquake.        
        
Churches may also do something more concrete such as making Church World Service Kits. Get directions for creating those at: http://www.churchworldservice.org/, or type in your browser: Church World Service Kits. You may copy complete directions for making and sending these kits to replace what is being sent into Haiti.        
        
Faithfully,        
        
Carl                
Carl@presbyteryeasttn.org                
865-688-5581                
800-542-4246        
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The following message is posted on the PCUSA website: 

Brothers and Sisters in Christ,
As the eyes of the world turn to Haiti, let us join our hearts in prayer:  

God of compassion Please watch over the people of Haiti, And weave out of these terrible  happenings wonders of goodness and grace. Surround those who have been affected by tragedy With a sense of your present love, And hold them in faith. Though they are lost in grief, May they find you and be comforted; Guide us as a church To find ways of providing assistance that heals wounds and provides hope Help us to remember that when one of your children suffer We all suffer Through Jesus Christ who was dead, but lives and rules this world with you. Amen.       

                                                                                                                   (Adapted from Book of Common Worship)

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Hugs and more hugs,

Renee Wiesehuegel

January 12, 2010

Tuesday, January 12th, 2010

Good Morning Westminster ,

Thought we had a good chance this morning of the ice melting on the parking lot, but the Lord has other plans. =) The snow is pretty  coming down. Hope you have a safe and peaceful day.

Several reminders for you:

  • Paula Hogan needs volunteers to help her serve breakfast at Volunteer Ministry Center this coming Sunday (January 17). If you can help, please call her (548-2038).
  • Tonight (January 12) is Ministry Team Night. If you are currently serving on a ministry team, please meet in the Fellowship Hall from 7:00 to 7:20 for refreshments and fellowship. Announcements will be at 7:20 and meetings begin at 7:30 pm.
  • Wednesday night (January 13) is WWW night. Dinner begins at 5:45 pm and the program starts no later than 6:30 pm. Childcare is available for the class time. There are three programs to choose from: (1) Buran’s class is “Bound and Free: A Theologian’s Journey” (2) Buz Johnson’s  presentation entitled “The Civil War and its impact on East Tennessee ” (3) Companions in Christ – which is an ongoing women’s study group, will begin a new study in the Prayer room.
  • Thursday is our day to make FISH deliveries. The FISH hotline rings constantly here when they forward the calls to us. So many people are in need! The sad thing is – we can only deliver the amount of food to the needy based on how many volunteers to deliver the food! If you want to help out with this, call Barbara Wilkinson today (cell: 300-8845)
  • Wednesday is the Abbey deadline. Please get your articles into Debbie Bendy on a timely manner. Her email address is unitedprinters@comcast.net
  • Sunday’s Adult Sunday School choices are: (1) Bible Study Class in the Library (2) John Muntz’ class on the Book of Confessions held in the McKinnon Room  (3) Women In Touch in the Prayer room
  • Snow policy: I think our first run on it for the winter last Sunday went smoothly. Just a reminder, if there is any question as to whether a class, service, or Sunday School would be offered, all you have to do is check your email, check our website, or call the church office. I can change the voice mail on our phone from anywhere. Safety is our major concern!

Hugs,

Renee Wiesehuegel

Email: renee_wpc@comcast.net

Phone: 584-3957, ext. 10

Website: www.wpcknox.org

January 10 Worship Services

Saturday, January 9th, 2010

We have decided to cancel the 9 a.m. worship service on Sunday, January 10, due to the icy conditions in the parking lot. Sunday School and the 11 a.m. worship service will be held as scheduled. There is a Congregational meeting immediately after the 11 a.m. worship service.  I hope that you have a very safe and relaxing weekend! 

Hugs,

Renee Wiesehuegel

Happy New Year

Wednesday, January 6th, 2010

What a great way to start off our new year together with our Founder’s Day Celebration on January 6 at 5:45 pm. We hope that you will join us in honoring our charter members: Nancy Dean, Frank and Marty Marsh, and Randolph and Lennis McCartha!  The Fellowship Ministry Team is busy preparing a yummy spaghetti dinner while others are preparing their “roasts”. This event will be held in the Fellowship Hall. I just love this congregation! Isn’t it totally awesome that we get to journey this life together???  “Grace upon Grace” like Buran spoke of last Sunday.