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CONSISTORY HIGHLIGHTS Previous months are listed below, please scroll down to see them.
Being A Blessed Church The first book Pastor Mary chose for the Consistory to read this year was out of print. So thanks to the advice of our new Interim Conference Minister, Pastor Char, another book was found. It is entitled “Being A Blessed Church” it is written by a Presbyterian Minister, N. Graham Standish. The first chapter is entitled “What is a Blessed Church” and offers some criteria for determining if you are blessed or not. Do we, at St. John’s bear the marks of a blessed church? Read the following and determine for yourself. A natural embodiment of the body of Christ,(truly acting as though we are the body of Christ) rather than an organization A place of faith, hope, and love A place filled with God’s purpose, presence and power A place that embraces the sacred A place that serves God in its own unique ways. The author offers a prayer to begin our journey into the insights this book has to offer. I thought I would share it with all of you for it is a good prayer for each of us – it could become your prayer also. It is the Fineyard Guild Prayer: “Holy God, Beloved Trinity, let me always be rooted in you so that I may live in you and you in me. Bless me so that your grace may flow through me, allowing me to bear your fruit to a hungry and helpless world. As I wander, prune me of all that inhibits your growth in me. Let me do nothing apart from you so that your joy may be complete in me. In Christ’s name I pray. Amen.”
For January: 2012 Budget Discussed – approved and to be presented at Congregational Meeting on January 29th Global Missions – Linda said communication with sister church complicated by natural disaster. We will continue to communicate as best we can. A letter was sent. Considering possibility of pen-pals between church members. Stained glass windows – Leah Dell will begin work in February to complete the spackling and cleaning of the inside of the 12 stained glass windows. Kent Wisler will be contacted about the work needed on the outside of the windows and get an estimated time and cost. Nominations for 2012 Consistory – Kelli has now said she would stay on, that leave one open position. Transformation & Renewal Team – sought permission to clean out and paint the large Sunday School room upstairs. Approved. They also 3 members will be attending the PWC T & R retreat the end of January at the cost of $60.00. This was approved a few months ago. Snow Removal – Nelson Replogle has agreed to shovel snow at the church for 2012. Mission Statement working team being sought. People will be sought to work on a mission statement for the church. Morrison Cove Memorial Park – in financial straits. Community mtg. January 19th at 6:30PM. Pastor Mary will be attending. Pew Upholstery – Skip Earle will be asked to investigate companies and what the cost of replacement would be. (Cushions are deteriorating.) Women’s Fellowship – paid for the handicapped Accessible toilet in the office bathroom. They will again host a Birthday Party for Homewood residents in February. Small Refrigerator – Jim Barr donated a small refrigerator for the main floor of the church. Pastor’s Report Rev. Char Burch – Called as PWC Interim Conference Minister. She will begin on Jan. 15. Quarterly Bible Study retreats titled S.T.O.P. ( Spirit Thinking Opens Passion) Themes will be Baptism, Forgiveness, Healing, & Anointing. The first one will be March 10. Juniata Association – Spring Meeting will be at Grace UCC. Rev. Gerald McCuller will be offering the program. The Fall Meeting will be at Schellsburg UCC and Joni Hufford will offer the program on Camp Living Waters – mission project will be items for the Camp. PWC Mission & Minstry Team – made up of Association Presidents will soon be offering Webex Seminars on various topics of interest. Anyone will have access who has a computer. Community meal – new hours are 4- 6PM.
For December: Stained Glass Windows - Leah Dell gave an estimate between $1,200 and $1,600 to clean and replace the spackling on the inside of the window. Estimated time for project – 3 days. Approved Global Mission Partner – a letter will be sent to the Minister of our Sister Church. Nominee’s for consistory discussed. Terms expiring are Kelli Gormont, Keith Kensinger, David Shriver, and Earl Springer. So far, Earl & Keith will take another term. We have 2 positions to fill. Cove Christmas Love - Went well. Very well organized. Up to 107 families assisted. Great participation by the churches for sorting and packing!! Snow Removal – due to an accident, Brian Wagner will not be able to do snow removal this year. A replacement will be sought. Sam Beegle continues to plow. Work on macadam outside the Sunday School/Choir room still not completed – waiting on contractor. Issues with motion light – Michelle Black will check it out. Discussion on Objectives/goals for 2012 were shared. Pastor’s Report: Shut-ins /nursing home residents visited. Adult Sunday School now being taught by Rev. Bill Hendricks , James Barr & Pastor Mary. Quarterly 1 day Bible Study retreats being Planned. Martinsburg Ministerium – Pastor Mary was elected President at the Dec. mtg.
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