August Newsletter 2018

West New Bern Presbyterian Church1701 Lucerne Way, New Bern, NC 28560 http://www.westnewbernpc.com Office: (252) 638-1005Email: office@westnewbernpc.com

FROM THE PASTOR

Oh, The Lord is good to me And so I thank the Lord 

For giving me the things I need The sun and the rain and the apple seed. 

The Lord is good to me.

I’m sure you’re all familiar with the Johnny Appleseed prayer listed above. It’s probably one of the first teachings I received about God—a lesson in gratitude. However, this understanding of giving thanks didn’t necessarily become a habit until my mid-twenties, when I was influenced by a few life changing experiences. During this time, I not only attended seminary, but I also volunteered with two intentional Christian communities: Jubilee Partners and The Open Door. These two communities were quite different. Jubilee was a rural, semi self-sustaining community that ministered to refugee families resettling in the United States with unusual circumstances. The Open Door was an urban community who ministered to folks experiencing homelessness. However, what they had in common was an attitude of gratitude.

I actually first heard the phrase, “attitude of gratitude,” from one of the longtime friends of The Open Door community. Every week, when it was his turn to pray over our lunch that fed hundreds of hungry neighbors, he’d say, “…and let us have an attitude of gratitude.” Through my experiences with

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August BirthdaysAugust 9 – Matthew CedarsAugust 12 – Bob ZimmerAugust 14 – Susan RomanskiAugust 19 – Ethalee PowellAugust 21 – Gerry Teple Norma MillerAugust 29 – Al FowlerAugust 30 – Bee Bee Ku

AnniversariesAugust 21 – Warren & Brenda MeadowsAugust 24 – Tommy & Trudy Nelson

Special DaysAugust 7 – PW Council 1:00 pm

August 4 – Garden Workday 8-10 am

August 21 – Tuesday, 6:30 Session Meeting

The Open Door and Jubilee Partners, I began to form a habit of gratitude as a part of my Christian discipleship.

By now, you’ve noticed I keep using the word, habit. We can often think of habits as the bad habits—those practices that we work so hard to give up or stay away from: smoking, overeating or eating too late at night, biting our nails, or sucking our thumbs. However, we can also intentionally develop good habits. The spiritual discipline of giving thanks is a great example of developing a good habit, and it’s how we train ourselves to have an attitude of gratitude.

Not long ago I shared with you all the concept of the Zero Circle, written about in Shawn Achor’s book, The Happiness Advantage. In addition to the Zero Circle strategy, Shawn also suggested ways to develop a habit of positive thinking. One of his suggestions was to keep a happiness journal for at least 21 days. The general idea is that each night you write down three or four things that made you happy that day. As the habit develops, you tend to spend your day more alert to the positive aspects of your life. In the same way, when we give thanks to the Lord daily, we too begin to train ourselves to be alert to God’s action in our lives.

For the month of August I encourage you all to try journaling the positive moments of your day. After writing your positive thoughts, follow it with a prayer. It’s truly amazing how these practices help develop a habit. Likewise, practice and discipline bring us closer to God and more aware of the work of the Spirit.

Women’s CircleWe are excited to announce that this year’s Circle curriculum is called, After Sunday, created by Pastor David. After Sunday is an in-depth study based on the scripture readings from the previous Sunday. The purpose is to further explore God’s Word beyond our Sunday morning

worship by using other readings, resources, and practices to witness God’s action in our lives together. Our annual kickoff celebration will be Tuesday, September 11 at 6:00 p.m. Please join

us for a finger food Pot Luck.

Women’s Council will meet Tuesday, September 4 at 1:00 p.m.

VACATION BIBLE SCHOOLVBS averaged 42 children from July 9-13 !  Our theme this year was “GOD’S GOOD CREATION”.  We celebrated God’s creation all week long while connecting the theme to our Community Garden.  We thank all the volunteers of all ages that assisted in VBS. Special thanks to Charlotte McConnell and Jean Fuentes.  Thank you!

YOUTH

Congratulations to Hso Wah and Joseph Ku who have received the West New Bern Presbyterian Women’s scholarship for the year of 2018. Hso will be attending East Carolina in Greenville, NC, and Joseph will be attending University of North Carolina in Charlotte. Please keep them in prayer as they pursue God’s plan for their lives.

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HEALTH POINTSA recent article in the Sun Journal under the section titled:  “Your Health” sparked my interest in a subject near to my heart.  The connection between humans and the earth may be deeper and more significant than we ever imagined.  According to the article, there are very subtle electrical charges that come from the earth. Our lives, often lived out in buildings and houses, more in contact with pavement than earth, may have caused a disconnect.

We know that there is an uptick in chronic diseases in the more industrialized areas of the world – I always figured this was the price we pay for an accelerated lifestyle, increased stress, etc.  However, research has demonstrated that barefoot contact with the earth can produce changes that improve sleep, reduce pain, decrease muscle tension and lower stress. The actual process of how this happens is explained in the complete article, which is on the door of the Parish Nurse office.

Prevention magazine has several health advice columns that support the idea that getting reacquainted with the earth is a good idea:  one of their tips included a note that “time spent in nature helps lower the chances of depression in women” accounting for almost 30% of the influence on mortality.

We have ample evidence that exercise increases life expectancy, reduces the incidence of disease and generally supports good health.  Perhaps at least part of that evidence may be the association of exercise and the outdoors – that would be an interesting study, to compare indoor vs. outdoor exercise.

The SJ article points out the popularity of “forest bathing” in Japan.  The Japanese certainly are more health conscious than their American counterparts!  The SJ article also has advice for those that are squeamish about bare feet on grass…yes I know you’re out there!  At any rate what do you have to lose?

Condensed from The Sun Journal, July 12, 2018 and Prevention:  “Have a Happy, Health Summer”, August 2018

Submitted by Mary B. Slaughter, RN, Parish Nurse

NOAH’S ARK PRESCHOOL

Greetings, from Noah’s Ark Preschool! What a delight it was to see so many preschool students and former preschool students at Vacation Bible School! The children thoroughly enjoyed their time. As preschool director I am so proud to refer so many students to such a wonderful program.

Registration is underway for the upcoming 2018-2019 schoolyear. Please refer a family member or friend to Noah’s Ark for their preschool needs. There are so many benefits to our small, faith-based program that help children to prepare for their future education.

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During this time school supplies are out in the stores; Noah’s Ark always welcomes donations. Small or large, any contribution helps. At our Open House in September, a board with a Wish List of supplies will be posted in the preschool hallway for all who are interested. Thank you!

Have a great summer, and please keep Noah’s Ark in your prayers.

Your Sister in Christ,Kelly SquiresPreschool Director

NOTICES

RCS: Every 3rd Saturday each month. On Saturday, August 18th meet at RCS at 6pm to provide a meal to the residents of the homeless shelter at Religious Community Services (RCS). If you would like to assist contact Susan Womble at 252 528-0488.

What’s the BUZZ at RCS?  See www.rcsnewbern.comWhat are our needs?            Warehouse/Food – RCS is in need of 1lb bags of rice, spaghetti o’s, canned meat and helpers.            Volunteers   Contact Susan Lucas as slucas@rcsnewbern.com

OUTREACH   OPPORTUNITY

LITTLE FREE LIBRARY: There are many current books and also some classics that you may have meant to read and never did. Check out our Little Free Library.

FACEBOOK PAGE : We now have an official Facebook page for the church. Check in with the church when you are here for an event or tag photos! You can also share the site with your Facebook friends and invite them to like us, too!

COMMUNITY GARDEN: We have a new garden email list. If you’re interested in getting updates and garden news, please share your email address with Pastor David.

NIFTY KNITTERS : Come join our NIFTY KNITTERS as we use our hands and gifts to further God’s kingdom by providing for those in need.

QUILTING BUDDIES: These ladies donated pillow cases and quilts to the children’s home and a veteran’s group in Kinston, NC, cancer patients, and babies at risk. If you want to use your hands and gifts, come join this group.

IF YOU’VE ALWAYS BEEN INTERESTED IN GENEALOGYCraven County Genealogical Society will be holding a Fall Seminar at West New Bern Presbyterian Church. The Classes are as follows:

September 8 – DNA and how it relates to genealogical research

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October 6 – Courthouse and State Archive Records – The records are available on-site and online and how to access them.

November 3 – Family Search – How to use it and its secrets.

The cost is $5.00 per class for West New Bern Presbyterian Church members. Registration is 9:00 to 9:30 with classes running from 9:30 to 1:00.

If you plan to attend, please:

1. Notify Carol Cherry at 633-3891 by August 27.

2. Indicate which classes you plan to attend.

3. Complete a registration form, marking that you are a WNBPC member. Turn in check and form together. Registration forms can be found in the Narthex.

For those who are interested, we will be going to Famous Subs Restaurant for a dutch treat lunch.

**Mark your calendars for the future:

-5th Sunday “Hymn Sing” instead of sermons: July 29, Sept 30, Dec 30-Genealogy Group Meeting dates: Sept 8, Oct 6, Nov 3

Answers will be in the July newsletter but if you can’t wait… Read your Bible.

How well did you hear the June Sermons? 1. b. honor; 2. b. wisdom; 3. c. light; 4. d. treasurer; 5. c. II Corinthians; 6. b.

heart; 7. c. above; 8. b. Spirit; 9. c. wilderness; 10. a. knit; 11. Zion 12. trees; 13. d. sand; 14. c. wonderfully; 15. a. stronghold; 16. b. sprig; 17. c. harvest; 18. a.

acceptable; 19. c. temple; 20. d. glory; Bonus: b. us/me

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Copyright 2004 John R Potter John’s Word Search Puzzles

http://www.the potters.com./pu

The Meaning of Names in the Bible

1. Who was blessed with laughter when her son was born, and named him accordingly?a. Sarah, b. Rachel, c. Leah, d. Rebekah

2. What does the name “Adam” mean?a. Man, or blue sky, b. man, or red earth, c. man, or green grass, d. man, or rocks of the earth

3. When Naomi returned to Bethlehem, to what name, meaning “bitterness”, did she change her name?

a. Sarah, b. Mary, c. Hannah, d. Mara4. Whose name means “my judge is God?

a. Samuel, b. Daniel, c. Ezekiel, d. Jaaziel5. Which of Jesus’ titles means “the anointed”?

a. Lord, b. Jesus, c. Emmanuel, d. Christ6. What does the name “Elisha” mean?

a. My God is faithful, b. my God is salvation, c. my God is king, d. my God is joyful7. Which disciple’s name means “manly”?

a. Peter, b. James, c. Andrew, d. Matthew8. Which man’s name changed from meaning “requested” to meaning “ little”?

a. Abraham, b. Jacob, c. Peter, d. Paul9. What does the prefix “Bar” mean in a name?

a. Son of, b. house of, c. tree of, d. light of10. Which king has a name which means “healer”?

a. Josiah, b. Asa, c. Solomon, d. Jereboam11. Who was drawn out of the water, and named accordingly?

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a. Esau, b. Aaron, c. Joshua, d. Moses12. Mary, is the equivalent of which Hebrew name?

a. Maralah, b. Merab, c. Miriam, d. Michal13. What is the meaning of both Dorcas and Tabitha?

a. Gazelle, b. deer, c. fawn, d. doe14. Which one of Jacob’s many sons did he name “let him add”?

a. Judah, b. Issachar, c. Joseph, d. Gad15. Which prophet’s name means “dove”?

a. Naham, b. Jonah, c. Zechariah, d. Hosea16. Which foreign god had a name which translated as “fish god”?

a. Baal, b. Diana, c. Asherah, d. Dagon17. What does the name Timothy mean?

a. Honouring God, b. praising God, c. rejoicing in God, d. saved by God18. Which person, who hid their true identity, had a name reflecting this?

a. Sarah, b. Jacob, c. Esther, d. Paul19. Which judge had a name meaning “the cutter down”?

a. Samson, b. Gideon, c. Jephthah, d. Barak20. What appropriate meaning does “Job” have?

a. sufferer, b. he who loses all, c. no comfort, d. the cry of woe

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Worship Assistant Schedule

2018 August 5 August 12 August 19 August 26Elder of the Week

BeeBee Ku Paul Miller Jeff Chittick Bob Griffin

LiturgistRob ThompsonTonya Cedars

Rob ThompsonTonya Cedars

Rob ThompsonTonya Cedars

Rob ThompsonTonya Cedars

Usher BeeBee KuWhit MorganEric CedarsRic Evans

Whit MorganPaul MillerBeth DoranTillie Jones

Whit MorganPat MorganTonya CedarsMike Kelly

Bob GriffinWhit MorganEric CedarsRic Evans

Communion Stewards Rob Thompson

Al FowlerBeth DoranTonya CedarsBeeBee Ku

Rob ThompsonAl FowlerBeth DoranTonya CedarsBeeBee Ku

Rob ThompsonAl FowlerBeth DoranTonya CedarsBeeBee Ku

Rob ThompsonAl FowlerBeth DoranTonya CedarsBeeBee Ku

Acolyte Aurora Glisson Robert Miller Samuel Ku Teresa Wah

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AUGUST 2018SUNDAY MONDAY TUESDAY WEDNESDAY THURSDAY FRIDAY SATURDAY29 30 31 1 2 3 4

9:00am Nifty Knitters7:00 pm Choir

Building & Grounds Workday

5 6 7 8 9 10 119:15 Sunday School10:30 am Worship1;30 pm Myanmar Christian Fellowship

1:00 pm PW Council7:00 Ministry Night7:00 pm Karate6:00 pm Ministry Night

9:00am Nifty Knitters7:00 pm ChoirMatthew Cedars

12 13 14 15 16 17 189:15 Sunday School10:30 am Worship1;30 pm Myanmar Christian FellowshipBob Zimmer

7:00 pm KarateSusan Romanski

12:00 Lunch Group 9:00am Nifty Knitters7:00 pm Choir

6:00 pm RCS

19 20 21 22 23 24 259:15 Sunday School10:30 am WorshipSession MeetingHunger Offering1;30 pm Myanmar Christian FellowshipEthalee Powell

6:30 pm Session Meeting7:00 pm KarateGerry TepleWarren & Brenda Meadows

Barbara HopewellNorma Miller

9:00am Nifty Knitters7:00 pm Choir

Tommy & Trudy Nelson

26 27 28 29 30 31 19:15 Sunday School10:30 am Worship1;30 pm Myanmar Christian Fellowship

7:00 pm Book Club7:00 pm Karate

Al Fowler 9:00am Nifty Knitters7:00 pm ChoirBee Bee Ku

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