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The Chapel Herald
I N T E R D E N O M I N A T I O N A L C H R I S T I A N W O R S H I P I N H I S T O R I C P I N E H U R S T , N C S I N C E 1 8 9 8
Volume 4 Issue 1
January, 2015
A Prayer for the New Year By Dr. John Jacobs
The Season of Epiphany 2015 By Dr. Ashley Neil Smith
For many Christians, the seasons of
Advent and Christmas are more familiar
and more often observed than Epiph-
any. So I decided to write a synopsis of
this important season with the hope that
we will all better appreciate its Chris-
tian meaning and significance.
The word “epiphany” is from the Greek
word ep iphane ia , and means
"manifestation" or "appearance.” This
year the Season of Epiphany is from January 6th to February
15th. The season includes the Epiphany of the Lord (Magi);
Baptism of the Lord (by John the Baptist in the Jordan
River); Presentation of the Lord (to Simeon and Anna in the
Temple); and Transfiguration Sunday. Notice in each of
these biblical accounts the “manifestation” or “appearing”
of Christ in some way; some accounts of His physical pres-
ence and some accounts of His divinity.
Christians determined the date of January 6 quite
early in our history, with the earliest reference to Epiphany
in A.D. 361. It’s probable that this date was chosen because
it is the day after the Twelve Days of Christmas. I have per-
sonally heard and read Epiphany referred to as “old Christ-
mas.” Early Christians observed the Nativity on January 6th,
with some even calling the Nativity, “The Epiphany.” I
can’t help but wonder if that’s how the two holy days be-
came synonymous and how Epiphany became connected
with Christmas (by way of the Nativity).
Epiphany is celebrated in various ways, with differ-
ent emphases, by different cultures. Generally, Western
Christians emphasize the coming of the Magi. The Eastern
Church emphasizes the Baptism of Christ in the Jordan by
John the Baptist. In central Europe, the priest use chalk to
write the initials of the three magi over the doors of
churches and homes. The letters stand for the initials of the
Magi (traditionally named Caspar, Melchior, and Balthasar).
They also write the phrase Christus mansionem benedicat,
which translates as "may Christ bless the house."
In Argentina, the day is called "Día de los Reyes" (The Day
of Kings), commemorating the arrival of the Magi to con-
firm Jesus as son of God. The night of January 5 into the morning of January 6 is known as "Noche de Reyes" (The
Night of Kings). Children leave their shoes by the door,
along with grass and water for the camels. In parts of
soutern India, Epiphany is called the Three Kings Festival
and is celebrated in front of the local church like a fair.
O gracious Lord, as brothers and sis-
ters united in Christ and gathered to-
gether at The Village Chapel, help us
to be your children first, who are
strong enough to know when we are
weak; brave enough to face ourselves
when we are afraid; and faithful
enough to admit our constant depend-
ence on your grace and mercy. Help us
to be principled and unbending in hon-
est defeat, and humble and gentle in
victory.
Help us to be your children, O Lord, whose wishbones will
not be where our backbones should be. Help us to understand
better the unity you prayed for, and what that might look like
here at The Village Chapel.
Help us, every day, to know you, to love you, and to follow
you better. Lead us, we pray, not in the paths of comfort and
convenience, but under the reality of stress and discomfort,
let us learn to stand up in the storms we weather, while learn-
ing compassion for our brothers and sisters who fail the test.
Help us to have hearts that are clean and goals that are high;
teach us to master ourselves before we try to master others;
help us to learn to laugh, while never forgetting how to weep;
and may we as your children and as your church reach into the
future, yet never forgetting the past.
And after all these things, give us, we pray, enough of a sense
of humor, that we may be always serious in our Christian wit-
ness and devotion, yet never taking ourselves too seriously.
Give us humility, so that we may always remember the sim-
plicity of greatness; the open mind of true wisdom; and the
meekness of true strength.
And then, may we dare to declare, that we have not lived in
vain, but rather, in your Glory through the grace and mercy of
our Savior, Jesus Christ. Amen.
Pastor John
Families come together and cook sweet rice porridge called
Pongal.
This day marks the close of the Advent and Christ-
mas season and people remove their nativity sets at home.
In Colonial Virginia, Epiphany, or “12th Night,” was an
occasion of great merriment; it was considered a date for
balls, dancing, and weddings. On “12th Night,” the Great
Cake was prepared, consisting in two giant layers of fruit-
cake, coated and filled with royal icing. Custom dictated
that the youngest child present cut and serve the cake and
whoever found the bean or prize in the Twelfth Night cake
was crowned "King of the Bean." In Louisiana, Epiphany
marks the beginning of Carnival Season, during which it is
customary to bake King Cakes. The interval between
Epiphany and Mardi Gras (Fat Tuesday) is sometimes
known as "king cake season," because Epiphany is referred
to as “King's Day.”
During this Season of Epiphany, my prayer is that
we as Christians would turn our hearts to Christ, celebrat-
ing in whatever way seem appropriate, the manifestation
and appearing of God in our human likeness—fully God
and fully man; an Incarnation for the purpose of Salvation!
May this Epiphany Season be an “epiphany” of God’s
Grace and Peace in our hearts, in our homes, and in our
community of faith.
The Chapel Herald Page 2
closely with the Pastors to realize the mission and vision of
the Village Chapel and to do everything possible to promote
unity and ensure transparency in our activities. I used the
phrase ‘there may not be an “I” in team but there is a “YOU”
in unity. We have worked hard to keep that commitment. To
promote transparency and ease of communications with the
Board, I maintained regular office hours at the Chapel
throughout the year. In addition, Sally Brown, Shirley Nelson,
Alex del Bueno and Jimmy Schneider and Peter Gross were
regular and frequent visitors to the Chapel offices. We also
initiated the distribution by e-mail of the minutes of the Board
meetings and the monthly financial statements. I know from
the many positive responses that they were well received.
The Board approved changes in the Foundation By-laws and
appointed a new Foundation Committee for the purpose of
making better use of the Foundation’s assets and giving the
Committee greater latitude in carrying out its basic mission of
supporting Chapel activities and programs. As a result the
Foundation Committee was able to transfer a total of $250,000
to Chapel operations this year. At the next annual meeting, the
Board will present for your approval some changes and re-
organization of the Chapel By-laws.
It was a privilege to work so closely with our pastors. It is my
considered judgment that we have a very special team of lead-
ers. While recognizing the division of responsibilities as de-
fined in the by-laws, we worked in an atmosphere of close
collaboration and unity of purpose. It is inconceivable to me
that the sort of schism that took place several years ago could
ever have happened with our current pastoral leadership.
Clearly, to them, the church and its mission come first. Three
of the four permanent non-clergy staff joined us during the
past year – the music director, the staff assistant and the prop-
erty manager - making Candice Peoples the old timer. As I
noted in an earlier message, the entire staff, clergy and non-
clergy, work extremely well together in an atmosphere of co-
operation and congeniality. It is a pleasure to behold.
We have attempted to draw in new volunteers to work on and
chair our many committees that do the core work of the
Chapel. We have new chairs for the Membership, Steward-
ship, Christian Education, Property Management, Hospitality
and Women’s Ministry Committees as well as a new chair for
the reorganized Outreach and Communications committees.
The Chapel has welcomed over forty new members this year.
I like to feel that we are a church on the move.
You have seen the results of our hard working Property Man-
agement team. The new flag pole graces our campus. The
newly fabricated doors are now being installed. Refurbishment
of the Tufts garden will begin in the New Year. Also on tap
for January 2015 are the launchings of the 5-year Strategic
Planning Committee’s work and the 2015 Stewardship Pony
Express program. As an adjunct to the Foundation Commit-
tee’s work, the committee chairman, Bucky Adams, and Pas-
tor John will present the congregation with a new Planned
Giving program. In closing, I again thank you for your support, interest and encouragement. And I wish each of you a Christ-filled Christ-mas and a most prosperous and happy New Year.
The Board of Trustees final meeting for 2014 was held on
December 16, 2014 in Chapel Hall. Covering a full agenda,
the Board approved the (balanced) budget for 2015; ap-
proved the distribution of the Foundation’s contribution to
Chapel operations; and were briefed by the Chairs of the
Stewardship, Communications and Strategic Planning Com-
mittees. The Stewardship and Strategic Planning projects
will be underway in the immediate future. The Board also
approved bonuses for the non-clergy staff, part of the fund-
ing of which came from an anonymous donor.
Shirley Nelson and Alex Del Bueno, who are leaving the
Board after three years of distinguished service, were recog-
nized for their contributions and given framed pictures of
the Village Chapel as a token of the congregation’s appre-
ciation for their devotion to duty. When you see them, give
them a special “well done”.
This is my final report as Chairman of the Board of Trus-
tees. I most of all want you to know what a privilege it has
been to serve you, and to thank you for the interest you have
shown in the Board’s work and for the many kind words of
support and encouragement you have communicated to me.
You will recall that at the Annual Congregational Meeting
in February, I committed the Board of Trustees to working
BOARD OF TRUSTEES CHAIRMAN’S YEAR END REPORT
by George Trail, Chair
The Chapel Herald Page 3
One of the most important outreach ministries at The Village Chapel is our Christmas Caroling each year. On Sunday, December
21st, three groups of 30 parishioners from the Chapel visited about 30 of our home-bound members who do not have the opportu-
nity to attend church, or even venture outside their homes very often. To see the expression on the faces of our church family
members as they were sung to was truly an amazing experience. For some, this will be the most joyous time of their year, though
it only lasts a few minutes. One shut-in, diagnosed with Alzheimer's, knew every word to every song we sang to him. We hope
that in future years, more of our parishioners will take advantage of this opportunity to minister to our home-bound members.
Though it is right in the midst of the busiest time of year for all of us, it is an incredibly rewarding three hours, and brings more
joy to our brothers and sisters in Christ than we could ever imagine.
The Chapel is extremely grateful to Darlene Skinner for her extensive planning, without which the afternoon would have been as
smooth. Thanks is also extended to Hunter and Barbara Hess for opening up their home and hosting a wonderful party following
the caroling where a time of fellowship was enjoyed.
Caroling, Caroling Out In the Pines By Stephen Gourley
Three of us went out to St. Joseph of the Pines to sing Christmas carols for one of our home-bound families and were rewarded
with a wonderful compliment to the Chapel. When I asked if they were able to come to the Chapel at all, the reply was “We can’t
come to the Chapel, so the Chapel comes to us.” They went on to praise the care and attention they receive from both of our pas-
tors; the information they get from the bulletins, e-mails and the Herald; and the home communion. They are especially grateful
for the work of the Radio Ministry which provides them with CDs of the 11:00 am services. It reminded me just how much the
many good works our volunteers and clergy perform every day are appreciated by our home-bound members.
- George Trail
Break Night Begins Again!
Beginning January 28, Break Night will reconvene with Wednesday evenings of food, fellowship, music, prayer, and programs
for all ages. Beginning at 5:45 PM – in a spirit of unity – we gather together those of us who may not see each other on Sunday
mornings in our several and various worship services. This is a weekly opportunity to see a representative assembly of The Vil-
lage Chapel in fellowship, prayer, song, and education.
In the three Break Nights before Ash Wednesday on February 18, we will examine and discuss our Chris-
tian response to the racial polarization in America, and what we might do to achieve reconciliation. Each
Wednesday we will view a video, hear a guest speaker, and discuss among ourselves what we believe can
be done about a divisive issue that can only be resolved by the saving grace of God and the divine love of
Jesus Christ.
As with our last Break Night series on Islam, this is not only a timely topic, but a compelling opportunity
for Christians to proclaim the light of Christ to an unbelieving world in darkness. I hope you will make
the effort to participate in this effort to do something about an issue that demands our attention, our
prayers, our intellect, and our hearts.
Pastor John
The Chapel Herald Page 4
…when we acknowledge God’s supreme role in our life and set
our mind on Him, He enables us to be women of hope.
~ Elizabeth George
The Women’s Discussion Group
Thursday , January 8th 2015 10:00-11:30
am in the Choir Room. We are pleased
to welcome The Rev. Pamela Jo Hud-
son, Senior Development Officer of
The Foundation of First Health. She
was previously employed as Spiritual
Care Chaplain in the area of hospice
and palliative care. As she speaks to us
on the topic of Marked Attention, we
will take a look at relationships that
impact our sharing and enhancement
of spiritual practices. All are welcome.
It is so easy to think that the Church has a lot of
different objects– education, building, missions,
holding services… The Church exists for nothing else
than to draw men into Christ, to make them little
Christs. If they are not doing that, all the cathe-
drals, clergy, missions, sermons, even the Bible it-
self, are simply a waste of time. God became Man for
no other purpose. It is even doubtful you know,
whether the whole universe was created for any
other purpose.
C.S Lewis Mere Christianity
THE WOMEN’S DISCUSSION
GROUP CHRISTMAS BUFFET The Angel Tree Distribution Day
A special thank you to all those who made our 2014 Angel Tree such
a success. Many families were blessed because of your kindness.
The Chapel Herald Page 5
The Pony Express Is Coming!
Here Is What It Is All About
The Pony Express program utilizes a relay system among local, active, mobile families of the church. The families are
divided by geographic areas into Saddlebag Routes. A Saddlebag is prepared for each route, bearing a route list and con-
taining Stewardship materials, together with a commitment card and return envelope for each family.
The Pony Express Run is a time period of approximately two weeks, during which the Bag is relayed from one family to
the next on the route list. On Sunday, January 4, the Run begins. The first family uses the Bag by reading the enclosed
material, completing their commitment cards, returning the sealed cards to the Bag, then hand delivering it to the second
family, which uses the Bag within 24 hours and delivers it to the third family, etc., until it has made the complete circuit.
A key campaign worker called a Trail Boss oversees the relay of the Bag on the route. He and his family are the first
family on the Route List and the first family to use and relay the Bag.
When the route relay has been completed, the Trail Boss returns the Saddlebag to the church office. A routes Secretary
maintains a Trail Boss Report-In Roster posted there.
The goal of the Pony Express program is to generate excitement and enthusiasm about stewardship and gather individual
pledges for the Chapel budget process. Stewardship isn't a chore, but a task performed willingly with the joy of personal
giving and involvement. Yes, we all have many demands, but if one believes that everything each of us has today came
from the Heavenly Father we need to ask ourselves what we will give back to HIM in 2015?
How will the Chapel implement this program? The Village Chapel is already divided into geographical units using the
Shepherd program. The Chapel will leverage this existing structure to implement the Pony Express Program during the
month of January. Those flocks without shepherds will be managed by a volunteer, and some small flocks will be
merged for convenience.
Your Trail Boss will be give a special “Saddlebag” of materials. This saddlebag will be hand delivered to each home by
the previous member on the route list. After prayerful consideration, each family will fill in their commitment card, seal
it in the enclosed envelope, and take it to the next designated household. If the next family is unavailable, the saddlebag
will be given to the next listed household.
Later, each participating family is mailed a Thank You letter that confirms the amount on the commitment cards. Fami-
lies on the routes who were “missed” during the Run are mailed a letter with a commitment card and a return envelope.
Likewise, shut-ins and geographically scattered families are mailed a letter, including commitment card and postpaid
return envelope prior to the Run.
Teenage youth and elementary age children are included in this “family-centered” program. They will have special cards
and Saddlebags available through the Sunday School program.
The Pony Express program provides a means for maximum participation in The Village Chapel’s financial planning and
budgeting process. The relay system gives many members the opportunity to help with the campaign in a way that is
comfortable, confidential and rewarding to them.
The Village Chapel Music Series
On Sunday, February 8 at 5 PM, we welcome organist Casey Childers to our concert series. Casey is Director of Music Ministries at First Christian Church in Wilson, where she runs a very vibrant music program. Her program will fea-ture various large works for organ, plus settings of familiar hymn tunes. There is no charge for admission, but, as always donations are accepted.
The first half of our first season has seen a wonderful attendance, and we have been very fortunate to receive very generous donations. These donations help to offset the cost of concerts, and to help pay for future events.
Our final concert of the season will be Sunday, May 3, featuring organist David Arcus. Dr. Arcus is former Chapel Organ-ist/Associate University Organist at Duke Chapel, a post he served for 30 years. He is one of the world's most sought-after performers, and is known for improvisations and compositions. Please make plans to attend, as this will be one of the most anticipated events in Chapel history.
The Chapel Herald Page 6
WOMEN’S CHRISTMAS LUNCHEON “ORDINARY ANGELS”
A
2014 VILLAGE CHAPEL OUTREACH
GRANTS Written by Don Hamilton, Outreach Chair
Throughout this year your Outreach Committee will be sharing
with you background information on those organizations that
TVC supports thanks to your pledge & plate contributions
(10% of which is automatically designated for Outreach
grants) along with funds for specific VC Foundations.
BOYS & GIRLS CLUB OF THE SANDHILLS
Began serving young people (6-18) in February in 1999 and
now have facilities in Southern Pines & Aberdeen.
MISSION: Inspire, enable and educate young people from all
backgrounds and circumstances to realize their full potential as
responsible, productive and caring citizens.
VISION: To provide Core programs focused on helping youth
with necessary skills for participating in academics, career and
sports. To assist in making smart choices to improve overall
health & fitness, understand fiscal responsibility plus develop
leadership skills while providing opportunities for planning and
decision-making for the future.
ANNUAL POPULATION SERVED: 900 total members
with an average daily attendance of 240 plus 1,100 other youth
served. Over 25,000 meals (lunch & dinner) are served.
VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITIES: Both Southern Pines
& Aberdeen Units. Details available at sandhillsbgc.org or call
692-0777. VC contact: Jim Schneider (692-9150) SBGC Board
member.
The Chapel Herald Page 7
BIBLE BROADCASTING NETWORK BBN is faith based and their first radio program was in
1971. Now there are 8 broadcasting networks, with over
220 radio stations, broadcasting 24/7, covering the United
States, the Americas in English, Spanish and Portuguese.
The same quality Christian music and Bible teaching is
broadcast over the internet in German, Russian, Spanish,
Portuguese, Japanese, Korean and Mandarin.
MISSION: BBN is designed to meet the spiritual needs
of the listening areas noted above. To make eternal im-
pressions on listeners and to evangelize those without
Christ to go forward in fulfillment of the Great Commis-
sion.
VISION: To spread "The Good News of The Gospel"
through our unique blend of ministry focused program-
ming, daily prayer times, Bible teaching, Christian music
and family and children's programs.
ANNUAL POPULATION SERVED: There is a
potential listening audience of over 100 million on the
100+ foreign stations that BBN covers.
VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITIES: BBN holds two
"Share-a-thon" events in the Spring & Fall and they are
in need of volunteers to answer phones and record dona-
tions (704-523-555) Their website is
www.bbnmedia.org
ROMANS 15:20a: "It has always my ambition to
preach the Good News where the name of Christ has
never been heard..."
Our wonderful and helpful Building and Property Manager, Jacob King, would like to say “Thank You” to the members, friends, and families of The Village Chapel. Jacob works hard to keep our beautiful Chapel looking its best and he truly appreciates the kindness and encouragement he has received.
Beautiful Flowers of
The Village Chapel Submitted by Emily
Hamilton
The Chapel Herald is a publication of The Village Chapel, 10 Azalea Rd., Village of Pinehurst, NC 28374; www.TVCPinehurst.com Telephone:910-295-6003; Fax 910-295-3729; The Care Cottage: 910-295-8026 ; Email [email protected]
The Village Chapel The Village Green
10 Azalea Road
Pinehurst, North Carolina 28374
www.TVCPinehurst.com
910– 295-6003
Return Service Requested
Nonprofit Org
U.S. Postage
PAID
Pinehurst, NC
Permit No. 102
Mr. & Mrs. Gary Doern
200 Meyer Farm Dr.
Pinehurst, NC 28374
THE VILLAGE CHAPEL MINISTRY OPPORTUNITIES You are a blessing to The Village Chapel and we want to help you find the place where God will use your unique skills,
talents and gifts. If you would like information about or want to serve in, one of these ministries, detach, fill out your contact
information and put a check by the appropriate ministry. Return the form to the church office or place it in the offering plate.
We need members and visitors in all of our growing ministries. Contact Sally Brown 910-639-3874, [email protected]
WOMEN’S MINISTRY
Prayer/Fellowship Breakfast ____
MUSIC MINISTRY
11:00am Choir 9:30am Choir ____
ADMINISTRATIVE MINISTRY
Office Help ____ Phone/Receptionist Tue and Wed ____
Grounds/Beautification ___
Human Resources Interest and Experience ____
Financial Management Interest and Experience ____
Property and Building Management ____
WORSHIP MINISTRIES
Greeters ____ Altar Guild ____ Ushers____
CARE OF CONGREGATION
Upper Room Prayer Flower Delivery ____ Chair ____
Serve as Shepherd Visitation ____
Lay Eucharistic Assistant ____ Communion to the
Homebound ____
MEN’S MINISTRY
Prison Ministry Annual Retreat ____
Prayer/Fellowship Breakfast ____ Golf Fellowship ____
Name __________________________________________________________ Best time to call AM___ PM___
Phone________________________________________ Email ________________________________________
