February 2018

Dear Philippians,

This will be my last newsletter article to you, and there is much I want to say.  I came here just over five years ago, needing to be closer to my family than the 5-hour drive in western North Carolina.  I was filled with optimism and hope, and   I was intrigued by the congregation I saw, and wanted to be a part of it.  During the next four years, I would make the trip back to my hometown once a month to spend a couple of nights with my mother and disabled older brother, and I am so very grateful that I was able to make that trip regularly and spend time with them, for family is important and time with them is limited.  I am also grateful for the many cards and expressions of sympathy I received four years later when they died within days of each other.  Your recognition of the wound my spirit had sustained brought me strength in the face of the grief which followed. I am also very grateful for the support and assistance I received following my recent health crisis. Cancer is a scary diagnosis, and your visits and cards and willingness to help with the everyday details of life helped me to remain calm while I waited for the final lab results and prognosis.  I am grateful for the way in which you surrounded me with prayers and acts of compassion, truly giving expression to the love of Jesus Christ which connects us.

The Reverend June Haislip

March 2018

Philippi Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) P.O. Box 555Deltaville, Virginia 23043(804) 776-6230

As I look toward my time beyond Philippi, my plans are not yet firm. There are possibilities on the horizon, and tasks I must complete. For the immediate future, I will remain in Deltaville in my home.   It is my hope that I will be able to finish the necessary repairs and remodeling to my mother’s house in North Carolina and either rent it or sell it.  I plan to do some visiting –friends in Des Moines, friends in east Tennessee, a cousin and her family in Georgia, and of course, my foster daughter and family in western Kentucky as well as the congregation I served there long ago.   My plans also include continued participation in the district organization of the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) in Virginia.  Having chaired the committee to re-organize the district and nominate officers, I am eager to see the new structure and the direction it provides at work.  I am also eager to discover the results of the search for a new regional minister and to witness the immediate future of our region.  

Finally, my plans include hope and prayers for this congregation.  These are difficult days, but I believe that this congregation has much to offer the community.  The anxiety over decreasing numbers is very real but must not over-shadow your commitment to mission and ministry. The way to attract new members is to BE the Church, to engage in the mission and ministry for which you are best suited.  The most effective marketing strategy is enthusiastic members who are finding meaning and purpose in service. Service means looking beyond the walls of the building and the congregation which worships here each week.  People join a congregation to find warm, accepting community and service which gives meaning and purpose.  There are many warm, mature Christians in the faith community here and I am confident that God will lead you to new vitality if you seek His will.

Thank you for the time we have spent together.  Thank you for the support you have given and thank you for the privilege of being your partner in ministry.       God’s blessings on your future.

February 27, 2018Friends and Philippians--Most of the Philippi regulars understand that this is a critical time for our church.  We face many existential problems.  As an old language teacher, I remind you that existential problems are the ones that threaten our existence.  We are threatened by old age, by dissention, and by a shortage of funds.  Any of these things could—and very well might—bring an end to our church.As for age, we hardly need to discuss it.  Obviously if the church is to continue long into the future, we will need to attract younger people.Dissention.  Our present crisis has occurred because the pastor has resigned because of dissention.  A substantial number of our regulars deeply lament her decision, and many others have worked toward her departure.  We all know the members in each group.  This disagreement is complicated by the differences between come-here’s and born-here’s, and by the terrible polarization of the country.  This is a very difficult spiritual problem, and though it must be addressed by everyone in the church, it should be addressed first and foremost by our elders.  Finally, the shortage of funds.  We are short in that we are spending considerably more money than we are taking in—primarily because of a loss of members, but perhaps (according to rumor) some of our members may be punishing the church for not accommodating their views.  Let us hope that is not true.  On the other hand, we have the good fortune of

having a considerable financial cushion that has soothed our suffering so far.  That cushion, of course, is limited, and must be used with the utmost wisdom.  We can try to maintain the status quo until it is all gone, or we can attempt something more dramatic.  For all these problems, we need ideas.Yesterday, Dani Shelley and I were talking about our problems, and I told her we needed ideas.  Dani said she didn’t have any ideas now and wanted to turn back to the problem, and we did.  But I kept insisting that we need ideas.  Finally, Dani said, “Well, maybe we could” …do such and such. She had an idea, and it was a good one.  As I thought about Dani’s idea, I had an epiphany—that the Holy Spirit, in the heat of circumstances, can produce ideas.  People in whom the Holy Spirit is active, when immersed in a serious situation, can get beyond arguing about the problem.  We will talk about Dani’s idea and my vague ideas, but we need a storehouse of ideas to choose from.  It has not been long since I heard worthwhile ideas from Pat Hatcher, John Hudgins, Ahmet Anday, plus a very thoughtful group of ideas voiced by Amanda Harris—so I know the ideas are out there.  We need to talk about ideas that will lead to action.   On Sunday, March 11, I am going to abandon my Christian education class and chair a meeting for all our members who want to talk about or consider ideas—how to achieve the long-term health of Philippi.  It is about the future and not a time to complain about the problems.  I will use my gavel freely.  If your idea is simply to require that the other members behave better, save it for another time.  Keep in mind also that Board approval turns ideas into action.   

Your Moderator,Earl

Who taught you to say your prayers? 

Dear God, we thank you for the awesome ability to come to you with our prayers.  We know that you listen, and that you hear, really hear, every word of prayer that we breathe.  We know that you love us with a love that is powerful beyond words.  Help us to be always aware of that love as we await answers that may not be what we expected, or that may, in our eyes, be slow to come.  Please grant us patience and understanding.  Teach us to

pray and guide us in paths that will lead to a deeper communication with you as we learn to lean on you and to depend on your word.  We ask this in the name of your son.  Amen.

How to Pray

We assume everyone knows how to pray, but in our world today religion and traditions can make it seem complicated.  Simply put, Christian prayer is possible because of Jesus; we can communicate - talk with God! But prayer goes way beyond communication...it encompasses communion with the One and Only God!

We speak of "prayer life" because prayer is to be a constant part of our daily lives. Think about the times that most of us do pray - at church, during our quiet times, before meals, before bed, in times of crisis.

We've compared Bible study to eating - which brings about nourishment and growth to our spirit. Let's think of how to pray as "breathing." Just as breathing is essential to our physical lives, so our prayer life is essential to our spiritual lives.  Breathing consists of both inhaling and exhaling. Likewise, prayer is to be not only a process of talking to God, but also listening or receiving from God.  It's being with Him in His presence!

Basics of How to Pray

The Bible is full of Scriptures on prayer commanding us to pray, and telling us where to pray, how to pray, when to pray, who should pray, and for whom we should pray.

Where to Pray:

Of course, we can pray anywhere & anytime, but Jesus tells us where our attitude of prayer should always be: Matthew 6:6: "But when you pray, go into your room, close the door and pray to your Father, who is unseen. Then your Father, who sees what is done in secret, will reward you."

How to Pray

In Matthew 6:9-15 Jesus tells us how to pray when He gives us the pattern for prayer in what is now referred to as the Lord's prayer. "This, then, is how you should pray: "'Our Father in heaven, hallowed be your name, your kingdom come, your will be done on earth as it is in heaven. Give us today our daily bread. Forgive us our debts, as we also have forgiven our debtors. And lead us not into temptation but deliver us from the evil one.' For if you forgive men when they sin against you, your heavenly Father will also forgive you. 15 But if you do not forgive men their sins, your Father will not forgive your sins."

This model for a thriving prayer life consists of praise, submission to His Will, petition for daily needs, request for forgiveness and protection.

Max Lucado includes a "pocket version" in his book - Before Amen.  It gives us a simple way to remember Jesus' example.

Father, You are good.

I need help. Heal me & forgive me.They need help.

Thank You.In Jesus’ name,

Amen

The Bible also instructs us to pray "in the Spirit".  We are praying to the Father, through the Holy Spirit within us, made possible by the authority of Jesus.

MARCH SCRIPTURES

March 4 1 Corinthians 1: 18-25 John 2: 13-22March 11 Ephesians 2: -10 John 3: 14-21March 18 Jeremiah 31: 31-34 John 12:20-33March 25 Philippians 2: 5-11 Mark 11:1-11

JANUARY STEWARDSHIP REPORTStewardship Report January 2018

Date                   Total Income 01/07/18            $2375.5001.14/18            $2715.50   Mem 300.0001/21/18            $1140.50                                                           01/28/18        $1880.50                                                                                                                    Total             $ 8112.00            

Income needed each month:  $12742.88 (4 Sundays)

Total income (monthly) $8112.00     Total expenses        $(11811.26)Overage/shortage         $(3699.26)

THINK AHEADApril Meals on Wheels

Please VolunteerApril 4 April 11April 18April 25

PHILIPPI CHRISTIAN CHURCH SCHOLARSHIPPhilippi Church is now accepting applications from current students for the 2018-2019 college year.  We offer Mildred Barnes Scholarships for a general education course of study and the Brooks-Brainard Scholarships for those students wishing to further studies in the nursing field. Please get an application from the church office or from your guidance counselor.

CHRISTIAN YOUTH GROUPThe Philippi Christian Church youth group started in October 2017. We have had various subjects and activities at our meetings. The group meets at 7:0 p.m. on Sunday nights. We have had some outside speakers come and talk to us which have been most beneficial and educational. The group is open to students at St. Clare Walker Middle school and the Middlesex High School. We would love to have more kids. If you are interested in helping or speaking to the group, please let me know. Betsy Hudgins

Your Newsletter contributions are welcome. Please submit by the 26th of the month.

I am sorry to report that Cloyd and Ethel Wiley are leaving the Church. Please see Ethel’s heart felt letter on the bulletin board. Cloyd, Ethel, we are sorry to see you and wish you well.

March2018Sunday Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday Saturday

 

       1

4:00 Elders

 2  38:30 – 12:00

Food Pantry

4 

10:00 Choir practice

Youth Group

5

Sting Ray Stitchers

 6

4:45LectionaryGroup

6:30 Cub Scouts

7  8

3:00 Executive Committee

9 10

 1110:00 Choir practice

Youth Group

12   134:45LectionaryGroup

6:30 Cub Scouts

14 15 16 17

 1810:00 Choir practice

Youth Group

 19 20 

4:45LectionaryGroup

6:30 Cub Scouts

21 22 23 24

 25Combined ServiceLuncheon following the servicePALM SUNDAYYouth Group

 26 274:45LectionaryGroup

6:30 Cub Scouts

28 29   30

Drop off Bake Goods

 31Friends of the LIbrary Bake Sale  9:0-12:00

Elders: Mindy Miller Early Nan Parker, Betsy Hudgins Late

Decons: Maryanna Fisher, Joyce Saunders, Bonnie Simpson

Palm Sunday: Maryanna Fisher, Linda McKittrick, Joyce Saunders, Mike Hurd

March 2018 

Prayer Concerns Waylon Anton 

Jill Baldwin 

Cameron Blanford 

Buddy Bowen 

Family of Billy Bryant 

Gene Blanton  

Charlie Burch 

Betty Clegg 

Family of Kip Coughlan 

Walter Creekmore 

Alice Croxton 

Betsy Gary 

Matt Deagle 

Doug Hall  

Family of Beverly Haynes 

Esai Herrera 

Brittnay Hudgins 

Family of Tyler Hurd 

Mary Johnson 

Beth Justice 

Penny Leary 

Rod McMordie 

The family of Janet Morris 

Carolyn Palmer 

Preston Philyaw 

Johnny Purcell 

Ryan Ray  

Family of Joe Richardson 

Carol Rodkey  

Janice Rowe 

Charlotte Slaughter 

Steve Smith “Kaptain Krunch”  

Korin Thomas 

Marilyn Thomas 

Nancy Tripp 

Arthur Lee Walden 

Trax Ward 

Family of Joe Ware 

Harold Whitmore  

Jimmy Williams 

Sung He & Craig Woods  

James Woods 

Anniversaries None  Birthdays 

Gabrielle Smith    3/4 

Kay Luke                3/6 

Rebecca Walden 3/7 

Connor Ward       3/7 

Jennie Ashford    3/8 

Kelly Slaughter   3/12 

Ronnie Teagle    3/16 

Nancy Walker    3/17 

Nellie Jane Harrow 3/19 

Thomas Redmon 3/20 

Jean Ward         3/22 

Norman Hall     3/23 

Helen Haley      3/28 

Jeanne Johansen 3/30 

Homebound and Nursing Home Residents  

Shirley Dunlevy 

Helen Haley  

Avonne Hudgins  

Denise James  

Stanley Walden  

Sissy Womack 

Craig Wood  

 

Remember in Prayer:  

Volunteer Fire Departments  

Volunteer Rescue Squads  

Our Military  

Teachers  

Law Enforcement Personnel  

 

Up Coming Events and Programs

173rd Regional Assembly of the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ)Lynchburg College

Lynchburg, VAMay 31 – June 3, 2018

Craig Springs Camp and Retreat CenterBeyond Belief, The Universe of GodJune 25 – 29 Nature CampJuly 1 – 6 Special CampJuly 8 – 13 First TripleJuly 16 – 21 AMPDD CampJuly 22 – 27 Second TripleJuly 29 – August 3 New CovenantAugust 3 – 6 Family Retreat

Spring Work Weekend @ Craig SpringsMay 25-27

A webinar of interest will be presented by Lexington Theological Seminary on March 17 from 1:30-3:30 p.m. The session is entitled “The Three Tables of the Deacon,” and will be presented by the Reverend Valerie Melvin, Association Regional Minister of the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) in North Carolina.

Church Mutual Insurance is offering 50 scholarships of $5,000 each to religious scholars for the 2018-19 academic year.  Applications must be submitted by April 14, 2018; winners will be announced in June.  A

program flier is available to download, and details are available at:  churchmutual.com/cmcares-scholars.

Regional Listening Conferences 

 The By-Laws Committee and the Search and Call Committee of the region invite you to join them for one of three Listening Conferences.  The regional conversations are scheduled for the following dates, locations, and times: 

*Saturday, February 24 @ 10:00 a.m. at Blacksburg Christian Church 

*Saturday, March 10 @ 10:00 a.m. at Lynchburg College  

*Saturday, March 17 @ 10:00 a.m. at Bon Air Christian Church (Richmond)  

A light lunch will be served at each event.   

 

 Your participation is encouraged to aid the region in becoming more responsive to changing mission needs and as they work together to call a new regional minister who can lead with passion and a vision from God.  

 

Week of Compassion  

Week of Compassion works around the world all year long to provide disaster relief and assistance in the wake of catastrophic events. In 2017, Week of Compassion responded to 139 disasters all over the world, with 87 of those responses being in the United States. (20 for Hurricane Harvey relief in Texas alone)..and that does not include the ongoing relief projects.  When you give to Week of Compassion, your gift directly impacts the lives of people who need immediate and ongoing help, hope, and love. Please consider a gift to this very important ministry  of the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ).  

 

District Offerings for Church Leadership 

March 10:   Workshop on creating and maintaining a church website.  Will be held at Ashland Christian Church.  Limited to nine participants.  

May 5:  Developing a Child Protection Policy for Your Congregation plus Worship and Wonder Training and Camp Sign up.  Will be held at Rappahannock Christian Church.