▪ FROM THE PASTOR'S PEN...FEBRUARY, 2016
▪ MISSIONS MINISTRY
▪ CHRISTIAN WOMEN'S FELLOWSHIP
▪ YOUNG AT HEART
▪ CHILDREN AND YOUTH

St. Paul's Reformed warmly welcomes

the Reverend Dr. J. Keith and Carla Brown (Pastor Keith and Carla) to the Startown community and to our church. We trust all will greet our new pastor and wife with the warm and loving hospitality for which St. Paul's is known. May each of us offer ourselves in service to the Lord and in service to Pastor Keith, Carla, and this congregation as we seek to reach out to others in reflecting the eternal
Light of Jesus Christ.

by: Rev. Dr. Keith Brown

Petty is Problematic
We live in a time where pettiness is rampant in every area of our lives. From the Church house to the family house…pettiness is found.
“How dare they bring 21 items to a 20 or less register!’ (Confession: Been guilty of this one.)
“Why would they put the slaw on top of the chili rather than the chili on top of the slaw. How Can I possibly enjoy this hot dog now?”
And the list goes on and on…
If we are honest with ourselves, most all of us have been petty at times about some of the silliest things. To us, this petty thought may not seem so petty at all. But if we truly examine it in light of the more serious issues of life…well…we find they fall miserably low on the importance scale. So why do we continue to make these petty mountains out of insignificant ant hills?
In truth, I submit that they are most often indicators of something going on in our own lives. It could be stress, unhappiness, inability to forgive, anger, or any number of other issues…and these issues are just simmering to come out. Knowing that we, as outstanding citizens, Christians, professionals, parents, or whatever…can’t
always express these problems fully, we lower the gate just a little and let them boil out through petty jabs.
Harmless…right?
Wrong. Often, it is our pettiness that people notice and remember. It can hurt our relationship with friends, family, or co-workers. It can damage our Christian testimony to those who are seeking answers in life. It can set a bad example to those little ones who watch our every movement and listen to our every word.
Let’s make a pack. Let’s examine our own pettiness. Let's not simply try to curve it, although we should do that; rather, let’s go even deeper by examining that petty thought and try to figure out what bigger issue is truly bothering us at that moment. By doing that we can change our attitude, our outlook, our vocabulary, our relationships…and truthfully…our very lives.
Here’s to a happier and more contented life.
Blessings one and all,
Pastor Keith

FEBRUARY BIRTHDAYS

▪ 1 ALTA DANNER
▪ 4 GENE SKINNELL
▪ 6 ERIC DETTER
▪ 7 LINDA SHUGART
▪ 9 KEN BOLICK
▪ 10 KELSEY LITTLE
▪ 11 PEGGY DEWHURST
▪ 14 JEREMY SWANSON
▪ 16 LINDSEY (DAVIS) MINGUS
▪ 19 DIANE B. WATTS
▪ 22 CAROLYN BOLICK
▪ 22 PAULA HOOVER
▪ 27 ANITA DEAL
▪ 27 PRESTON RUTLEDGE
▪ 28 DAVID SHUGART

FEBRUARY ANNIVERSARIES

▪ 4 BOBBY & TAMI ELMORE
▪ 7 HARRY & PAT HIGHT
▪ 11 DWIGHT & PAM HERMAN
▪ 14 MATT & TINA CAMPBELL
▪ 17 GERALD & CATHY FLOWERS

Prayer Requests

may be sent to the Church Office:

stpaulsreformed@gmail.com or you may call 828-465-0931 You may also call Donna Rudolph at 828-638-8856 We now have a phone tree prayer chain for updates (for those of you who do not have a computer or receive email.) If you would like to be included in this, please contact Donna. Office hours: Mon, Wed, Thurs. 9 AM-3 PM and Fri. 9 AM-4 PM or you may leave a message.

HEAR AND SEE THE MESSAGE AGAIN!

If you would like a DVD copy of the

worship services at
St. Paul’s please contact
Donna Rudolph at stpaulsreformed@gmail.com or
please contact the church office at 465-0931
or you may watch the Worship Service on our You Tube channel stpaulsreformed

Consistory Notes…

St. Paul’s Reformed Church Consistory

Meeting

January 18, 2016

Present: Steve Deitz, Bobby Stiles, Gina Lutz, Cristy Detter, Jerry Sweet, Sandy Stillwell, Pastor Keith Brown, and Anita Deal
Absent: Larry Kiziah and Robin Caldwell

Prayer requests were presented.

The meeting was opened with prayer.
Officers were elected for 2016: President: Steve Deitz

Vice President: Bobby Stiles
Secretary: Anita Deal

Pastor’s report was received.

Old business:

Changed church insurance companies to a company with more coverage and lower premiumsWill continue to follow through with cleaning and painting of church steeple

New business:

Motion passed to not have 5th Sunday offerings and Operation Christmas child offerings for the remainder of 2016
Pastor Keith will update church sign
All members requesting use of church facilities for non church functions will schedule the date with Donna Rudolph, complete the form adopted by Consistory, and pay the deposit to Donna. The said member will schedule a walk through prior to and after the function with an appointed person. Donna is the only person to write events on the church calendar in the hallway. Deposit to be returned upon satisfactory final report. Motion passed to accept membership for: Faye Wolters, Claude and Bonnie Simmons, and Jerry Gene Jenkins
Following the Constitution, Steve will draft a letter to send to members who have not attended, contributed, or partaken of communion in the past 2 years. The purpose of this letter is to confirm their membership plans at St. Paul’s.
Present Consistory members are asked to review the Constitution and By-laws before the February meeting.
Pastor Keith presented plans for an evangelistic outreach show at our church for February. This will be open to the public.
President Deitz closed the meeting with prayer.
The next scheduled meeting of the Consistory is Monday, February 15, at 7PM.
Respectfully submitted,
Anita Deal/Secretary

ANNOUNCEMENTS FROM THE CONSISTORY...

Use of Church Facilities:

This matter was addressed by the 2015 consistory and guidelines put into place to be followed. The 2016 consistory reviewed the guidelines and agree fully with the policy currently in place. Following is a brief summary of the policy.
· Only members of St. Paul’s Reformed Church may reserve the facilities.
· The Use of Facilities Form and a deposit must be turned into the church office at least 10 days prior to the event.
· The church secretary or the pastor are the only people authorized to put a reservation for use of the facilities on the calendar and only after a completed Use of Facilities Form and deposit have been received in the church office.
· A person designated by the consistory must walk thru the church with the member signing the facilities use form prior to the event and answer any questions the member may have about using the facilities and the guidelines.
· After the event the member signing the facilities use form and the person designated by the consistory will walk thru the church again to verify that the facilities have been returned to the state they were in prior to the event.
· The deposit will be returned if the post event walk thru finds that everything is returned to the state it was in prior to the event.
If you have questions concerning this matter please see a consistory member.

After a lengthy discussion, the consistory has made the difficult decision to discontinue extra Sunday offerings for such things as the 2nd Sunday Shoe Box, 5th Sunday, and Gideons. The reasoning is two-fold: 1) to allow our members to better concentrate on meeting the general church budget, and 2) to avoid any misconceptions to new or potential members. To be clear, you can still place a special offering in the plate on any Sunday and designate those funds. This decision may be revisited at some future date. The Souper Bowl Offering, taken at the back of the church after the service, will be the last “extra” offering taken until further notice. If you have any questions feel free to discuss it with Steve Deitz, Consistory President, or any other consistory member.
_________________________________
If anyone has any issues, questions, concerns, or emergencies for the
Consistory President,
please contact Steve Deitz at

(704) 302-3894 (cell number)

or (828) 464-0184 (home number)
or sld30@charter.net or
stephen.deitz@mecklenburgcountync.gov

MEN’S BROTHERHOOD BREAKFAST

—FEBRUARY 7 AT 8 AM

All men are invited to join us!!

THE BARNABAS TEAM

IS A CARD MINISTRY THAT WELCOMES EVERYONE WHO WOULD LIKE TO COME. IF YOU HAVE SOMEONE IN NEED OF ENCOURAGEMENT AND WOULD LIKE THEM TO RECEIVE A CARD, PLEASE SEE MARTHA HEADRICK. THE NEXT MEETING WILL BE 17 AT 9 AM.

THANK YOU...

• Thank you to St. Paul’s Church Family for all the Christmas cards I received from you. Each one is appreciated and I will look at them many times before disposing of them. Thanks Again! Mary Delia Bolick.
• Dear St. Paul’s Church Family Members, Thank you so much for the lovely hospital stay. Thank all of you for your prayers, visits, calls, and cards. It means so much to have a loving church family. In Christ’s love, Ann Burgin.

SIGN UP TO

PUT FLOWERS ON THE ALTAR!

If you would like to place flowers on the altar in honor or memory of someone, please sign-up outside the church office. Fill out an information sheet located in the hallway beside the calendar and place in the secretary’s box in the narthex or in the box on the office door. Please note: St. Paul’s uses ABC Florist at (828) 466-1234 or Lester Lane at (704) 462-2406. If you would like to contact them for your needs, we have made arrangements with them for delivery. You may call them or you may use a florist of your choice. If you are going to use your own florist, please call the church office to make arrangements for delivery.

Instant Church Directory Mobile App

NEW FEATURE!!!!!

All of our church members/visitors can now view our church directory from your iPhone, iPad, Android or Kindle Fire by downloading the free Instant Church Directory Members App. All members/visitors need to do is to search for "Instant Church Directory" in the Apple App Store, Google Play, or Amazon Appstore, or go directly to this link:
http://www.instantchurchdirectory.com/app
You will be able to access all of our church member/visitor information, including names, addresses, telephone numbers, email addresses, birthdays and anniversaries.

WELCOME TO OUR NEW MEMBERS…
We would like to take this opportunity to welcome our New Members, Claude and Bonnie Simmons, Faye Wolters, and Jerry Gene Jenkins to St. Paul’s Church Family! A Service of Installation will be announced.

BORDERLESS LOVE

MINISTRIES

Total collected as of
JANUARY 31, 2016: $13,058.70
(VIETNAM ORPHANGE MINISTRY)
“His eye is on the sparrow and I know He watches me.” ♫ ♪

MISSIONS MINISTRY REPORT

By: Nancy Long

The January 2016 Missions meeting was opened with prayer and prayer requests on Sunday, January 3 at 11 am.
Unfinished Business: Allen gave a report on the missionary display case; a report of remaining 2015 funds’ disbursement was given.
New Business: Steve presented the financial report and the tentative 2016 budget; it was moved (Donna), seconded (Doris), and approved by the group that this ministry would not send 2016 quarterly support to the Evangelical Association national minister; brief comment was made regarding the future of a youth mission trip within the US, especially in the southeast—mention had been made to Cindy Shugart, advisor of the St. Paul’s Youth; plans for Souper Bowl 2016 have been put on hold pending a recommendation from the consistory—the group decided that the Souper Bowl of Caring offering, if received February 7 (Super Bowl Sunday), would replace the January 5th Sunday offering. Other 5th Sunday offerings will normally take place in May, July, and October—this committee awaits a decision from the consistory regarding the continuation of these, trusting for a positive response. Mention was made of Pastor Bill Harding’s appreciation for the opportunity to speak at the 2015 Missions Sunday service and his interest in returning to St. Paul’s to preach if/when a speaker is needed. Following an announcement about the February meeting on Sunday, February 7, the session was closed with prayer.

“The spirit of Christ is the spirit of missions. The nearer we get to Him, the more intensely missionary we become.” Henry Martyn, missionary to India and Peru.

BULLETIN BLOOPER—

Ladies, don’t forget the rummage sale. It’s a chance to get rid of those things not worth keeping around the house. Bring your husbands.

FROM OUR MISSIONARIES...

By: Mary Woods

Mark & Natasha Palmer, Central Asia - Cru
Emily, Jessica, Elizabeth
January is a time of reflection and planning. Many students go home for the holidays, but some stay nearby in the City. Pray for Azamat as I share God's love with him. Our family is well with the girls enjoying the winter break. Natasha has been getting involved with Swimming and a new Cooking Class. This gives her new opportunities to share God's love. Please pray for Spiritual fruit. Pray for more men to come to faith. Right now we have more female staff. Pray for our Academic Center to attract more students. (Last year 400) Pray that God's love will be evident among our Church family. Thank you for your generosity and sharing with us . We felt very loved.

Alan & Lucilia Vogel - Brazil - Wycliffe Bible Translators
I made my first trip to the Jarawara's since moving back to Brazil. Our Center in Porto Velho has closed so I moved my belongings to a friend's home in town. My faithful Pastor and friend was not there in the village, so had to use the help of another Translator friend. We got a lot done and went through books of John, James, 1st and 2nd Thess. Philippians, 1 and 2 Peter and 2 Chapters in Galations. We made many revisions to lots of Chapters. This all had to be checked again by Consultants I work with. All of this work can be looked at by the Jarawaras. They can also listen to traditional stories which I recorded. After moving back to Maceio, we found an inexpensive apt. near Lucilia's parents, where she can help them. I took some vacation time to make some furniture for our apt. We thank our Lord for His help in our move and in our translation work of the books of the N.T. for the Jarawaras. We thank you for your prayers and generous gifts to us.

The Corner Table Needs for FEBRUARY…

PINTO BEANS, GREAT NORTHERN BEANS, NAPKINS

Please place all items in the cart located in the Narthex. Thank you for your continued support!

A special worship service

A special worship service for those experiencing the challenges in life is held each Sunday afternoon at 4:30 pm in the chapel of First Presbyterian church, 701 N Main Ave., Newton. It is a traditional style service, lasting about 1 hour, and led by the Reverend Fred Thompson. This service has been active for some time and includes an intimate group in the process of adjusting to loss through death, divorce, empty nest experience; challenges of failing health, stress in the work place, family/church conflict,--any area that prevents one from living a fulfilled life in Jesus Christ. Pastor Thompson invites all who are seeking respite in the time of turmoil. Please contact: Rev. Fred Thompson--828-464-2824 if you have questions.

SOUPER BOWL SUNDAY

Sunday, February 7---
"Souper" Bowl of Caring Sunday will be observed to benefit soup kitchens across the US. More than 20 years ago, a group of South Carolina teens, noticing the hungry in their community, and at the same time the Super Bowl parties with abundance of food, reached out with the first Souper Bowl of Caring project. To date, more than $100 million has been raised to feed those with hunger need. St. Paul's will receive an offering on
Super Bowl Sunday to benefit the local soup kitchen,
THE CORNER TABLE.

Serving God Through Serving Others

All ladies of the church are invited to attend as we develop a closer relationship with God, make Him known to others, and fellowship with each other.

The CWF will meet on Thursday, February 4,

at 6 pm

at Brookwood Café in Maiden. All ladies of the church are invited to this annual Prayer Partner dinner. Please join us for the meal and then an exchange of names to share prayer concerns for 2016. If you are unable to attend but wish to be part of P.A.L.S. (Prayer Among Loving Sisters) please let a member of the CWF know. Ephesians 6:18 “Pray all the time. Ask God for anything in line with the Holy Spirit’s wishes. Plead with Him, reminding Him of your needs and keep praying earnestly for all Christians everywhere.”

TRULY AN HONOR AND PRIVILEGE…

to prepare the elements for Holy Communion. Rose Smith has this awesome responsibility in February. Thanks to Jeanne Jarrett for this sacred service in January.

B-I-N-G-O

Your help is requested as we assist residents at Abernethy Laurels with Bingo games. Next opportunity to service is: Wednesday,

FEBRUARY 17, 2:30-3:30 PM

You’re Invited!

You’re invited to the 2016 Kick Off Tour and Reception taking place on February 17th! Drop by between 11 am and 1 pm to meet the Executive Director, ask questions, and take a tour of the facility. Light refreshments will be provided. We’ll see you on the 17th!

Ministry Need: Plastic bags

We are in need of plastic bags in the food pantry. To ensure efficiency and fairness we pre-bag all of our food before distribution. Cold weather means a higher demand for our services and a greater need for plastic bags. Please consider donating your stash to help feed the hungry. Bags can be dropped off at the food pantry during operating hours (Mon-Thurs, 8 am-5pm) or your may give them to Anita Deal. We really appreciate your support! Your generosity ensures we can meet the growing needs of our community!

THANKS…

To all who helped take down Christmas decorations in the sanctuary and fellowship hall. Special thanks to Danny and Jr. for putting up and taking down the trees and the heavy nativity set.

THANKS...

To the 5 people from St. Paul’s who volunteered at ECCCM during St. Paul’s volunteer week.

CWF TO COOK AT CORNER THE

TABLE…

This service opportunity is open to all at St. Paul’s-man or woman, young or older. Our church will be preparing and serving a meal on February 29. at the Corner Table, Newton’s soup kitchen. No kitchen or serving skills or experience is required. Only a warm heart and smile for those in need of a hot meal. Please watch your bulletin for the time to begin cooking on February 29. Thanks to Tina Campbell for helping coordinate this event.

FEBRUARY SPECIAL BIRTHDAYS…

Please join the CWF as we help these 2 special ladies celebrate birthdays. Cards may be sent to:
February 1 Alta Danner

2530 Sandy Ford Rd.

Newton, NC 28658
February 11 Peggy Dewhurst

5931 Great Divide

Claremont, NC 28610
Happy Birthday, Ladies!!

“Today you are the oldest you have ever been, yet the youngest You will ever be, so enjoy this day which the Lord has made.”

St. Paul’s Young at Heart Group is open to anyone in the church age 50 or over. You do not have to be a member of the church to participate in any of the activities. So plan to join us this year as we share the love, joy, and fellowship of Christ.

FELLOWSHIP DINNER…

The first fellowship meal for 2016 was held on Sunday, January 10, after morning worship service. After the meal, the 40+ in attendance traveled to Alaska via a video provided by Jr. Just more examples of God’s beauty in nature! An added treat was to see pictures of Becky, Luke, Lydia, and Anna Simons. They miss St. Paul’s and send their love!

B-I-N-G-O…

Abernethy Laurels at
Wednesday, February 17,
2:30-3:30 PM All are welcome to help the residents with the games.

GREEN ROOM PERFORMANCE...

10 Young at Heart Members will be attending the Green Room’s performance of “Tuesdays with Morrie” on Sunday, February 7 at 3 PM. This play will be in the Black Box Theatre which is on the left side of the building from the regular Green Room entrance (street side across from BB&T. Please be in the lobby at 2:40 PM. Seats are not assigned, but we would like to sit as a group. Dinner will follow the play at a local restaurant.

TWO SPECIAL BIRTHDAYS IN FEBRUARY…

The CWF recognizes those turning 80, 85, 90, or any year after 90 by placing their birthdates in the bulletin and newsletter along with their address so you may shower them with cards. Special birthdays in February are:
February 1 Alta Danner