Thank you for bearing with us through this transition.

For more information please call Kelly our New Administrative Assistant/Church Secretary at (478) 272-3721.

You can download the HPMC October 2010 Calendar or view it online here. October birthdays and anniversaries are noted on the downloadable calendar. 

Upcoming Events

• HMPC’s Anniversary Celebration and Dedication Sunday are October 17th
• The Fall Festival and Memorial Service is Thursday, October 28th

In This Issue

• HMPC Anniversary Celebration
• Fall Festival and Memorial Service
• From the Interim Pastor
• News from Presbyterian Women
• Mission and Evangelism
• Church Officer Leadership Training

HMPC Anniversary Celebration

Click here to see the poster

You are all invited to attend the HMPC Anniversary Celebration this Sunday, October 17th. The Guest Minister for morning worship services will be Rev. John Law. Please plan to join us for the pot luck luncheon in the Christian Life Center immediately following the service. Following the luncheon, Dawn Snow and Jean Davidson will provide some special music for the celebration.The CLC will be opened prior to Sunday school and church on October 17th for those who want to bring their potluck dishes beforehand.

Note: be sure to invite family, friends, and former and current members of the church to the celebration.

Fall Festival and Memorial Service

The Fall Festival and Memorial Service is scheduled for Thursday, October 28th at 7:00pm at the Curry camphouse.  Hot dogs, chili, beans, and drinks will be provided by the church.  Everyone is invited to bring a special treat, dessert, or snack to share. 

The Memorial Service will follow the festival.  Anyone wishing to add names to the memorial list, please contact Norm Buckhouse or the church office.

Directions to the camphouse:  From Wal-Mart go west on Rt. 80 for approximately 1 mile until you come to the Old Macon Road on your right. Turn right on the Old Macon Road and proceed for approximately 7 miles until you come to Palmetto Farms on your left.  There will be a white sign at the entrance. Turn left into Palmetto Farms and follow the lane to the camphouse.

From the Interim Pastor

Greg Garis, Interim Pastor

I read this week a good statement about how important an Interim Pastor is for a church.  The information comes from the Center for Congregational Health.  

Most churches view the time between the resignation of one pastor and the call of another as unproductive, fallow time. Some feel it is wasted time. Others fear the congregation will lose members or dollars. Still others are in a rush to call a new pastor as quickly as possible so things can return to normal. Significant studies of hundreds of interim congregations over the past twenty years are now showing that the interim between pastors can be an important time in congregational life. Neil Chafin, an experienced consultant to congregations, says,

“The way a congregation chooses to use its interim time will shape congregational growth, identity, and health for years to come. We also know that what is done in the interim time really determines whether the new minister and congregation will form a solid ministry team.”

Congregations which fail to make wise use of interim time tend to repeat their history with the new minister. This can lead to pain and confusion for the minister and prevent the congregation from meeting its goals of spiritual growth for its members and ministry to its community. Expectations of ministers and churches vary enormously. Membership in many churches is either level or decreasing. Many congregations are unsure of their future. Each generation differs on expectations for the church. The interim is the best time to talk about and clarify these hopes and questions about church life.”

The program I am leading called “Then and Now” is a way for you to share about the history of Henry Memorial Presbyterian Church.  Please join me Tuesdays,  October 19 and November 2 and 16 at 7:00pm.  

Peace,
Greg Garis
Interim Pastor

Presbyterian Women

PW Attic Sale

Thanks to everyone who contributed to the very successful PW Attic Sale. As you know, this is how the Presbyterian Women generate funds for our mission work all through the year. If you donated items, baked goodies, or helped with organizing and conducting the sale, we thank you so much for your help. Without you, none of this would have been possible. The final total was over $1950.00.

Betty Smith and Ann Woods
Co-chairs Of the Presbyterian Women’s Attic Sale

Be an Angel

“Be an Angel” is a project Presbyterian Women at HMPC promote every year. In the article below there is a list of needed items for this project.

We will be having a collection area at the HMPC in the near future. (Stay tuned on that–later in November.)

This article is just to give you a “head’s up” about items you might be interested in purchasing (taking advantage of sales, as they come along). Swainsboro Apartments does not receive any support from the Santa Express program, so this is a special project that is near and dear to our hearts here in the Savannah Presbytery. Most of the people who live in these apartments are low income, so any help you can give is very important to them.

Here is a portion of the email from Savannah Presbytery:

Once again, we are asking for your support of our annual “Be An Angel” program at the Swainsboro Presbyterian Apartments. Over the past years, SPA has been fortunate to receive very generous donations from the churches of Savannah Presbytery. As we are owned by the Savannah Presbytery, we welcome and need your support in our efforts to provide Christmas gifts for each resident.

As you plan your mission giving this holiday season, please make sure to include our residents. We currently have 53 residents consisting of 11 men and 42 women and three married couples. Your generous donations insure that each of our residents will have a Christmas gift bag. For some, your gifts are the only Christmas presents they receive.

Donations can include, but are not limit3ed to, personal items such as toiletries, boxes of stationery, assorted greeting cards, socks, candies, diabetic candies/cookies, hand towels, kitchen towels, pot holders, books, and puzzles.

Your support is greatly needed for Christmas 2010. And, we thank you for your consideration and generous support to our mission of providing a very merry Christmas for our residents.

Please plan to participate in “Be An Angel” a big way this year.

Sara Ninan,
Together in Service Chairman
Presbyterian Women

Fall Gathering 2010

On September 25, 2010, PW from all over the Savannah Presbytery gathered at HMPC for a time of fellowship and worship. Our guest speaker was Zac Holt, recipient of the Columbia Friendship Circle Scholarship. Dr. Ken McKenzie, Excecutive Presbyter, administered communion in a meaningful worship service. There were three workshops followed by a luncheon in the CLC.

Thanks to everyone who contributed to a successful Fall Gathering 2010.

Barbara Riddle
Moderator, HMPC PW

Click here to see a slideshow of pics from the Fall Gathering.

Mission and Evangelism

Operation Christmas Child:  Sign-up sheets are being distributed and will be available in the Narthex and at the Sunday school sanctuary entrance the next two Sundays, Oct. 17th and Oct. 24th. Please continue saving your shoeboxes for this project. November 7th will be the dedication service for our boxes prior to delivery and shipment.

Habitat for Humanity:  HMPC will be providing lunch for the workers at the house currently underway on Saturday, Oct. 16th.  More volunteers are needed on Saturdays.  See Diane Hendricks for details.

From the Savannah Presbytery ~
Church Officer Leadership Training 

Church Officer Leadership Training will be held on Saturday, December 4^th, from 8:00am to 4:00pm, at White Bluff PC in Savannah. The cost is $20.00 per person, which includes lunch and childcare. The theme is Seeking to Serve with Energy, Intelligence, Imagination, and Love. We have some great workshops and leaders lined up, and all elders, session members, treasurers, and deacons are encouraged to attend, especially if you have been newly elected this year. 

See the attached brochure and download the registration form here. The registration deadline is November 23^rd.

If you have any questions about the event, call the presbytery office at 1-800-548-7021.

You can download the HPMC October 2010 Calendar or view it online here. October birthdays and anniversaries are noted on the downloadable calendar.    

• Communion ~ October 3rd
• Then and Now with Dr. Greg Garis begins Tuesday, October 5th
• Peacemaking Offering ~ October 10th (Read more here.)
• The HMPC Anniversary Celebration and Dedication Sunday are October 17th
• The Fall Festival and Memorial Service is Thursday, October 28th

Then and Now

Rev. Dr. Greg Garis 

Rev. Greg Garis

We are filled with memories of the past. Sometimes those memories make us smile and sometimes they can bring tears. Part of the reality of our lives is that we are shaped by the past and how we accept changes that come our way. 

I invite the congregation to join me in a special program that I am designing called “Then and Now.” This is a opportunity for me to share with you who I am, my past and my journey, but also for the members and friends of this congregation to share who this church is and the events and symbols and issues that have taken place in this church; Henry Memorial Presbyterian church journey. Part of my Interim ministry is to help the congregation come to grips with the past and assist the church to move forward into the future. 

Please join me for this special program called “Then and Now.” It will be held on Tuesdays, October 5 and 19 and November 2 and 16, from 7:00 PM – 8:15 PM in the Conference room. 

Calling All 1st, 2nd, 3rd, 4th, 5th and 6th Graders to Serve as Acolytes 

Churches have had acolytes for almost 2000 years. Acolytes are a very important part of our worship services because they help everyone worship God. As a matter of fact, the word “acolyte” means “helper.” If you become an acolyte, you will wear a robe and use a candle lighter to light the Christ candle at the beginning of the service to remind people that Christ is with us. At the end of the service you will light the candle lighter, extinguish the Christ candle, and carry the Light of Christ out into the world. If you are interested in becoming an Acolyte or learning more about it please contact Bob Alexander or Betty Smith.   

We also need an adult to oversee the Acolyte Program. If you would like to work with some of the finest children on earth, contact Betty Smith or Bob Alexander.   

Then and Now 

News from Mission & Evangelism

The Peacemaking Offering is Sunday, October 10th. This offering helps to support our Peacemakers Award program for local high school Seniors.  

Click here to read letter

 Kudos to Eileen Buckhouse who faithfully remembers our congregation with birthday cards. Thanks, Eileen!  

Habitat for Humanity’s construction of their 29th house is underway. This house will be for a single father of eight and will be a six bedroom, two bath home, constructed in East Dublin on Wheeler Street. Our church will once again participate in this project. More details will be forthcoming.  

Are you searching for a former member? A list of out-of-town and former members is available in the church office.  

Please read this letter from India requesting shoeboxes through OCC. Just click on it to open it to full size. There is a projected need for 60 shoeboxes. If you can donate, please bring the shoeboxes and place them in the Tone Chimes room. Thanks. 

Fall Festival and Memorial Service ~ October 28th!

Save the date! We will be having our Fall Festival and Memorial Service once again this year at the Curry Camphouse on Thursday, October 28th.   

Fall Gathering
Presbyterian Women
Savannah Presbytery

September 25, 2010

511 Bellevue Avenue
Dublin, Georgia 31021
Telephone: (478) 272-3721   

Contact Barbara Riddle at 478-275-0487 for details.  

Schedule and Registration Fees for the Fall Gathering  

• Registration ~ 9:30am ~ The registration fee is $6.00 and includes materials, morning refreshments, and lunch)
• Church ~ 10:15
• Workshops ~ 12:15 to 1:00pm
• Lunch ~ 1:00pm 

Workshops  

• Starting a Knitting Ministry ~ Barbara Riddle
• Revelation: the book of HOPE (This year’s Circle study book.) ~ Eileen Buckhouse
• Sprout, Grow, Blossom, and Bloom (Revitalizing your PW) ~ Janet Ward

Support Our Troops! A Pillow Project

For PW from Chris Thomas  

Army Nurse Eliece Neuman, my daughter, has requested that we send small pillows to her in the Middle East. The pillows are used to position patients during surgery. They need to be 5” x 9” by 2” thick. Please make some of these, and bring them to the Fall Gathering. There is no preference on fabric; most any cotton type fabric will be just fine. We will send them along to Eliece.  If you wish to send them later, Eliece’s address is:   

SSG Eliece Neumann
909th FST
FOB Shank East
APO AE 09364  

Note: If you are shipping pillows directly to Eliece, a customs form must  be filled out. 

Between the Covers

HMPC’s book club will meet Monday, October 4th. in the HMPC conference room at  7:00 pm to discuss The Thirteen Tale by Diane Setterfield. Bring a small snack to share. 

Click here to visit the author’s page at Simon & Schuster. You can read an except from the book and listen to a bit of audio. 

HMPC Anniversary Celebration 

You are all invited to attend the HMPC Anniversary Celebration on Sunday, October 17th. The Guest Minister for morning worship services will be Rev. John Law. Please plan to join us for the pot luck luncheon in the Christian Life Center immediately following the service. Following the luncheon, Dawn Snow and Jean Davidson will provide some special music for the celebration. 

Called to Serve

Gene and Connie Pricer

 by Gene Pricer 

“Peace of God”, does it really dwell in me? 

I often ask that question of myself when I become frustrated, annoyed or even angry, not so much at myself for I can usually excuse that due to my own stupidity, but when directed at another person or persons. This is even more pronounced when these feelings surface as it relates to my brothers and sisters in Christ. I mean, if I really think about it, I have all the right in the world to justify those feelings because those who are offending me should know they are wrong. I mean, how many times has someone in Sunday School questioned your interpretation of a scripture (how dare they), challenged your input during a committee meeting (so you think I’m an idiot), shown up late for a meeting and repeat questions already discussed (now you’re wasting my time), had to be first on a responsive reading (every verse), never take on any responsibilities (I mean I only have so much time). Okay, let me stop, I think my point has been made. I know such pettiness only comes to my door, but I think it illustrates the topic Does the Peace of God dwell in me? 

I believe at times it does, but then there are other times I know the Peace of God has gone on sabbatical within my life. I read in Paul’s letter to the Colossians (3:14 -17) we “above all these things put on love, which is the bond of perfection.” It’s (love) like a garment, a robe that we should be putting on – the final rung in our ladder of Christian growth. It seems there are too many times that as I reach for that final rung, ready to put on that bond of perfection, that someone or something is pulling my leg and my palm becomes sweaty and that final rung slips away. 

As if that was not enough, verse 15 tells me “and let the peace of God rule in your hearts.” When frustration, annoyance, and anger surface I am giving way to the carnal nature within me rather than enjoying the Peace of God which is a gift he has given me as his child. How much more I would rather have the Peace of God, but it so often evades me as my self-destructive nature takes a grip. 

“Let the word of Christ dwell in you…” (verse 16). I now find that even though I have access to the Word, that’s not enough, it has to dwell in me. Not only is the Word to dwell in me, but it must become my master and I must become the servant. But wait; if that be the case then I have no room for my carnal nature of frustration, annoyance or anger. Now that I can live with. 

The real litany test is verse 17 “And whatever you do in word or deed, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus.” So then the questions I have to ask myself: is the thought I have, the action I take or the word I speak for self-gratification, which in and of itself can become self-perpetuating, or have I acted “in the name of the Lord Jesus” which can build that “Peace of God” that I so desperately seek and miss the mark at times. 

What kind of child of God could I become, what kind of church could HMPC become, what kind of community could Dublin become, what kind of state could Georgia become, what kind of nation could the USA become, what kind of world could we become if only we would put on the Love of God and let His Peace dwell within us. 

I ask for your prayers and that God would start with me. 

Peace,
Gene 

Operation Christmas Child 2010

by Eileen Buckhouse   

It’s beginning to look a lot like Christmas   

What? We are still having temperatures in the 90’s!   

Actually, I am just trying to get you in the spirit of giving, gearing up for the Operation Christmas Child Shoebox Ministry. The first thing we must try to collect is the shoeboxes. Our goal is to fill 60 shoeboxes this year. There are a few plastic shoeboxes that have been donated to get us started, but three or four of our donations have disappeared.   

The first dates you will want to put on your calendar are Sundays, October 10 and 17. These are the dates when we will have our sign-up before Sunday school and before church. When you sign-up, you will hopefully get a shoe box, a list of the items acceptable for the box, the boy/girl label, and the envelope for your shipping donation.   

There are four categories: toys, educational supplies, hygiene products, and other items. All gifts should be new and the boxes should have items from each of these categories. I know that soap, toothpaste, wash cloths, and towels are not much of a gift for our kids but when a child doesn’t have any, receiving these items is very much appreciated.   

The next date to remember is November 7, that is the date to have your undecorated, filled shoeboxes returned to the church. It is also the date when we will dedicate the boxes during the church service before they are delivered to Liberty Baptist Church here in Dublin.   

The National Collection Week is November 15-22. We will be delivering the boxes to one of the churches here in Dublin. The boxes will then be delivered to a location in Atlanta where they will be screened. Some other items will be added to the box before they are sent on their way to a deserving child.   

Thank you in advance for your participation in this great ministry.   

Eileen Buckhouse and the Mission and Evangelism committee

You can download the HPMC September 2010 Calendar or view it online here. September Birthdays and anniversaries are noted on the downloadable calendar. 

• Come to the Song and Scripture Service on August 29th!
• John Law will be our guest pastor on Sunday, September 5th. Communion will be by intincture.
• The church office will be closed for Labor Day on Monday, Sept. 6.
• Come to the PW Attic and Bake Sale on Friday and Saturday, Sept. 10-11.
• Rally Day is September 12th! Bring a guest to Sunday School.
• PW Circle Meetings start again on Tuesday, September 14th. September’s hostess is Connie Pricer.
• The Stewardship Committee will host the Congregation Appreciation Meal on Thursday, September 16th.
• The PW Fall Gathering is Saturday, September 25th.

Song and Scripture Service ~ August 29th

Our worship service on August 29th will be a special gathering for our HMPC family. It will be a Song and Scripture Service with great singing, sharing scripture ,and understanding how God is working in the life of our congregation. Our Youth will also be involved and talented vocalist Dawn Snow will be sharing special music.

Be sure you make plans to attend church this Sunday as Katie Hogan, Matthew Waters, Sara Ninan, and Ann King share their favorite scripture and how it has influenced their life as a Christian. This will be a special time of worship as we praise and give thanks for God’s presence and work in our lives—both as a congregation and as Christians. Jean Davidson will offer one of her special “gospel” piano selections and I will be leading you in singing our favorite hymns. As we culminate our informal, summer worship schedule, come and be a part of this dynamic service. Invite your family and friends to join us!  

Blessings,
Charles 

Attention Attention all HMPC Members!!

If you have anything, or knowledge of anything, currently being stored in any of the classrooms, basement, hallways or any other possible hiding place you best make claim to it now. Paul Riddle, with the assistance of Eddie Hendricks, will be going through the church between now and the PW’s Attic Sale to see how much clutter we can put up for sale. If you have some items you don’t want to end up in the Attic Sale, you need to identify it before September 2 with your name attached to it and stating that it’s not to be sold.  

We really are attempting to clean up and do need your assistance.  

Thanks,
Administrative Committee  

Our New Banner ~ Talk About It

Did you notice the new banner at the top of the newsletter? Tell us what you think about it. Click on “leave a comment” at the bottom of this post to add your comment on the banner or any other story in the newsletter. The link is rather small type (non-adjustable), so don’t overlook it.

The comments section allows us to communicate with each about anything in the newsletter. You can add updates to the stories, note changes to the calendar, provide links, or just say hello.

Called to Serve
Control: What Do We Do Without It?

by Joy MacThomas  

Over the course of Bob’s cancer and my mother’s illness, I’ve come to realize how difficult it is to put the control of your life, or that of someone you love, in the hands of another. I suspect I am not the only one who has a hard time trusting that others will do right by us. We often seek reassurance by looking up information on the internet, asking questions of others who have been through similar situations, or get second opinions or repeat tests. This feeling of lack of control becomes painfully clear when the need arises to trust doctors, nurses, and/or medical technicians to provide you with information/results that will cause life changing decisions.  

Bob and Joy MacThomas

Somewhere along the line, I realized that it is not others, but GOD, that I needed to trust and in doing so, I could/would give up my need to try and control the outcome. I’ve always said “He’s in control and there is no need to worry”. I’ve always said I trusted God’s will. However, as Bob and I are now faced with an uncertain future, I’ve found that saying it and doing it, are not always the same. Since my rude awakening that Bob’s cancer really is out of my control and my decision “let go and let God”, things have been a bit easier. In my heart of hearts, I believe that 1) God has a plan, 2) I may not understand the plan, 3) I may not agree or even like the plan, but 4) I do trust and have faith that God will see us through this final journey together.  

When I am having a rough day, I try to remind myself that God’s will prevails that I have enough faith to let go. Neither my life, nor Bob’s, is any more special than anyone else’s. No one wants to loose a loved one; no one wants their loved one to suffer. Yet, many do. Years ago, when I started working with alcoholics and was introduced to AA slogans, I learned the familiar serenity prayer. This prayer, a cornerstone of AA, is a simple way to remind me of my task while on this journey. It reminds me of how God sees us through if we just stay out of his way. Maybe it will be as helpful to some of you as it is to me.  

God grant me the serenity to accept the things I can not change
The courage to change what can be changed
And the wisdom to know the difference.”
                                                                                  ~ Sometimes attributed to Reinhold Niebuhr  

In the past few weeks, I’ve been saying that prayer at least six times a day. “Control”, what do we do without it? Pray, trust, and have faith in our GOD to see us through. No doubt, if we let go of our attempts to control, and place things in God’s hands, we will do the right thing, for the right reason, and at the right time.  

Rally Day Breakfast:
Sunday, September 12th

The Christian Education Committee is serving breakfast!  

On Sunday, September 12th, get up, get your clothes on and come to Sunday school and breakfast with your friends and members of our church. We will be serving breakfast casserole, juice, coffee, donuts, muffins and fruit in the corner classroom at 9:45am. Come by, get a plate and take it to the Sunday school class of your choice!  

We will have our new brochures available so you can read a brief description of each class and decide which one you might like to visit. Sunday school begins at 10:00am each Sunday. With the variety of adult classes, there is sure to be one that meets you needs. It’s a great time to check things out and see what opportunities exist to help you learn about the teachings of God and the applications to your life today. Sunday school is also available at the same time for all ages of children. What a great way to help your children learn and grow in their understanding of God.  

We will have sign up sheets for the breakfast in the church bulletin and hope to see as many of you as possible.  

Resolving Conflicts 101

by Gary Chapman, author of The Five Love Languages
Reprinted with Permission  

What’s so bad about arguing?
First, let me clarify what I mean by the word argue. It is a legal term. In a court of law attorneys make arguments designed to show the guilt or innocence of their client. They present the ‘facts’ with the attitude, “Any reasonable person would agree with my argument.”  

What works fairly well in the court room, works poorly in a marriage, because there is no judge available to determine when your spouse is ‘out of order’. Arguments become charged with emotion and you end up yelling, screaming, or crying. Each feels the other is unreasonable. What’s so bad about arguing? It turns spouses into enemies who have feelings of hurt, anger, and resentment.  

Why is it so important to resolve conflicts?
Because unresolved conflicts stand as barriers to marital unity. Conflicts are those issues over which we have differences and we both feel that our side is right. If we don’t find a ‘meeting place’ we become enemies instead of teammates. And, life becomes a battlefield. No one likes to fight. So, sooner or later someone gives up and walks away.  

How sad that thousands of marriages end because couples never learn to resolve conflicts. The first step in resolving conflicts is to get out of the “arguing mode” and get into the “understanding mode”. Stop trying to win an argument and start trying to understand each other.  

Why do people argue?
In one word, rigidity. In essence we are saying, “My way is the right way, and if you don’t do it my way, I’ll make your life miserable.” The arguer insists on getting his own way.  

Conflict resolvers have a different attitude. They say, “I’m sure we can work this out in a way that will be positive for both of us. Let’s think about it together.” They look for a win-win resolution. They begin by respecting each other’s ideas and looking for a solution instead of trying to win an argument.  

The Scriptures say, “Love does not demand its own way.” Actually, love is looking out for the other person’s interest. “What would be best for you?” is the question of love.  

You will never resolve conflicts if you don’t learn to listen.
Many people think they are listening when in fact they are simply reloading their verbal guns. Listening means seeking to understand what the other person is thinking and feeling. It is putting ourselves in the other person’s shoes and trying to look at the world through their eyes.  

Here’s a good sentence with which to begin. “I want to understand what you are saying because I know it is important.” One man told me that he made a sign which read: “I am a Listener.” When his wife started talking he would hang it around his neck to remind himself of what he was doing. His wife would smile and say, “I hope it’s true.” He learned to be a good listener.  

We are all busy.
Often, too busy to listen. And yet, listening is the only way you will ever come to understand your spouse’s thoughts and feelings. Listening takes time and requires focus. Many people pride themselves in being able to listen while reading e-mails or watching television. One husband said, “My wife insists that I sit down and listen to her. I feel like I’m in a straitjacket, like I’m wasting time.”  

When you drop everything, look at your spouse and listen, you communicate, “You are the most important person in my life.” On the other hand, when you listen while doing other things, you communicate: “You are one of my many interests.” Listening is a powerful expression of love.  

Adapted from Everybody Wins: The Chapman Guide to Solving Conflicts Without Arguing by Gary Chapman.   

Dr. Gary Chapman, the leading author in biblical marriage counseling, speaks love in your language. With over thirty years of experience in marriage counseling, Dr. Gary Chapman has worked closely with thousands of couples struggling with countless issues. But at the heart of every marriage he has encountered–including his own–rests the same core longing: all people need to feel loved. Visit his website at http://www.5lovelanguages.com.   

Fall Youth Connect Registering NOW!

All sixth through twelfth grade youth and their adult chaperones are invited to the Fall YOUth Connect, taking place October 8-10, 2010, at New Ebenezer Retreat Center in Rincon, GA.

It will be a weekend of fun, fellowship, and Bible Study, and include a costume party, camp fire, games, and worship. Prizes will be given out for the best costumes!

The cost is $70 per person (youth and adults), and includes meals, lodging, and t-shirt. Registration deadline is September 29.

Don’t miss this fun weekend! Download the information/registration packet HERE.

Operation Christmas Child

The Mission and Evangelism Committee is sponsoring the Shoebox Ministry to provide Christmas Gifts to children. We need to start off with collecting shoeboxes. We have a few but we can always use more. For now we are storing them in the Seekers classroom. We are asking you to please save your good shoeboxes for the project and bring them to church. ~ Eileen Buckhouse

You can download the HPMC August 2010 Calendar or view it online here. August Birthdays and anniversaries are noted on the downloadable calendar. 

• Sunday, August 1 is Communion and Proctor’s last sermon at HMPC. Please join us for a farewell luncheon immediately following the morning worship service.
• Sunday, August 8 ~ Ken McKenzie, our General Presbyter, will be our Guest Pastor.
• Sunday, August 15 ~ Guest Pastor, Wayne McDaniel

Greetings from the Pastor

Now it’s time to say goodbye to all our fam-i-ly.
M-i-c (see you real soon)
k-e-y (Why? Because we love you!) M-o-u-s-e.

One of my favorite children and I used to share this song when it was time for me to take her home. She was rarely ready to go home and this was a good way to share together the necessity of having to say goodbye.

It is now necessary for Ginger and me to say goodbye to our Henry Memorial family. The word family is instructive and comforting. If we are indeed family, there are no real forever goodbyes. It was Gandhi who penned words like this:

For you and me there are no goodbyes. For wherever you are you will always be in my heart.

Legend says the word “goodbye” came originally from the statement “God be with ye.” So it is not so much about separation as it is about resting our relationship in the hands of God and God’s puposes.

It is time to say God be with you. We will see you again. Why? Because we have loved you all these years and love never dies, it grows richer over time.

It has been my honor and my privilege to be your pastor. Now I will count you all as friend and family.

Grace and Peace,
Proctor

Proctor’s Schedule: Last Sunday in the pulpit of Henry Memorial will be August 1, 2010. I will be available and on vacation from August 2 – 15. August 16 will be my first day in the office of the North Robertson County Parish.

Bulletins for Morning Worship

The recycling bins for bulletins are filling up quickly! What a great idea to recycle all that paper. (If you haven’t heard, Dublin is set to start curbside recycling soon.)

If you have inserts for the bulletins, please try to get them to the office by Wednesday afternoon. That allows plenty of time for proofreading, editing, and copying.

Called to Serve

by Anna Fisher

The time is coming soon when our church family will be loosing its pastor. The session is already searching for an interim to fill the gap untill we can select a new minister but each of us is called to step up and do our part to keep things running smoothly. Each of us as an individual has a gift that God can use and no job is so small as to be unimportant or too difficult to be accomplished with His help.

Paul says it best in his letter to the Romans.

12:4-8 For as in one body we have many members and all the members do not have the same function, so we though many are one body in Christ, and individually members one of another. Having gifts that differ according to the grace given to us, let us use them; if prophecy, in proportion to our faith; if service, in our serving; he who teaches, in his teaching; he who exhorts, in his exhortation; he who contributes, in liberality; he who gives aid, with zeal; he who does acts of mercy, with cheerfulness.

And again in 1 Corinthians 12:4-6

Now there are varieties of gifts, but the same spirit; and there are varieties of service but the same Lord; and there are varieties of working, but it is the same God who inspires them all in everyone.

14:12 So with yourselves; since you are eager for manifestations of the sprit, strive to excel in building up the church.

This can become a time for us to grow closer as a church family while we strive for the common goal – to glorify God. So let us pray for guidance that we may be up to the challenge and find the joy that comes from serving the Lord.

WINGS

The Presbyterian Women are collecting elemetary school supplies and book bags for WINGS. Please leave any donations in a bag under the office mailboxes inside the portico. Please mark the bags WINGS.

Vacation Bible School 2010 

Click here to see a slideshow of pics from Vacation Bible School. The post is password protected. (You can find the password “hidden” in this newsletter somewhere. ) Scroll to the bottom of the newsletter to see more pics from VBS. Thanks to Betty Smith and Betty Spitzmiller for the great pics!

A Thank You from Tamara Davis:    

Proctor avoids the SUPERSLIDE

I have so many people to thank for helping with VBS, I hope I don’t leave anyone out. I will start with my Daddy, he painted the back ground for the children’s room and helped with the food every night. My mother and Betty Spitzmiller made the children’s aprons which saved us a ton! My mother planned the meals and made sure they were there every night. Carla set up and cleaned up after supper every night, she and my daddy also assisted the children in making their own recycled paper. Betty Spitzmiller did the great bulletin inserts and email announcements. Chris and David Woodburn donated the props we used in the children’s room. Bill Mitchell is the best story teller I know and we are always blessed when he shares his stories. Meredith and Mark (Mark was a great help Period!) were a big help with the nursery aged children. Shirley Warren was my partner in crime working with K thru middle school. Morgan, Rebekah, Mason and Madison what can I say I was really proud of how you all stepped up and helped every night, I couldn’t have done it without you! I also want to thank Mary Jane Spivey for donating the paper recycling kit, Ginger for picking out the great baskets for recycling the bulletins. Thank you to everyone that donated toilet paper rolls and clothes pins and to all those that made ice-cream the last night. Bobbie Uliano, Ann Woods and Anne Gray were a huge help the last night cleaning the kitchen. A great Big Thank You to Eileen Buckhouse for taking care of renting the water slide and jumping tent for the final night, I know kids of all ages enjoyed it and everyone else enjoyed watching! I would also like to thank the parents for bringing their children every night. I heard wonderful things every evening from the class Proctor was teaching so I would like to Thank him as well. Whew that was a lot of thank yous, I hope I didn’t leave anyone out. 

Please excuse the grammer mistakes and name spellings I just really wanted everyone to know how much I appricated all the help. ~ Tamara

Henry Memorial Presbyterian Church will be hosting the Fall Gathering of Presbyterian Women on Sept 25, 2010!

Registration:  9:30 a.m. 
Registration fee of $6.00 includes materials and lunch.

Church service: 10:15 a.m.
Workshops:-12:15- 1:00 p.m.
Lunch:  1:00 p.m.

Workshop Choices:

• Starting a Knitting/Crocheting Ministry at Your Church (Barbara Riddle)
• Revelation Bible Study Workshop for 2010-2011 (Eileen Buckhouse)
• Moderator’s Workshop (Janet Ward) 

You can download the HPMC July 2010 Calendar or view it online here. July Birthdays and anniversaries are noted on the downloadable calendar.      

• The church office will be closed Monday, July 5th in observance of Independence Day.
• July 11th is “T.P. Sunday.”
• Vacation Bible School ~ July 18-21

Greetings from our Pastor

During the last fifteen years of my ministry I have, because of my service to various Committees on Ministry, worked alongside churches that have been in transition: big churches, tiny churches and churches just like ours. One thing I have gleaned from the decade and a half and too many churches to count is this: there is anxiety!

Ministers struggle when suddenly confronted with a call in their life to be somewhere else other than where they comfortably are.  A minister’s call in his or her life is 24/7, seven days a week, 365 days a year.  If a minister has “gotten into the pattern” in a particular setting, the thought of change is, well, traumatic. And there is anxiety.

And for the church, and let’s say this upfront and honestly: no minister has ever been loved by every person in their church; the church family becomes comfortable with that same face and presence.  They see it in the pulpit almost every week.  They have sat through funerals with that familiar person up front.  They have heard some stories told more than once. Perhaps they have sat one-on-one with the pastor and shared some of their life.  There is a level of comfort like an old pair of shoes: they may be a bit tattered and now and then raise a blister, but hey, they are cheaper than a new pair.  And when the church hears that familiar persona is leaving, it is traumatic. Even for those who may not have liked the minister all that much, they realize the hassle of uncertainty and change that is before the church family. And there is anxiety.

Now, this is you and me.

Until just recently, I didn’t realize how many people in this church were expecting me to bury them!  It made me quite proud, not because they wanted me to lead their funeral, but that they felt like I would out live THEM!

There is anxiety and we must place this before the Lord.  We will have been together nine and a half years when I finally leave you.  In some ways it has gone by like a breath.  But when I count the gains and losses in our lives and in our church family during this almost-decade, it is rather overwhelming.

Though it feels like it at times, this is not death. Both you and I will live to see another day: for me, two churches, for you, a brand new minister.  Our lives have forever been woven together.  I can never say “I was never there” and you can never say “he was never here.”  Even as we have all been Baptized into Christ, we have been baptized into one another by our time together.  God’s grace will suffice us all.

Grace and Peace,
Proctor

Proctor’s Schedule: Last Sunday in the pulpit of Henry Memorial will be August 1, 2010.  I will be available and on vacation from August 2 – 15.

The Session has called a Congregational Meeting for Sunday, June 27, 2010 during the worship service for the purpose of concurring with Reverend Proctor Chambless in his request to Savannah Presbytery that his pastoral relationship with Henry Memorial Presbyterian Church be dissolved as of August 15, 2010.

Christian Education Committee News:
VACATION BIBLE SCHOOL IN JULY

Members of the Christian Education Committee are busy preparing for this year’s Vacation Bible School. It will be held at 6:00 PM from July 18-21st . We’ll have a closing dinner on the 21st. This year’s theme is “RENEWAL” (teaching our children about recycling, etc). Now don’t get us wrong, it isn’t just for children! Proctor will be teaching an adult Vacation Bible School at the same time. Be on the look out for items that they will need donated and start thinking about recycling ideas.

We have already come up with the first one! We’ll be placing recycle containers at the entrances to the church so that we can recycle the weekly bulletin rather than leaving them in the pews. Every piece of paper counts! It’s a trial effort so lets make it a success.

Our campers are also getting ready! Ten of our children, youth, and adults will be attending various camps in the next week. Thanks to all who helped arrange it and to those who are helping with transportation. No doubt everyone will have a good time thanks to the generosity of our church family.

Operation Christmas Child

Everyone had such a good time shopping for and filling the shoeboxes for Operation Christmas Child last year, the Mission and Evangelism Committee has agreed to support this program again. The committee is requesting the church members to once again save shoeboxes and the free toothbrushes, tooth paste and dental floss you receive from your dentist. We will collect them and store them until it is time for the HMPC Christmas elves to decorate and fill the boxes once again.

Called to Serve: Pay It Forward

by Eileen Buckhouse

The real work of planet-saving will be small, humble, humbling and (insofar as it involves love) pleasing and rewarding. Its’ jobs will be too many to count, too many to report, to many to be publicly noticed or rewarded, too small to make anyone rich or famous. ~ Wendell Barry

Talk to young people today and you will find that many of them are not to overly optimistic about the future.  When you consider the world’s problems – homelessness, environmental degradation, violence – they yearn for a reason to hope.  We adults are cautious when it comes to speaking about a bright and cheery tomorrow as well.

Small acts of courtesy seem to be a thing of the past.  Basic respect for others is not evident in some of the people and situations we encounter in our daily routine.

Several years ago an inspiring and imaginative film titled Pay It Forward was released. The film was based on the book of the same title written by Catherine Ryan Hyde. This story dares to point us in a different direction. It reveals that kindness and putting others first are acts of moral beauty and that each person can make a difference in the world by doing good. And the person to get this all started is an 11-year old boy.

The young boy, Trevor McKinney, lives in Las Vegas with his mom, a recovering alcoholic. She works hard at her two jobs to support the both of them even though it feels like a losing battle. Trevor is a latch-key kid who often finds himself home alone caring for his own needs.

On the first day of the new school year this seventh-grader’s spirits are lifted when he meets his new social studies teacher. The class is given an extra credit assignment: “Think of an idea to change our world and put it into action.” The rest of the class seems unaffected by the possibilities of the assignment but Trevor realizes that he has been given a moral adventure to fulfill.

Trevor’s idealistic plan is to do a good deed for three people, something they can’t do for themselves and then he will ask each one to “pay it forward” by doing a similarly difficult big favor for three others.

The first person he chooses to help is a homeless man, an addict. He gives him lodging for a night, a chance to take a shower and some money so this man can get his life together and look for a job. The second mission involves his mom and his social studies teacher, both single and alone. His third project is to help out a classmate who has to deal with a problem involving bullies in their school.

A Los Angeles reporter gets involved in the story when he is the recipient of one of the “pay it forward” projects.

Paying it forward involves:

1. Service – Helping someone does not involve some special skill. It is not confined to a single event. We simply answer the call of that caring impulse within and follow where it leads you.
2. Kindness – a kind deed or a favor.
3. Transformation – change is good for us. Sometimes it is difficult to believe that it is possible to turn our lives around and do a new thing.
4. Love – sometimes love is expressed best in the little things we do. A word of encouragement to a broken heart or a smile that brings hope in the midst of gloom is as much a service as heroic sacrifice. A glance that wipes out bitterness from the heart is also a service.
5. Listening – to really listen with your heart to what the person is saying, giving them the chance to say what is troubling them.
6. Live with hope – Hope leads to taking responsibility. It is also the springboard for trying to act justly, and accepting each other.
7. Your good work – Everyone has good work to do in life. The good work you choose should not only accomplish something that is needed in the world but completes something in us.

All the world religious traditions celebrate the supreme worth of the spiritual practices of compassion, forgiveness, hope, kindness, love and transformation.

I recently finished reading a book titled “Amish Peace” by Suzanne Woods Fisher. It includes simple wisdom in the form of proverbs for a complicated world. Some of my personal favorites were:

• We should not put a question mark where God has put a period.
• A person who forgives does more for himself than for anyone else.
• Good deeds have echoes. Along with this last proverb was a story titled “The Comfort Quilt”.

Many of you may remember a newspaper story sometime ago about a quilt that was made by the students from St. Hilary Catholic School in Ohio following the 9/11 terrorist attacks on the World Trade Center. The quilt was sent to the students of St. James Catholic School in New Jersey. The quilt was made as a way to help the grieving students know that others cared about their loss and shared in their sorrow.

Four years later, Hurricane Katrina hit the gulf coast. The students of St. James forwarded the Comfort Quilt to St. Joseph’s Catholic School in Madison, Mississippi where this school had taken in over 125 students who were forced to evacuate because their homes were lost.

In October, 2006 the quilt was again needed somewhere else. This time it was sent to an Old Order Amish community in West Nickel Mines, Pennsylvania after the one-room Amish schoolhouse shooting which killed 5 girls and injured 5 others. The quilt was displayed at the Bart Township Fire Station 51, the station that acted as first responders to the shootings and became the hub of community care for that emotionally wrenching week.

Everyone hoped the Comfort Quilt would remain at the firehouse for awhile. Six months later on April 16, 2007, a student of Virginia Tech went on a shooting rampage that ended the lives of thirty-two faculty and students. Later that summer, representatives from each Amish family, 40 people, who were affected by the West Nickel Mine shooting traveled by bus to Blacksburg, Virginia. They wanted to personally deliver to Comfort Quilt to Virginia Tech. It was carried in a wooden box made by a member of their community, along with a framed history of the quilt and a picture of the schoolhouse. A letter accompanied the quilt expressing that they have felt the same emotions of disbelief, a sense of hopelessness, anger, despair and depression . . . they understand. The hope expressed by all was that the quilt would find a home, for a good long time, at Virginia Tech. Sadly, the Comfort Quilt has since been moved to Northern Illinois University, to comfort the victims of yet another school shooting rampage.

In our Sunday school lesson today we were reminded in the letter from Paul that “being the church” is about together being the body of Christ, working alongside each other as one in our varied ways to support and encourage our fellow travelers along the way. Regardless of our various callings in life, we were not created to be alone, but rather to live in community, loving, supporting, nurturing, and encouraging each other.

Presbyterian Women

In January the Presbyterian Women were asked to prepare for the Slated Savannah  Presbytery Meeting to be held at HMPC May 25, 2010.After months of preparation , we are happy to say it was a success.

We want to thank the Administration Committee for helping with the rest rooms (painting and cleaning tile) and to the PW for the new drapes and flowers.

Thanks to the people who  helped with the signs, emailing, shopping, parking, registration, lunch tickets, greeting, giving history, providing music, decorating, preparing and serving refreshments and lunch, taking photos, cleaning, doing laundry, and anything else we may have missed. Twenty-nine women were involved in this event and lots of good fellowship was had besides the work.

A special thanks to the men who helped so willingly. We could not name all the women who helped but want to thank Bill Mitchell and John Chamness for helping with the parking, Bob Alexander for being our greeter , Joe Uliano for   presenting HMPC history at the Presbytery meeting, Bob and Joe for pitching in and helping pour tea and get plates on the tables and cleaning. A very special thanks to  Paul Riddle who went beyond his duties  and did everything from repairing the stove oven, moving tables and chairs, cleaning, manicuring the grounds, and always being willing to help. You can see it takes a congregation to host Presbytery. And to Proctor for placing microphones and sound system, keeping in touch with Presbytery, and getting things off his office floor for the day.

The Savannah Presbytery requested that any money we received beyond the cost of the meal be given to hunger. The PW researched and found that the Middle Georgia Community Food Bank of Macon serves 24 counties in Middle Georgia. They serve 19 agencies in Laurens County.  A check for $400 was presented to them the first week of June.

A BIG THANKS TO EVERYONE,
Julie Trexler and Bobbie Uliano

 (Note: This page is slow to load because of high graphic content.) 

You can download the HPMC June Calendar or view it online here. June Birthdays are noted on the calendar.      

• The church office will be closed Monday, May 31st, in observance of Memorial Day.
• Communion ~ June 6th; Wayne McDaniel will be our Guest Pastor.
• Committees will meet on Sunday, June 13th, at 6:15pm.

The Stated Meeting: A Retrospective Slideshow

Enjoy this slideshow of pics from the Stated Meeting taken by Betty Spitzmiller and Joe Uliano. Thanks for the memories!

 (Click Read More to see the slide show) 

Click to view slideshow. 

From the Pastor 

Greetings….Summer has come and once again this year we will vary our worship format for each Sunday in June, July, and August.  

• First Sunday – Celebration of the Lord’s Supper (we will be using intincture each Sunday)
• Second Sunday – Preaching and Hymn Singing
• Third Sunday – Traditional
• Fourth Sunday – Free Worshi
• Fifth Sunday in August – Who knows?

It gives us a little different flavor in worship on those hot summer Sundays. If you are home we will expect to see you! 

I want to say a special word of thanks to Bobbie Uliano and Julie Trexler who lead our team for organizing for the meeting of Savannah Presbytery here at Henry Memorial on Tuesday, May 25. There were so many of our folk involved, men and women, I would surely miss a name if I began a list. You know who all of you are! Ask Bobbie and Julie and they will tell you that a great deal of detail planning goes into hosting forty-two churches! Paul Riddle did yeoman’s work getting the church building and grounds looking first class. It was a great day for Presbyterians in Dublin and especially for those in the Henry Memorial family. 

I will be out of town the first two weeks of June doing service to the larger denomination. The first week of June I will be a workshop leader at the Christian Education Conference at Montreat, leading a workshop introducing Mediation. The second week I will be a Small Group Leader at the Montreat Youth Conference as part of my responsibility for being on the planning team for the same conference in 2011. That week is going to be very busy and exhausting….I can just feel it in my bones! I will be back in the pulpit on Sunday, June 13. 

I hope your family is planning a restful (?) summer, whatever that means anymore! Whatever you do, be careful, and definitely plan to be in church every Sunday! 

Grace and Peace, Proctor  

Proctor’s Schedule:

Montreat – May 31 through June 12

Savannah Presbytery Summer Camp – June 20-26.  By the way, we have 10 campers and one adult attending that week of camp.

 Notes:

• Wednesday Evening Lectionary Study has been suspended for the Summer months.
• Evening Circle Family Bible Study will begin again in September.

Called to Serve

by Ann Woods 

There is concern in our church that many of the former “movers  and shakers” in our congregation have become older, and because of  infirmity, death, or relocation are less able to contribute as they once did.  They have left a gap.  There are fewer younger members to  take their places.  Efforts need to be made to increase our membership  and to encourage all in the church to take an active part. 

To share a few thoughts and quotes from the Session’s recent  look at the book Dry Bones Live by Robert Craig and Robert Worley:    

The church is not the minister. The church is all of us.  Although in  a small church a larger share of the membership may be involved in one  way or another, many members in most churches are passive.  “The major 
amount of time, energy and money comes from less than 15% of the  congregation”.  “The minister and a few laity are the principal  actors”.  Are we an audience at a performance of the preacher,  organist and choir or are we, as the theologian Kierkegaard  views  the congregation, “a worshipping people, actors in a relationship to  God who is the audience”? 

For its size, Henry Memorial has a lot to offer and makes a  definite impact on the community.  We are engaged in an impressive  list of ministries: Meals on Wheels, Hospice, Thanksgiving Dinner for  shut ins and the lonely, Peacemaker Awards, Habitat for Humanity,  Relay for Life, Heartstrings knitting group, contributions from PW to children in foster care, Wings, The Lighthouse, King’s Cleft and on and on.  We have many opportunities for Bible study, in addition to  the Sunday morning service: Sunday School, Circle, Wednesday Evening  Lectionary Study, Vacation Bible School and many opportunities for  fellowship: suppers, lunches and more. The Diaconate provides services  to members in need of comfort and support.  

These programs and  activities are not ends in themselves, of course, but ways in which we  serve God.  You do not need unusual talents and abilities to attend  and study or to stretch to try something new. The church is grateful  for all of you who are currently serving God through your ministry and  hard work.  From observation, though, there are those in the  congregation who have gifts they are not using.  The church needs all  of you. Please come, do what you can, when you can and where you can.   

We want to see you!  And encourage others to come with you.  Your  involvement will result in your having a “sense of ownership” in the  work of the church.  Praise and acknowledgement from others is not the  goal.  Our reward is in our service to God. 

Sunday School Teacher Appreciation Day

Sunday, May 23, was Sunday School Teacher Appreciation Day!  The Christian Education Committee honored 22 individuals who are teachers, workers and leaders in our Sunday School Program.  Given specialized thank you cards, made by Betty Spitzmiller, and Olive Branch Gift cards were the following individuals: Meredith Mitchell, Mark Kilgannan, Jennifer Tucker, Connie Pricer, Chris Woodburn, Tamara Davis, Carla Smith, Betty Smith, Ginger Chambless, Anne Gibbons, Bob Alexander, Joe Uliano, Gene Pricer, Norm Buckhouse, Sara Ninan, Eileen Buckhouse, Rose Rhodes, Mary Jane Spivey, Brenda Lausch,  Proctor Chambless, and Elizabeth Couey. 

Joy MacThomas and the Sunday School Staff

A special thank you and gift card was given to Bill Mitchell  in recognition of his years of service as the Sunday School Superintendent.  Bill will be stepping into a new position, as Assistant Superintendent, as he both trains his replacement and serves as the “resident expert and fill-in as needed.”   

It’s a good time to realize that there are many lessons learned about the word of God through the guidance, time and energy of these individuals.  If you aren’t already attending a Sunday School Class, take a risk ~ try it!  Sunday School meets each Sunday morning at 10:00am.  There are several adult classes using a variety of teaching styles and curriculum. We hope to see you soon! 

HMPC Birthday Party

A birthday celebration was held at Fritters on May 21st.  It was great food, great fellowship and a great atmosphere to celebrate the birthdays of HMPC members having birthdays between January and May.  There were a total of 14 in attendance.  For those who missed this one, hope to see you at the next one. Call Connie Pricer for more information about birthday revelrie! 

Presbyterian Women Birthday Offering Luncheon

by Barbara Riddle, Moderator, HMPC Presbyterian Women 

The annual Presbyterian Women Birthday Offering Luncheon was held on Saturday, May 15, in the Christian Life Center at HMPC. The ladies from Henry Memorial and Washington Street Presbyterian Churches enjoyed a delicious meal of sandwiches and salad, followed by an ample serving of birthday cake. 

An offering was collected to provide financial support to children’s programs. One recipient will be a Christian children’s day care center in Iraq. The other recipient will be a children and family outreach program at Peace Presbyterian Church in Louisville, KY. 

Kathy Fahey, from King’s Cleft in East Dublin, was the guest speaker. She shared the very interesting story of her 11 adopted children, who are all severely handicapped. Kathy and her husband David provide a loving Christian home for these children who, for various reasons, cannot remain with their birth families. A surprise shower of gifts for the family was provided by the attendees. 

Thanks to Sara Ninan for organizing such a nice event. 

SAVE THE DATE!

September 25th is the Fall Gathering
of Presbyterian Women,
hosted by HMPC

You can download the HPMC May Calendar or view it online here. May Birthdays are noted on the calendar.     

• HMPC will host the Presbyterian Women Birthday Offering Luncheon on Saturday, May 15th, in the Christian Life Center.
• Eat, Pray, Love by Elizabeth Gilbert is the book of the month for the Between the Covers Book Club. The club will meet on Thursday, May 20th. Call Betty Smith for details. The summer schedule will be announced at the end of May.
• HMPC is the host church for the Stated Meeting of the Session, which will take place on Tuesday, May 25th.
• Peacemaker Recognition is scheduled for May 30th, with a pot luck luncheon immediately following the morning worship service.
• The church office will be  closed on Monday, May 31st, for Memorial Day.

Annual PW Birthday Offering Luncheon – Don’t Miss It!!!

On Saturday, May 15, at 11:30am, the Presbyterian Women of Henry Memorial will be hosting the annual Birthday Offering Luncheon. All Presbyterian Women and their guests are cordially invited. Our guest speaker will be Kathy Fahey, from King’s Cleft in East Dublin. She has an interesting story to share. Please come and be part of the fellowship.    

Bring a Salad or Sandwiches    

Ladies, you are asked to bring sandwiches or salad to share for our meal. The luncheon is always a fun time, so don’t miss out on it this year! The luncheon starts at 11:30am and will be held in the Christian Life Center. We are counting on seeing you there.    

Bring a Gift   

As a surprise for our guest speaker (who is the adoptive mother of 10 severely handicapped children), we would like to bring a “shower” of gifts to help this family out. As you can imagine, the needs are great in this family. Some needed items are as follows:   

• Huggies Supreme Baby Wipes
• Bounce Fabric Softener Dryer Sheets
• Purex Liquid Laundry Detergent
• Kraft Deluxe Cheese Slices (not individually wrapped)
• AA and D Batteries
• Pediasure (not chocolate) (This is for children who must be fed with a feeding tube.)
• Ensure (non flavored) (This is for children who must be fed with a feeding tube.)
• WalMart or Kroger gift card for groceries, etc.
• Paper products (paper towels, toilet tissue, Kleenex)

What Is the Birthday Offering?    

The Birthday Offering is a PW offering collected in the spring of each year to celebrate the blessings in the lives of Presbyterian Women. The offering funds up to five projects that are not included in ongoing General Assembly mission support.    

History of the Birthday Offering    

In 1922, to celebrate the 10th anniversary of the Woman’s Auxiliary (PCUS), it was decided that an offering should be made for a definite cause. That same year, Hallie Paxson Winsborough, superintendent of women’s work, visited Miss Dowd’s School for Girls in Kochi, Japan. Realizing the school’s needs, she challenged members of the Women’s Auxiliary to give one penny for each year of their life as a birthday gift to the school. Over the years, that tradition has become known as the Birthday Offering. Presbyterian Women have given more than $29 million in support of mission projects throughout the world.   

Birthday Offering grants range from $200,000 to $750,000. Grant requests come from a variety of sources including PC(USA) governing bodies, health agencies, overseas churches, ecumenical councils, community groups, educational institutions and church related groups. Projects must meet the criteria established by Presbyterian Women.   

2010 Birthday Offering Recipients    

Kindergarten and Childcare Center
Primary School Development
Kirkuk, Iraq    

The Kindergarten and Childcare Center provides high quality education to children, teaching basic skills in a loving environment.    

Peace Presbyterian Church
RISE (Reach–Improve–Strengthen–Empower) Project
Louisville, Kentucky   

Peace Presbyterian Church works to be a beacon of light in Louisville’s diverse Newburg community by providing services specifically to children, youth, adults and families identified as at-risk or in need of support during a transitional period.    

From Your Diaconate Care Team: May is National Physical Fitness and Sports Month

Regular physical activity substantially reduces the risk of dying of coronary heart disease, and decreases the risk for stroke, colon cancer, breast cancer, diabetes and high blood pressure.    

Physical activity also helps to control weight, contributes to healthy bones, muscles, and joints, reduces falls among older adults, helps to relieve the pain of arthritis, reduces symptoms of anxiety and depression, and is associated with fewer hospitalizations, physician visits, and medications.    

Every American should be engaging in a regular program of physical activity. It need not be strenuous to be beneficial. Regular moderate physical activity, such as 30 minutes of brisk walking five or more times a week will benefit people of all ages.    

It’s time to get moving, or keep moving. Having finished the Walk to Jerusalem, we wish to encourage everyone to continue their walking.    

Christian Education

Beginning June 6th, the Seekers class will study of Being Presbyterian in the Bible Belt: A Theological Survival Gide for Youth, Parents, and Other Confused Presbyterians by Ted V. Foote and P. Alex Thornburg. The class is open to everyone.    

If you own a copy of this book, let Betty Smith or Ginger Chambless know if you are willing to loan it. Inexpensive used copies can be found on Amazon.com.    

Our Pastor, the Celebrity

Did you happen to catch Rev. Chambless in his role as a waiter at the Huddle House recently? Tips from “Celebrity Server Night” were donated to support the United Way. There was a large turnout for the event with many members of our community taking on the role of waiter or waitress. Great job, Proctor! May we see the dessert menu, please?   

Mission and Evangelism

Pentecost Offering ~ May 23rd    

It’s natural for  children, you, and young people to praise God. Their hearts and minds are open. Their eyes are clear. When this joyful connection to God is recognized and honored, children grow into thoughtful and centered young people who possess a bone-deep capacity for joy. They mature into empathetic young adults who have both a healthy sense of self-worth and the selfless desire to serve others.    

When you give to the Pentecost Offering you join these children, youth, and young adults in their lifelong songs of faith and praise. Your gifts provide both Christian support and exciting opportunities for growth in discipleship. Forty percent of the Offering is used to minister on behalf of children at risk as designated by each congregation. Through General Assembly ministries, the remaining 60 percent is used to support, guide, and nurture the faith of Presbyterian young people, call forth a new generation of church leadership, and advocate for children at risk. There has never been a time of greater need for these vital ministries.    

We recognize that all children are born with an openness that allows for the natural and unceasing praise of God. Given guidance by the Holy Spirit, the love of their families, and the support of the faith community, they may indeed sing praises to God all their lives long. Please join them in song! Thank you for your support of the Pentecost offering on May 23rd.    

Peacemaker Finalists Recognition    

On Sunday, May 30, we will be recognizing local high school students who were selected to be finalists for the peacemaking awards. They and their families will be our guests at the worship service that morning and at the potluck lunch following the service. Please come and join us as we honor these outstanding young people who have made peacemaking a priority in their daily lives.    

Heritage Sunday Celebration    

On Sunday June 6, Washington Street Presbyterian Church and Henry Memorial Church will join together to celebrate our Presbyterian heritage. The theme for this year’s celebration is “Out of the believer’s heart shall flow rivers of living water.” The celebration will be held in the CLC and will begin at 6:15pm.  Light refreshments and finger foods will be served.   

PW Honor Mavis Williams and Ginger Chambless

by Barbara Riddle  

 The Henry Memorial Presbyterian Women presented the Presbyterian Women Honorary Life Member Award to Ginger Chambless and a donation to the John Williams Scholarship Fund in recognition of Mavis Williams and her tremendous service to Presbyterian Women over the years. The awards were presented on May 11, 2010, during Gifts of Women Sunday worship service.  

Ginger Chambless   

Upon meeting her for the first time, I couldn’t help but know by her winning smile, that this was a person I was going to enjoy getting to know. That was quite a while ago now, and that first impression made by her sunny smile, was certainly an accurate one.   

Ginger Chambless receives Honorary Life Member Award

 Ginger has become a dear friend and sister in Christ to all of us. She spent much of her childhood traveling the world, because she was part of a military family. After her family settled in Georgia, she graduated from high school in Atlanta. However, on the move again, she opted to go out of state for college. I guess the Lord was simply preparing her for the next stage of her life. As the wife of a Presbyterian minister, she has lived all over the Southeast.   

She is a lover of the arts and has performed on stage in many places across the Southeast. In the mid 80’s, she attained her Masters Degree in Library Science from Florida State University, and is by profession and personality, a consummate reference librarian.  (Her husband’s words, not mine.) Within the church, Ginger has served as an ordained deacon and elder, member and director of choirs and tone chimes groups, teacher of Sunday School, and Circle Bible Leader.   

Mavis Williams    

Giving of herself has been her practice all the time that I have known Mavis. Over the years, whenever something needed to be done around Henry Memorial, it was quite likely that you would see Mavis being a part of that activity. In little things as well as big ones, she was always willing to step up to the challenge—to give of her time, her talent, as well as her treasure to serving the Lord in any way needed.   

Barbara Riddle and Mavis Williams

Mavis was born in Washington County, and a few years later she and her family moved to Dublin. She was raised in the Christian Church. She graduated from Dublin High School and completed Business School. Mavis worked in a law office and later with the draft board.   

During WWII, she met the love of her life, Carl Williams, and married him. She and her husband had three children. They lived in Milledgeville for a time. In their search for a church home there, a Presbyterian preacher they knew, John Campbell, suggested they try his church, and thus her Presbyterian journey began. Later Carl was transferred back to Dublin, and they joined Henry Memorial at that time.   

Mavis became quite active here and served the Lord in many ways. Here is a list of some of them:   

• Taught Sunday School and Bible School
• Moderator of Savannah Presbytery Presbyterian Women
• Nominating Committee for Savannah Presbyterian Women.
• Moderator & Historian of Presbyterian Women at Henry Memorial
• Chairman of Sanctuary Guild     
• Served as Elder, and on the Worship Committee
• She is a member of the Lydia Woods Sunday Class 

Thank you, Ginger and Mavis, for all that you have done for your church family here at Henry Memorial Presbyterian Church.   

Called to Serve

Our Session members will be contributing a regular series of articles to The Lighted Lamp. Charles Lang began the series in the February 25th issue. The schedule for the remainder of the year is:

Arts in Our Community ~ Ocmulgee Symphony Orchestra

The season finale for the OSO will be an outdoor pops concert in Cochran on Saturday, May 15, at 6:30pm on the lawn of Colonial Plantation on Mac Thompson Rd. Chuck Leavell, middle Georgia tree farmer and conservationist, will be the featured artist.  He’s played keyboard for the likes of the Allman Brothers, Eric Clapton, and the Rolling Stones.   

There will be food and drinks for sale or folks can bring in a picnic basket, plus their blankets or lawn chairs.  Advance tickets are $20; the day of the concert they’ll be $25, but children under 12 are free, so the event is affordable for families.     

Visit the OSO website for more information or to order tickets.   

The Education & Training Ministry Team of Savannah Presbytery Needs Your Help!

The Education & Training Ministry Team is busy finding adults to serve as camp counselors this June.  They need to fill the following positions:   

Family Camp Director – June 25-26
Primary Camp Director – June 24 – 26
Life Guard (paid position) – June 20 – 26
Male and Female Cabin Counselors for each camp.   

If you are interested in serving, or want to know more about it, please contact Lou Ellen Hartley at the Presbytery Office.