April 2008

FINLEY FOCUS

April 2008

Founded 1891 Picture by Karen Brown

Thoughts From the Interim Pastor…

The word of God continued to spread; the number of the disciples

increased greatly in Jerusalem; and a great many of the priests became

obedient to the faith.

-- Acts 6:7

Grace to you and peace from God and from our Lord Jesus Christ.

In the last Focus I wrote about the interim task called “Coming to terms with history.” While we may not have come to terms, we are in the process of discussing Finley’s history, and that is what we need to be doing.

But this month the task to be introduced is called “Allowing new leadership to emerge.” Interim guru Alan Gripe says, “The interim period provides an opportunity to broaden the pool of leaders to allow some leaders to ‘take a break,’ while encouraging others to take the helm.” Two things emerged from the small groups. Some folks think that the same faithful few do all the work, which is probably true. Others said that when something needs to be done, folks step up. That is also probably true.

How can both things be true? Well, they’re not really opposite ideas. While folks are willing to step up to an activity, it may be that the same folks take leadership positions within the life of the church. What we need are more folks who are willing to take leadership positions in a variety of activities. There are going to be a multitude of opportunities in the next few months. The Session folks will chair committees, but they should not be heading each project done by a particular committee. Mission and Outreach, Buildings and Grounds, Fellowship and Stewardship, Christian Education, Congregational Care, Worship – all these committees have subcommittees that need workers. When you are asked, please step up. This is your church and you are the ones who need to do the work.

One of the other things I heard in the small groups was the thought that Finley needs to grow. I think we all know that the only way to grow any church is to welcome and bless new ideas that come from new people. The time to begin that growth is now. If you have ideas that could improve worship, volunteer for the committee. If you have ideas to grow Sunday School or youth group, volunteer to be on Christian Ed. If you have mission and outreach ideas, ditto. If you have ideas about how to care for folks in the congregation, ditto.

I think you get the idea. There were a lot of people willing to say a lot of things during the small group gatherings, and I hope you will be willing to be equally responsive during the Mission Study. We need the words and thoughts. But now we also need the action. A strong church needs every member to volunteer and be active. Finley Memorial wants you! And thanks be to God for all of you.

Yours In Christ,

Sally Robinson

Scripture Readings and Sermon Titles for April

April 6 I Peter 1:17-23

Luke 24:13-35

“Despairing Disciples Meet the Risen Christ”

April 13 Ezekiel 34:11-16

John 10:11-18

“On Being Sheep Dogs for God”

April 20 I Peter 2:2-10

John 14:1-14

“What Does God Look Like”

April 27 Youth Sunday

PW will be meeting Tuesday, April 1 at 7:00 pm. ALL women are invited to attend our meetings and become part of our ministry of service.

We are collecting paper products (toilet paper, paper towels, tissues, etc.) and cleaning products (Lysol, Windex, etc.) for the Presbyterian Group Home in Waynesboro. This is an annual project to help this group. We do not collect washing detergent as the folks at the group home have many allergies, and have to buy certain products that are non-allergenic and dye and fragrance free. Any monetary donations can be given to Yvonne Simmons. The cleaning and paper products can be left in the narthex through the end of April. Last year’s drive was very successful. Let’s make this year’s a good one too!

Fellowship News

Ø Coffee Fellowship weekly after worship!!

Beginning March 30 the Fellowship/Stewardship Committee will be setting up a coffee fellowship time immediately following each Sunday’s worship service in the Fellowship Hall downstairs. Weekly coffee fellowship time will provide an opportunity to “meet and greet” new members and visitors or catch up with members of our Finley family. The refreshments will be simple, but the fellowship – priceless!!

Ø Recognizing May Graduates

The Fellowship/Stewardship Committee has plans in the works for a bulletin board to toast Finley’s May graduates. We are hoping to include a photo of each graduate with a brief caption giving name, school, future plans. If you are graduating in May, please give a recent photo of yourself to one of the committee members: Margie Robison, Randy Fink, Julia Crist, Linda Ham, or Esther Winton.

Ø Call for Fellowship Ideas

We are always on the lookout for unique, entertaining, interesting, and engaging fellowship activities. If you have any ideas for events, programs, or activities that our Finley family might enjoy, please see: Margie Robison, Randy Fink, Julia Crist, Linda Ham, or Esther Winton.

From the Mission and Outreach Committee

Urgent need for clean-up buckets

A storm system boasting heavy rains and some snow has swelled creeks and rivers across much of the central United States — especially affected are Missouri and Arkansas. Rivers in Missouri have been cresting well above flood level, and in many areas have exceeded the severe floods of 1993. Arkansas is expecting its worst flooding in 25 years. As floodwaters recede, families will face the daunting task of clean up and debris removal from the muddy waters..

We are going to collect items for clean-up buckets to help in the effort to recover from these floods. If we could have collections in by April 18^th they can be organized and shipped. Below is a list of items needed. Please help to purchase these items and bring them to the church; we will pack the buckets. If you have questions, please call Jacquelyn May – 337-0935 or Lance Allen.

1— 5-gallon bucket with resealable lid
5 — scouring pads
7 — sponges, assorted sizes
1 — scrub brush
1 — pkg. cleaning towels (18 reusable, like Easy Wipes®)
1 — box dry laundry detergent, 50-78 oz.
1 — liquid concentrated household cleaner (like Lysol®), 12 oz.
1 — bottle liquid disinfectant dish soap (like Dawn®), 25 oz.
50 — clothespins
Clothesline, two 50 ft. or one 100 ft.
5 — dust masks
2 pair — latex gloves (like Playtex®)
1 pair — work gloves
1 — 24-count roll heavy-duty trash bags (33-45 gallon)
1 — bottle insect repellant (drops or lotion, not aerosol), 6-14 oz.

Please purchase all liquids in plastic bottles. Send only new, unopened materials.

Thank you for your help and support with this project.

Please join us for our next Men’s Breakfast on Sunday, April 6^th at 8:30 am. We meet every month on the first Sunday of the month in the fellowship hall to share a meal, a devotional, fellowship and plans for service. Consider putting this date on your calendar every month and joining us for breakfast.

Rebuilding Together Greater Augusta

Some time at the end of April, or beginning of May we are hoping to have a speaker from Rebuilding Together, an organization where people volunteer to help rebuild and repair homes for those in need. Low-income elderly and disable homeowners and families with children are some of the people who have been and are being helped by this program. Their goal is to help these people continue to live in their homes in warmth, safety and independence. We all know what the price of gas, food and necessary medicines and medical care are doing to our own budgets. For those who are stretched to the limit already, this can mean choosing between food or medicine and fixing the roof.

There are many ways we can help, whether it’s actual repair work or office work to help RT keep organized and raise funds or a pledge for financial support. Together we can help provide a warm, safe and dry environment for low-income homeowners, enabling them to live independently and with dignity.

As we get closer, we will announce the date and time of this event. Please consider attending to hear more about this local organization.

FEBRUARY STEWARDSHIP REPORT

Beginning Balance	$ 3,131.66
Total receipts	9,035.11
Total	12,166.77
Total Expenses	10,271.04
Ending Balance	$ 1,895.73

Pancake Breakfast

All-you-can-eat pancakes!! Go to Applebee’s on Lee Jackson Highway in Staunton on Saturday, April 12 from 8am-10am for a stack (or more than one stack!) of delicious pancakes. The cost of this meal will be a free will donation to help the Shenandoah Presbytery Mission Team pay for materials used to build houses in Mexico. You have an opportunity to help needy families get a home, while you get a good breakfast. Spread the news and bring your friends for this all-you-can-eat extravaganza!

Twentieth Golden Mile

Many of you know that the Golden Mile is a fund-raising race to help support the Daily Living Center, an adult day care program to provide a safe place for adults who cannot care for themselves at home alone during the day. This year’s event will be on Sunday, May 4 at 2pm starting from 230 S. Wayne Ave in Waynesboro (next to City building). The finish line is on Market Ave, behind the police station. Every competitor is asked to raise $125.00 for the Daily Living Center. If you meet this goal, you will receive a t-shirt, and have a chance to win a number of other donated prizes. If you raise the most money, you’ll with the GRAND PRIZE. Even if you do not raise this much, you can still participate, and benefit the Center, but you will not receive a race number or a t-shirt. Daily Living Center is partially supported by United Way as well as fees paid by clients, but they are not a totally self-sustaining operation. They depend on contributions to provide this vital service at a cost everyone can afford.

If you are interested in a registration card or more information, call 949-4151 or talk to Harry Colman, who is the race director.

Youth News

Middle School Youth Group: Meeting at Beth Gibson’s house, 7-8:15 Sunday evenings. Don’t forget to invite your friends!

High School Youth Group: Fellowship & Devotion at the Coble’s 7-9 Sunday evenings. Bring your bibles and your friends!

	Nursery Schedule	Visitation Schedule
Apr 6	Sue & Jessica Brubaker; Gina Henderson	Marjorie Shreckhise
Apr 13	David & Lisa Seaman; Paul Willey	Esther Winton & Beverley Ellis
Apr 20	Jeff & Julia Crist; Mary Hadley	John Gibson & Gloyd May
Apr 27	Dawn & Jan Christian; Linda Ham	Don Markle

Gloyd May (CH)

Janet/Gene Robinette	Jonathan Smith
David Cohron

Birthdays and Anniversaries

Sunday

Monday

Tuesday

Wednesday

Thursday

Friday

Saturday

David Seaman’s Birthday

Paul Willey’s Birthday

David & Sue Brubaker’s Anniversary

Scott Nelson’s Birthday

Mike Steele’s Birthday

Amanda Alexander’s Birthday

Kerby Hatter’s Birthday

Jane Schumin’s Birthday

Lisa Seaman’s Birthday

Gina Henderson’s Birthday

Zachary Fink’s Birthday

April 2008

Sunday

Monday

Tuesday

Wednesday

Thursday

Friday

Saturday

Presbyterian Women 7pm

Christian Ed meeting 6:30

Chancel choir 7:30pm

Men’s Breakfast 8:30am

4¢-a-Meal

Coffee after worship

Chancel choir 7:30pm

Applebees all-you-can-eat pancake breakfast 8-10am

Coffee after worship

Session

7 pm

Chancel choir 7:30pm

Coffee after worship

Earth Day

Chancel choir 7:30pm

Coffee after worship

Chancel choir 7:30pm