July 2006

FINLEY FOCUS

July 2006

Founded 1891 Picture by Karen Brown

From the Pastor’s Desk

Dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ,

My family and I had a nice vacation, and we are very glad to be back with you. Upon my return, the General Assembly, the national governing body of the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A), completed its two-week long assembly in Birmingham, AL making some important and critical decisions in an effort to further the ministry and mission of the Church. You may or may not have heard news reports about what occurred at the meeting, particularly in reference to the voting on a proposal regarding the current ordination standards for church officers.

The debate about ordination standards, while not a new debate, has been a long contested one for over nearly three decades. This debate has caused much contention within the PCUSA, which has not been healthy for the Church. This year’s General Assembly, seeking to faithfully affirm and maintain the peace, unity, and purity of the Church, approved an "authoritative interpretation" of the church's Constitution that maintains current ordination standards for church officers but gives ordaining bodies greater leeway in applying those standards to individual candidates for ordination. The proposal that was approved has itself been a complicated and contested proposal, and it will continue to be as the Church figures out what all of this means for us. It may or may not have long reaching implications for the future makeup of the PCUSA. It is just too early to tell at this time.

I want you to know that I am following the situation closely. The effect of all this will take months and maybe a few short years to be seen and felt within the PCUSA. The issue is a complicated one with many opinions and positions being put forth by different groups and individuals within the Church. Trying to distill the real meaning of all this will take some diligence and patience and grace. I mainly wanted you to know that I am aware of what is going on, and I have my own opinions, but I am trying to maintain an objective position at this time before jumping to conclusions that may or may not be accurate, especially in light of the media who are not always accurate.

If you are interested in learning more about the issue over ordination standards, or if you just want to sit down with me and talk about it, please do not hesitate to call me or come by and see me. I will be glad to share with you my thoughts and convictions. What I do not want is for us here at Finley to overreact and panic about the decisions of the General Assembly. It will take time to see what will come out of all of this; therefore, I believe it is prudent and wise of us to sit tight and be observant, so that if and when the time comes, we will be better able to respond in a way that faithfully and obediently bears witness to God’s Word, lifts up the body of Christ, and moves us forward in our mission and ministry.

I am mindful of how important it is for us to remember that we are a connectional church bound together through the waters of Baptism as brothers and sisters in Christ. I am also mindful of a great verse from the prophet Isaiah, “See, I am doing a new thing in your midst. Now it springs up; do you not perceive it?” (43:19a). As Presbyterians, we affirm that the church is reformed and always being reformed through the Word of God, the call of the Holy Spirit, and the presence of the living Christ. We must always remember that Christ alone is the head of the Church, and that the Church is his body in the world carrying out his mission and ministry as witnesses of the new things God is doing in our midst. This is what we must remember, this is what we must continue to be and to do, this is what we must continue to bear witness to. The world itself is watching.

May be the peace of Christ be with you,

Dan

Calling all Kids….

Let’s Go to a Fiesta!

Vacation Bible School

July 16-21

6:15 – 8:00

preschool – 5^th grade

Volunteers needed.

Anyone interested in helping contact

Denise Brady 337-4361

From Member Involvement Ministry

Want a summer job? We have just the thing for you. We are looking for a few people to man the phones and be a warm, welcoming body in the church office during the summer morning hours. Ideally, we would like to have office volunteers in the church office Tuesday-Friday mornings from 9:00AM -12:00PM. Dan will be an instructor at the Massanetta Middle School Conference during much of July as well as continuing to serve at the Waynesboro Senior Center, meeting with the Rehoboth Group, and making many summer visitation visits. It would be wonderful to have some loving people be able to answer the phone and be at the building during these times.

Anyone welcome, no experience required. Bring your cross-stitching, a good book, letters to write... Sign up under the Windows Three and I will contact you with more information and set up the hours you would like to work. Jill

Presbyterian Women

Presbyterian Women will not meet again until the first Tues. in Sept. At that time we will hold installation of officers. All women are encouraged to attend, so please mark your calendars. Our meetings consist of meaningful bible studies and worthwhile projects, in the company of the women of the church who are your friends.

Fun With Scrapbooks

Thank you to those who joined me for scrapbooking in May! We enjoyed cropping, talking and sharing our pictures. Our next (yes next) crop will be on July 2^nd. All are welcome. Whether you are a novice or accomplished “scrapper” please join us. Call Julia Crist at 943-1123 for more information.

Suppers for Six

Some groups have already started hosting dinners for one another, has yours? We have 4 wonderful groups going, but can always start more. If you are interested in becoming a Supper for Six participant, please let Jill know.

Front Lawn Eagle Project

I would like to thank everyone again for your support of my eagle project. Your generous donations and positive feedback made the project a great success. In the next few weeks, I plan on doing some follow-up work such as trimming down the exposed pipe, putting permanent covers over the openings, and making sure that the grass grows properly. Once again, thank you for all your help and support.

Brian Boswell

Mission and Outreach Ministry

The Mission and Outreach Ministry is collecting Flood Buckets for the Gulf Coast Mission Team to donate to the church in Hattiesburg, Mississippi. These would help a family start the clean-up process in the event of another flood. All items must fit in the bucket with the lid sealed to make transportation easier.

Flood Buckets consist of the following items –

5-gallon bucket with reseal able lid

Bleach (two quarts)

5 scouring pads

7 sponges

1 scrub brush

10 cleaning towels (reusable)

Liquid laundry detergent, 50 oz. bottle

1 household cleaner, 16 – 32 oz. bottle

Disinfectant dish soap, 20 or 28 oz. bottle

50 clothes pines

Clothes line, 50 or 100 ft.

5 dust mask

2 pair latex gloves

1 pair work gloves

Roll of heavy-duty trash bags, 30-45 gallons (remove roll from box before placing in bucket)

1 insect repellant spray, 6-14 oz. (If aerosol, cans must have protective caps)

We are collecting these buckets until September 17. If you can purchase a bucket and all the stuffings we would greatly appreciate it. If the bucket is too expensive for one person, pick another to share the expense with. A bucket would be great for a family or Sunday School project. If you have questions, please see Jacquelyn May (337-0935) or Dan Matthews (337-3561).

Gulf Coast Mission Trip Update

Our next Gulf Coast Mission Team meeting will be Wednesday, July 26 at 6:30pm. As we make our way toward our departure date, we are aware of the amount of planning and resources it takes to make our trip possible. We are mindful of how much we need your prayers and support as we take this step out in faith. Even though there will be about 10 of us going to the Gulf in October, it takes all of us in the church to make it possible.

Over the next three months, we will be asking the congregation to continue to financially support Finley’s mission trip to the Gulf Coast. Below is a budget of what we believe it will cost for the trip. We ask for your help in not only reaching our financial goal, but exceeding it. Together we can give our lives to the service of Christ’s church and to the world.

October 2006 Gulf Coast Mission Trip - Budget

Transportation	Cost	Fuel	Total	Sub Total
12 Passenger Van	$490.12	$500.00	$990.12
7 Passenger Mini Van	$292.00	$333.33	$625.33
Trailer (6Ft. X 12 Ft.)	$209.65		$209.65	$1,825.10

Food
7-8 days	$800.00		$800.00	$800.00

Building Supplies
Materials	$3,000.00		$3,000.00	$3,000.00
Tools (if needed)	$100.00		$100.00	$100.00

Lodging
2 nights, $100/room	$1,200.00		$1,200.00	$1,200.00


			Total	$6,925.10

Truly I tell you, just as you did it to one of the least of these who are members of my family, you did it to me. Matthew 25:40

From The Fellowship Committee

Men’s Fellowship Breakfast July 2, at 8:30 am. All men are encouraged to

join us for food, fellowship and service.

Our monthly Coffee is July 30, down in the Fellowship hall after worship.

It’s Party Time!

It’s almost time for the Stuarts Draft Volunteer Fire Company’s annual lawn party. The dates are July 6^th, 7^th, and 8^th.

SDVF needs our help! Can you donate homemade pies and cakes for the evening meal? Or volunteer to help serve? Willing hands are needed Thursday, Friday and Saturday mornings 9am-10:30 am to make ham sandwiches, and also each evening from 5 pm-7:30 pm to serve the meal and sell pies, cakes and ice cream, or work in the stands. Even if you have only an hour or two to help, your time is greatly appreciated.

Please consider volunteering some time and/or baked goods to help the Stuarts Draft Volunteer Fire Company continue serving our community.

Please call one of the following people for more information and to let us know when and where you will help.

Gene and Susan Kane – 337-2569

Alice Campbell – 337-2586

David Clements – 337-3847

Wayne Harvey – 337-4584

Thank you for supporting the fire company with your time and donations.

	Nursery Schedule	Visitation Schedule
July 2	Leslie & Lance Allen; Linda Peery	Darlene Bowles
July 9	Jan & LeAnne Wenner; Shirley Meijer & Alisha Alcala	Janet Robinette & Doris Willey
July 16	Allison & Randy Fink; Jacquelyn May	Marjorie Shreckhise
July 23	David & Lisa Seaman; Paul Willey	Esther Winton & Beverley Ellis
July 30	Coble family & Yvonne Simmons	John Gibson & Gloyd May

Usher List

Don Splaun (CH)

Don McClure

David Brubaker

Faye Wellborn

Elspeth Splaun

Denise Brady

Caitlin Brady

Nancy Coble

Josh Coble

Leigh Anne Coble

Middle School Youth Group: No meetings for the summer.

Middle School Conference 7/6-7/9. Mary Beth Early, Dan Matthews, and 5 Finley Middle School youth will be attending the Middle School Youth Conference at Massanetta Springs. This year’s theme is entitled, “Out of Sight” based on the story of Jesus’ encounter with the two disciples on the road to Emmaus after Jesus’ resurrection (Luke 24:13-35). Please keep all of our adults and youth in your prayers.

High School Youth Group:

Sunday, July 2 – Cookout and Pool Party at the Elliott’s

July 9-15 – Nancy Coble and 7 Finley youth will be attending the Montreat Youth Conference with a group from the Shenandoah presbytery. Please keep them in your prayers.

There will be no Senior High youth meetings 7/9 or 7/16

Sunday, July 19 – Campfire and devotion at the Coble’s

Birthdays and Anniversaries in July 2006

Sunday

Monday

Tuesday

Wednesday

Thursday

Friday

Saturday

Kara Matthews’ Birthday

Greg Allen’s Birthday

Gloyd May’s Birthday

Tammy Steele’s Birthday

Sheri Nelson’s Birthday

Carolyn Palmer’s Birthday

Angel Kisses

2 egg whites ½ cup sugar

pinch salt

Whip the egg whites in an electric mixer (room temperature egg whites whip better) until soft peaks form; slowly add sugar and salt and continue beating until stiff peaks form. Pipe the meringue mixture (or drop with two spoons) onto cookie sheets covered with parchment or waxed paper. Bake in a 250° oven for ½ hour, then turn oven off and leave several hours or overnight. (If you have an electric stove, leave the light on.) Food coloring can be added to the meringue, if desired.

July 2006

Sunday

Monday

Tuesday

Wednesday

Thursday

Friday

Saturday

Men’s Breakfast 8:30am

4¢-a-Meal

Scrapbooking after worship

Independence Day