FINLEY FOCUS

May 2008

Founded 1891 Picture by Karen Brown

Thoughts From the Interim Pastor…

As he walked by the Sea of Galilee, he saw two brothers, Simon and Andrew…

casting a net into the sea… and he said to them,

“Follow me and I will make you fish for people.”

-- Matthew 4:1-2

And Jesus answered, “Blessed are you Simon bar Jonah…

And I tell you, you are Peter, and on this rock I will build my church.”

-- Matthew 16:17-18

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

Thought #1) In the last two Finley Focus’ I have written about the first two tasks of interim ministry – “Coming to terms with history,” and “Allowing new leadership to emerge.” This month I want to introduce you to the idea of “discovering a new identity.” This is a particularly good time to think about a new identity, because we begin the Mission Study process this coming Sunday, April 27. The fellow who wrote our Mission Study – Dr. Jim Cushman – calls it “Receiving a New Name.”

Obviously we are not going to rename the church, but we are gong to consider the new ways in which God calls us to be the church. One of the best Biblical examples I could think of was the Apostle Peter. As Simon, he was a businessman who ran a fishing business with his father and brother in Galilee. Then he had an encounter with Jesus and that encounter totally changed his life. Jesus gave him a new name and a new calling. In the same way, Finley Church has had a variety of encounters with Jesus over the years (If you haven’t, why are you a church?), and with each encounter you have been called to do a new thing in a new way. In the Mission Study and during this interim time, we will be trying to discern the new ministries God might have in store for us. What exciting future does God have in mind for Finley Church? Come and be part of the process of finding out.

Thought #2) As we complete this Easter season (Did you know Easter doesn’t end until May 11?), we are aware that Spring is finally here. New life seems to be all around us. I rejoice at the babies we have in the congregation, and in my own family – my wonderful niece had another beautiful daughter – Marlo Eloise – on March 27. She is a delight and just the good new our family has needed for a while. Let’s celebrate new life in whatever way God has given it to us.

Thought # 3) Speaking of celebrations, Pentecost Sunday is May 11, when we celebrate not only the birthday of the church but some new members as well. We will receive the 2008 Confirmation Class on that day, with a reception to follow in their honor. Kayla Gibson, Zachary Fink, and Mason Seaman will join the church after several months of hard work, and even some fun thrown in. It has been a delight to spend time with them, and I rejoice in this step they are about to take. Remember, too, that the color of the day is bright red. So wear your brightest red on May 11, and plan on coming to the party.

Yours In Christ,

Sally Robinson

Scripture Readings and Sermon Titles for May

May 4 Acts 1:1-5, 12-14

“Waiting for the Promise”

May 11 Acts 2:1-21

“The Power of the Spirit”

May 18 Genesis 1:1-5, 2:1-4a

Matthew 28:16-20

“The Generations of God”

May 25 Genesis 6:9-22

Matthew 7:21-29

“Building the Foundation”

PW will be meeting Tuesday, May 6 at 7:00 pm. ALL women are invited to attend our meetings and become part of our ministry of service.

Thank you all for contributing to our collection of items for the Waynesboro group home.

Fellowship News

Change in date for Graduates Recognition!!

Finley would like to recognize and honor its 2008 graduates during the luncheon after worship on June 1 instead of May 18. So, all you graduates mark your calendars to stay after the service on June 1 for lunch and cake.

The Fellowship Comm. is creating a bulletin board to showcase our graduates. We would like to post a photo of each graduate with a brief caption giving name, school, & future plans. If you are graduating this year, please give a recent photo of yourself to one of the committee members: Margie Robison, Randy Fink, Julia Crist, Linda Ham, Lisa Seaman, or Esther Winton or leave it in the church office by May 4.

Please join us for our next Men’s Breakfast on Sunday, May 4^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.

From the Mission and Outreach Committee

Mission Study Update

1) Our Mission Study Bible Study series has begun!! Everyone should have received a personal letter of invitation to this Bible Study series. Please mark the dates on your calendars and try to attend each one. Each session of the series is different, designed to gather information about our present and our future, our hopes, dreams, and visions for Finley.

Please plan to attend each session:

April 27, May 4, May 18 from 3-4:30 (childcare provided)

and June 1 immediately after worship

2) This month’s Focus contains an important part of Finley’s Mission Study.

In order to collect information for the PNC to put on the Church Information Form (CIF), a Congregational Survey has been included in May’s Focus. The information in the survey will help develop a profile Finley which, when transferred to the CIF, will provide prospective ministers with a comprehensive picture of our congregation. This survey collects information on such things as member demographics, characteristics important for a pastor, church preferences & concerns, and satisfaction with various church programs. In order to have our CIF give as accurate a picture as possible about our church, it is vitally important that we hear from all our Finley members. Please fill out and return the survey by May 11. For those who are so inclined, there will be time provided on Sunday morning May 4 to fill out the survey during the worship service. Collection boxes will be set up in the narthex and Sunday School wing. Please take the time to fill out the survey and turn it in by May 11.

First Quarter 2008 Treasurers Report

This first quarter 2008 report will be about the balance sheet, which is a look at Finley’s total assets as of March 31, 2008.

Checking account balance------------- 4,074.14

Money market-general fund---------- 22,626.53

Money market building fund---------- 104.43

Money market special gifts------------ 360.36

Money market designated funds------ 7,973.21

Certificate of deposit------------------- 5,887.37

Certificate of deposit------------------- 11,230.73

Savings account------------------------- 25.84

All amounts have been updated with interest through March 31^st.

Total money market funds (not including certificates and savings) are $31,064.53. This compares to a balance of $28,473.32.

The difference here is a manse interest payment from the trustees and the regular monthly interest.

The building fund is what was left over from our last building project (expanding the sanctuary and the basement), plus interest.

Special gifts is the balance left over from a special donation to re-furbish the pastor’s office, the secretary’s office and the session room—plus interest.

Designated funds are moneys that have been donated for a special purpose and stored in the money market until needed. The amount is made up of the following:

Katrina fund-------------5,159.85

Projector fund----------- 300.00

Paving fund--------------2,511.16

Each of the money market funds and the designated funds gets its percentage of the total money market interest each month.

Thank you for your continued stewardship. Jack R. Blacka, Treasurer

REMINDERS

When a church has been without a minister, even for a few months, it’s easy to let a few things slide. Please make a note of the following reminders.

1) Even though this church has several folks working at Augusta Medical Center, they are not allowed by law to let the church know if one of our members is hospitalized – they must first get the patient’s permission, and they are very good about doing that. But it would be a tremendous help if family members could please let the church and Pastor Sally know when someone is hospitalized. Also remember this is especially important when someone is admitted to another hospital.

2) Please check with the office when planning an event that is to be held at the church. This holds for committees as well as individuals. Committee chairs need to get their regular meetings on the calendar. Individuals need to remember that there is a “use of building” form to fill out, and permission of the session is required for events that are not planned by a church committee. We want everyone to feel free to use the building as they need, but some pre-planning is required, especially now that we have lots of church events. What a great problem to have!

Please make sure you make plans to stay after worship on Sunday, May 11 for our annual Mother’s Day luncheon, prepared and served by our Youth Groups. They always do a wonderful job and serve up a wonderful meal. Bring your families and join us for this delicious event!

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
May 4	Darlene Bowles, Greg & Amy Allen	Darlene Bowles
May 11	Jeff & Julia Crist; Mary Hadley	Janet Robinette & Doris Willey
May 18	Kathy Boswell, Carolyn Palmer, Esther Winton	Marjorie Shreckhise
May 25	Coble family & Yvonne Simmons	Esther Winton & Beverley Ellis

Dan Hatter (CH)

Beryl Lunsford	Ray Snyder
Jeff Crist	Buck Earhart
Art Hendrickson	Shannon Wimer

Mediterranean Chips

1. Take Tomato Basil wraps and cut into triangular pie shaped wedges.

2. Baste each piece with red pepper dipping oil (can be found at Food Lion).

3. Sprinkle each wedge with kosher or sea salt & basil.

4. Then bake on ungreased cookie sheets at 350 for 8 minutes.

Great for dipping in hummus or any favorite dip.

Birthdays and Anniversaries

Sunday

Monday

Tuesday

Wednesday

Thursday

Friday

Saturday

Kim Cheek’s Birthday

Katie Robison’s Birthday

Alisha Alcala’s Birthday

Lauren Brady’s Birthday

Doris Willey’s Birthday

John Mimms & Mary Beth Early’s Anniversary

Paul Swink’s Birthday

Allison Fink’s Birthday

Paul & Ann Willey’s Anniversary

Emily Nelson’s Birthday

Steve Nelson’s Birthday

Lance & Leslie Allen’s Anniversary

Ben Coble’s Birthday

Shirley Meijer’s Birthday

Ben Schumin’s Birthday

Isabelle Hosey’s Birthday

May 2008

Sunday

Monday

Tuesday

Wednesday

Thursday

Friday

Saturday

National Day of Prayer

Ascension of the Lord

May Friendship Day

Men’s Breakfast 8:30am

4¢-a-Meal

Mission Bible Study 3-4:30

Coffee after worship

Worship Committee after worship

Presbyterian Women 7pm

Christian Ed Meeting 6:30

Chancel choir 7:30pm

Confirmation

Mother’s Day Luncheon

Pentecost

Session

7 pm

Chancel choir 7:30pm

Mission Bible Study 3-4:30

Trinity Sunday

Mission/Outreach meeting 6:30pm

Chancel choir 7:30pm

Coffee after worship

Fellowship/

Stewardship meeting 6:45

Memorial Day

Chancel choir 7:30pm