PASTOR’S PEN . . .
by Pastor Dave Templin

In The Upper Room for June 28, 2005, Betty Norman of Texas tells her story: “During the last years of her life, my mother required round-the-clock care.  Instead of placing her in a nursing home, my brother and sister and I chose to keep her in her home with caregivers.  Eventually, the cost of her care increased and thus depleted her savings.  Even though we children contributed from our own savings, the going was rough."  (continued)

by Kurt Imbach

Sr. High Youth will resume meeting on Sunday, Sept. 11 at 6:30 P.M. If you’re a kid, be a part of a youth group!

Youth Sunday School will be starting up again on Sept. 11, with registration in Heritage Hall at 9:15.  Sunday school will start with gatherings in the large room, downstairs in Heritage Hall at 9:30 prior to the students going to their individual classes.  Writers/retired teachers are needed to serve as curriculum staff for the workshop rotation Sunday School.  The Sunday School staff needs people to write/revise workshop curriculum and summaries of Bible stories.  This is work that may be done on your own schedule and in your own home.  No teaching involved.  Contact Suzie D. or the church office to find out how you can help.
 

Stephen Ministers: Confidentiality.  Confidentiality, as you may have read or heard before, is a cornerstone of Stephen Ministry.  What a care receiver says to his or her Stephen Minister is kept in strictest confidence.  Even the identity of a care receiver is kept secret (unless the care receiver chooses to tell someone).   Confidentiality gives care receivers the reassurance they need so that they can risk revealing to their Stephen Ministers their deepest thoughts and feelings, details they might not be able to discuss with anyone else.   (continued)
 

Presbyterian Women.  
It’s September already, and the P. W. Bible studies will begin again. 

The Evening Bible Study will start on Sept. 14 at 7:00 P.M. in the Blue House.  The study is based on the liturgical year and is written by Kathleen Bostrom and Elizabeth Coldwell for Horizon Magazine.  The study guides are available from Margie W., and cost $6.00.  If you have questions, please call Margie.

 The Morning Bible Study will be led by Kurt Imbach.  We will be studying the last half of the Book of Romans; chapters 7-16.  Kurt will give us an introduction at the September P. W. meeting on the 15th.  Our first Bible study will be in Heritage Hall at 10:30 on Sept. 22. 

After September, the Morning Bible Study will meet at 10:30 on the first Thursday of each month.

Questions about the Morning Study should be directed to Suzanne M.
 

At this time, the major appliances which include the freezer, refrigerator, warming oven, range, hood, dishwasher, stainless steel sinks and counters and portable racks have been delivered.  A water heater for the kitchen, located in the bomb shelter, has been connected by the plumber and is awaiting electrical connection. 

A beautiful and durable tile floor has been laid, grouted, and sealed.

Delivery and installation of the cabinets, cupboards, and counter tops is underway.  Additional plumbing and electrical connections are needed for the dishwasher and sinks.  Fine tuning of the fresh air return is needed, as the range pilot lights are blown out when the hood is in operation.

A lot has been accomplished in this building project due to many helping hands, knees, and backs.  The ultimate goal is to pass final inspection so that the kitchen can be used.  This will require continued attention to details and will take more time to complete.

In anticipation of the completion of this major project, a service of dedication is being planned.  Dates and details to come.
 

Session Report.

Session met on Tuesday, Aug. 16, and took the following actions:

1. Approved a church picnic at Oak Harbor City Beach on Sept. 25 at 2:00 P.M.

2. Approved spending $3,599 + tax for asphalt sealing and striping of parking lot required for permit for kitchen. 

3. Approved Elders Caroline Lokkins and Ben Lindenstein as Elder Commissioners to North Puget Sound Presbytery meeting at Westminster Church in Anacortes on Sept. 17.

4. Approved membership transfer of Aimee Dooley to First Congregational Church of Sonoma, California at her request.

5. Approved the Pastor’s request for a sabbatical from mid/late June 2006 for 3 to 4 months and approved his application for a grant from the Louisville Institute.

6. Authorized expenditures not to exceed $10,000 for building work.  Any larger amount would require Stewardship team approval.

7. Buildings and Grounds reported the installation of a new fire alarm system, spy-hole and doorbell for the Blue House, and painting the ramp and Heritage Hall exterior trim.
 

Choir & Praise Team

The first chancel choir rehearsal for the fall will be on Wednesday, Sept. 7 at 7:00 P.M. in Heritage Hall.  All with a desire to sing and join in this fellowship and ministry are welcome!  Please let Sue R. or Sharon B. or the church office know if you have any questions.

The Praise Team is always looking for additional vocalists and instrumentalists who would enjoy helping lead the music for our contemporary service.  When we return to the fall worship schedule, the group will meet at 8:30 on Sunday mornings to prepare for the 9:30 service.  Please let Sue R. or Sharon B. or the church office know if you would be interested in being a part of this group!
 

Divorce Recovery Workshop.   Our Divorce Recovery Workshop program which we have been doing for the past twenty years is in need of some additional leadership help.  For those who may not be familiar with this mission outreach, it is a nine week program with different speakers and topics followed by discussion groups.  It is open to anyone in the area who is going through the pain of divorce. If you feel that helping with this program is a way you might serve our Lord, please contact Kurt Imbach at the church office, 679-3579.  We will be glad to answer any questions you might have.  We do need to know of your interest by Sept. 13.
 

Some of the missionaries we support are:  The Burke family, Chad Central Africa; The Raney family, Indonesia; Daystar University and Dr. Marta Bennett, Kenya; Don Mowat, World Concern and others.  We will also be a support group for people from WPC on short term mission. 

“Praying With the Psalms” by Eugene Peterson will help us pray for the world and for the Lord’s servants.

For more information to or give input, please call Norm M.