PASTOR’S PEN . . .
by Pastor Dave Templin

“Money, Money, Money…” goes the ABBA song.  We have a kind of love-hate relationship with money.  We work hard to get (more of) it.  All the while we grumble about our job and the extra effort demanded if we are to get ahead.  We will even go so far as to steal time from family, friends, and even our own health (rest and re-creation) in our dash for the cash.  We dream of life on “Easy Street.”  Only “Easy Street” seems always to be a couple more streets over.  We tire of the rat-race even while we can’t seem to bring ourselves to give it up. (continued)

by Kurt Imbach

At the time of this writing we are feverishly preparing for our first 201 seminar.  There has been a good registration for our first session and we look forward to an opportunity to spend time talking about how to develop some of the basic Christian life skills.  It is so vital to personal spiritual growth to be able to read and study Scripture effectively on one’s own, also to pray, to tithe and to form spiritual friendships.  But the skills are not very important unless they are practiced.  And as Rick Warren points out, it is when our beliefs and spiritual skills are practiced until they become life habits that we begin to see the formation of Christian character.  That is the goal for every serious follower of Jesus.  We are looking for another powerful positive impact on the life of our Church.  (continued)

Confirmation class for students will be held Saturday, Nov. 5 from 9:00 A.M.—2:00 P.M. and continue the next day, Sunday afternoon, Nov. 6, from 3:00—6:00 P.M.  If you are interested, please contact me right away so you can be in the class - 679-3579 or justin@whidbeypres.org.  
 

Stephen Ministry Needs YOU!

1 John 4:12  No one has ever seen God;  if we love one another , God lives in us, and his love is perfected in us.

Galatians 6:2  Bear one another's burdens, and in this way you will fulfill the law of Christ.

Stephen Ministry is grounded in Jesus' command to love one another.   It is God's Word becoming "flesh" to a hurting person.   The responsibility of passing on God's love for people is not just for a chosen few, but for all Christians who have been chosen to be God's children.   We are called to respond with care at the level appropriate to our abilities
(Gifts).  No matter how strong & capable we are, inevitably, there will be a situation that challenges our journey in faith and happiness.  A Stephen Minister is a gentle, but powerful, reminder of God's love and grace.

For more information about arranging for a Stephen Minister, or for upcoming training to BE a Stephen Minister, call Bebe G., Anita J., Dorothy W. or the church office 679-3579.
 

We can still use some help with the Holiday Boutique!  If you would like to help on Nov. 19, we would welcome you!  Please call Connie S., the Boutique Coordinator, or the church office at 679-3579.  We need servers for lunch and “sales” people.  We also need home-made pies, and have a pie pledge list in the entrance to Heritage Hall.  There is only one workshop left, Thursday, Nov. 10 at 10:00 A.M. to about 2:00 P.M.  If you have new handmade items to donate for sale, please bring them to Heritage Hall on Friday, Nov. 18 between 10:00 A.M. and 2:00 P.M. when we will be setting up.

And don’t forget to attend the Boutique and shop your heart out!  Many of us like to launch our Christmas shopping by browsing through the many unique and handmade items at the Boutique.  Or you may wish to take home some of the delicious food items for the enjoyment of your family.  Either way, this is the holiday shopping experience not to miss!  Plan on coming early and stay for lunch, served from 11:00 A.M. to 1:00 P.M.  Mark this date on your calendar with a big red bow on it:  Nov. 19, 9:00 A.M.—2:00 P.M., Heritage Hall, THE PW Holiday Boutique!  (The one all the other churches envy!)
 

The silent auction is a popular feature of the annual Holiday Boutique.  We are still accepting items to sell, such as gift certificates, services of all kinds, including a pie a month or homemade soup, for example,  hand-made knitted or sewn goods,  wooden toys, new or used household appliances in good condition, Christmas items, and decorative china and glassware.  Trips, tickets, and vacation cabins are desirable items, as well.  Let your imagination be your guide! 

If you have questions about whether an item might be a good fit, please contact Sheila S., 678-7070.   The deadline for accepting auction items is Nov. 12.  Please let Sheila know what you wish to donate.
 

Our Bible studies are going well.  The evening study is being used in the programs offered each month, as well as a regular study on the 2nd Wednesday of each month, 7:00 P.M. in the Blue House.  The morning study with Kurt Imbach is challenging us with the 2nd half of the Book of Romans.  Good discussions and better understanding are the result.  We meet on November 3rd at 10:30 A.M. in the Blue House.  Remember, we have a regular meeting on November 17th at noon, but will begin setting up tables for the Boutique at 10:00 A.M. that same Thursday. 

Read more about the Boutique above.  Also, don’t forget that we are still accepting items for the Silent Auction.  More on that also above.

May the joy of a life in Christ make us truly thankful. 
 

On Nov. 6, we’ll be starting a new two week rotation called “Our Church and Church Family.”  The goals of this rotation are to  teach students about Whidbey Presbyterian Church and the church family that keeps it running smoothly.  One of the workshops includes a scavenger hunt, so there may be a little bit of noise during first service on those Sundays, though we will try to keep it at a minimum.  Following that rotation, we’ll be starting our Advent workshop rotation, emphasizing gifts.

On Nov. 20th, the Sunday school students are wrapping and packing up shoeboxes for the shoebox ministry, “Operation Christmas Child.”  The students are bringing small items, such as school supplies, toys, and personal items, as part of their offerings for the shoebox ministry.  Anyone may donate, so check out the posters around church for ideas and bring donations to the Children’s worship room (downstairs Heritage Hall).  Thanks!
 

As you drive up to, or past, Whidbey Presbyterian Church, you are immediately drawn to the beauty of the structure and the grounds which surround it.

The responsibility lies with the Building and Grounds Team as they fulfill their mission of the physical and spiritual maintenance of the church with many, many hours of planning and executing their good works.

This dedicated committee is responsible for the upkeep of the church and grounds, which is on-going day by day.

Future plans of this committee are to paint and carpet Heritage Hall and to paint the exterior of the sanctuary.

Our thanks to Elder Thurlow Powell and his hard-working Building and Grounds Team!
 

A study reports that, although the majority of Presbyterians have a will when they die, less than 20% of “Presbyterian” wills contain bequests for the Church.  Your Wills/Endowment Committee submits the following questions for your consideration:

1.    1.  Do you have a will and/or a living trust?

2.    If you have a will or trust, are your papers current and up to date?

3.    Does your will provide for our Whidbey Presbyterian Church and its ongoing mission and programs?

Making a charitable gift to the Church is a good way of expressing Christian stewardship.  A will can be written to accomplish a variety of needs.  Through your will you can benefit your family and friends.  You can also fulfill your wish to support a particular mission or program in our Church through a charitable bequest.

Christian estate planning involves your faith, and ensures that your good intentions will be carried out even after you are gone.  You may be surprised how even a small asset can be transformed into a gift that will support Christian programs of your choice in perpetuity.  Proper planning can also minimize taxes allowing you to leave more to the people closest to you.  To get started, or if you have questions, call the church office at 679-3579 and you will be referred to one of the committee members.
 

Be sure to check out the November Mission Bulletin Board in Heritage Hall.  You’ll find new information on possible short-term mission trips.  There are also current pictures from Rwanda to give you a glimpse of what is currently happening there.  Check out some sample baskets made by Rwandan women.  We will be selling these at our Boutique on Nov. 19, with the sales money going back to the training center for Rwandan women and girls.
 

RELIEF REPORT

The congregation did a great job pulling together relief kits in a very short time.  However, this effort is far from over.  There are many opportunities available for you continue to support the relief effort:

 -  Financial contributions can be directed to help pay the salaries of the pastors whose congregations are displaced.

-  Finances to help rebuild church buildings.

-  Continued donations of supplies,  with various agencies collecting clothing, blankets, school supplies and sports equipment to occupy the children.

-  Small groups or individuals are adopting families by providing for all their needs.

-  Volunteer workers are needed.

Our Presbytery has a team that continues to organize and direct these kind of support activities.  Contact our Presbytery at (425) 355-0922 and they can direct you accordingly.

Relief efforts continue especially in the hardest hit areas such as Ache.  Here there are almost no children under the age of 13. 

Here every person suffered the loss of 40-60% of their families. 

Here most people lost whatever they had or did to make a living.   Depression continues to be a way of life (who wouldn’t be depressed).  And now a real concern is that the people are starving.

All things work for good to the glory of our Lord.  Missionaries

once banned from Islam regions are not only tolerated but actually welcomed. 

The PC(USA) is has asked that we not direct contributions to this disaster at this time.  However, there are many good mission organizations that are committed to supporting this effort.  Mission Aviation Fellowship, for example, has made a two year commitment of support.  Retired missionaries who served in Indonesia from World Venture (formerly CB International) have been reactivated.  They are acting as on site facilitators for relief teams that arrive from all over the world, teams that have no language or cultural knowledge.  World Venture also continues to send medical teams to many areas.

If you need help directing your donations to this cause, contact any member of your Missions Team.

LOCAL WHIDBEY ISLAND NEEDS:     Yes, let us not forget our closest neighbors:

-  Help House:   Non perishable food donations can be given at any time.  This is a never ending ministry, for we will always have the poor with us. 

-  Margie’s Place:   The temporary homeless shelter is delighted with the personal care items you have been providing.  This, too, is a never ending ministry.  Items can be placed in the boxes we have in Heritage Hall.  Any questions, feel free to contact your Missions Team.

 

Starting at 10:00 A.M. in Heritage Hall on Saturday, November 26, you can gather and check out great ideas from one another. The church will provide the greenery, the wreath base and the candles.

A glue gun is very helpful in making a wreath. If you have one, please bring it, along with an extension cord. Bring any extra decorative materials you wish, including pine cones, wheat, holly, berries, etc.  Let your imagination rule!

Doughnuts, hot apple cider and coffee will be provided for your holiday refreshment.  Let’s spend some time together as a church family on Saturday morning, preparing our hearts and homes for Advent!

Let’s spend some time together as a church family on Saturday morning preparing our hearts and homes for Advent!
 

Come and join your church family for a fun weekend in the snow at our beautiful church camp in the Cascades!  This is a great opportunity to live together, eat together, play together, and get to know one another better.

Whidbey Presbyterian Church Family Snow Week-end at Tall Timber Ranch — February 3-5, 2006.  Call the church office at 679-3579 for more information.