C o m i n g To g e t h e r - t o b e Tr a n s f o r m e d - b y C h r i s t ’ s L o v e !
November 2010
This is a special time in the life of our Meadowlake Family, and in the lives of each of us - A time of Giving for God on Consecration Sunday, a time of gratitude to God at Thanksgiving; a time of reconnecting with God through Advent. All of these are offered through this special Family of Faith. And we are blessed by Susan Cook offering her heart-felt thankfulness for what our Family has meant and means to her life. Read what Susan shares with us - and reflect on what your Meadowlake Family means to you…. Fred For over a year now I have been trying to find the words to tell everyone at Meadowlake how thankful I am for them. Truly, I cannot begin to relate my gratefulness to so many people, but with thought of Thanksgiving coming, I would like to take a few minutes to express my thoughts. At our Bible Study Group last week, we were discussing the seven letters to the churches in Revelation. With Ruth Sample’s guidance and a room of wonderful ladies joining in the discussion, we began comparing parts of the letters to the history of Meadowlake. The conversation evolved around to the point where we were being specific about our church. We discussed how Meadowlake is a “family” – how we are a “nurturing” church and especially how we are a “praying” church. When you get to the subject of Meadowlake’s praying, you are speaking right to my heart. I was raised in the Presbyterian Church and have always believed in the power of prayer, but over the past months I have learned what it feels like to be “lifted up” in prayer. Thanks to our wonderful church members and friends, I have first-hand knowledge of how prayer can change your life. I will never know how many people have prayed for me, but I do know that God has heard those prayers and answered with His healing hands. Never before had I “felt” the uplifting from prayer, but thanks to our church, I can now share with you that you do indeed feel lifted in prayer. It is an awesome feeling! Maybe I am the last to experience this, I don’t know, but if you have not yet, know that I pray for all of our members to be lifted up in prayer. I also give thanks daily for our family here at Meadowlake. If you were blessed enough to be in church on October 31, you had a true picture of what a strong family we are. It was heartwarming to have the opportunity to have so much to be thankful for. Where in some churches you are offered a dry “stewardship” message, Jim Taylor shared how our stewardship messages last year welcomed him to Meadowlake. His “Giving- God’s Blessing!” message reminded me again to be thankful that our family here makes people feel welcome. Pastor Fred and his own personal “Vanna White” taught the little ones about sharing, then John Colberg did a wonderful job of explaining to us all how to get our priorities in order, small print disclaimer and all! “Giving – What’s in it for Me?” was a great message that we all need to hear on a daily basis! We have so much to be thankful for!
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Session Members Julie Brack ................... Fellowship Kelly Bowland ..Membership Growth Lori Downey ..... Christian Education Linda Dwyer ....Membership Growth Tim Lane ........... Christian Education Gary Lichtfeldt ................ Worship John Morris .... Financial Stewardship Karen Munson ....... Clerk of Session Patsy Nesbitt .................. Outreach Pat Rajda .................. Pastoral Care Scott Salzman ................. Outreach Mike Whitman Property Stewardship
Staff Fred Lowrance ................... Pastor Verna Ikner ....................... Pianist Ina Lane .............. Director of Music Cathy Micun .. Administrative Assistant Amy O’Brien ....... Preschool Director Sallie Walker ...................Treasurer Jen Wootton ............................. ......... DCE for Children & Their Families
Contact Information Web: www.meadowlakechurch.com
I am thankful again that we have members willing to share their skills and talents to help us all to be a stronger family. Verna Ikner is always so very generous with her time and talents. Her “Special Music” this week was just calm enough to give us some time to reflect on our many blessings, and then Pastor Fred’s prayer of All Saint’s Day brought tears to my eyes. Being the procrastinator that I am, the name most special to me was not on the list, but still I was visualizing my father whom I miss daily. There in our church, surrounded by our Meadowlake “family,” I lifted up not only my daddy in prayer, but others we have “lost,” and gave thanks for those lives. I also thanked God for the Eternal Life we are all promised. When the choir closed our service with “Fly Away Home,” I had time once again to realize just how very grateful I am for what Meadowlake means in my life. Ina Lane’s talents and dedication are always evident with our music, but this special song was absolutely perfect for our blessed day. Our choir puts their hearts and souls into their songs as they lift up their voices in praise. I am thankful that we have members willing to share their time and talents. I am thankful that our church is nurturing, and I am thankful that we are a praying church, but most of all I am thankful that we are blessed to be a family. As we go into this Thanksgiving season, I thank you for the part that you play here at Meadowlake. As you celebrate your blessings and enjoy your family these coming months, I want to thank you for the role that you play in my life. We are a blessed group, and I cherish the fact the God has led me to Meadowlake. To God be the Glory! Susan Cook
Stewardship
Pastor Fred Direct Line: 704/948-8434 Email: pastor@meadowlakechurch.com
Sunday, November 14, is Consecration Sunday - the day we bring our Giving Cards to our Lord’s Table for His Kingdom-building here. In preparation, we have responded to three questions: Giving - What’s in it for me - for others - for God? And the answer to all three is one word, “Blessing” - for us, for others, for God….
Office Phone: 704/948-1600 Address: 6501 Gilead Road Huntersville, NC 28078
As you pray for God’s guidance for what He wants you to give for Him, spend time reflecting on our members’ answers to: “How has giving blessed your life” - summarized well by one member: “Giving has given me a loving church family, has brought me closer to God, has filled me with peace, joy, and faith!”
Preschool Amy O’Brien, Director Phone: 704-948-1600 Email: preschool@meadowlakechurch.com Worship Sunday School is at 9:30 Worship is at 10:30 Nursery is provided. Communion is served the first Sunday each month. Publishing The newsletter is published monthly. All content should be emailed to: office@meadowlakechurch.com and is due by the 17th of each month.
(All of our members’ responses were handed out during worship, and can be read on our website.)
Financial Stewardship This is an update on the financial picture for Meadowlake through October, a reflection of “our faithfulness” in the giving of what God has given to us. We are making great progress: Our faithfulness for October ......................... $22,936.18 Needed for budget in October ....................... $16,939.00 Our faithfulness YTD ................................ $160,297.10 Needed for budget YTD............................. $169,391.00 If each of us will continue to pray about how we can give in proportion to how God has blessed us, this Body of Christ will not only balance its budget - but will also be even more of a blessing to our Meadowlake Family and beyond!
Fellowship
Bring a side dish or a dessert to share!
Saturday, November 27 (9:00am)
Outreach An exciting new Meadowlake Outreach Ministry Love INC Handyman! Love INC links people with needs (many elderly or with disabilities) with church families who help in many ways. We currently have two Love INC care teams, with Connie Roberts and Dean Hunsucker. Love INC has found that one of the most challenging needs for their families is for minor home repairs. So, Meadowlake is forming a “Handyman Team” to respond to these calls for help! We will be led by Julie and Michael Youngblood. If you are a “handyman” or “handywoman,” look for the sign-up - and use your skills to Love In The Name of Christ in this special way!
Return your Angel Tree Gifts by December 5 (Important Note: Gifts will be delivered to Barium Springs on December 6) Please use gift bags to wrap the gifts.
Boxes returned to church by November 21 Sign up in the Atrium to serve at the warehouse December 4 (6 - 10pm) December 11 (4 - 8pm)
Christian Education Sunday Mornings @ 9:30 Facilitated by Lori & Quentin Downey
Shepherding a Child’s Heart - guidance for speaking to the heart of our children (facilitated by Lori and Quentin Downey) November 14: Playing Catch-up November 21: Ages 0-5: Goals and Objectives November 28: Ages 0-5: Methods
We had a busy October!
Our 3 year old class, led by Maya Lang and Karen Munson, donated items to the Cornelius Humane Society. They learned how to care for their own "pets" during Pet Week, and then gave for the care of others through the Humane Society. We also had visits from the Huntersville Police and Fire Departments, and made our “Child IDs”, complete with photos and fingerprints. We finished the month with our annual Fall Festival and Halloween Parade. November is Book Fair Month!! Our book fair will run the 15th through the 21st. Please stop by during school hours or before or after Worship on Sunday the 21st. Books make great Christmas gifts that will be used all year long! On November 17 at 9:15 we will have a Kindergarten Preview Session. This meeting is to inform rising Kindergarten parents of all of the school options for next year, and including what is required by CMS, and private and charter schools, to register. Post cereals have been added to our Campbell Soup Labels points. Just cut out the UPC code on the back of the box and put them in the “school tools” box in the Atrium. Our goal this year is to purchase six child size headphones and a workout CD for our Workout Wednesdays. We can make our goal if we all keep sending them in! Thank you for your continued support of this ministry. We appreciate all of your love and prayers!
Get Your Heart Transplant Here - pathways to joy, peace, and love from three life-shaping Letters of Paul. November 14: Blessed - Chosen - Placed…. November 21: Many Rough Stones - One Beautiful Building! November 28: Wide - Long - High - Deep!
Sunday Mornings at 9:30 Facilitated by Fred Lowrance and Jim Taylor
Journeys Through Revelation Apocalyptic Hope for Today by Barbara R. Rossing
Monday, November 22 (12:30) This brilliantly hope filled vision speaks to us in the midst of the urgent crises of our day. In a time when all of creation stands at a turning point, a kairos moment, Revelation can help guide the choices we make each day as we seek to live into the renewal that God has for the whole world.
God’s Gang
Children’s Ministry Live B.I.G. - November
Youth Sunday School
Two classes (K-2nd Grade; 3rd - 5th Grade)
“BL4Y” Bible Lessons for Youth
B.I.G. Theme: Moses Leads the Great Escape
B.I.G. Idea: We believe that we can trust God’s guidance and care, and know that God is always with us.
Bible Verse:
“BL4Y” focuses on how God reveals Himself to us, how He sustains us, and how He protects us - helping our Youth understand and apply the Bible to their lives!
“I will take you as my people, and I will be your God.” Exodus 6:7
November 7 God is Good...All the Time
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November 7: Moses Leads the People
November 14 God, The All-Time Greatest
Moses trusts God and leads the people out of Egypt, helping us recognize ways that we can trust God.
November 21 God, The Powerful Protector
November 14: The Big Ten God gives the people Laws to help them know about loving and serving God, and living with one another.
November 28 God, The Limitless Lover
November 21: The House of the Lord Moses and the Israelites build the Tabernacle to worship God, and remember that God is always with us.
November 28: Joshua and the Twelve Stones Joshua and the people cross the Jordan River and place twelve stones in the riverbed, to remember the wonderful things God has done and is doing in the world. *************************** Our Nursery (birth to 3) and CrossWalk Kids (during Worship for 4 year olds - 2nd Grade) have special activities for learning and having fun!
Youth Fellowship Much is happening in the life of God’s Gang: •
We meet Sunday evenings at 6:00 for fellowship and faith sharing for our daily lives.
•
“Amazing Maize” was a amazing experience (everybody, we think, made it back)!
•
The Youth breakfast was a delicious success!
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Our next fundraiser is December 5 from 12:00 - 4:00, “Childcare for Children” - Letting us “sit” for your children while you do Christmas shopping, or just enjoy some “Christmas peace” (and quiet)!
Membership Growth
Birthdays This Month
An Advent Gift of Light from Meadowlake! Jesus said, “I am the light of the world!” In response to his words, Meadowlake will be offering his light to our neighbors at Gilead Ridge - Giving each family a “luminary envelope,” with an invitation to our Advent events; five (brief) Advent devotionals; a candle and small bag of sand. Every family is invited to light their luminary in front of their homes on Christmas Eve at 6:00…joining with people everywhere (of every faith) to shine a light in the darkness for hope, peace, love, and joy! Please join us on November 28 after Worship to deliver our Luminary Envelopes at the doors of our neighbors - A great way to spread the word about Meadowlake, and to offer a wonderful Advent experience for our neighbors and our selves!
Worship
2nd - Julie Brack 8th - Haley Bowland 8th - Emma McGeough 10th - Kylie Schmitt 10th - Corinne Britt 11th - Cody Chamness 12 - Tyler Cox 13th - Will Grant 14th - John Morris 16th - Jeff Parker 17th - Nathaniel Lane 21st - Christian Hammond 23rd - Josh Brack 28th - Jessica Davis (If your birthday is not listed here, please let the church office know.)
Pastoral Care An Advent Season of Prayer
Dear Friends in Christ, We are hosting the Testify Youth Choir for their Christmas concert, “Wonderful Joy” on Sunday, December 12 at 5:00. Since we have limited space, we need to know: Do you plan on attending? YES or No How many will you bring with you? The concert is a praise and worship celebration with singing, dancing, and a band, an experience summarized by their website “Take one worship-centric Youth Choir, add a Youth Praise Band, mash them together with great songs, fresh new sounds and a worship leader, and you’re ready to experience the Wonderful Joy of the Christmas story like never before!” For a preview click on: http://testifyministries.jessicaokeefedesign.com/#/youthhome/ Let us know as soon as possible (email “office@meadowlakechurch.com”), if you are going to be with us for this time of “Wonderful Joy”! Gary Lichtfeldt, Worship Chair
Prayer is a vital part of our faith life. Our personal conversations with God, when we turn to him with our troubles and our joys, connect us intimately to our Father. But there is another type of prayer that is also very powerful. Praying for others, or Intercessionary prayer, is a potent form of prayer because we are calling out to God on behalf of others. We want you to know how much we care for you, and our faith in the power of prayer. So, during this Advent season, which begins Sunday, November28, your Elders will be praying for you and your family. The Elder praying for you will be calling during the latter part of November. Please let them know if you have any specific prayer requests. Everything will be held in confidence. They will call again in mid-December and around Christmas. At Advent, we remember that Jesus came to give us love, joy, peace, and reconciliation with God and each other. Prayer is the path through which these blessing can come into our lives. Our Elders look forward to praying for Advent blessings for you! Love in Christ, Pat Rajda, Elder, Pastoral Care Ministry
November 2010 Sun
Mon
Tue
Wed
Thu
Fri
Sat
1
2
3
4
5
All Saints
12:15 Staff
1:00 NA 6:45 Midweek @
6:30 - 9:00 Praise Team
7:30 Choir Small
Meeting
6 Fall Back
10
11
12
1:00 NA
6:30 - 9:00 Praise Team
“Jenkins” Small Group
Day
6:00 Girl Scouts
9
Group
Meadowlake 8:00 NA
7
8
9:30 Sunday School 10:30 Communion 11:30 Children’s Christmas Musical Practice 6:00 NA
4:30 - 5:30 Daisy Scouts #2033 4:45 - 5:45 Daisy Scouts # 644 6:00 Cub Scouts 7;00 Boy Scouts
14
15
16
17
18
19
9:30 Sunday School 10:30 Consecration Sunday 11:30 Children’s Christmas Musical Practice
6:00 Cub Scouts 7;00 Boy Scouts
6:00 Girl Scouts
9:15 PS Kindergarten Preview meeting
6:30 - 9:00 Praise Team
7:30 Choir Small
6:30 Gilead Ridge HOA meeting
1:00 NA
25
26
7:30 Discovery Bible
13
7:30 Choir Small Group
Study 8:00 NA
3:30
5:30
LN Free Clinic
20
Group
7:30 Discovery Bible Study 8:00 NA
6:00 NA
21
22
23
24
THANKSGIVING POTLUCK LUNCH 9:30 Sunday School 11:30 Children’s Christmas Musical Practice 6:00 NA
12:30 Presbyterian Women’s Bible Study
6:00 Girl Scouts
9:00 - 2:00 Holiday
9:00 Hanging of
Office Hours
the Greens
28
29
9:30 Sunday School
6:00 Cub Scouts 7:00 Boy Scouts
11:30 Children’s Christmas Musical Practice 11:30 Deliver Luminary Envelopes 6:00 NA
27
1:00 NA 8:00 NA
4:30 Daisy Scouts 4:45 Daisy Scouts 6:00 Cub Scouts 7:00 Boy Scouts
30 6:00 Girl Scouts
1 5:15 Christmas Caroling 6:15 Advent Dinner 7:00 Advent Wreath Making
2
3 7:30 Choir Small Group
4
Children’s Christmas Musical Sunday December 19 10:30am
Advent Schedule - 2010 November 8 – December 5 Angel Tree Gifts
November 21
Operation Christmas Child Boxes Due
November 21
Thanksgiving Potluck Lunch
November 27
Hanging of the Greens and receipt/placement of Christmas Poinsettias (9:00) November 28 Distribute Luminaries to Gilead Ridge (with Advent Schedule; Invitation; Devotionals)
December 1
Christmas Caroling from the “Cook Wagon” (5:15); Advent Dinner (Chili Potluck) and wreath making (6:30) The people poured in to enjoy our Holy Smoke Barbeque - pouring in $4, 785 (net of expenses). Ten percent will go to
December 4 and 11
Serve at Operation Christmas Child December 4 (6-10); December 11 (4-8)
December 12
“Testify” Youth Choir (5:00)
Angels and Sparrows and the balance will be decided by our Session on December 6. Thank you for all that all of you did to make our “First Annual” a Holy Smoke success!
December 15
Preschool Christmas Pageant (6:30)
December 19
Children’s Christmas Musical (part of Worship Service)
December 23
Room In The Inn (6:00)
December 24
Christmas Eve Worship Service (7:00)