EPC Resources
Advent with Thomas Merton’s Thoughts in Solitude 2024
This reading schedule will help you progress through Thoughts in Solitude with purposeful reflection, connecting the themes of silence, peace, joy, and love to the Advent and Christmas seasons. Enjoy this journey of quiet contemplation during this special time.
We will gather for brief discussion each Sunday of December at 9:10 in the adult classroom, and for contemplative silence and prayer every Thursday at 6pm via zoom.
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Week 1: Dec 1 – Dec 7
Reading: Part 1, Chapters 1-6 (approx. 30 pages)
Theme: Hope and Waiting in Silence (Advent)
Reflection Questions:
1. How does solitude prepare us for receiving God's presence in our lives?
2. In what ways can we cultivate silence during this Advent season to deepen our awareness of God's voice?
3. How can we practice waiting with hope, much like the world awaited the birth of Christ?
Connection: Advent is a time of waiting and hope. In solitude, as Merton suggests, we learn to be with the noise and distractions and find some quiet to encounter God more fully, much like the waiting and anticipation of Christ’s birth.
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Thomas Merton Quote: “We must make the choices that enable us to fulfill the deepest capacities of our real selves.”
(Thomas Merton, “Contemplative Prayer”)
Bible Passage:
“For surely I know the plans I have for you, says the Lord, plans for your welfare and not for harm, to give you a future with hope.”
—Jeremiah 29:11
Prayer:
Lord, as we begin this Advent journey, help me to make choices that lead me toward the person
You have called me to be. May I grow in hope and trust in Your plans for my life.
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Thomas Merton Quote: “Every moment and every event of every man’s life on earth plants
something in his soul.”
(Thomas Merton, “New Seeds of Contemplation”)
Bible Passage:
“But as for that in the good soil, these are the ones who, when they hear the word, hold it fast in an honest and good heart, and bear fruit with patient endurance.”
—Luke 8:15
Prayer:
Lord, may this Advent season plant seeds of Your Word deep in my heart. Help me to nurture them with patience and endurance, so they may bear fruit in my life.
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Thomas Merton Quote: “Our job is to love others without stopping to inquire whether or not they are worthy.”
(Thomas Merton, “The New Man”)
Bible Passage:
“This is my commandment, that you love one another as I have loved you.”
—John 15:12
Lord, help me to love without hesitation or judgment, just as You love me. May I extend Your love to all I meet this Advent season.
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Thomas Merton Quote: “The beginning of love is the will to let those we love be perfectly themselves.”
(Thomas Merton, “No Man Is an Island”)
Bible Passage:
“Above all, maintain constant love for one another, for love covers a multitude of sins.” —1 Peter 4:8
Prayer:
Lord, give me the grace to love others as they are, not as I wish them to be. Teach me to embrace the people in my life with the same unconditional love You offer me.
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Thomas Merton Quote: “The very contradictions in my life are in some way signs of God’s mercy to me.”
(Thomas Merton, “A Search for Solitude”)
Bible Passage:
“But he said to me, ‘My grace is sufficient for you, for power is made perfect in weakness.”
—2 Corinthians 12:9
Prayer:
Lord, I thank You for the ways You use even the contradictions and weaknesses in my life for Your glory. May Your mercy guide me as I prepare for Your coming.
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Thomas Merton Quote: “You do not need to know precisely what is happening, or exactly where it is all going.”
(Thomas Merton, “Conjectures of a Guilty Bystander”)
Bible Passage:
“Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and do not rely on your own insight. In all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make straight your paths.”
—Proverbs 3:5-6
Prayer:
Lord, in this Advent season, help me to trust in Your guidance, even when I do not see the full picture. Lead me with Your wisdom.
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Thomas Merton Quote: “To be grateful is to recognize the love of God in everything He has given us.”
(Thomas Merton, “Thoughts in Solitude”
Bible Passage:
“Give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you.”
—1 Thessalonians 5:18
Prayer:
Lord, fill my heart with gratitude for all You have given me. May this Advent season be a time of recognizing Your abundant love in every moment.
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Week 2: Dec 8 – Dec 14
Reading: Part 1, Chapters 7-12 (approx. 30 pages)
Theme: Peace in the Wilderness
Reflection Questions:
1. What does Merton teach us about finding peace within ourselves, even when we feel alone or in a “wilderness” season?
2. How can we use the “wilderness” of solitude as a place to encounter God more deeply this Advent?
3. What parts of your life need more quiet and stillness to experience peace this season?
Connection: The wilderness is often a place of testing but also of profound encounters with God (think of John the Baptist or Israel in the desert). Advent invites us into a kind of inner wilderness, where peace can be found amidst silence, despite the difficulties of the wilderness.
Sometimes the wilderness is the very thing that drives us to seek true peace (as opposed to having everything going our way which is not the same as peace).
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Thomas Merton Quote: “What is serious to men is often very trivial in the sight of God.”
(Thomas Merton, “New Seeds of Contemplation”
Bible Passage:
“For my thoughts are not your thoughts, nor are your ways my ways, says the Lord.”
—Isaiah 55:8
Prayer:
Lord, help me to see life with Your eyes this Advent. Free me from being consumed by trivial concerns, and guide me to focus on what truly matters—Your love and Your kingdom.
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Thomas Merton Quote: “In silence, God ceases to be an object and becomes an experience.”
(Thomas Merton, “The Sign of Jonas”
Bible Passage:
“Be still, and know that I am God!”
—Psalm 46:10
Prayer:
Lord, draw me into the quiet of Advent. Help me to encounter You in the silence, where You become more than an idea but a living presence in my life.
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Thomas Merton Quote: “The more you try to avoid suffering, the more you suffer.”
(Thomas Merton, “No Man Is an Island”)
Bible Passage:
“If any want to become my followers, let them deny themselves and take up their cross and follow me.”
—Matthew 16:24
Prayer:
Lord, give me the strength to accept the trials in my life, trusting that through them, You bring transformation. May I follow You faithfully, even in suffering.
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Thomas Merton Quote: “Love seeks one thing only: the good of the one loved.”
(Thomas Merton, “No Man Is an Island”)
Bible Passage:
“Let us love, not in word or speech, but in truth and action.”
—1 John 3:18
Prayer:
Lord, teach me to love as You love—with a heart that seeks the good of others. Let my actions this Advent reflect the depth of my love for You and for my neighbor.
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Thomas Merton Quote: “True prayer must avoid the temptation of too much self-reflection.”
(Thomas Merton, “Contemplative Prayer”)
Bible Passage:
“But whenever you pray, go into your room and shut the door and pray to your Father who is in secret; and your Father who sees in secret will reward you.”
—Matthew 6:6
Prayer:
Lord, in this season of Advent, help me to turn my prayer outward toward You, rather than focusing only on myself. May I seek Your presence above all.
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Thomas Merton Quote: “The truth that many people never understand until it is too late, is that the more you try to avoid suffering, the more you suffer.”
(Thomas Merton, “No Man Is an Island”)
Bible Passage:
“The Lord is near to the brokenhearted, and saves the crushed in spirit.”
—Psalm 34:18
Prayer:
Lord, when I face suffering, remind me that You are near. Help me to turn toward You rather than away, and find comfort in Your loving presence.
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Thomas Merton Quote: “We are not at peace with others because we are not at peace with ourselves.”
(Thomas Merton, “New Seeds of Contemplation”)
Bible Passage:
“Peace I leave with you; my peace I give to you. I do not give to you as the world gives.”
—John 14:27
Prayer:
Lord, help me to find peace within myself through Your presence, so that I may be an instrument of Your peace to others during this Advent season.
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Week 3: Dec 15 – Dec 21
Reading: Part 2, Chapters 1-6 (approx. 30 pages)
Theme: Joy in Simplicity
Reflection Questions:
1. What does Merton say about the importance of simplicity in solitude, and how can we apply that to our Advent journey?
2. How does simplicity bring us closer to joy? What unnecessary burdens can you let go of this season?
3. How can we make room in our hearts for the simple, yet profound joy of Christ’s coming?
Connection: Advent is a time of simplifying and preparing. Just as Mary and Joseph found simplicity in the stable, we can find joy in letting go of materialism and focusing on the spiritual gifts of the season. How can you embrace connecting, enjoying simple moments, being present?
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Thomas Merton Quote: “To be a saint means to be myself.”
(Thomas Merton, “New Seeds of Contemplation”)
Bible Passage:
“You shall be holy, for I the Lord your God am holy.”
—Leviticus 19:2
Prayer:
Lord, guide me to be the person You have created me to be. Let my holiness come from authenticity, as I seek to reflect Your image in my life.
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Thomas Merton Quote: “The greatest need of our time is to clean out the enormous mass of mental and emotional rubbish.”
(Thomas Merton, “Conjectures of a Guilty Bystander”
Bible Passage:
“Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your minds.”
—Romans 12:2
Prayer:
Lord, cleanse my mind of the distractions and clutter that prevent me from focusing on You. Renew me this Advent, so I may live according to Your will.
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Thomas Merton Quote: “Solitude is not something you must hope for in the future. Rather, it is a deepening of the present.”
(Thomas Merton, “Thoughts in Solitude”)
Bible Passage:
“The Lord will fight for you, and you have only to keep still.”
—Exodus 14:14
Prayer:
Lord, help me to embrace the solitude of this Advent season, that I may deepen my awareness of Your presence here and now.
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Thomas Merton Quote: “You find peace not by rearranging the circumstances of your life, but by realizing who you are at the deepest level.”
(Thomas Merton, “Love and Living”)
Bible Passage:
“For we are what he has made us, created in Christ Jesus for good works.”
—Ephesians 2:10
Prayer:
Lord, help me to find peace not in changing my circumstances, but in discovering who I am in You. May Your peace dwell deeply within me.
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Thomas Merton Quote: “The spiritual life is first of all a life. It is not merely something to be known and studied, it is to be lived.”
(Thomas Merton, “Thoughts in Solitude”)
Bible Passage:
“Be doers of the word, and not merely hearers who deceive themselves.”
—James 1:22
Prayer:
Lord, help me to live out my faith in action this Advent. May I be a doer of Your word, reflecting Your love in all that I do.
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Thomas Merton Quote: “Happiness is not a matter of intensity but of balance, order, rhythm, and harmony.”
(Thomas Merton, “No Man Is an Island”)
Bible Passage:
“For everything there is a season, and a time for every matter under heaven.”
—Ecclesiastes 3:1
Prayer:
Lord, grant me balance in my life during this Advent season. Help me to live in harmony with Your will and find joy in Your rhythm.
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Thomas Merton Quote: “The light of Christ is offered to us in the human person, in human love.”
(Thomas Merton, “Love and Living”
Bible Passage:
“You are the light of the world. A city built on a hill cannot be hid.”
—Matthew 5:14
Prayer:
Lord, may I reflect Your light in the love I offer to others this Advent. Help me to be a beacon of Your love in a world longing for Your presence.
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Week 4: Dec 22 – Dec 25
Reading: Part 2, Chapters 7-12 (approx. 30 pages)
Theme: Love Made Manifest
Reflection Questions:
1. How does Merton connect solitude with love and service to others? How can we mirror this as we prepare for Christmas?
2. What does it mean to “love in solitude”? How can you practice loving more fully during this Christmas season?
3. How does the birth of Christ, God made manifest, reflect the love we are called to share from our solitude with others?
Connection: The incarnation is the ultimate manifestation of God’s love. As Merton discusses solitude, he often emphasizes that it is not for isolation, but for deepening love. The joy of
Christmas is the arrival of God’s love made real and present in the world.
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Thomas Merton Quote: “We do not find the meaning of life by ourselves alone.”
(Thomas Merton, “No Man Is an Island”)
Bible Passage:
“Bear one another’s burdens, and in this way you will fulfill the law of Christ.”
—Galatians 6:2
Prayer:
Lord, thank You for the community of faith that walks this journey with me. Help me to support and love others as we prepare together for Your coming.
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Thomas Merton Quote: “Our real journey in life is interior: it is a matter of growth, deepening, and of an ever greater surrender.”
(Thomas Merton, “The Road to Joy”)
Bible Passage:
“Create in me a clean heart, O God, and put a new and right spirit within me.”
—Psalm 51:10
Prayer:
Lord, as this Advent season draws to a close, help me to surrender more fully to Your will. Create in me a heart ready to receive You.
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Thomas Merton Quote: “The Advent mystery is the beginning of the end of all in us that is not yet Christ.”
(Thomas Merton, “Seasons of Celebration”)
Bible Passage:
“The true light, which enlightens everyone, was coming into the world.”
—John 1:9
Prayer:
Lord, as we prepare to celebrate Your birth, transform all that is not yet of You within me. Let Your light shine in my heart, that I may be more like Christ.
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Thomas Merton Quote: “Into this world, this demented inn, in which there is absolutely no room for him at all, Christ comes uninvited.”
(Thomas Merton, “Raids on the Unspeakable”)
Bible Passage:
“And the Word became flesh and lived among us, and we have seen his glory, the glory as of a father’s only son, full of grace and truth.”
—John 1:14
Prayer:
Lord, on this day of Your birth, I welcome You into my heart and life. Though the world may not make room, I open myself to Your love, grace, and truth. Amen.
December 18th, 2024 | Newsletter
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Welcome Visitors!
We are excited to call your attention to, and encourage you, to visit our upgraded website! Go to www.epcnashville.com or www.epcnashville.org for all your questions. Cut and paste one of these sites in your browser, or if you can’t find your answers there, try the options below: janemherring@gmail.com – Reach out to Pastor Jane on her church phone (call/text) 615-818-9727 or at this email about what it means to be baptized, to be confirmed in the church (if you have already been baptized), to join the church or any other questions you might have. epcnashville@gmail.com - general EPC email can be sent to this site (be aware that multiple people have access to this email account).
epcbusiness9770@gmail.com - If you ever have any questions about anything dealing with
EPC’s finances or other business topics, email your question or request here.
janemherring@gmail.com - Email announcements for the Sunday bulletin here.
frhanchey@gmail.com - Email Information or corrections for the weekly newsletter here.
frhanchey@gmail.com – Send questions about the outdoor gardens or children’s
education/programming here.
Inquirers of all ages:
Please reach out to Pastor Jane about what it means to be baptized, to be confirmed in the church
(if you have already been baptized) or to join the church.
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First reading - Micah 5:2-5a
Psalm - Luke 1:46b-55 or Psalm 80:1-7
Second reading - Hebrews 10:5-10
Gospel - Luke 1:39-45, (46-55)
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Litergical readers and schedule notes
Date | Pulpit | Liturgist | Notes |
12.22.24 | Herring | Darrell H.
12.29.24 | Herring | Sandra H.
1.5.25 | Herring | Jan R. | Communion
1.12.25 | Herring | Ginia W.
1.19.25 | Herring |
1.26.25 | Herring | Barb H.
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Can this be your New Year’s Resolution?
I will step out of my comfort zone and volunteer to be liturgist at least on one Sunday in 2025.
Call or email Barb when you are ready at 615-473-3510 or epcbusiness9770@gmail.com
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Doug and Sue H Candle of Joy and lead the responsive reading to the congregation.
Congregants were encouraged to bring their own nativity scene to share during next week’s worship.
A congregational meeting was held and EPC members will next present 3 names (to be voted on?) as potential new elders of the 2025 session.
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Scripture
1 Peter 3:8
Finally, all of you, live in harmony with one another; be sympathetic, love as brothers, be compassionate and humble.
Quotes about prayer:
There is a place where you can touch the eyes of blinded men to instant, perfect sight; There is a placewhere you can say, “Arise” to dying captives, bound in chains of night; There is a place where you can reach the store of hoarded gold and free it for the Lord; There is a place — upon some distant shore — Where you can send the worker and the Word. Where is that secret place—do you ask, “Where?” O soul, it is the secret place of prayer! — Alfred Lord Tennyson
Invitation to Prayer Group services:
Prayer is the life blood of our relationship with God.
Prayer is the mechanism by which we grow and mature as followers of Christ.
Prayer is the place of solace in grief, celebration in joy and sharing without fear.
Prayer is often solitary and there is great joy in that “alone time” with God.
Prayer is also communal, building our relationships with each other and God simultaneously.
Please come pray with us – 6:00 PM each Thursday night for an hour (or so).
Submit your prayer requests to: EPCprayers97@gmail.com by 5:00 PM each Thursday
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Joy Offering
Only one Sunday left - Joy Offering so far this year - $246.69
These funds provide assistance to current and retired church workers in their
time of need and develops our future leaders at Presbyterian-related schools.
This coming Sunday is the last day for giving to the 2024 Christmas Joy Offering.
Oasis
Thank you, EPC, for supporting our Oasis Ministry. A request has gone out for winter items, see list below.
With winter fast approaching, our Outreach team is working hard to ensure that youth and young adults experiencing homelessness are able to stay safe and warm. Thanks to the generosity of our donors, we have received plenty of coats and jackets. However, we are still in need of hand warmers, hats, gloves, blankets, and other weather-appropriate gear.
Donations can be dropped off at Oasis Center Monday-Friday from 9 am-3 pm, or by emailing us to arrange another
time. You can also view our Amazon wish lists here.
Any donated items can be brought to EPC by Jan 12 and they will get delivered to the Oasis Center building.
There is a collection box for donated items outside the children’s classroom door.
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It’s Stewardship Season:
Utmost THANKS from the Treasurer for your pledges. If you haven’t submitted yours yet, please email them to: Epcbusiness9770@gmail.com as soon as you can.
Financial Support for Missions:
Call it what you will, for a small church we are involved in many different local ministries, missions or outreach programs.
Funding for these giving programs come from various places, one of these places is you!If you would like to donate additional funds for a specific program, checks can be made to the following ongoing missions of EPC.
Community Garden
Gateway to Higher Education Scholarship Crossroads Campus
Maple Village
Special Music Ministry events
OasisPlease note on the memo line which mission your check is meant to support.
Financial Support for EPC:
If you are not able to attend worship service and still wish show your support for Emmanuel Presbyterian Church, you can contribute in the following ways:
Online–send an electronic payment, your bank can help you set this up if you have questions.
By Mail – our mailing address is EPC, 9770 Hwy 96, Nashville, TN 37221
Through EPC’s website www.epcnashville.com or www.epcnashville.org Simply click on the “GIVE” button, then the “donate” button, to donate via PayPal or debit/credit card. This can be a one-time donation or can be set up as a monthly donation.
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Join us after worship service for fellowship, snacks and fresh cup of coffee!
There is a sign-up sheet by the front door if you wish to help. Our Thanksgiving pot luck dinner is this Sunday after church service.
The list to the right is a copy of the sign-up sheet for thanksgiving dinner, whatever else you want to bring will be just fine. -
The Covid bug is back, the flu bug, the cold virus…. Masks and hand sanitizer remain available at the
front entrance to use as desired. Be aware of your health and consider others in all you do. We urge
everyone to remain vigilant in washing hands and wearing masks as you feel is appropriate.
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Ongoing:
Communion every 1st Sunday
Building Improvement Committee every first Sunday (1/5)
Worship Committee Mtg every 2nd Sunday after service (1/12)
Mission/Fellowship Committee Mtg every 3rd Sunday 9:30 am (1/19)
Session Mtg every 3rd Monday after service (1/20)
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December 19: Delivering Christmas cookies to Maple Village. See Ginia for details.
December 24: Candlelight Christmas Eve Service of Lessons and Carols, 4:30pm.
December 25: Christmas Morning Service, 8am
Please remember to check the “Events”, “Missions” and “Stewardship” bulletin boards in the hallway for
ongoing information about these areas of activity at EPC.
Also, don’t forget about the file system in the hallway for each committee where you can make
suggestions to be considered by session for changes and improvement.
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*Dec 16 – Dec 21(for Sunday School Dec 22) Reading: Part 2, Chapters 1-6 (approx. 30 pages) Theme: Joy in Simplicity
*Dec 23 – Dec 28 (for Sunday School Dec 29) Reading: Part 2, Chapters 7-12 (approx. 30 pages) Theme: Love Made Manifest
Thursdays in December at 6 pm – We gather for contemplative silence, reading, and prayer every Thursday at 6pm by ZOOM. Link to come by email.
The Advent Daily Devotional Readings were sent out by email on Nov. 29. Pastor Jane will print a copy for you, if you like.
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In class last Sunday, we had the chance to finish up our Thankful Thanksgiving banner.
It is hanging on the kid’s bulletin board; I encourage you to take a look at it.
What are you most grateful for?
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At Emmanuel we offer a “kid’s message” during the early part of the worship service, followed by a “children’s church” in the kid’s classroom for those up to 10 years old or still in elementary school. The message is a short story that usually has some sort of lesson related to it and in children’s church we usually discuss the story in more depth and follow it with a craft or activity that helps the story (and the lesson!) sink in.
Infant care is available for those under 3.
We offer a “chat time ” in the classroom after service (11ish – noonish) for those over 10 who want some time to privately share what is on their mind.
We have two adults with the children and their safety and education is our top priority.
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Thanks to the Rosenbergs and the Beautification and Improvements Committee (formerly the committee known as Building and Grounds), we have a wonderful new focal point to our front garden.
The wrought iron artwork mirrors the circular stained glass window in the front of the church. These circles, and the circle on the cross that hangs at the front of our sanctuary, bear the ancient Christian symbology of "no end and no beginning," reminding us of the eternal nature of God's love.
Also, though you can’t see them well in this picture, thank you to Richard and Diana for the beautiful entranceway to the sanctuary.
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Class of 2024
Ginia Wood, Fellowship and Mission
John Denton, Building and Grounds
Class of 2025
Greg Burlison, Personnel
John Sevier, Director of Music
Class of 2026
Theresa Denton, Worship and Polity & Procedure
Jan Russell
December 11th, 2024 | Newsletter
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*It’s Stewardship Season
Stewardship: November 10th – November 24th
Tithing is an act of GRATITUDE.
There is one thing that is consistently expressed by people who have a contented and confident relationship with their financial situation. Surprisingly, it is not how much money they have, It is a grateful heart. When they focus on sharing their treasure, their time and their talents, they take the focus off of themselves and instead begin to focus outwardly on others. This shift in focus cultivates a grateful heart and illuminates the blessings they have in their lives. When they chose to live a joyful generous life, then, and only then, can they really thrive. Don’t wait until you have enough – start now! God blesses this obedience and discipline with a grateful heart; with a world that will get larger rather than smaller.
Welcome Visitors!
We are excited to call your attention to, and encourage you, to visit our upgraded website! Go to www.epcnashville.com or www.epcnashville.org for all your questions. Cut and paste one of these sites in your browser. If you can’t find your answers there, try the options below:
janemherring@gmail.com – Reach out to Pastor Jane on her church phone (call/text) 615- 818-9727 or at her email about what it means to be baptized, to be confirmed in the church (if you have already been baptized), to join
the church or for answers to any other questions you might have.
epcnashville@gmail.com - General EPC email can be sent to this site (be aware that multiple people have access to this email account).
epcbusiness9770@gmail.com - If you ever have any questions about anything dealing with EPC’s finances or other business topics, email your question or request here.
janemherring@gmail.com - Email announcements for the Sunday bulletin here.
frhanchey@gmail.com - Email Information or corrections for the weekly newsletter here. frhanchey@gmail.com – Send questions about the outdoor gardens or children’s education/programming here.
Inquirers of all ages:
Please reach out to Pastor Jane about what it means to be baptized, to be confirmed in the church (if you have already been baptized) or to join the church.
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First reading -- Zephaniah 3:14-20
Psalm -- Isaiah 12:2-6
Second reading -- Philippians 4:4-7
Gospel -- Luke 3:7-18
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Litergical readers and schedule notes
Date | Pulpit | Liturgist | Notes |
12.15.24 | Herring | Karen R.
12.22.24 | Herring | Darrell H.
12.29.24 | Herring | Sandra H.
1.5.25 | Herring | | Communion
1.12.25 | Herring |
1.19.25 | Herring |
1.26.25 | Herring | Barb H.
Thank you to those of you who serve as liturgists. If you wish to volunteer as liturgist, send an email to epcbusiness9770@gmail.com or call 615-473-3510.
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Invitation to Prayer Group services:
Prayer is the life blood of our relationship with God.
Prayer is the mechanism by which we grow and mature as followers of Christ.
Prayer is the place of solace in grief, celebration in joy and sharing without fear.
Prayer is often solitary and there is great joy in that “alone time” with God.
Prayer is also communal, building our relationships with each other and God simultaneously.
Please come pray with us – 6:00 PM each Thursday night for an hour (or so).
Submit your prayer requests to: EPCprayers97@gmail.com by 5:00 PM each Thursday Scripture:
2 Thessalonians 3:5
May the Lord direct your hearts to the love of God and to the steadfastness of Christ.
Quotes about prayer:
I have lived to thank God that not all my prayers have been answered. ~~ Jean Ingelow Sometimes I thank God for unanswered prayers. ~~ Garth Brooks
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Joy Offering
The Joy Offering will be collected from December 1 - December 22. The Joy offering collected to date for 2024 -- $125.00
These funds provide assistance to current and retired church workers in their time of need and develops our future leaders at Presbyterian-related schools and colleges equipping communities of color.
Oasis
Hello!
Thank you for kicking off the holidays season by shopping and cooking for our community meal last week! Your time was a huge gift and helped our staff focus on other needs for young people. Your donations also helped us spend our dollars on items they might need this winter.
Thank you! If you are interested in volunteering to help with meals in future, we’d love your support.
We serve lunch in our Outreach Center, and volunteers are the only reason we are able to serve about 100 meals per week. The calendar with dates and more info as well as our most needed items for winter are also found at www.oasiscenter.org.
If you are interested in other ways to get involved, please visit our volunteer page, sign up for our newsletter at bottom, or email me.
I hope you have a wonderful, restful and warm holiday season! Felisha C. Baquera
Community and Corporate Relations ManagerOasis Center
1704 Charlotte Ave STE 200 Nashville, TN 37203-9960 oasiscenter.org
Direct Dial: 615.983.6887 Main office: 615.327.4455 Fax: 615.329.1444 -
It’s Stewardship Season:
Utmost THANKS from the Treasurer for your pledges. If you haven’t submitted yours yet, please email them to: Epcbusiness9770@gmail.com as soon as you can.
Financial Support for Missions:
Call it what you will, for a small church we are involved in many different local ministries, missions or outreach programs.
Funding for these giving programs come from various places, one of these places is you!If you would like to donate additional funds for a specific program, checks can be made to the following ongoing missions of EPC.
Community Garden
Gateway to Higher Education Scholarship Crossroads Campus
Maple Village
Special Music Ministry events
OasisPlease note on the memo line which mission your check is meant to support.
Financial Support for EPC:
If you are not able to attend worship service and still wish show your support for Emmanuel Presbyterian Church, you can contribute in the following ways:
Online–send an electronic payment, your bank can help you set this up if you have questions.
By Mail – our mailing address is EPC, 9770 Hwy 96, Nashville, TN 37221
Through EPC’s website www.epcnashville.com or www.epcnashville.org Simply click on the “GIVE” button, then the “donate” button, to donate via PayPal or debit/credit card. This can be a one-time donation or can be set up as a monthly donation.
-
Join us after worship service for fellowship, snacks and fresh cup of coffee!
There is a sign-up sheet by the front door if you wish to help. Our Thanksgiving pot luck dinner is this Sunday after church service.
The list to the right is a copy of the sign-up sheet for thanksgiving dinner, whatever else you want to bring will be just fine. -
The Covid bug is back. Masks and hand sanitizer remain available at the front entrance to use as desired. Be aware of your health and consider others in all you do.
Share the Love, Show your Support! Now taking pre-orders for EPC T-shirts! Details below. Offering Gildan Heavy Cotton Unisex t-shirts
5.3 oz./yd2 (US) 8.8 oz./L yd (CA), 100% cotton
Innovation you can feel. Made with 100% U.S. cotton and the latest breakthrough in soft cotton technology, the Gildan® Heavy Cotton family has been remastered for improved printability, quality and comfort you can see and feel.
Classic fit
Rib collar
Taped neck and shoulders for comfort and durability
Tear away label
Proud member of the U.S. Cotton Trust Protocol
-
December 8 – Congregational Meeting after worship to elect ENC 2024
December 5 – Advent Outing! 100th Anniversary of Downtown Pres Waffle Shop!
Leave EPC at 10am. Talk to Ginia for details.
SUNDAY MORNINGS AT 9AM – Thoughts in Solitude by Thomas Merton
Sunday Dec 1: Introduction to Thomas Merton by Pastor Jane
*Dec 2 – Dec 7 (for Sunday School Dec 8) Reading: Part 1, Chapters 1-6 (approx. 30 pages) Theme: Hope and Waiting in Silence
*Dec 9 – Dec 14 (for Sunday School Dec 15) Reading: Part 1, Chapters 7-12 (approx. 30 pages) Theme: Peace in the Wilderness
*Dec 16 – Dec 21(for Sunday School Dec 22) Reading: Part 2, Chapters 1-6 (approx. 30 pages) Theme: Joy in Simplicity
*Dec 23 – Dec 28 (for Sunday School Dec 29) Reading: Part 2, Chapters 7-12 (approx. 30 pages) Theme: Love Made Manifest
Thursdays in December – We gather for contemplative silence, reading, and prayer every Thursday at 6pm by ZOOM. Link to come by email.
Saturday, December 14 – 10am to 2pm - Advent Workshop with Victor Judge on the life and work of Thomas Merton. RSVP for lunch, please. janemherring@gmail.com
The Advent Daily Devotional Readings will be sent out by email on Nov. 29. Pastor Jane will print a copy for you, if you like.
Blue Christmas Service of Hope and Healing is December 11th at 6pm – As much as Christmas is a time of joy, it is also a difficult time. Sorrows and Losses are part of this season of togetherness too. Come, let us present out needs to the Lord together.
Candlelight Christmas Eve Service of Lessons and Carols, December 24th at 4:30pm – Come hear the sacred story of old and sing the songs of joy and thanks. Go into the Holy Night ahead with candlelight, prayer, and song.
Christmas Morning Service, December 25 at 8am – Let us gather around the manger for a simple Service of Communion. Hot cinnamon rolls, coffee, and tea serve.
-
Starting December 1:
Sundays in December at 9 AM (not 9:15 as previously stated) in the adult classroom –Thoughts in Solitude by Thomas Merton. The reading schedule for December is below. Sunday Dec 1: Introduction to Thomas Merton by Pastor Jane
Sunday Dec 8: *Dec 2 – Dec 7 (for Sunday School) Reading: Part 1, Chapters 1-6 (approx. 30 pages) Theme: Hope and Waiting in Silence
Sunday Dec 15: Dec 9 – Dec 14 (for Sunday School) Reading: Part 1, Chapters 7-12 (approx. 30 pages) Theme: Peace in the Wilderness
Sunday Dec 22: *Dec 16 – Dec 21 (for Sunday School) Reading: Part 2, Chapters 1-6 (approx. 30 pages) Theme: Joy in Simplicity
Sunday Dec 29: *Dec 23 – Dec 28 (for Sunday School) Reading: Part 2, Chapters 7-12 (approx. 30 pages) Theme: Love Made Manifest
Thursdays in December at 6 pm – We gather for contemplative silence, reading, and prayer every Thursday at 6pm by ZOOM to practice “being alone with God together.”
Prayer time will last 20 minutes and will include short readings, short prayers, and short periods of silence (6:05 to 6:25).
Zoom will open at 5:50 and prayer will begin promptly at 6:05.
Feel free to sign on at any time between 5:50 and 6:45, but plan to have your microphone
OFF from 6:05 to 6:25.
The prayer time will not be interactive, but you are welcome to stay on the Zoom meeting
after the 20 minutes of prayer for conversation and visiting.
Copy/Paste this web address to Join Zoom Meeting
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/88575599276?pwd=Zf8uQMdSnES8StJzq53LIWvDwLGRua.1
Or Use the Meeting ID: 885 7559 9276 and Passcode: 787818
Saturday, December 14 from 10am to 2pm - Advent Workshop with Victor Judge on the life and work of Thomas Merton. RSVP for lunch, please. janemherring@gmail.com
The Advent Daily Devotional Readings were sent out by email on Nov. 29. Pastor Jane will print a copy for you, if you like.
Advent starts December 1.
There will be a reading schedule for the book Thoughts in Solitude by Thomas Merton.
There will be an Advent Workshop with Victor Judge on the life and work of Thomas Merton on Saturday, December 14 from 10am – 2pm.
RSVP to Jane for lunch janemherring@gmail.com if you plan to attend.
Meetings and discussion will be in the adult classroom on Sundays in December at 9:10am
And there’s this...
You are invited! Join in the fun and celebrate the Centennial Waffle Shop at Downtown Pres. Date and time: Thursday, December 5 · 11am - 2pm CST
Cost: $17.85 in advance and $20.00 at the door. Tickets can be purchased by pasting the following site in your browser. https://www.eventbrite.com/e/waffle-shop-centennial-tickets- 1063374073479?utm_experiment=test_share_listing&aff=ebdsshios
Location: Downtown Presbyterian Church 154 Rep. John Lewis Way North Nashville, TN 37219 Refund Policy: Refunds up to 7 days before event Eventbrite's fee is nonrefundable.
Each Waffle Shop Ticket will include: a waffle breakfast! Enjoy waffles, grits, a choice of Hattie B's (hot or mild) chicken, Puckett's country bacon, or turkey hash made from the original Waffle Shop recipe, and your choice of Frothy Monkey coffee or spiced tea.
a guided tour of The Downtown Presbyterian Church's historic Egyptian Revival sanctuary
an organ recital and Christmas carol singalong
the opportunity to shop at the church’s holiday gift shop! Selections include homemade baked goods, handmade crafts, and more!
a chance to bid on wonderful items at the Silent Auction including hotel stays, gift cards to downtown shops and restaurants, original artwork, much more!
Parking:
FREE parking will be available in LOT B of Nissan Stadium. Please enter the parking lot from Interstate Drive as your ingress. Attendants at the entrances on that side will assist with parking directions. There will be an Old Town Trolley that will shuttle Waffle Shop attendees to and from the church. A sign will be in the lot indicating the shuttle pick-up spot.Fundraiser:
Most importantly, each ticket is a contribution to DPC's Fish & Loaves ministry! This outreach ministry assists those in our local Nashville community who need food and essentials. All proceeds from this fundraiser will go directly to the Fish and Loaves ministry at The Downtown Presbyterian Church.
Thank you to this year's sponsors:
Hattie B’s Hot Chicken
Frothy Monkey
The ContributorOld Town Trolley
Sir Speedy Music CityUgly Bagel
Puckett’s Grocery Truist Bank
Goo Goo ClusterOngoing:
Communion every 1st Sunday
Building Improvement Committee every first Sunday (1/1)
Worship Committee Mtg every 2nd Sunday after service (12/8)
Mission/Fellowship Committee Mtg every 3rd Sunday 9:30 am
(12/15)
Session Mtg every 3rd Monday after service (12/16)
Upcoming:
YOUTH SIZES $11.00 each
2-4 (YXS) 6-8 (YS) 10-12 (YM) 14-16 (YL)
November 24th – ongoing submission of pledge cards for 2025, never too late!
December 5: Waffle Shop Centennial Celebration at Downtown Pres. 11am - 2pm
December 8: Congregational meeting after service to elect elder nominating committee
December 11: Blue Christmas service of hope and healing, 6 pm
December 14: Advent Workshop with Victor Judge, 10-2 pm. RSVP to Jane for lunch.
December 15: Deadline for prepaid T-shirt orders.
December 24: Candlelight Christmas Eve Service of Lessons and Carols, 4:30pm.
December 25: Christmas Morning Service, 8am
*The bulletin boards are continuously being changed. Don’t forget to check them out for updates and ongoing activities.
-
9am Sunday School.
-
*During service last week we had a special presentation for the youth who went to Montreat last summer.
* Pictures from their week at camp were lovingly placed into book form.
* Teddy, Jefferson and Annalease received their own copy, as did Scott and Barb.
One copy has also been placed in the EPC library. Well done. Thank you.
-
Thanks to the Rosenbergs and the Beautification and Improvements Committee (formerly the committee known as Building and Grounds), we have a wonderful new focal point to our front garden.
The wrought iron artwork mirrors the circular stained glass window in the front of the church. These circles, and the circle on the cross that hangs at the front of our sanctuary, bear the ancient Christian symbology of "no end and no beginning," reminding us of the eternal nature of God's love.
Also, though you can’t see them well in this picture, thank you to Richard and Diana for the beautiful entranceway to the sanctuary.
-
Class of 2024
Ginia Wood, Fellowship and Mission
John Denton, Building and Grounds
Class of 2025
Greg Burlison, Personnel
John Sevier, Director of Music
Class of 2026
Theresa Denton, Worship and Polity & Procedure
Jan Russell
December 4th, 2024 | Newsletter
-
*It’s Stewardship Season
Stewardship: November 10th – November 24th
Tithing is an act of GRATITUDE.
There is one thing that is consistently expressed by people who have a contented and confident relationship with their financial situation. Surprisingly, it is not how much money they have, It is a grateful heart. When they focus on sharing their treasure, their time and their talents, they take the focus off of themselves and instead begin to focus outwardly on others. This shift in focus cultivates a grateful heart and illuminates the blessings they have in their lives. When they chose to live a joyful generous life, then, and only then, can they really thrive. Don’t wait until you have enough – start now! God blesses this obedience and discipline with a grateful heart; with a world that will get larger rather than smaller.
Welcome Visitors!
We are excited to call your attention to, and encourage you, to visit our upgraded website! Go to www.epcnashville.com or www.epcnashville.org for all your questions. Cut and paste one of these sites in your browser. If you can’t find your answers there, try the options below:
janemherring@gmail.com – Reach out to Pastor Jane on her church phone (call/text) 615- 818-9727 or at her email about what it means to be baptized, to be confirmed in the church (if you have already been baptized), to join
the church or for answers to any other questions you might have.
epcnashville@gmail.com - General EPC email can be sent to this site (be aware that multiple people have access to this email account).
epcbusiness9770@gmail.com - If you ever have any questions about anything dealing with EPC’s finances or other business topics, email your question or request here.
janemherring@gmail.com - Email announcements for the Sunday bulletin here.
frhanchey@gmail.com - Email Information or corrections for the weekly newsletter here. frhanchey@gmail.com – Send questions about the outdoor gardens or children’s education/programming here.
Inquirers of all ages:
Please reach out to Pastor Jane about what it means to be baptized, to be confirmed in the church (if you have already been baptized) or to join the church.
-
SECOND SUNDAY OF ADVENT DEC 08, 2024
First reading
Baruch 5:1-9
or
Malachi 3:1-4
Psalm
Luke 1:68-79
Gospel
Luke 3:1-6
Second reading
Philippians 1:3-11
-
Litergical readers and schedule notes
Date | Pulpit | Liturgist | Notes |
12.08.24 | Herring | Terry D.
12.15.24 | Herring | Karen R.
12.22.24 | Herring | Darrell H.
12.29.24 | Herring | Sandra H.
1.5.25 | Herring | | Communion
1.12.25 | Herring |
1.19.25 | Herring |
1.26.25 | Herring | Barb H.
Thank you to those of you who serve as liturgists. If you wish to volunteer as liturgist, send an email to epcbusiness9770@gmail.com or call 615-473-3510.
-
Invitation to Prayer Group services:
Prayer is the life blood of our relationship with God.
Prayer is the mechanism by which we grow and mature as followers of Christ.
Prayer is the place of solace in grief, celebration in joy and sharing without fear.
Prayer is often solitary and there is great joy in that “alone time” with God.
Prayer is also communal, building our relationships with each other and God simultaneously.
Please come pray with us – 6:00 PM each Thursday night for an hour (or so).
Submit your prayer requests to: EPCprayers97@gmail.com by 5:00 PM each Thursday
Scripture:
2 Thessalonians 1:11-12
With this in mind, we constantly pray for you, that our God may count you worthy of his calling, and that by his power he may fulfill every good purpose of yours and every act prompted by your faith. We pray this so that the name of our Lord Jesus may be glorified in you, and you in him, according to the grace of our God and the Lord Jesus Christ.
Quotes about prayer:
Men may spurn our appeals, reject our message, oppose our arguments, despise our persons, but they are helpless against our prayers. — J. Sidlow Baxter
-
Joy Offering
The Joy Offering will be collected from December 1 - December 22.
By supporting the Christmas Joy Offering, you honor God's gift of Jesus Christ.
These funds provide assistance to current and retired church workers in their time of need and develops our future leaders at Presbyterian- related schools and colleges equipping communities of color.
-
It’s Stewardship Season:
Utmost THANKS from the Treasurer for your pledges. If you haven’t submitted yours yet, please email them to: Epcbusiness9770@gmail.com as soon as you can.
Financial Support for Missions:
Call it what you will, for a small church we are involved in many different local ministries, missions or outreach programs.
Funding for these giving programs come from various places, one of these places is you!If you would like to donate additional funds for a specific program, checks can be made to the following ongoing missions of EPC.
Community Garden
Gateway to Higher Education Scholarship Crossroads Campus
Maple Village
Special Music Ministry events
OasisPlease note on the memo line which mission your check is meant to support.
Financial Support for EPC:
If you are not able to attend worship service and still wish show your support for Emmanuel Presbyterian Church, you can contribute in the following ways:
Online–send an electronic payment, your bank can help you set this up if you have questions.
By Mail – our mailing address is EPC, 9770 Hwy 96, Nashville, TN 37221
Through EPC’s website www.epcnashville.com or www.epcnashville.org Simply click on the “GIVE” button, then the “donate” button, to donate via PayPal or debit/credit card. This can be a one-time donation or can be set up as a monthly donation.
-
Join us after worship service for fellowship, snacks and fresh cup of coffee!
There is a sign-up sheet by the front door if you wish to help. Our Thanksgiving pot luck dinner is this Sunday after church service.
The list to the right is a copy of the sign-up sheet for thanksgiving dinner, whatever else you want to bring will be just fine. -
The Covid bug is back. Masks and hand sanitizer remain available at the front entrance to use as desired. Be aware of your health and consider others in all you do.
Share the Love, Show your Support! Now taking pre-orders for EPC T-shirts! Details below. Offering Gildan Heavy Cotton Unisex t-shirts
5.3 oz./yd2 (US) 8.8 oz./L yd (CA), 100% cotton
Innovation you can feel. Made with 100% U.S. cotton and the latest breakthrough in soft cotton technology, the Gildan® Heavy Cotton family has been remastered for improved printability, quality and comfort you can see and feel.
Classic fit
Rib collar
Taped neck and shoulders for comfort and durability
Tear away label
Proud member of the U.S. Cotton Trust Protocol
-
December 8 – Congregational Meeting after worship to elect ENC 2024
December 5 – Advent Outing! 100th Anniversary of Downtown Pres Waffle Shop!
Leave EPC at 10am. Talk to Ginia for details.
SUNDAY MORNINGS AT 9AM – Thoughts in Solitude by Thomas Merton
Sunday Dec 1: Introduction to Thomas Merton by Pastor Jane
*Dec 2 – Dec 7 (for Sunday School Dec 8) Reading: Part 1, Chapters 1-6 (approx. 30 pages) Theme: Hope and Waiting in Silence
*Dec 9 – Dec 14 (for Sunday School Dec 15) Reading: Part 1, Chapters 7-12 (approx. 30 pages) Theme: Peace in the Wilderness
*Dec 16 – Dec 21(for Sunday School Dec 22) Reading: Part 2, Chapters 1-6 (approx. 30 pages) Theme: Joy in Simplicity
*Dec 23 – Dec 28 (for Sunday School Dec 29) Reading: Part 2, Chapters 7-12 (approx. 30 pages) Theme: Love Made Manifest
Thursdays in December – We gather for contemplative silence, reading, and prayer every Thursday at 6pm by ZOOM. Link to come by email.
Saturday, December 14 – 10am to 2pm - Advent Workshop with Victor Judge on the life and work of Thomas Merton. RSVP for lunch, please. janemherring@gmail.com
The Advent Daily Devotional Readings will be sent out by email on Nov. 29. Pastor Jane will print a copy for you, if you like.
Blue Christmas Service of Hope and Healing is December 11th at 6pm – As much as Christmas is a time of joy, it is also a difficult time. Sorrows and Losses are part of this season of togetherness too. Come, let us present out needs to the Lord together.
Candlelight Christmas Eve Service of Lessons and Carols, December 24th at 4:30pm – Come hear the sacred story of old and sing the songs of joy and thanks. Go into the Holy Night ahead with candlelight, prayer, and song.
Christmas Morning Service, December 25 at 8am – Let us gather around the manger for a simple Service of Communion. Hot cinnamon rolls, coffee, and tea serve.
-
Starting December 1:
Sundays in December at 9 AM (not 9:15 as previously stated) in the adult classroom –Thoughts in Solitude by Thomas Merton. The reading schedule for December is below. Sunday Dec 1: Introduction to Thomas Merton by Pastor Jane
Sunday Dec 8: *Dec 2 – Dec 7 (for Sunday School) Reading: Part 1, Chapters 1-6 (approx. 30 pages) Theme: Hope and Waiting in Silence
Sunday Dec 15: Dec 9 – Dec 14 (for Sunday School) Reading: Part 1, Chapters 7-12 (approx. 30 pages) Theme: Peace in the Wilderness
Sunday Dec 22: *Dec 16 – Dec 21 (for Sunday School) Reading: Part 2, Chapters 1-6 (approx. 30 pages) Theme: Joy in Simplicity
Sunday Dec 29: *Dec 23 – Dec 28 (for Sunday School) Reading: Part 2, Chapters 7-12 (approx. 30 pages) Theme: Love Made Manifest
Thursdays in December at 6 pm – We gather for contemplative silence, reading, and prayer every Thursday at 6pm by ZOOM to practice “being alone with God together.”
Prayer time will last 20 minutes and will include short readings, short prayers, and short periods of silence (6:05 to 6:25).
Zoom will open at 5:50 and prayer will begin promptly at 6:05.
Feel free to sign on at any time between 5:50 and 6:45, but plan to have your microphone
OFF from 6:05 to 6:25.
The prayer time will not be interactive, but you are welcome to stay on the Zoom meeting
after the 20 minutes of prayer for conversation and visiting.
Copy/Paste this web address to Join Zoom Meeting
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/88575599276?pwd=Zf8uQMdSnES8StJzq53LIWvDwLGRua.1
Or Use the Meeting ID: 885 7559 9276 and Passcode: 787818
Saturday, December 14 from 10am to 2pm - Advent Workshop with Victor Judge on the life and work of Thomas Merton. RSVP for lunch, please. janemherring@gmail.com
The Advent Daily Devotional Readings were sent out by email on Nov. 29. Pastor Jane will print a copy for you, if you like.
Advent starts December 1.
There will be a reading schedule for the book Thoughts in Solitude by Thomas Merton.
There will be an Advent Workshop with Victor Judge on the life and work of Thomas Merton on Saturday, December 14 from 10am – 2pm.
RSVP to Jane for lunch janemherring@gmail.com if you plan to attend.
Meetings and discussion will be in the adult classroom on Sundays in December at 9:10am
And there’s this...
You are invited! Join in the fun and celebrate the Centennial Waffle Shop at Downtown Pres. Date and time: Thursday, December 5 · 11am - 2pm CST
Cost: $17.85 in advance and $20.00 at the door. Tickets can be purchased by pasting the following site in your browser. https://www.eventbrite.com/e/waffle-shop-centennial-tickets- 1063374073479?utm_experiment=test_share_listing&aff=ebdsshios
Location: Downtown Presbyterian Church 154 Rep. John Lewis Way North Nashville, TN 37219 Refund Policy: Refunds up to 7 days before event Eventbrite's fee is nonrefundable.
Each Waffle Shop Ticket will include: a waffle breakfast! Enjoy waffles, grits, a choice of Hattie B's (hot or mild) chicken, Puckett's country bacon, or turkey hash made from the original Waffle Shop recipe, and your choice of Frothy Monkey coffee or spiced tea.
a guided tour of The Downtown Presbyterian Church's historic Egyptian Revival sanctuary
an organ recital and Christmas carol singalong
the opportunity to shop at the church’s holiday gift shop! Selections include homemade baked goods, handmade crafts, and more!
a chance to bid on wonderful items at the Silent Auction including hotel stays, gift cards to downtown shops and restaurants, original artwork, much more!
Parking:
FREE parking will be available in LOT B of Nissan Stadium. Please enter the parking lot from Interstate Drive as your ingress. Attendants at the entrances on that side will assist with parking directions. There will be an Old Town Trolley that will shuttle Waffle Shop attendees to and from the church. A sign will be in the lot indicating the shuttle pick-up spot.Fundraiser:
Most importantly, each ticket is a contribution to DPC's Fish & Loaves ministry! This outreach ministry assists those in our local Nashville community who need food and essentials. All proceeds from this fundraiser will go directly to the Fish and Loaves ministry at The Downtown Presbyterian Church.
Thank you to this year's sponsors:
Hattie B’s Hot Chicken
Frothy Monkey
The ContributorOld Town Trolley
Sir Speedy Music CityUgly Bagel
Puckett’s Grocery Truist Bank
Goo Goo ClusterOngoing:
Communion every 1st Sunday
Building Improvement Committee every first Sunday (1/1)
Worship Committee Mtg every 2nd Sunday after service (12/8)
Mission/Fellowship Committee Mtg every 3rd Sunday 9:30 am
(12/15)
Session Mtg every 3rd Monday after service (12/16)
Upcoming:
YOUTH SIZES $11.00 each
2-4 (YXS) 6-8 (YS) 10-12 (YM) 14-16 (YL)
November 24th – ongoing submission of pledge cards for 2025, never too late!
December 5: Waffle Shop Centennial Celebration at Downtown Pres. 11am - 2pm
December 8: Congregational meeting after service to elect elder nominating committee
December 11: Blue Christmas service of hope and healing, 6 pm
December 14: Advent Workshop with Victor Judge, 10-2 pm. RSVP to Jane for lunch.
December 15: Deadline for prepaid T-shirt orders.
December 24: Candlelight Christmas Eve Service of Lessons and Carols, 4:30pm.
December 25: Christmas Morning Service, 8am
*The bulletin boards are continuously being changed. Don’t forget to check them out for updates and ongoing activities.
-
9am Sunday School.
-
*During service last week we had a special presentation for the youth who went to Montreat last summer.
* Pictures from their week at camp were lovingly placed into book form.
* Teddy, Jefferson and Annalease received their own copy, as did Scott and Barb.
One copy has also been placed in the EPC library. Well done. Thank you.
-
Building Improvement Committee:
A HUGE thank you goes out to John and Marilyn Lord for their assistance with the sanctuary floor upkeep. It was sorely needed and it looks spectacular!
Thank you also to those who helped with “Hanging of the greens”. We have our tree up, lit and decorated, windows and doors with Christmas accents and a nice manger scene set up in the back.
-
Class of 2024
Ginia Wood, Fellowship and Mission
John Denton, Building and Grounds
Class of 2025
Greg Burlison, Personnel
John Sevier, Director of Music
Class of 2026
Theresa Denton, Worship and Polity & Procedure
Jan Russell
November 20th, 2024 | Newsletter
-
*It’s Stewardship Season
Stewardship: November 10th – November 24th
Tithing is an act of GRATITUDE.
There is one thing that is consistently expressed by people who have a contented and confident relationship with their financial situation. Surprisingly, it is not how much money they have, It is a grateful heart. When they focus on sharing their treasure, their time and their talents, they take the focus off of themselves and instead begin to focus outwardly on others. This shift in focus cultivates a grateful heart and illuminates the blessings they have in their lives. When they chose to live a joyful generous life, then, and only then, can they really thrive. Don’t wait until you have enough – start now! God blesses this obedience and discipline with a grateful heart; with a world that will get larger rather than smaller.
Welcome Visitors!
We are excited to call your attention to, and encourage you, to visit our upgraded website! Go to www.epcnashville.com or www.epcnashville.org for all your questions. Cut and paste one of these sites in your browser. If you can’t find your answers there, try the options below:
janemherring@gmail.com – Reach out to Pastor Jane on her church phone (call/text) 615- 818-9727 or at her email about what it means to be baptized, to be confirmed in the church (if you have already been baptized), to join
the church or for answers to any other questions you might have.
epcnashville@gmail.com - General EPC email can be sent to this site (be aware that multiple people have access to this email account).
epcbusiness9770@gmail.com - If you ever have any questions about anything dealing with EPC’s finances or other business topics, email your question or request here.
janemherring@gmail.com - Email announcements for the Sunday bulletin here.
frhanchey@gmail.com - Email Information or corrections for the weekly newsletter here. frhanchey@gmail.com – Send questions about the outdoor gardens or children’s education/programming here.
Inquirers of all ages:
Please reach out to Pastor Jane about what it means to be baptized, to be confirmed in the church (if you have already been baptized) or to join the church.
-
REIGN OF CHRIST - PROPER 29 (34) NOV 24, 2024
First reading and Psalm
2 Samuel 23:1-7 Psalm 132:1-12, (13- 18)
Alternate First reading and Psalm
Daniel 7:9-10, 13-14 Psalm 93
Second reading
Revelation 1:4b-8
Gospel
John 18:33-37
-
Litergical readers and schedule notes
Date | Pulpit | Liturgist | Notes |
11.24.24 | Herring | Sandra/Darrell H.
12.01.24 | Herring | Diana B.
12.08.24 | Herring | Terry D.
12.15.24 | Herring | Karen R.
12.22.24 | Herring | Darrell H.
12.29.24 | Herring | Sandra H.
Thank you to those of you who serve as liturgists. If you wish to volunteer as liturgist, send an email to epcbusiness9770@gmail.com or call 615-473-3510.
-
Scripture:
Col. 1:19-22
For God in all his fullness was pleased to live in Christ and by him God reconciled everything to himself. He made peace with everything in heaven and on earth by means of his blood on the cross. This includes you who were once so far away from God. You were his enemies separated from him by your evil thoughts and actions yet now he has brought you back as his friends. He has done this through his death on the cross in his own human body. As a result, he has brought you into the very presence of God, and you are holy and blameless as you stand before him without a single fault.
Quotes about prayer:
Worship and intercession must go together; the one is impossible without the other. Intercession means that we rouse ourselves up to get the mind of Christ about the one for whom we pray. — Oswald Chambers
Invitation to Prayer Group services
Prayer is a gift from God, like life itself.
We meet on Wednesday evenings from 6:00-7:00 pm -ish We have both individual and group conversations with our Creator.
We focus on the prayers of our congregation and our community.
*We also include prayers for the world and the nation. You are welcome any or all Wednesdays; we enjoy visitors.
Please join us!Submit your prayer requests to: EPCprayers97@gmail.com by 5:00 PM each Thursday
-
Oasis:
If you see pans of mashed potatoes in the kitchen Sunday, please don’t eat them!
Oasis is having a thanksgiving dinner for approximately 50 Oasis teens and staff and mission committee offered to bring the potatoes.
Thank you to the ladies on the mission/fellowship committee who volunteered to cook.
-
A Message From Our Treasurer:
Dear Friends,
First, I would like to say THANK YOU to each and every person who gives of their resources in support of EPC. We could not maintain these facilities, have a Pastor to lead our worship, or conduct the many missions that we do without your resources (time, talent and treasure).
Second, I must confess that I almost dropped the ball on conducting a stewardship season this year and only realized the lapse when I started working on the 2025 budget and had no pledges upon which to begin my work. As a result of my tardiness, we have a very short stewardship season this year. So, I am sending out these electronic pledge cards today, plus pledge cards were in the sanctuary today, and will be available again for the next two Sundays during service.
The deadline for submitting the pledge forms is Sunday, November 24th (they can be submitted by taking a picture of the completed form and emailing it to: epcbusiness9770@gmail.com) or printed and brought to service next Sunday).
Please pray about your decisions – take stock of and give thanks for the many blessings that God has given you, then ask for God’s guidance on how to support your community.
The decisions you make are between you and God.
There are four Special Offerings through the Presbytery and General Assembly each year (One Great Hour of Sharing; Pentecost; Peace and Global Witness; and the Joy
offering). These special offerings are meant to be additional offerings and there is no need to include them in your pledge should you decide to submit one.
This is the one time each year that the supporters of EPC collectively and directly give guidance to the session as to the resources that will be available to support, maintain and build our church and to support, maintain and build the church universal through the Presbytery and General Assembly.
WeliveasachurchbythegraceofGod. Someyearsourfinancialstatuslooksmuch worse to begin the year and turns out great, with money left over for the future. Some years look good at the beginning, and we end up with a daunting deficit. Right now, we have a daunting deficit scenario.
We have had generous donors who helped us found and sustain Emmanuel for many years who have passed away, leaving beautiful gifts (our facilities and extra land). We have had all of you giving of your time, talent and treasure, and we get unexpected gifts from friends and community partners that boost us and help us continue as Emmanuel Presbyterian.
Please give as you are able as we continue to be a church family, learning and growing together. Your tithes and offerings are between you and God. If you have any questions about how our budget is formed, what our expenses are, or how your tithes and offerings are stewarded, please contact our treasurer any time (call 615-473-3510 or email your questions to: epcbusiness9770@gmail.com.
Any ideas or initiatives for fund raising or grant applications you could lead or help us begin are also welcome.
Grace to you, and peace, in Jesus Christ, our Lord.
2025 ANNUAL SUPPORT PLEDGE
In gratitude for all of God’s blessings, in response to God’s Grace and Love, and for the building and maintaining of Christ’s church, I/we offer my/our pledge of time, talent, and resources in support of EPC for 2025.
Commitment Sunday is November 24, 2024.
Time/Talent:
I/we pledge an average of _________ hours per month in support of the ministries of EPC; or
I/we are willing to perform __________________________________ in service to God through EPC. (list service(s) to be performed)
Resources*:
I/we pledge general financial support to EPC as indicated below: (please check only one)____$_________ per week ____$ _________ per month ____ $_________ per year
Print Name: ___________________________ Signature: ______________________________ Print Name: ___________________________ Signature: ______________________________ Date: ___/_____/______
*Please note: all pledges & donations are confidential, meaning that specific information related to the identity of donors & the amount of their donations are known only to the Treasurer. Pastor & session members do not have access to donor information unless prior permission is granted by the donor.
-
Join us after worship service for fellowship, snacks and fresh cup of coffee!
There is a sign-up sheet by the front door if you wish to help. Our Thanksgiving pot luck dinner is this Sunday after church service.
The list to the right is a copy of the sign-up sheet for thanksgiving dinner, whatever else you want to bring will be just fine. -
The Covid bug is back. Masks and hand sanitizer remain available at the front entrance to use as desired. Be aware of your health and consider others in all you do.
Share the Love, Show your Support! Now taking pre-orders for EPC T-shirts! Details below. Offering Gildan Heavy Cotton Unisex t-shirts
5.3 oz./yd2 (US) 8.8 oz./L yd (CA), 100% cotton
Innovation you can feel. Made with 100% U.S. cotton and the latest breakthrough in soft cotton technology, the Gildan® Heavy Cotton family has been remastered for improved printability, quality and comfort you can see and feel.
Classic fit
Rib collar
Taped neck and shoulders for comfort and durability
Tear away label
Proud member of the U.S. Cotton Trust Protocol
-
Please remember to check the “Events”, “Missions” and “Stewardship” bulletin boards in the hallway for ongoing information about these areas of activity at EPC.
The kids board, underneath the “Missions” section, shares the kids’ lessons with you. It’s sometime messy but that’s what kids do -- Enjoy it!
This Photo by Unknown Author is licensed under CC BY-
Ongoing:
Communion every 1st Sunday
Worship Committee Mtg every 2nd Sunday after service (10/13)
Mission/Fellowship Committee Mtg every 3rd Sunday 9:30 am (10/20)
Session Mtg every 3rd Monday (10/31)
2nd Thursday of each month (except for December) - Rug Hookers meet
10am–2pm. Upcoming:
October 6: Blessing of the Animals (outside service) and Feast of St Francis of Assisi
October 27: Deliver books and puzzles to Maple Village
October12th and 19th 9am – 12 noon -- Spit and Shine Building and Grounds Clean up days ( see
below)
November 3: Feast of All Saints and Communion of All Saints
November 17: Thanksgiving pot luck dinner, bring sides.
November 30: Christmas Cookie Bake and activities. Details to come
November 30: Hanging of the Greens
December 1: First day of Advent, Sunday and Wednesday events. Details to come.
-
Advent is coming...
Advent starts December 1.
There will be a reading schedule for the book Thoughts in Solitude by Thomas Merton.
There will be an Advent Workshop with Victor Judge on the life and work of Thomas Merton on Saturday, December 14 from 10am – 2pm.
RSVP to Jane for lunch janemherring@gmail.com if you plan to attend.
Meetings and discussion will be in the adult classroom on Sundays in December at 9:10am
And there’s this...
You are invited! Join in the fun and celebrate the Centennial Waffle Shop at Downtown Pres. Date and time: Thursday, December 5 · 11am - 2pm CST
Cost: $17.85 in advance and $20.00 at the door. Tickets can be purchased by pasting the following site in your browser. https://www.eventbrite.com/e/waffle-shop-centennial-tickets- 1063374073479?utm_experiment=test_share_listing&aff=ebdsshios
Location: Downtown Presbyterian Church 154 Rep. John Lewis Way North Nashville, TN 37219 Refund Policy: Refunds up to 7 days before event Eventbrite's fee is nonrefundable.
Each Waffle Shop Ticket will include: a waffle breakfast! Enjoy waffles, grits, a choice of Hattie B's (hot or mild) chicken, Puckett's country bacon, or turkey hash made from the original Waffle Shop recipe, and your choice of Frothy Monkey coffee or spiced tea.
a guided tour of The Downtown Presbyterian Church's historic Egyptian Revival sanctuary
an organ recital and Christmas carol singalong
the opportunity to shop at the church’s holiday gift shop! Selections include homemade baked goods, handmade crafts, and more!
a chance to bid on wonderful items at the Silent Auction including hotel stays, gift cards to downtown shops and restaurants, original artwork, much more!
Parking:
FREE parking will be available in LOT B of Nissan Stadium. Please enter the parking lot from Interstate Drive as your ingress. Attendants at the entrances on that side will assist with parking directions. There will be an Old Town Trolley that will shuttle Waffle Shop attendees to and from the church. A sign will be in the lot indicating the shuttle pick-up spot.Fundraiser:
Most importantly, each ticket is a contribution to DPC's Fish & Loaves ministry! This outreach ministry assists those in our local Nashville community who need food and essentials. All proceeds from this fundraiser will go directly to the Fish and Loaves ministry at The Downtown Presbyterian Church.
Thank you to this year's sponsors:
Hattie B’s Hot Chicken
Frothy Monkey
The ContributorOld Town Trolley
Sir Speedy Music CityUgly Bagel
Puckett’s Grocery Truist Bank
Goo Goo Cluster*The bulletin boards are continuously being changed. Don’t forget to check them out for updates and ongoing activities.
Ongoing:
Communion every 1st Sunday
Building Improvement Committee every first Sunday (12/1)
Worship Committee Mtg every 2nd Sunday after service (12/8)
Mission/Fellowship Committee Mtg every 3rd Sunday 9:30 am
(12/15)
Session Mtg every 3rd Monday after service (12/16)
Upcoming:
November 24th – Deadline for submission of pledge cards for 2025
November 30: Hanging of the Greens, View John Denton’s art and fellowship
December 1: First day of Advent, Sunday and Thursday events. Details in fellowship section, more to come.
December 5: Waffle Shop Centennial Celebration at Downtown Pres. 11am - 2pm
December 14: Advent Workshop with Victor Judge 10-2 pm. RSVP to Jane for lunch.
December 15: Deadline for prepaid T-shirt orders.
Please remember to check the “Events”, “Missions” and “Stewardship” bulletin boards in the hallway for ongoing information about these areas of activity at EPC.
Also, don’t forget about the file system in the hallway for each committee where you can make suggestions to be considered by session for change and improvement.
-
Coming up soon, take part in conversation about uniting the Bodies of Christ:
As a follow up to a previous meeting, there will be a conversation with Adam Buzard, who is part of the Operation Andrew Group. This will be hosted by the 2nd Presbyterian Church on April 18th from 9-11 am. as he works to fulfill the mission of uniting the bodies of Christ as they partner with local churches. 2nd Pres is located at 3511 Belmont Blvd and the conversation will center around “The State of Nashville”. It is open to anyone (pastors, elders, church volunteers) interested in knowing what others think of our church. The event is this scheduled for tomorrow.
++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++ NaCoMe Camp Opportunity:
Reach out to Jane if you have questions about this. It is coming up soon. I’m sorry I don’t have any more details at this time.
Inquirers of all ages:
Please reach out to Pastor Jane about what it means to be baptized, to be confirmed in the church (if you have already been baptized) or to join the church.
-
*During service last week we had a special presentation for the youth who went to Montreat last summer.
* Pictures from their week at camp were lovingly placed into book form.
* Teddy, Jefferson and Annalease received their own copy, as did Scott and Barb.
One copy has also been placed in the EPC library. Well done. Thank you.
-
Garden in Progress.
-
Class of 2024
Ginia Wood, Fellowship and Mission
John Denton, Building and Grounds
Class of 2025
Greg Burlison, Personnel
John Sevier, Director of Music
Class of 2026
Theresa Denton, Worship and Polity & Procedure
Jan Russell
Grace in the Mess: Celebrating Love, Mercy, and the Beauty of 'Better, Not Best'
Grace: A Gift Freely Given
Grace is not something we earn or deserve; it’s a gift freely given.
It shows up in the messiness of our lives, not in our perfection.
Grace is the love and acceptance of God that meets us exactly where we are—imperfect and human.
Grace reminds us that we don’t have to strive endlessly to be good enough.
Grace says, “You are already loved.”
Grace in the Letting Go
Grace is in the moments when we let go:
Let go of our shame.
Let go of our need for control.
Let go of our fear of failure.
It’s trusting that God’s mercy is bigger than our shortcomings and greater than the world’s problems.
Grace invites us to be open to better things:
A better us.
A better world.
A better way of communicating.
Even the smallest baby-step of “better-not-best” is held in grace.
Rest in Grace Today
Take a moment to rest in grace.
Breathe a little.
Let go of the pressures of expectations or ideals.
Simply allow God’s love to fill your heart.
Trust that you are enough, just as you are, in God’s unending grace.
Can you believe that grace is celebrating you at this very moment?
Grace in Every Moment
You made it through another day.
Maybe you said something stupid, or maybe you said something kind.
Maybe you met all your marks, or maybe you fell short.
Grace is here—
with you, for you, starting right where you are.
It nudges you to take one micro, mini step in a new direction:
A step with mercy.
A step with love.
Grace for EPC
Grace is here for Emmanuel too.
Something sweet is happening among us.
We may not have an ironclad plan to build the greater, grander, worry-free, award-winning, people-helping, people-saving church-of-all-time we might wish for.
But grace reminds us:
God loves EPC. Grace is here with EPC.
By grace, we have traveled this far.
And by grace, we will continue.
Thank God for grace.
Reflection Questions
Are you judging anything about yourself or your life?
Can you let grace in?Are you happy or grateful about something?
Take a moment to realize:Grace is throwing a little party with you about all the good things.
Grace is hatching plans for even more.
November 13th, 2024 | Newsletter
-
*It’s Stewardship Season
Stewardship: November 10th – November 24th
Tithing is an act of GRATITUDE.
There is one thing that is consistently expressed by people who have a contented and confident relationship with their financial situation. Surprisingly, it is not how much money they have, It is a grateful heart. When they focus on sharing their treasure, their time and their talents, they take the focus off of themselves and instead begin to focus outwardly on others. This shift in focus cultivates a grateful heart and illuminates the blessings they have in their lives. When they chose to live a joyful generous life, then, and only then, can they really thrive. Don’t wait until you have enough – start now! God blesses this obedience and discipline with a grateful heart; with a world that will get larger rather than smaller.
Welcome Visitors!
We are excited to call your attention to, and encourage you, to visit our upgraded website! Go to www.epcnashville.com or www.epcnashville.org for all your questions. Cut and paste one of these sites in your browser. If you can’t find your answers there, try the options below:
janemherring@gmail.com – Reach out to Pastor Jane on her church phone (call/text) 615- 818-9727 or at her email about what it means to be baptized, to be confirmed in the church (if you have already been baptized), to join
the church or for answers to any other questions you might have.
epcnashville@gmail.com - General EPC email can be sent to this site (be aware that multiple people have access to this email account).
epcbusiness9770@gmail.com - If you ever have any questions about anything dealing with EPC’s finances or other business topics, email your question or request here.
janemherring@gmail.com - Email announcements for the Sunday bulletin here.
frhanchey@gmail.com - Email Information or corrections for the weekly newsletter here. frhanchey@gmail.com – Send questions about the outdoor gardens or children’s education/programming here.
Inquirers of all ages:
Please reach out to Pastor Jane about what it means to be baptized, to be confirmed in the church (if you have already been baptized) or to join the church.
-
PROPER 28 (33) NOV 17, 2024
First reading
1 Samuel 1:4-20 and 1 Samuel 2:1-10
Alternate First reading and Psalm
Daniel 12:1-3 and Psalm 16
Second reading
Hebrews 10:11-14, (15-18), 19-25
Gospel
Mark 13:1-8
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Litergical readers and schedule notes
Date | Pulpit | Liturgist | Notes |
11.17.24 | Herring | Marilyn
11.24.24 | Herring | Sandra/Darrell H.
12.01.24 | Herring | Diana B.
12.08.24 | Herring | Terry D.
12.15.24 | Herring | Karen R.
12.22.24 | Herring | Darrell H.
12.29.24 | Herring | Sandra H.
Thank you to those of you who serve as liturgists. If you wish to volunteer as liturgist, send an email to epcbusiness9770@gmail.com or call 615-473-3510.
-
Romans 5:10
For since we were restored to friendship with God by the death of his Son while we were still his enemies, we will certainly be delivered from eternal punishment by his life.
Quotes about prayer:
Prayer should not be regarded as a duty which must be performed, but rather as a privilege to be enjoyed, a rare delight that is always revealing some new beauty. - E.M. Bounds
Invitation to Prayer Group services:
Prayer is the life blood of our relationship with God.
Prayer is the mechanism by which we grow and mature as
followers of Christ.
Prayer is the place of solace in grief, celebration in joy and
sharing without fear.
Prayer is often solitary and there is great joy in that “alone
time” with God.
Prayer is also communal, building our relationships with
each other and God simultaneously.
Please come pray with us – 6:00 PM each Thursday night for an hour (or so).
Submit your prayer requests to: EPCprayers97@gmail.com by 5:00 PM each Thursday
-
Maple Village:
IT’S PIE TIME!
The new date for our pie
donations is Nov. 17th
We will deliver pies to Maple Village after our Thanksgiving gathering.
Please bring an extra pie with your Thanksgiving side dish.
Oasis:
Oasis is having a thanksgiving dinner for approximately 50 Oasis teens and staff.
EPC’s mission committee stepped right up when the request for help came out.
Our committee members will be making a mess of mashed potatoes for them and will
bring the food in non-returnable dishes to the church on Sunday, November 24th.
Thank you to the ladies on the mission/fellowship committee who volunteered to help.
-
A Message From Our Treasurer:
Dear Friends,
First, I would like to say THANK YOU to each and every person who gives of their resources in support of EPC. We could not maintain these facilities, have a Pastor to lead our worship, or conduct the many missions that we do without your resources (time, talent and treasure).
Second, I must confess that I almost dropped the ball on conducting a stewardship season this year and only realized the lapse when I started working on the 2025 budget and had no pledges upon which to begin my work. As a result of my tardiness, we have a very short stewardship season this year. So, I am sending out these electronic pledge cards today, plus pledge cards were in the sanctuary today, and will be available again for the next two Sundays during service.
The deadline for submitting the pledge forms is Sunday, November 24th (they can be submitted by taking a picture of the completed form and emailing it to: epcbusiness9770@gmail.com) or printed and brought to service next Sunday).
Please pray about your decisions – take stock of and give thanks for the many blessings that God has given you, then ask for God’s guidance on how to support your community.
The decisions you make are between you and God.
There are four Special Offerings through the Presbytery and General Assembly each year (One Great Hour of Sharing; Pentecost; Peace and Global Witness; and the Joy
offering). These special offerings are meant to be additional offerings and there is no need to include them in your pledge should you decide to submit one.
This is the one time each year that the supporters of EPC collectively and directly give guidance to the session as to the resources that will be available to support, maintain and build our church and to support, maintain and build the church universal through the Presbytery and General Assembly.
WeliveasachurchbythegraceofGod. Someyearsourfinancialstatuslooksmuch worse to begin the year and turns out great, with money left over for the future. Some years look good at the beginning, and we end up with a daunting deficit. Right now, we have a daunting deficit scenario.
We have had generous donors who helped us found and sustain Emmanuel for many years who have passed away, leaving beautiful gifts (our facilities and extra land). We have had all of you giving of your time, talent and treasure, and we get unexpected gifts from friends and community partners that boost us and help us continue as Emmanuel Presbyterian.
Please give as you are able as we continue to be a church family, learning and growing together. Your tithes and offerings are between you and God. If you have any questions about how our budget is formed, what our expenses are, or how your tithes and offerings are stewarded, please contact our treasurer any time (call 615-473-3510 or email your questions to: epcbusiness9770@gmail.com.
Any ideas or initiatives for fund raising or grant applications you could lead or help us begin are also welcome.
Grace to you, and peace, in Jesus Christ, our Lord.
2025 ANNUAL SUPPORT PLEDGE
In gratitude for all of God’s blessings, in response to God’s Grace and Love, and for the building and maintaining of Christ’s church, I/we offer my/our pledge of time, talent, and resources in support of EPC for 2025.
Commitment Sunday is November 24, 2024.
Time/Talent:
I/we pledge an average of _________ hours per month in support of the ministries of EPC; or
I/we are willing to perform __________________________________ in service to God through EPC. (list service(s) to be performed)
Resources*:
I/we pledge general financial support to EPC as indicated below: (please check only one)____$_________ per week ____$ _________ per month ____ $_________ per year
Print Name: ___________________________ Signature: ______________________________ Print Name: ___________________________ Signature: ______________________________ Date: ___/_____/______
*Please note: all pledges & donations are confidential, meaning that specific information related to the identity of donors & the amount of their donations are known only to the Treasurer. Pastor & session members do not have access to donor information unless prior permission is granted by the donor.
-
Join us after worship service for fellowship, snacks and fresh cup of coffee!
There is a sign-up sheet by the front door if you wish to help. Our Thanksgiving pot luck dinner is this Sunday after church service.
The list to the right is a copy of the sign-up sheet for thanksgiving dinner, whatever else you want to bring will be just fine. -
The Covid bug is back. Masks and hand sanitizer remain available at the front entrance to use as desired. Be aware of your health and consider others in all you do.
Share the Love, Show your Support! Now taking pre-orders for EPC T-shirts! Details below. Offering Gildan Heavy Cotton Unisex t-shirts
5.3 oz./yd2 (US) 8.8 oz./L yd (CA), 100% cotton
Innovation you can feel. Made with 100% U.S. cotton and the latest breakthrough in soft cotton technology, the Gildan® Heavy Cotton family has been remastered for improved printability, quality and comfort you can see and feel.
Classic fit
Rib collar
Taped neck and shoulders for comfort and durability
Tear away label
Proud member of the U.S. Cotton Trust Protocol
-
Please remember to check the “Events”, “Missions” and “Stewardship” bulletin boards in the hallway for ongoing information about these areas of activity at EPC.
The kids board, underneath the “Missions” section, shares the kids’ lessons with you. It’s sometime messy but that’s what kids do -- Enjoy it!
This Photo by Unknown Author is licensed under CC BY-
Ongoing:
Communion every 1st Sunday
Worship Committee Mtg every 2nd Sunday after service (10/13)
Mission/Fellowship Committee Mtg every 3rd Sunday 9:30 am (10/20)
Session Mtg every 3rd Monday (10/31)
2nd Thursday of each month (except for December) - Rug Hookers meet
10am–2pm. Upcoming:
October 6: Blessing of the Animals (outside service) and Feast of St Francis of Assisi
October 27: Deliver books and puzzles to Maple Village
October12th and 19th 9am – 12 noon -- Spit and Shine Building and Grounds Clean up days ( see
below)
November 3: Feast of All Saints and Communion of All Saints
November 17: Thanksgiving pot luck dinner, bring sides.
November 30: Christmas Cookie Bake and activities. Details to come
November 30: Hanging of the Greens
December 1: First day of Advent, Sunday and Wednesday events. Details to come.
-
Advent is coming...
Advent starts December 1.
There will be a reading schedule for the book Thoughts in Solitude by Thomas Merton.
There will be an Advent Workshop with Victor Judge on the life and work of Thomas Merton on Saturday, December 14 from 10am – 2pm.
RSVP to Jane for lunch janemherring@gmail.com if you plan to attend.
Meetings and discussion will be in the adult classroom on Sundays in December at 9:10am
And there’s this...
You are invited! Join in the fun and celebrate the Centennial Waffle Shop at Downtown Pres. Date and time: Thursday, December 5 · 11am - 2pm CST
Cost: $17.85 in advance and $20.00 at the door. Tickets can be purchased by pasting the following site in your browser. https://www.eventbrite.com/e/waffle-shop-centennial-tickets- 1063374073479?utm_experiment=test_share_listing&aff=ebdsshios
Location: Downtown Presbyterian Church 154 Rep. John Lewis Way North Nashville, TN 37219 Refund Policy: Refunds up to 7 days before event Eventbrite's fee is nonrefundable.
Each Waffle Shop Ticket will include: a waffle breakfast! Enjoy waffles, grits, a choice of Hattie B's (hot or mild) chicken, Puckett's country bacon, or turkey hash made from the original Waffle Shop recipe, and your choice of Frothy Monkey coffee or spiced tea.
a guided tour of The Downtown Presbyterian Church's historic Egyptian Revival sanctuary
an organ recital and Christmas carol singalong
the opportunity to shop at the church’s holiday gift shop! Selections include homemade baked goods, handmade crafts, and more!
a chance to bid on wonderful items at the Silent Auction including hotel stays, gift cards to downtown shops and restaurants, original artwork, much more!
Parking:
FREE parking will be available in LOT B of Nissan Stadium. Please enter the parking lot from Interstate Drive as your ingress. Attendants at the entrances on that side will assist with parking directions. There will be an Old Town Trolley that will shuttle Waffle Shop attendees to and from the church. A sign will be in the lot indicating the shuttle pick-up spot.Fundraiser:
Most importantly, each ticket is a contribution to DPC's Fish & Loaves ministry! This outreach ministry assists those in our local Nashville community who need food and essentials. All proceeds from this fundraiser will go directly to the Fish and Loaves ministry at The Downtown Presbyterian Church.
Thank you to this year's sponsors:
Hattie B’s Hot Chicken
Frothy Monkey
The ContributorOld Town Trolley
Sir Speedy Music CityUgly Bagel
Puckett’s Grocery Truist Bank
Goo Goo Cluster*The bulletin boards are continuously being changed. Don’t forget to check them out for updates and ongoing activities.
Ongoing:
Communion every 1st Sunday
Building Improvement Committee every first Sunday (12/1)
Worship Committee Mtg every 2nd Sunday after service (12/8)
Mission/Fellowship Committee Mtg every 3rd Sunday 9:30 am (12/15)
Session Mtg every 3rd Monday (11/18) after service
2nd Thursday of each month (except for December) - Rug Hookers meet 10 am – 2 pm.Upcoming:
November 17: Thanksgiving pot luck dinner, bring sides and an extra pie!
November 24th – Deadline for submission of pledge cards for 2025
November 30: Hanging of the Greens, View John Denton’s art and fellowship
December 1: First day of Advent, Sunday and Thursday Wednesday events. Details in fellowship section, more to come.
December 5: Waffle Shop Centennial Celebration at Downtown Pres. 11am - 2pm
December 14: Advent Workshop with Victor Judge 10-2 pm. RSVP to Jane for lunch.
December 15: Deadline for prepaid T-shirt orders.
-
Coming up soon, take part in conversation about uniting the Bodies of Christ:
As a follow up to a previous meeting, there will be a conversation with Adam Buzard, who is part of the Operation Andrew Group. This will be hosted by the 2nd Presbyterian Church on April 18th from 9-11 am. as he works to fulfill the mission of uniting the bodies of Christ as they partner with local churches. 2nd Pres is located at 3511 Belmont Blvd and the conversation will center around “The State of Nashville”. It is open to anyone (pastors, elders, church volunteers) interested in knowing what others think of our church. The event is this scheduled for tomorrow.
++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++ NaCoMe Camp Opportunity:
Reach out to Jane if you have questions about this. It is coming up soon. I’m sorry I don’t have any more details at this time.
Inquirers of all ages:
Please reach out to Pastor Jane about what it means to be baptized, to be confirmed in the church (if you have already been baptized) or to join the church.
-
*During service last week we had a special presentation for the youth who went to Montreat last summer.
* Pictures from their week at camp were lovingly placed into book form.
* Teddy, Jefferson and Annalease received their own copy, as did Scott and Barb.
One copy has also been placed in the EPC library. Well done. Thank you.
-
Garden in Progress.
-
Class of 2024
Ginia Wood, Fellowship and Mission
John Denton, Building and Grounds
Class of 2025
Greg Burlison, Personnel
John Sevier, Director of Music
Class of 2026
Theresa Denton, Worship and Polity & Procedure
Jan Russell
November 6th, 2024 | Newsletter
-
This Sunday is Communion Sunday.
This Sunday we celebrate All Saints Day.
This Sunday we share in the Communion of All Saints.
And this Sunday we welcome Dave Safford as our newest member of Emmanuel Presbyterian.!!Welcome Visitors!
We are excited to call your attention to, and encourage you, to visit our upgraded website! Go to www.epcnashville.com or www.epcnashville.org for all your questions. Cut and paste one of these sites in your browser. If you can’t find your answers there, try the options below:
janemherring@gmail.com – Reach out to Pastor Jane on her church phone (call/text) 615- 818-9727 or at her email about what it means to be baptized, to be confirmed in the church (if you have already been baptized), to join
the church or for answers to any other questions you might have.
epcnashville@gmail.com - General EPC email can be sent to this site (be aware that multiple people have access to this email account).
epcbusiness9770@gmail.com - If you ever have any questions about anything dealing with EPC’s finances or other business topics, email your question or request here.
janemherring@gmail.com - Email announcements for the Sunday bulletin here.
frhanchey@gmail.com - Email Information or corrections for the weekly newsletter here. frhanchey@gmail.com – Send questions about the outdoor gardens or children’s education/programming here.
Inquirers of all ages:
Please reach out to Pastor Jane about what it means to be baptized, to be confirmed in the church (if you have already been baptized) or to join the church.
-
PROPER 27 (32) NOV 10, 2024
First reading and Psalm
Ruth 3:1-5; 4:13-17 Psalm 127Alternate First reading and Psalm
1 Kings 17:8-16 Psalm 146Second reading
Hebrews 9:24-28Gospel
Mark 12:38-44 -
Litergical readers and schedule notes
Date | Pulpit | Liturgist | Notes |
11.10.24 | Herring | Barbara H.
11.17.24 | Herring | Marilyn
11.24.24 | Herring | Sandra/Darrell H.
12.01.24 | Herring | Diana B.
12.08.24 | Herring | Terry D.
12.15.24 | Herring | Karen R.
12.22.24 | Herring | Darrell H.
12.29.24 | Herring | Sandra H.
Thank you to those of you who serve as liturgists. If you wish to volunteer as liturgist, send an email to epcbusiness9770@gmail.com or call 615-473-3510.
-
Matt 5:44-48
Jesus said “But I say, love your enemies! Pray for those who persecute you! In that way, you will be acting as true children of your Father in heaven. For he gives his sunlight to both the evil and the good, and he sends rain on the just and on the unjust, too. If you love only those who love you, what good is that? Even corrupt tax collectors do that much. If you are kind only to your
friends, how are you different from anyone else? Even pagans do that. But you are to be perfect, even as your Father in heaven is perfect.”
Invitation to Prayer Group:
There is Joy to be had! Where two or more gather in Christ's name He has promised to be present.
Please pray with us - 6:00 PM each Thursday for an hour (or so) to worship Christ by following His example of love and relationship.
Please join us in the sanctuary this Thursday evening at 6:00 PM for an hour or so of communing with God, each other and all the saints that have come before us.
Please join us in prayer that 2024 is a year of renewed faith, hope and a deepening and widening of the relationship we each have with Father, Son and Holy Spirit!
It is our fervent prayer that this ministry is as much of a blessing to the rest of our EPC family and the community, as it is to us.
Yours in Christ,
EPC prayer group
-
Maple Village:
Barb has handled the delivery of books and puzzles to Maple Village.
Due to the limited space in the activity room, she will provide books throughout the next
few months so as to not overwhelm them with too many all at once.
Thank you for supporting this mission with your donations.
-
Financial Support for Missions:
Call it what you will, for a small church we are involved in many different local ministries, missions or outreach programs.
Funding for these giving programs come from various places, one of these places is you!
If you would like to donate additional funds for a specific program, checks can be made to the following ongoing missions of EPC.
Community Garden
Gateway to Higher Education Scholarship Crossroads Campus
Maple Village
Special Music Ministry events
Oasis
Please note on the memo line which mission your check is meant to support.
Financial Support for EPC:
If you are not able to attend worship service and still wish show your support for Emmanuel Presbyterian Church, you can contribute in the following ways:
Online–send an electronic payment, your bank can help you set this up if you have questions.
By Mail – our mailing address is EPC, 9770 Hwy 96, Nashville, TN 37221
Through EPC’s website www.epcnashville.com or www.epcnashville.org Simply click on the “GIVE” button, then the “donate” button, to donate via PayPal or debit/credit card. This can be a one-time donation or can be set up as a monthly donation.
-
Join us for fellowship, snacks and fresh cup of coffee!
There is a sign-up sheet by the front door if you wish to help.
-
The Covid bug is back. Masks and hand sanitizer remain available at the front entrance to use as desired. Be aware of your health and consider others in all you do.
Share the Love, Show your Support! Now taking pre-orders for EPC T-shirts! Details below. Offering Gildan Heavy Cotton Unisex t-shirts
5.3 oz./yd2 (US) 8.8 oz./L yd (CA), 100% cotton
Innovation you can feel. Made with 100% U.S. cotton and the latest breakthrough in soft cotton technology, the Gildan® Heavy Cotton family has been remastered for improved printability, quality and comfort you can see and feel.
Classic fit
Rib collar
Taped neck and shoulders for comfort and durability
Tear away label
Proud member of the U.S. Cotton Trust Protocol
-
Please remember to check the “Events”, “Missions” and “Stewardship” bulletin boards in the hallway for ongoing information about these areas of activity at EPC.
The kids board, underneath the “Missions” section, shares the kids’ lessons with you. It’s sometime messy but that’s what kids do -- Enjoy it!
This Photo by Unknown Author is licensed under CC BY-
Ongoing:
Communion every 1st Sunday
Worship Committee Mtg every 2nd Sunday after service (10/13)
Mission/Fellowship Committee Mtg every 3rd Sunday 9:30 am (10/20)
Session Mtg every 3rd Monday (10/31)
2nd Thursday of each month (except for December) - Rug Hookers meet
10am–2pm. Upcoming:
October 6: Blessing of the Animals (outside service) and Feast of St Francis of Assisi
October 27: Deliver books and puzzles to Maple Village
October12th and 19th 9am – 12 noon -- Spit and Shine Building and Grounds Clean up days ( see
below)
November 3: Feast of All Saints and Communion of All Saints
November 17: Thanksgiving pot luck dinner, bring sides.
November 30: Christmas Cookie Bake and activities. Details to come
November 30: Hanging of the Greens
December 1: First day of Advent, Sunday and Wednesday events. Details to come.
-
Ongoing:
Communion every 1st Sunday
Building Improvement Committee every first Sunday (12/1)
Worship Committee Mtg every 2nd Sunday after service (11/10)
Mission/Fellowship Committee Mtg every 3rd Sunday 9:30 am (11/17) CHANGED TO 2ND
SUNDAY IN NOVEMBER (11/10) This Sunday.
Session Mtg every 3rd Monday (11/18) after service
2nd Thursday of each month (except for December) - Rug Hookers meet 10 am – 2 pm.
Upcoming:
November 17: Thanksgiving pot luck dinner, bring sides.
November 30: Christmas Cookie Bake and activities. Details to come
November 30: Hanging of the Greens
December 1: First day of Advent, Sunday and Wednesday events. Details to come.
-
Coming up soon, take part in conversation about uniting the Bodies of Christ:
As a follow up to a previous meeting, there will be a conversation with Adam Buzard, who is part of the Operation Andrew Group. This will be hosted by the 2nd Presbyterian Church on April 18th from 9-11 am. as he works to fulfill the mission of uniting the bodies of Christ as they partner with local churches. 2nd Pres is located at 3511 Belmont Blvd and the conversation will center around “The State of Nashville”. It is open to anyone (pastors, elders, church volunteers) interested in knowing what others think of our church. The event is this scheduled for tomorrow.
++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++ NaCoMe Camp Opportunity:
Reach out to Jane if you have questions about this. It is coming up soon. I’m sorry I don’t have any more details at this time.
Inquirers of all ages:
Please reach out to Pastor Jane about what it means to be baptized, to be confirmed in the church (if you have already been baptized) or to join the church.
-
*During service last week we had a special presentation for the youth who went to Montreat last summer.
* Pictures from their week at camp were lovingly placed into book form.
* Teddy, Jefferson and Annalease received their own copy, as did Scott and Barb.
One copy has also been placed in the EPC library. Well done. Thank you.
-
Garden in Progress.
-
Class of 2024
Ginia Wood, Fellowship and Mission
John Denton, Building and Grounds
Class of 2025
Greg Burlison, Personnel
John Sevier, Director of Music
Class of 2026
Theresa Denton, Worship and Polity & Procedure
Jan Russell
An Election Week Message from Pastor Jane
Tuesday is election day here in our beautiful country. We will certainly use our hearts and minds to be led in our voting. It is such an honor to be part of this Democratic Republic, this amazing experiment that is America, but all the cosmos is God’s.
It is truly the Lord alone who is our Creator, Redeemer, and Sustainer.
The form of democratic republic government is young, other governing forms are much older and have much longer consecutive histories, monarchies, for example, who claimed God appointed them to rule. The idea of the separation of church and state was introduced by Henry the 8th who did not want to be told by the church he could not get a divorce. The interplay between powers of state (some claiming divine power and some claiming secular power) and God’s work in humanity has been quiet a tangle over the centuries.
Our faith in God cuts through all of these and is stronger than any form of governing, greater in hope and life than any ruler, more glorious and binding than any bomb or law. If you ever doubt this, pray the prayer of the desperate father in Mark 9, “I believe, help me in my unbelief.” Jesus shows us that the father's faith, or lack of it, is no obstacle to him. Cry out: your sincerity is precious to Jesus. God placed within you a spirit that even destroyers of the flesh cannot touch.
No matter who wins the privilege of serving America as our President and Commander in Chief, no matter the tone set, no matter the consequences, no matter the good or ill that come, we pray with grateful and hoping hearts for America and her work in the world.
WE ARE THE PEOPLE OF EASTER; OUR LIVES ARE THE WORK OF CHRISTMAS.
We wake up each day saying again that God is growing us and walking with us individually and as a church, local and universal, in all joy and all sorrow.
We look for and participate in Christ’s resurrection in all life.
We lift our hearts and lives to take part of God’s true work of Shalom for all creation.
We celebrate and invite others into the body of Christ and together we care for what needs attention in our lives, community, and the world - to nourish, to comfort, to build, to find, to bless - and we follow Christ out of old ways of living that lead to death and chaos, step by step into new life with Christ each day.
Your joy in Christ, your love, peace, and your faith in God’s will for goodness bless this world more than you can know.
You are the body of Christ, each one of you is part of it. (1 Cor. 12:27)
October 30th, 2024 | Newsletter
-
This Sunday is Communion Sunday.
This Sunday we celebrate All Saints Day.
This Sunday we share in the Communion of All Saints.
And this Sunday we welcome Dave Safford as our newest member of Emmanuel Presbyterian.!!Welcome Visitors!
We are excited to call your attention to, and encourage you, to visit our upgraded website! Go to www.epcnashville.com or www.epcnashville.org for all your questions. Cut and paste one of these sites in your browser. If you can’t find your answers there, try the options below:
janemherring@gmail.com – Reach out to Pastor Jane on her church phone (call/text) 615- 818-9727 or at her email about what it means to be baptized, to be confirmed in the church (if you have already been baptized), to join
the church or for answers to any other questions you might have.
epcnashville@gmail.com - General EPC email can be sent to this site (be aware that multiple people have access to this email account).
epcbusiness9770@gmail.com - If you ever have any questions about anything dealing with EPC’s finances or other business topics, email your question or request here.
janemherring@gmail.com - Email announcements for the Sunday bulletin here.
frhanchey@gmail.com - Email Information or corrections for the weekly newsletter here. frhanchey@gmail.com – Send questions about the outdoor gardens or children’s education/programming here.
Inquirers of all ages:
Please reach out to Pastor Jane about what it means to be baptized, to be confirmed in the church (if you have already been baptized) or to join the church.
-
Readings For The Week
ALL SAINTS DAY NOV 01
First reading and Psalm
Wisdom of Solomon 3:1-9
Psalm 24 or Isaiah 25:6-9
Second reading
Revelation 21:1-6a
Gospel
John 11:32-44 -
Litergical readers and schedule notes
Date | Pulpit | Liturgist | Notes |
11.3.24 | Herring | Ginia W. | Communion
11.10.24 | Herring | Barbara H.
11.17.24 | Herring |
11.24.24 | Herring | Sandra/Darrell H.
12.01.24 | Herring | Diana B.
12.08.24 | Herring |
12.15.24 | Herring | Karen R.
12.22.24 | Herring | Darrell H.
12.29.24 | Herring | Sandra H.
Thank you to those of you who serve as liturgists. If you wish to volunteer as liturgist, send an email to epcbusiness9770@gmail.com or call 615-473-3510.
-
Romans 8:28
God promises to make something good out of the storms that bring devastation to your life.
Invitation to Prayer Group:
There is Joy to be had! Where two or more gather in Christ's name He has promised to be present.
Please pray with us - 6:00 PM each Thursday for an hour (or so) to worship Christ by
following His example of love and relationship.
Please join us in the sanctuary this Thursday evening at 6:00 PM for an hour or so of
communing with God, each other and all the saints that have come before us.
Please join us in prayer that 2024 is a year of renewed faith, hope and a deepening and
widening of the relationship we each have with Father, Son and Holy Spirit!
It is our fervent prayer that this ministry is as much of a blessing to the rest of our EPC family and the community, as it is to us.
Yours in Christ, EPC prayer group
Quotes about prayer:
Prayer is not asking. Prayer is putting oneself in the hands of God, at His disposition, and listening to His voice in the depth of our hearts. – Mother Teresa
-
Maple Village:
Barb has handled the delivery of books and puzzles to Maple Village.
Due to the limited space in the activity room, she will provide books throughout the next
few months so as to not overwhelm them with too many all at once.
Thank you for supporting this mission with your donations.
-
Financial Support for Missions:
Call it what you will, for a small church we are involved in many different local ministries, missions or outreach programs.
Funding for these giving programs come from various places, one of these places is you!
If you would like to donate additional funds for a specific program, checks can be made to the following ongoing missions of EPC.
Community Garden
Gateway to Higher Education Scholarship Crossroads Campus
Maple Village
Special Music Ministry events
Oasis
Please note on the memo line which mission your check is meant to support.
Financial Support for EPC:
If you are not able to attend worship service and still wish show your support for Emmanuel Presbyterian Church, you can contribute in the following ways:
Online–send an electronic payment, your bank can help you set this up if you have questions.
By Mail – our mailing address is EPC, 9770 Hwy 96, Nashville, TN 37221
Through EPC’s website www.epcnashville.com or www.epcnashville.org Simply click on the “GIVE” button, then the “donate” button, to donate via PayPal or debit/credit card. This can be a one-time donation or can be set up as a monthly donation.
-
Join us for fellowship, snacks and fresh cup of coffee!
There is a sign-up sheet by the front door if you wish to help.
-
The Covid bug is back. Masks and hand sanitizer remain available at the front entrance to use as desired. Be aware of your health and consider others in all you do.
Next month is Pastor Appreciation Month.... Just sayin!
-
Please remember to check the “Events”, “Missions” and “Stewardship” bulletin boards in the hallway for ongoing information about these areas of activity at EPC.
The kids board, underneath the “Missions” section, shares the kids’ lessons with you. It’s sometime messy but that’s what kids do -- Enjoy it!
This Photo by Unknown Author is licensed under CC BY-
Ongoing:
Communion every 1st Sunday
Worship Committee Mtg every 2nd Sunday after service (10/13)
Mission/Fellowship Committee Mtg every 3rd Sunday 9:30 am (10/20)
Session Mtg every 3rd Monday (10/31)
2nd Thursday of each month (except for December) - Rug Hookers meet
10am–2pm. Upcoming:
October 6: Blessing of the Animals (outside service) and Feast of St Francis of Assisi
October 27: Deliver books and puzzles to Maple Village
October12th and 19th 9am – 12 noon -- Spit and Shine Building and Grounds Clean up days ( see
below)
November 3: Feast of All Saints and Communion of All Saints
November 17: Thanksgiving pot luck dinner, bring sides.
November 30: Christmas Cookie Bake and activities. Details to come
November 30: Hanging of the Greens
December 1: First day of Advent, Sunday and Wednesday events. Details to come.
-
Ongoing:
Communion every 1st Sunday
Building Improvement Committee every first Sunday (11/3)
Worship Committee Mtg every 2nd Sunday after service (11/10)
Mission/Fellowship Committee Mtg every 3rd Sunday 9:30 am (11/17) CHANGED TO 2ND SUNDAY IN NOVEMBER (11/10)
Session Mtg every 3rd Monday (11/18) after service
2nd Thursday of each month (except for December) - Rug Hookers meet 10 am – 2 pm.
Upcoming:
October 27: Deliver books and puzzles to Maple Village
November 3; Daylight Savings time ends, turn clocks BACK one hour
November 3: Feast of All Saints and Communion of All Saints
November 17: Thanksgiving pot luck dinner, bring sides.
November 30: Christmas Cookie Bake and activities. Details to come
November 30: Hanging of the Greens
December 1: First day of Advent, Sunday and Wednesday events. Details to come.
-
Coming up soon, take part in conversation about uniting the Bodies of Christ:
As a follow up to a previous meeting, there will be a conversation with Adam Buzard, who is part of the Operation Andrew Group. This will be hosted by the 2nd Presbyterian Church on April 18th from 9-11 am. as he works to fulfill the mission of uniting the bodies of Christ as they partner with local churches. 2nd Pres is located at 3511 Belmont Blvd and the conversation will center around “The State of Nashville”. It is open to anyone (pastors, elders, church volunteers) interested in knowing what others think of our church. The event is this scheduled for tomorrow.
++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++ NaCoMe Camp Opportunity:
Reach out to Jane if you have questions about this. It is coming up soon. I’m sorry I don’t have any more details at this time.
Inquirers of all ages:
Please reach out to Pastor Jane about what it means to be baptized, to be confirmed in the church (if you have already been baptized) or to join the church.
-
*During service last week we had a special presentation for the youth who went to Montreat last summer.
* Pictures from their week at camp were lovingly placed into book form.
* Teddy, Jefferson and Annalease received their own copy, as did Scott and Barb.
One copy has also been placed in the EPC library. Well done. Thank you.
-
Garden in Progress.
-
Class of 2024
Ginia Wood, Fellowship and Mission
John Denton, Building and Grounds
Class of 2025
Greg Burlison, Personnel
John Sevier, Director of Music
Class of 2026
Theresa Denton, Worship and Polity & Procedure
Jan Russell
October 23rd, 2024 | Newsletter
-
Welcome Visitors!
We are excited to call your attention to, and encourage you, to visit our upgraded website! Go to www.epcnashville.com or www.epcnashville.org for all your questions. Cut and paste one of these sites in your browser. If you can’t find your answers there, try the options below:
janemherring@gmail.com – Reach out to Pastor Jane on her church phone (call/text) 615- 818-9727 or at her email about what it means to be baptized, to be confirmed in the church (if you have already been baptized), to join
the church or for answers to any other questions you might have.
epcnashville@gmail.com - General EPC email can be sent to this site (be aware that multiple people have access to this email account).
epcbusiness9770@gmail.com - If you ever have any questions about anything dealing with EPC’s finances or other business topics, email your question or request here.
janemherring@gmail.com - Email announcements for the Sunday bulletin here.
frhanchey@gmail.com - Email Information or corrections for the weekly newsletter here. frhanchey@gmail.com – Send questions about the outdoor gardens or children’s education/programming here.
Inquirers of all ages:
Please reach out to Pastor Jane about what it means to be baptized, to be confirmed in the church (if you have already been baptized) or to join the church.
-
Worship: Readings For The Week
PROPER 25 (30) OCT 27, 2024
First reading and Psalm
Job 42:1-6, 10-17
Psalm 34:1- 8, (19-22)
Alternate First reading and Psalm
Jeremiah 31:7-9
Psalm 126
Second reading
Hebrews 7:23-28
Gospel
Mark 10:46-52
-
Litergical readers and schedule notes
Date | Pulpit | Liturgist | Notes |
10.27.24 | Herring | Jan R.
11.3.24 | Herring | Ginia W. | Communion
11.10.24 | Herring | Barbara H.
11.17.24 | Herring |
11.24.24 | Herring | Sandra/Darrell H.
12.01.24 | Herring | Diana B.
12.08.24 | Herring |
12.15.24 | Herring | Karen R.
12.22.24 | Herring | Darrell H.
12.29.24 | Herring | Sandra H.
Thank you to those of you who serve as liturgists. If you wish to volunteer as liturgist, send an email to epcbusiness9770@gmail.com or call 615-473-3510.
-
Prayer and Praise:
Romans 8:28
God promises to make something good out of the storms that bring devastation to your life.
Invitation to Prayer Group:
Have you ever had a relationship strained to the point where you didn’t speak to a loved one?
The GIFT of prayer is a miracle in itself – a direct relationship with our Creator, infused with LOVE.
Give yourself permission to take one moment each day to nurture that relationship.
If you wish to experience what prayer group is like – please join us any Thursday evening from 6:00 – 7:00 pm(ish) when we gather as a small group to talk to God, lift our
community prayers and experience the PEACE of God’s presence - together.
This Photo by Unknown Author is licensed under CC BY-NC-ND
Wednesday night Prayer Group is now meeting on Thursdays from 6- 7pm. All are invited. Please join us.
Quotes about prayer:
Prayer is not asking. Prayer is putting oneself in the hands of God, at His disposition, and listening to His voice in the depth of our hearts. – Mother Teresa
-
Peace and Global Witness:
Thank You to all for the Peace and Global Witness gifts.
Total given this year was $385.00
$96.25 (25%) will be given to the Nashville Peacekeepers nonprofit organization. More
about this group in next week’s newsletter.
$288.75 will be sent to the Presbytery of Middle Tennessee.
Maple Village:
We are collecting gently used books and (especially) jigsaw puzzles for Maple Village.
All book genres and all puzzle sizes are accepted.
There is a tote outside the children’s classroom for your contributions.
We will make a delivery on the last Sunday of October, the 27th.
-
Financial Support for Missions:
Call it what you will, for a small church we are involved in many different local ministries, missions or outreach programs.
Funding for these giving programs come from various places, one of these places is you!
If you would like to donate additional funds for a specific program, checks can be made to the following ongoing missions of EPC.
Community Garden
Gateway to Higher Education Scholarship Crossroads Campus
Maple Village
Special Music Ministry events
Oasis
Please note on the memo line which mission your check is meant to support.
Financial Support for EPC:
If you are not able to attend worship service and still wish show your support for Emmanuel Presbyterian Church, you can contribute in the following ways:
Online–send an electronic payment, your bank can help you set this up if you have questions.
By Mail – our mailing address is EPC, 9770 Hwy 96, Nashville, TN 37221
Through EPC’s website www.epcnashville.com or www.epcnashville.org Simply click on the “GIVE” button, then the “donate” button, to donate via PayPal or debit/credit card. This can be a one-time donation or can be set up as a monthly donation.
-
Join us for fellowship, snacks and fresh cup of coffee!
There is a sign-up sheet by the front door if you wish to help.
-
The Covid bug is back. Masks and hand sanitizer remain available at the front entrance to use as desired. Be aware of your health and consider others in all you do.
Next month is Pastor Appreciation Month.... Just sayin!
-
Please remember to check the “Events”, “Missions” and “Stewardship” bulletin boards in the hallway for ongoing information about these areas of activity at EPC.
The kids board, underneath the “Missions” section, shares the kids’ lessons with you. It’s sometime messy but that’s what kids do -- Enjoy it!
This Photo by Unknown Author is licensed under CC BY-
Ongoing:
Communion every 1st Sunday
Worship Committee Mtg every 2nd Sunday after service (10/13)
Mission/Fellowship Committee Mtg every 3rd Sunday 9:30 am (10/20)
Session Mtg every 3rd Monday (10/31)
2nd Thursday of each month (except for December) - Rug Hookers meet
10am–2pm. Upcoming:
October 6: Blessing of the Animals (outside service) and Feast of St Francis of Assisi
October 27: Deliver books and puzzles to Maple Village
October12th and 19th 9am – 12 noon -- Spit and Shine Building and Grounds Clean up days ( see
below)
November 3: Feast of All Saints and Communion of All Saints
November 17: Thanksgiving pot luck dinner, bring sides.
November 30: Christmas Cookie Bake and activities. Details to come
November 30: Hanging of the Greens
December 1: First day of Advent, Sunday and Wednesday events. Details to come.
-
Ongoing:
Communion every 1st Sunday
Building Improvement Committee every first Sunday (11/3)
Worship Committee Mtg every 2nd Sunday after service (11/10)
Mission/Fellowship Committee Mtg every 3rd Sunday 9:30 am
(11/17)
Session Mtg every 3rd Monday (11/18) after service
2nd Thursday of each month (except for December) - Rug Hookers meet 10 am – 2 pm.
Upcoming:
October 27: Deliver books and puzzles to Maple Village
November 3; Daylight Savings time ends
November 3: Feast of All Saints and Communion of All Saints
November 17: Thanksgiving pot luck dinner, bring sides.
November 30: Christmas Cookie Bake and activities. Details to come
November 30: Hanging of the Greens
December 1: First day of Advent, Sunday and Wednesday events. Details to come.
-
Coming up soon, take part in conversation about uniting the Bodies of Christ:
As a follow up to a previous meeting, there will be a conversation with Adam Buzard, who is part of the Operation Andrew Group. This will be hosted by the 2nd Presbyterian Church on April 18th from 9-11 am. as he works to fulfill the mission of uniting the bodies of Christ as they partner with local churches. 2nd Pres is located at 3511 Belmont Blvd and the conversation will center around “The State of Nashville”. It is open to anyone (pastors, elders, church volunteers) interested in knowing what others think of our church. The event is this scheduled for tomorrow.
++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++ NaCoMe Camp Opportunity:
Reach out to Jane if you have questions about this. It is coming up soon. I’m sorry I don’t have any more details at this time.
Inquirers of all ages:
Please reach out to Pastor Jane about what it means to be baptized, to be confirmed in the church (if you have already been baptized) or to join the church.
-
*During service last week we had a special presentation for the youth who went to Montreat last summer.
* Pictures from their week at camp were lovingly placed into book form.
* Teddy, Jefferson and Annalease received their own copy, as did Scott and Barb.
One copy has also been placed in the EPC library. Well done. Thank you.
-
Garden in Progress.
-
Class of 2024
Ginia Wood, Fellowship and Mission
John Denton, Building and Grounds
Class of 2025
Greg Burlison, Personnel
John Sevier, Director of Music
Class of 2026
Theresa Denton, Worship and Polity & Procedure
Jan Russell
October 16th, 2024 | Newsletter
-
Welcome Visitors!
We are excited to call your attention to, and encourage you, to visit our upgraded website! Go to www.epcnashville.com or www.epcnashville.org for all your questions. Cut and paste one of these sites in your browser. If you can’t find your answers there, try the options below:
janemherring@gmail.com – Reach out to Pastor Jane on her church phone (call/text) 615- 818-9727 or at her email about what it means to be baptized, to be confirmed in the church (if you have already been baptized), to join
the church or for answers to any other questions you might have.
epcnashville@gmail.com - General EPC email can be sent to this site (be aware that multiple people have access to this email account).
epcbusiness9770@gmail.com - If you ever have any questions about anything dealing with EPC’s finances or other business topics, email your question or request here.
janemherring@gmail.com - Email announcements for the Sunday bulletin here.
frhanchey@gmail.com - Email Information or corrections for the weekly newsletter here. frhanchey@gmail.com – Send questions about the outdoor gardens or children’s education/programming here.
Inquirers of all ages:
Please reach out to Pastor Jane about what it means to be baptized, to be confirmed in the church (if you have already been baptized) or to join the church.
-
Readings For The Week
PROPER 24 (29) OCT 20,2024
First reading and Psalm
Job 38:1-7, (34-41) Psalm 104:1- 9, 24, 35c
Alternate First reading and PsalmIsaiah 53:4-12 Psalm 91:9-16
Second reading
Hebrews 5:1-10
Gospel
Mark 10:35-45
-
Litergical readers and schedule notes
Date | Pulpit | Liturgist | Notes |
10.20.24 | Herring | Darrell H.
10.27.24 | Herring | Jan R.
11.3.24 | Herring | Ginia W. | Communion
11.10.24 | Herring | Barbara H.
11.17.24 | Herring |
11.24.24 | Herring | Sandra/Darrell H.
12.01.24 | Herring | Diana B.
Thank you to those of you who serve as liturgists. If you wish to volunteer as liturgist, send an email to epcbusiness9770@gmail.com or call 615-473-3510.
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Psalm 149:4
For the Lord takes delight in His people; He crowns the humble with salvation.
Quotes about prayer:
Any concern too small to be turned into a prayer is too small to be made into a burden. - Corrie Ten Boom
Invitation to Prayer Group:
Have you ever had a relationship strained to the point where you didn’t speak to a loved one? The GIFT of prayer is a miracle in itself – a direct relationship with our Creator, infused with LOVE. Give yourself permission to take one moment each day to nurture that relationship.
If you wish to experience what prayer group is like – please join us any Thursday evening from 6:00 – 7:00 pm(ish) when we gather as a small group to talk to God, lift our community prayers and experience the PEACE of God’s presence - together.
Wednesday night Prayer Group is now meeting on Thursdays from 6-7pm. All are invited. Please join us.
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Peace and Global Witness:
Thank you everyone for your Peace and Global Witness gifts.
The fellowship/mission committee meeting is this Sunday morning and we will
determine what group will receive the shared portion of the offering.
Maple Village:
We are collecting gently used books and jigsaw puzzles for Maple Village.
All book genres and all puzzle sizes are accepted.
There is a tote outside the children’s classroom for your contributions.
We will make a delivery on the last Sunday of October, the 27th.
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Financial Support for Missions:
Call it what you will, for a small church we are involved in many different local ministries, missions or outreach programs.
Funding for these giving programs come from various places, one of these places is you!
If you would like to donate additional funds for a specific program, checks can be made to the following ongoing missions of EPC.
Community Garden
Gateway to Higher Education Scholarship Crossroads Campus
Maple Village
Special Music Ministry events
Oasis
Please note on the memo line which mission your check is meant to support.
Financial Support for EPC:
If you are not able to attend worship service and still wish show your support for Emmanuel Presbyterian Church, you can contribute in the following ways:
Online–send an electronic payment, your bank can help you set this up if you have questions.
By Mail – our mailing address is EPC, 9770 Hwy 96, Nashville, TN 37221
Through EPC’s website www.epcnashville.com or www.epcnashville.org Simply click on the “GIVE” button, then the “donate” button, to donate via PayPal or debit/credit card. This can be a one-time donation or can be set up as a monthly donation.
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Join us for fellowship, snacks and fresh cup of coffee around the kitchen window after service!
There is a sign-up sheet by the front door if you wish to help.
It looks like we don’t have anybody signed up for snacks on the 20th so I will bring something. If you have already signed up and I just have an old picture, please let me (faith frhanchey@gmail.com) know.
We could use someone for next week as well.
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The Covid bug is back. Masks and hand sanitizer remain available at the front entrance to use as desired. Be aware of your health and consider others in all you do.
Next month is Pastor Appreciation Month.... Just sayin!
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Please remember to check the “Events”, “Missions” and “Stewardship” bulletin boards in the hallway for ongoing information about these areas of activity at EPC.
The kids board, underneath the “Missions” section, shares the kids’ lessons with you. It’s sometime messy but that’s what kids do -- Enjoy it!
This Photo by Unknown Author is licensed under CC BY-
Ongoing:
Communion every 1st Sunday
Worship Committee Mtg every 2nd Sunday after service (10/13)
Mission/Fellowship Committee Mtg every 3rd Sunday 9:30 am (10/20)
Session Mtg every 3rd Monday (10/31)
2nd Thursday of each month (except for December) - Rug Hookers meet
10am–2pm. Upcoming:
October 6: Blessing of the Animals (outside service) and Feast of St Francis of Assisi
October 27: Deliver books and puzzles to Maple Village
October12th and 19th 9am – 12 noon -- Spit and Shine Building and Grounds Clean up days ( see
below)
November 3: Feast of All Saints and Communion of All Saints
November 17: Thanksgiving pot luck dinner, bring sides.
November 30: Christmas Cookie Bake and activities. Details to come
November 30: Hanging of the Greens
December 1: First day of Advent, Sunday and Wednesday events. Details to come.
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Ongoing:
Communion every 1st Sunday
Building Improvement Committee every first Sunday
Worship Committee Mtg every 2nd Sunday after service (this Sunday)
Mission/Fellowship Committee Mtg every 3rd Sunday 9:30 am (10/20)
Session Mtg every 3rd Monday (10/31)
2nd Thursday of each month (except for December) - Rug Hookers meet
10am–2pm.
Upcoming:
October 19th 9am – 12 noon -- Spit and Shine Building and
Grounds Clean up day ( see below) part 2
October 27: Deliver books and puzzles to Maple Village
November 3: Feast of All Saints and Communion of All Saints
November 17: Thanksgiving pot luck dinner, bring sides.
November 30: Christmas Cookie Bake and activities. Details to come
November 30: Hanging of the Greens
December 1: First day of Advent, Sunday and Wednesday
events. Details to come.
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Coming up soon, take part in conversation about uniting the Bodies of Christ:
As a follow up to a previous meeting, there will be a conversation with Adam Buzard, who is part of the Operation Andrew Group. This will be hosted by the 2nd Presbyterian Church on April 18th from 9-11 am. as he works to fulfill the mission of uniting the bodies of Christ as they partner with local churches. 2nd Pres is located at 3511 Belmont Blvd and the conversation will center around “The State of Nashville”. It is open to anyone (pastors, elders, church volunteers) interested in knowing what others think of our church. The event is this scheduled for tomorrow.
++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++ NaCoMe Camp Opportunity:
Reach out to Jane if you have questions about this. It is coming up soon. I’m sorry I don’t have any more details at this time.
Inquirers of all ages:
Please reach out to Pastor Jane about what it means to be baptized, to be confirmed in the church (if you have already been baptized) or to join the church.
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*During service last week we had a special presentation for the youth who went to Montreat last summer.
* Pictures from their week at camp were lovingly placed into book form.
* Teddy, Jefferson and Annalease received their own copy, as did Scott and Barb.
One copy has also been placed in the EPC library. Well done. Thank you.
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There is one more “Spit and Shine” work day on the calendar, Saturday October 19, from 9am–12noon.
We had a fantastic work crew last Saturday and A HUGE THANKS goes out to all who were there.
We would like someone to fix a brunch and serve the food. If this is something you can do please let me know so we don’t have duplicate efforts.
There are jobs both inside and out. Much has been done but there is still something in every room that needs cleaning.
All of us have something to contribute, come share your talents and let’s show ownership of the EPC church building and the ground it lies on. Bring any cleaning supplies that you have to help with the process.
Check the list shown and see where you can help
Save the date, find a place to help, whether it is carrying supplies, scrubbing the sign, vacuuming, cleaning light fixtures and windows, providing refreshments, or entertaining the workers.
There is a list in the adult classroom where you can see what still needs to be done. Please initial what area you are working on. It seems helpful to work in pairs.
The Grounds –
* The round garden by the front doors is getting a face-lift. Everything that is in it is coming out and a whole new set up will be put in place over the next few weeks.
* If anybody wants any of the plants that are there, they can be yours. Just bring what you need to take them home with you.
* The sign by Hwy 96 has also gotten a face-lift. The side that was so sun-burned at the top has been replaced.
* The butterflies and flowers are still showing their full beauty.
* The veggie plots are getting cleaned up and prepped for the winter season.
*Those able or interested in helping are urged to contact Faith or Val.
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Class of 2024
Ginia Wood, Fellowship and Mission
John Denton, Building and Grounds
Class of 2025
Greg Burlison, Personnel
John Sevier, Director of Music
Class of 2026
Theresa Denton, Worship and Polity & Procedure
Jan Russell