November 13th, 2024 | Newsletter

Written By Emmanuel Presbyterian

  • *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

  • 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 Contributor

    Old Town Trolley
    Sir Speedy Music City

    Ugly 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

Emmanuel Presbyterian
Previous

11/17/2024
Next

11/10/2024