November 1st, Newsletter
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Joshua 3:7-17
Psalm 107:1-7, 33-37
Micah 3:5-12
Psalm 43
1 Thessalonians 2:9-13
Matthew 23:1-12
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Liturgist’s Schedule:
11.5.23 Sara
11.12.23 Barb
11.19.23 Karen
11.26.23 _____
12.3.23 Ginia
We are still seeking liturgists for the last week of November and last 4 weeks of December, If you want to volunteer, please send an email to: epcbusiness9770@gmail.com or call 615-473-3510. Thank you to all who volunteer to be Pastor Jane’s liturgy partners for our services each week.
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The Joy Offering is one of four special offerings that are collected in partnership with the greater PCUSA. The collection period is from November 26 – December 24. There are many requests for money from all directions because the need for so many is so great. The funds collected in this offering will fund special needs for retired pastors and will also be used to fund Presbyterian educational opportunities.
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Prayer and Praise:
“Whether we realize it or not, prayer is the encounter of God’s thirst with ours. God thirsts that we may thirst for him.” - St. Augustine
You are invited.
The EPC prayer group is a small but dedicated group that meets on Wednesday evenings from roughly 6-7pm. It is a time to open your heart to offer God the praise and prayers of our congregation and those of your own. Barb sends out email requests for any prayers you would like lifted up in the belief that all prayers matter, all prayers are important and all prayers will be heard.
All prayers are kept confidential unless you specify otherwise.
If your request is private or sensitive, you may request that your prayer be limited to Pastor Jane and Barbara. Confirmation emails will be sent affirming that your request was lifted.
As a small church, offering praise and prayers for those who are struggling, no matter the reason, sends a powerful message about the love we share and express for each other. If you feel called to do so, come join us on Wednesday night at 6.
It is our fervent prayer that this ministry is a blessing to the rest of our EPC family and beyond.
EPC prayer group
Isaiah 55:6-7
6 Seek the LORD while he may be found; call on him while he is near. 7 Let the wicked forsake their ways and the unrighteous their thoughts. Let them turn to the LORD, and he will have mercy on them, and to our God, for he will freely pardon.
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Corinthians 3:9 For we are God's servants, working together; you are God's field, God's building.
Maple Village:
• We made our final veggie/flower delivery last Sunday. We had a good year with this mission outreach. Thank you Annalease for all your help.
• Thanksgiving pies will be delivered November 19th
• Christmas cookies will be delivered December 17th
Oasis:
• The assembly of the goody bags will be done as part of the regular service on Dec 17
• If you wish to contribute to this mission, submit your contribution with “Oasis Project” in the memo line.
• The next delivery of Oasis goody bags will be in early December .
• We have chosen the Oasis Center to be the recipient of our Christmas giving this year. We’ll sponsor 3 families and will be following Oasis’ suggestion of gifting a $25 Dominoes card, $25 Kroger card & a $25 Amazon card per family. Oasis will pick the families.
• Oasis has also provided us with a list of winter items that would be most appreciated (see below). Sue has decorated the collection box and set up an area where you can bring your donated items. These items will be delivered just before Thanksgiving. Share your blessings, as you are able, with those less fortunate.
Requested winter Items: (any size)
Hats, beanies, gloves, hand & foot warmers, blankets, jackets, coats, long-sleeved t-shirts, sweatshirts, jeans, leggings, chap-stick, and fast-food gift cards.
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Finance:
• In the interest of full disclosure and transparency, there are no financial secrets at EPC.
• The posting of the regular rolling four week giving updates are now being put in the bulletin on Sundays.
• If you ever have any questions about anything dealing with EPC’s finances or other business topics, email your question or request to epcbusiness9770@gmail.com
• General EPC email can be sent to epcnashville@gmail.com (be aware that multiple people have access to this email account
Financial Support:
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.
2024 Generosity/Stewardship Campaign
The deadline for submitting your 2024 Pledge Card was October 29, 2023. If you wish to pledge and have not yet done so, please make your submission by emailing it to epcbusiness9770@gmail.com or epcgenerosity@gmail.com
Thanks to all who pledged to support EPC for the upcoming year!
Thanks to all who give to support EPC, whether the giving is pledged or not!
Thanks to the many who give above and beyond their pledge to support
missions, our youth, and all the many things that EPC does with and for our community!
Timeline for 2024 Budget Vote
• Nov. 3rd – draft of budget sent to session by Treasurer
• Nov. 19th – session to vote on budget
• Dec. 3rd – budget presented to congregation
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Fellowship:
Susie and Doug have invited all of us to their house blessing after church on November5th.
It’s about a 30 minute drive to their house from church.
They have requested no housewarming gifts and instead are asking for donations of canned foods that can be delivered to 2nd Harvest.
We are so blessed that Susie and Doug have found their way to Emmanuel and into our hearts.
The Grateful Gathering will be from 1 – 4 pm
• Our annual Thanksgiving Potluck dinner will be November 12 directly after service. The fellowship committee is providing a turkey and a ham, and, as in the past, we ask our guests to bring their favorite side dish or dessert.
• Also mark December 17 on your calendar as we share the holiday spirit with cookies and carols.
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Welcome Visitors!
Visits with Pastor Jane Herring must be by appointment.
Reach out to Pastor Jane on her church phone (call/text) 615-818-9727 or email at janemherring@gmail.com
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.
Email announcements for the Sunday bulletin to janemherring@gmail.com
Email Information or corrections for the weekly newsletter to frhanchey@gmail.com
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Calendar:
Wednesday nights Prayer group 6 pm
November 5th: 1-4 pm Blessing of Sue and Doug’s new home. See fellowship section of this newsletter
November 12 (2nd Sunday): Worship Committee Meeting
November 12: Adam Buzzard from Operation Andrew Group to preach.
November 12: Thanksgiving Pot Luck Dinner and Fellowship. Bring sides or dessert.
November 19 (3rd Sunday): Mission/Fellowship Meeting 9:30 am
November 19th: Deliver pies to Maple Village
November 20: Session meeting, 6:30 pm
November 20: Deliver requested items and gift cards to Oasis
November 26: – December 24: Joy offering collections
December 17: Assembly of Goody bags during worship service
December 17: Cookies and Carols after service; cookie delivery to Maple Village
December 20: Delivery of Oasis Goody bags
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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.
The State of Christianity in Nashville
• will be covered by Adam Buzzard from Operation Andrew Group on Nov. 12th
• information has been gathered by the Barna Group
• Copy and paste this link into your browser for more information. https://operationandrew.org/about/
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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. A nursery is also available for those under 3.
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Thrift (pink spring flowering ground-cover) is available to anyone who wants it.
It has been dug up and is on the ground under the tree by the front office window.
There is plenty, help yourself or your friend or your neighbor.
Orange Tiger lily (?) bulbs are also available.
Let Faith know this week if you are interested.
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Presenting Your Slate of Elders
Class of 2023
Theresa Denton, Worship and Polity & Procedure
Class of 2024
Ginia Wood, Fellowship and Mission
John Denton, Building and Grounds
Class of 2025
Greg Burlison, Personnel
Jan Russell
John Sevier, Director of Music