October 25th, Newsletter
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First reading and Psalm
Exodus 33:12-23
Psalm 99
Alternate First reading and Psalm
Isaiah 45:1-7
Psalm 96:1-9, (10-13)
Second reading
1 Thessalonians 1:1-10
Gospel
Matthew 22:15-22
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On Sunday, October 29 during our regular worship service we will celebrate, in our own way, the Feast of All Saints. In addition to the traditional commemoration of departed Christian saints, known and unknown, we will also celebrate the living spiritual friendships that nurture us along our faith walk.
The Christian celebration of All Saints' Day and All Souls' Day stems from a belief that there is a powerful spiritual bond between those in heaven and the living. We also celebrate the special bond between living believers and all we mean to each other.
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10.22.23 Karen
10.29.23 Mark
11.5.23 Sara
11.12.23 TBD -
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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Isaiah 66:13
”As a mother comforts her child, so I will comfort you; in Jerusalem you shall find your comfort.”
John 4:18
“There is no fear in love; for perfect love casteth out fear.”
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
“You cannot pray for someone and hate them at the same time." - Billy Graham
"I firmly believe God continues to answer the prayers of His people even after He has taken them to heaven. Never forget that God isn’t bound by time the way we are. We see only the present moment; God sees everything. We see only part of what He is doing; He sees it all." - Billy Graham
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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:
Our gardens are still yielding produce and the flowers are as pretty as ever.
Last call for any jigsaw puzzles that you want to rehouse in someone else’s home. Bring them next Sunday for delivery to Maple Village after service.
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 either on November 26th or December 3rd.
• 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 .
• The Mission/Fellowship Committee will be meeting this Sunday at 9:30 to discuss Oasis and other end of year giving opportunities. Please join us in the children’s classroom.
Requested Winter Items:
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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In the interest of full disclosure and transparency, there are no financial secrets at EPC.
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• 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
September 17, 2023 through October 29, 2023
Our Stewardship season continues until the deadline for submitting your pledge cards – October 29, 2023.
Check out the Stewardship bulletin board in the hallway for ongoing information and inspiration about our Stewardship season.
1 Corinthians 16:1-4 makes clear that our giving should be:
Periodic (done at regular intervals)
Planned (though of in advance of the giving)
Proportional (giving in proportion to our blessings)
Private (not done to make us known as generous givers)
2 Corinthians 9 tells us that our giving should be:
Generous (giving more rather than less)
Freely given (not done out of guilt or manipulation)
Cheerful (given happily and with rejoicing in God).
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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Susie and Doug have invited all of us to their house blessing after church on November 5th. It’s about a 30 minute drive. They have requested no housewarming gifts and instead are asking for donations of canned foods that can be delivered to 2nd Harvest. “Bring something you are grateful for.” The Grateful Gathering will be from 1 – 4 pm.
We are so blessed that Susie and Doug have found their way to Emmanuel and into our hearts.
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Watch out for a few creepy and not-so-creepy crawlies scurrying around the kitchen on Sunday. Annalease, the creative baker, took over my kitchen to make a few tasty snacks for us to sample.
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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. We will enjoy the excellent music of Claire and John as we join them in reviving our annual Christmas favorites. Bring a little something to satisfy your sweet tooth or a Christmas treat to munch on. Also requested are extra cookies to go to Maple Village afterwards.
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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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Wednesday nights: Prayer group 6 pm
Sundays after service: Maple Village deliveries
Now through October 29: Receive and return pledge cards
November 5: Time TBD Blessing of Sue and Doug’s new home. Check bulletin board for details.
2nd Sunday, November 12: Worship Committee Meeting November 12: Adam Buzzard from Operation Andrew Group to preach.
November 12: Thanksgiving Pot Luck Dinner and Fellowship
3rd Sunday, November 19: Mission/Fellowship Meeting 9:30 am
November 19th: Deliver pies to Maple Village
Monday, November 20: Session meeting, 6:30 pm
November 26 – December 24: Joy offering collections
December 17: Cookies and Carols after service; cookie delivery to Maple Village.
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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