the link - first arp church
TRANSCRIPT
THE
Link
The First ARP Church Newsletter November 2019
The Value of a Greeting Rev. Matt Kuiken
This summer, on vacation, my family and I visited a church in Northern Virginia. Believe it or not, visiting an unfamiliar church can be an intimidating experience, even for a pastor’s family. We arrived at the 11:15AM worship service after being on the road for several hours. We were road-weary, the kids did not particularly want to go children’s church, and we were underdressed. Still we pressed on, wondering if we were making the right decision, but telling ourselves it was Sunday and this was the right thing to do. The church experience could have gone either way at this point. It was wonderful. And it was wonderful, largely for one reason: the greeting. The music was fine, the service was faithful, and the sermon was biblical. All of those are very important. But as visitors, the thing that would have brought us back was the warm greeting by the congregation. Greeting in the Church is very important. “Yes,” some will say with slight exasperation, “Greeting is important, so that visitors feel welcome, and the church continues to grow.” Yes, that is true. But greeting in the church is actually far more than that. Did you know that at least 23 times in the New Testament, Christians are commanded to greet one another? Over and over again, the biblical writers say, “Greet one another, greet one another, greet one another.” I will save the holy kiss for another article! Why is it so important to greet one another? Greeting in the church reminds us that the church is a family. It is the household of God. When you arrive home from work or school, who wants to be greeted with silence or avoidance? When we walk into our home, it is nice to be greeted. It is part of the way we express love to one another. The same is true in the church. One of the ways we express Christian love is by greeting one another. This should be done by name when possible! Some of us are great at remembering names. Others of us have to work harder at this. I know I do. But learning at least some of the names of those around us in the church should be a priority. When I first arrived on campus for seminary, with about 130 other first year students, I was shocked when the seminary president called me by name. How did he do it? I found out later that for weeks he had been studying the new student directory, so that when we arrived on campus, he could call us by name. From that moment on I was ready to learn from that seminary president, with great attention and affection. Personal greeting makes a huge difference. Greeting in the church also reminds us of the gospel. It reminds us that the message of the gospel includes a personal invitation to sinners. There are many who come to worship on Sunday with a sense of having failed God. They wonder if God will welcome them when they come. When the church warmly greets those who enter its doors, it demonstrates the gospel in a tangible way. It says, “Come to me, all you who are weary and heavy laden (Mt. 11:28).” It demonstrates the posture of God himself in the Parable of the Prodigal Son, when he warmly greets his son, as he returns from the far country. Have you ever thought about how something as simple as greeting at church, can demonstrate the gospel to someone? Historically, First ARP has been a very warm and welcoming place. I know my family was very warmly greeted on the first day we arrived. I regularly hear stories of people who feel the same way. With our new facilities, greeting will be more of a challenge. There are twelve doors to the new welcome center, two covered drop-offs, not to mention the front doors of the church. We need every member of First ARP to serve as an un-official greeter every single Sunday. So, if you see someone you don’t know, greet them! Tell them you are glad that they are there. Ask them to sit with you. Ask them if they need help finding the nursery, or locating a Sunday school class! Church growth leaders (continued on last page)
Pastors’ Prayer Partners Pastors’ Prayer Partners will not meet in November.
Financial Update (General Operating Fund)
As of 9/30/19 Revenues $1,080,390.75 Expenses 1,049,741.08 Net Surplus (deficit) $ 30,649.67
Sunday Worship Attendance
8:30 10:55 Total October 6 206 198 404 October 13 158 171 329 October 20 170 187 357 October 27 121 377 498
Sunday Morning Ushers for November
8:30: Richard Pearson, Charles Merrell 10:55: Tom Balsom (head), Chris McKay, Zack Stroupe
Sunday Morning Greeters
8:30 Worship November: Allen & Becky Waters
10:55 Worship November 3 & 10: Sybil Hollowell, Linda Miller November 17 & 24: Penny Wilson, Sue Ellington
November Directory Changes Ruby Bryant - passed away on 9/30/2019
Timothy Longbine - 2013 Village View Drive, Belmont NC 28012, Cell Number: 704-860-4495, email address: [email protected]
Pam Jackson -147 Old Home Place, Kings Mountain, NC 28086 - preferred number: 704-472-4291, email address: [email protected]
Phil Biedenbender - Change of address: 2330 Autumn Wood Trail, Gastonia, NC 28056
Allen & Becky Waters - delete home phone
Mike & Cathy Foster - delete home phone, add Cathy’s cell: 704-747-0891, and Mike’s cell: 704-460-5324
Matthew & Lillian Stowe Smith 11/4/17 2 years Joey & Mary Katherine Timbers 11/4/17 2 years Brice & Rebecca Maney 11/7/92 27 years Joey & Kristen Hedrick 11/8/97 22 years Dale & Debra Starnes 11/13/82 37 years John & Kelly Davidson 11/15/03 16 years Jason & Denice Eckler 11/15/14 5 years Zack & Penelope Stroupe 11/19/94 25 years Eric & Libby Riley 11/20/99 20 years Jeff & Leanne Stowe 11/21/92 27 years Greg & Jamie Christopher 11/27/82 37 years Brice & Norma Jean Huffstetler 11/27/65 54 years
Cora Kuiken—11/1 Elizabeth Morrow—11/1 Ann Barrett—11/2 Greta Phillips—11/2 Carlos Garcia—11/2 Bonnie McCall—11/3 John David Morris—11/3 Madison Duffie—11/4 Rachel Morrow—11/5 Curt Older—11/5 Fred Caldwell—11/6 Ian Morrison—11/6 Bet Pearson—11/6 Jacob Shell—11/6 Patty Birt—11/7 Tammy Hubbard—11/7 Mac Crouch—11/8 William Kirkpatrick—11/8 Paisley McKay—11/9 Tari Williamson—11/9 Gretchen Best—11/10 Leonard Walls—11/10 Kaylee Bostick—11/11 Rhonda Craig—11/11 Chuck Duncan—11/11 Betty Martin—11/13 Locke Bigger—11/14 Robert Heussy—11/14 Jim Lovell—11/14 Sam McDaniel—11/14 Daniel Willis—11/14 Tom Campbell—11/15
Greg Christopher—11/15 Donna Craig—11/15 Lin Hollowell—11/15 Maddy McKinley—11/15 Jim Poag—11/15 Brett Keever—11/16 Andrew Cherry—11/17 Reis Clark—11/17 Danny Wilson—11/17 Robert Adams—11/18 William McHenry—11/18 Russ Moore—11/18 Lil Summerville—11/19 Luke Bomgaars—11/20 Mary Ann Lore—11/20 Joe Pearson—11/20 David Jennings—11/21 Alex Keipper—11/21 Linda Trefz—11/22 Benjamin Kelly—11/23 Ann Lovell—11/23 Jayne Ratchford—11/23 Drew Wharton—11/24 Steve Buchanan—11/25 Lisa Hovis—11/25 Julie Anderson—11/26 Trey McKeown—11/26 Greg Starnes—11/26 Wallace Garrett—11/27 John Kelly—11/27 Grayson Moss—11/27 Bob Fanter—11/28 Carol Hayes—11/28 Ashley Jacobs—11/28 Sarah Cerilli—11/29 Lilly Friday—11/29 Jeanette Houser—11/29 Joyce McCallister—11/29 Bootie Morrow—11/29 Dana Friday—11/30
Ladies Winter Sunday School Class What is Ecclesiastes Really About?
Join Tracey Thomason to explore this intriguing book of the Bible. This class will begin on November 10 in the Ladies Parlor on the Second Floor.
Christmas Store Needs Volunteers 1. Christmas Store Setup dates: December 5th, 6th, 9th,
10th & 11th
2. Night of the Christmas Store: shop with a parent or help
with the store
3. Help serve hot drinks and cookies the night of the
Christmas Store to parents
4. Help with the children’s party activities
5. Christmas Store Breakdown Helpers Date: Thursday,
December 12th
Please note the Christmas Store Night is on Wednesday,
December 11th at 5:30pm.
Are you interested in helping?
Please contact Julie Ratchford, email: [email protected]
There is an orphan crisis in the world today. As compassionate and loving people - God's people - we cannot ignore the crisis of so many children in need. Orphan Sunday is a day for us to remember, pray for, and take action on behalf of the millions of vulnerable children around the world.
Did you know there are 153,000,000 orphans worldwide, comprising over 2% of the world's population. There are over 400,000 in the US foster care system, 123,000 are waiting to be adopted. the church must take action!
An Orphan Care Ministry Fair will be set up in the Fellowship Hall during The Gathering (9:45-10:45am) this Sunday, November 10. We will hear from many well known, gospel centered ministry leaders during Sunday School about how our church can actively love the least of these. Will you consider joining us and pray about how God wants you to live out James 1:27? All ages are welcome and invited to attend. For more information, contact Courtney at [email protected] .
New Building Dedication Celebration Sunday, October 27, 2019
Notes From Our Music Ministry… By: Trip McGill
Bonclarken Choir Retreat The Adult Choir has had a busy few weeks this fall. During the weekend of September 27 – 29, 2019, the Adult Choir spent the weekend at Bonclarken for our Fall Choir Retreat. They spent time in four rehearsals working on the Choral Festival music and our upcoming Christmas music. The choir enjoyed some time to explore Hendersonville and Flat Rock, ate meals in the Bonclarken Dining Hall, and had some fun fellowship and snacks at Carroll Cottage each night. We are thankful for Bonclarken and our time together on the mountain!
1st Anne Alexander Memorial Choral Festival During the weekend of October 11 – 13, 2019, our Adult Choir hosted our 1st Anne Alexander Memorial Choral Festival here at our church! We had several members of other choirs to join us for this event. We enjoyed learning from and singing with Christopher Aspaas, Director of Choral Activities at Texas Christian University, who was our guest clinician. We enjoyed sharing our music at the Worship and Music Concert on the afternoon of October 13 in our Sanctuary. Many of
Anne Alexander’s family were able to join us for this special inaugural event, that we will have each fall at First ARP Church, Gastonia. A special thank you to all of the choir members and their hard work. Thank you to Phil Biedenbender and his hard work at the retreat and for serving as the accompanist for the Choral Festival.
A special thank-you also goes to Karen Willis and the Celebration Ringers who led us in worship with the hand bell prelude on October 6th.
One more thank you goes to Milette Oden and her assistants in having the Junior Choir sing the Call to Worship on October 20th at the 10:55am service.
We appreciate the work and dedication of our Praise Team and all of those who contribute to this group. Thank you, Josh Hjemvick, for your leadership of this team as they lead our 8:30am service in worship each week.
We look forward to hearing from all of our choirs, cherub, junior, youth, adult, hand bells and our praise team in the coming weeks as music for the Christmas season is presented at our Annual Lessons and Carols on December 8th at 6:00pm in our Sanctuary.
Flowers and Poinsettias By Trip McGill
Would You Like to Put Flowers in the Sanctuary for Sunday Services?
If you would like to order flowers to be used for our Sunday services, here is the procedure to make sure you are on the calendar: Call or text Trip McGill at 704-616-4539 or email him
at [email protected] to get on the calendar (you may also call the church office as well, but do one or the other, as not to duplicate).
Order your flowers from Winterpast Flowers in Lowell, NC (www.winterpastflowers.com) or call 704-825-5172. Winterpast has a key to our church and knows where and how to deliver flowers on Saturday prior to the services.
If you would like to use your own flowers, please call and reserve your spot and bring your flowers prearranged.
The remaining Sundays in 2019 have been reserved, but we are now accepting reservations for 2020.
Would You Like to Put POINSETTIAS in our Church Sanctuary during the Christmas Season in December?
If you would like to place a Poinsettia in our Sanctuary during the Christmas Season, please see the following time-line and be on the lookout for specific announcements about the Poinsettias in the very near future.
Poinsettias will cost $13.50 per flower this year. They are each wrapped in foil with a beautiful bow.
The Poinsettia sale will go from: Friday, November 1, 2019 through Monday, November 25, 2019 (12 noon).
Click here to place your order online. Payment must be turned in to the church office to either Trip McGill or Wanda Henderson by November 25. Order forms will also be inserted into the Sunday bulletins on Nov. 3rd, 10th & 17th. Payment must accompany the order form.
You may also access an order form on our website www.firstarpchurch.org beginning November 1st.
Please take this time to remember those who have gone before us and give in memory and/or in honor of someone.
Our services starting December 15th, 22nd, and through Christmas Eve will be beautiful with our Poinsettia tree displaying these special gifts in memory or honor of someone, and especially all given to the Glory of our great God. Poinsettias will need to be picked up after the 7PM Christmas Eve Service.
First ARP Logo Apparel Program
Our church is pleased to offer our congregation a very
attractive collection of clothing styles and other items
with our church logo. They are available now for
online purchases through a new website specifically
designed for our church:
www.firstarpdrygoods.com
The website is very easy to use, and you pay online
with your credit or debit card. The cut-off date for all
orders is November 17. At that time, orders will be
processed and sent to the church for pick up on or
after December 8. If you are not comfortable ordering
online, call the church office to get an appointment
with Nancy, Tammy, or Wanda and they will be glad
to place your order for you. You will need to bring
your check, credit or debit card for payment when you
come. Orders cannot be placed until payment is
received.
If you would like to see some of these items, check
out the display table in the Welcome Center.
First ARP Neighborhood
Ministry has begun a new outreach, Adopt-A-Block! The mission of
Adopt-A-Block is to love our neighbors as Christ has loved us. We go out to
meet, pray, and love our neighbors. The goal is to get to know our neighbors through the YC and build lasting relationships
with them for His glory. All ages are welcome and encouraged to come and serve.
(6-7pm) Meet at the Welcome Center. November 18 December 16
Thanksgiving Service
Sunday, November 24
6:00-7:00 PM
Sanctuary
Childcare for ages 4 & under—reservation
requested. Email Rebecca Maney at
Dear Church Family,
The simple phrase “Thank you and God bless you” is the one that says it best. We so
appreciate the cards, calls, visits, texts and food that we received during the time of
Gary’s surgery and recovery. We especially cherished the prayers on his behalf. We
both certainly felt the peace and comfort from those prayers. God is so good! We ask for
continued prayers as he starts his treatments. We are so blessed to be a part of such a
caring and loving church. In love,
Gary & Jannine Dellinger
Dear Church Family,
You are the best! How deeply blessed Ben and I were during this most difficult time. You were there to love and encourage us
through your prayers, visits, notes, cards, phone calls, flowers, and food. You were there for me and our family at Ben’s service and
you have continued to encourage me in my journey. I am humbled and forever grateful. Thank you for all your acts of love and
kindness in Christ. Much love and thanks,
Katie Morrow
We would like to thank everyone for all the prayers, cards, texts, and calls during both of our illnesses. God heard and answered your
prayers. Jim’s outcome was described as a miracle by the doctors! My episode was minor compared to his and it resolved quickly.
We give God all the praise, honor and glory! We are so blessed with such a loving and caring church family. Thanks again!
With love,
Pam & Jim Alley
Dear Children of the Church,
Thank you so very much for the sweet Halloween cards which you wrote and gave to Brice and me, also the precious jack-o-lantern
which stands out so much on the dresser. Thank you so much for thinking of us and taking time to make the Halloween goodies. May
God bless each one of you as you grow up and follow His word! We love you and wish you the best.
Love,
Brice & Norma Jean Huffstetler
Dear Church Family,
Both Joe and I are so thankful for all the calls, cards, prayers and the many expressions of sympathy you afforded us during the death
of our brother, Kenneth Dwight Grimsley with deep appreciation and love.
Patsy Boyles
Dear First ARP Church Family,
Suzanne and I sincerely thank you for the cards, food, flowers, and prayers lifted up by so many folks at First ARP. John would tell
us every day that he could feel the prayers. There is no other way to explain his courage and attitude over the past several months.
Blessings,
Randy & Suzanne Riley
Dear First ARP Gastonia,
Thank you so much for all of your prayers and support over the years. I am grateful to God for your partnership in the Gospel. It was
a special treat to have Jeff, Ian & Dale join us for our summer outreach. We would love to have a team join us next summer too!
Praying for you and your ministry in Gastonia. Grateful,
Rebekah Carson
Dear First ARP Church,
Thank you so much for the food that was collected for Crisis Assistance Ministry (CAM). The amount of food provided made a
tremendous impact on our pantry. Shelves that were missing items in many spots are now completely filled! Rob Parker did an
excellent job in conveying CAM’s needs to the church! You always respond generously to CAM and we know that we can count on
you to help us have the resources that we need. Thanks for all you do to make our ministry possible and for answering God’s call to
care for others. Many Blessings,
Kim Wheeler
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In God We Trust
First Associate Reformed Presbyterian Church 317 S. Chester Street, Gastonia, NC 28052 Phone: 704-864-3468, Fax: 704-864-2416
Church email: [email protected] Rev. Matt Kuiken: [email protected]
Rev. Dr. Jeff Morrison: [email protected] Rev. Josh Hjemvick: [email protected]
www.firstarpchurch.org
Return Service Requested
Continued from first page The Value of a Greeting By Rev. Matt Kuiken
tell us that if someone arrives on campus, and no one speaks to them in the first five minutes, they will not come back. Let’s not be that church! But also remember this, that it is not just guests that need greeting! Everyone needs to be greeted! Greet the very young and very old. Greet the ushers and the greeters! Share the love of God with one another in a tangible way. The world can be a very mean place, the church should be the opposite. In Christ we have every reason to love one another. We also need those who would be willing to serve in our greeting ministry. If this resonates with you, or even if it doesn’t but you are willing, sign up to greet before one of our worship services. With more space, we need more greeters. So, email Nancy Peeler ([email protected]) in the church office and let her know that you are willing to be put on the greeting list. Sometime in the near future, the office will contact you and ask you to greet. It seems so simple, and yet it is so valuable. So keep greeting, and build up the body of Christ! _________________________________________________________________________________________________
New Member Weekend
This Saturday, November 9th, we will host a class for those interested in learning more about
membership at First ARP. The class will meet from 9am-3pm. Lunch will be provided. Please
RSVP to Nancy Peeler at [email protected].
Operation Christmas Child Boxes
If you have not picked up an Operation Christmas Child box,
you still have time! Boxes are due Sunday, November 24.