TRYON PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH

SEPTEMBER 2017

THE TRYON TRUMPET

We don’t receive wisdom; we must discover it for ourselves after a journey that no one can take for us or spare us from taking. (Marcel Proust) The voice of God’s wisdom is al-ways calling us, but we rarely hear. We are busy, and our lives are f i l l e d w i th d i s t ra c t i on s. (Anonymous)

E ver since I arrived in Tryon I have heard some

folks lament that our church isn’t “younger,” that we don’t have more children and youth. I agree. Children, youth, and even their parents do bring good energy to a church, or a family. And that is especially true here, where many of us are miles away from our own children and grandchildren.

Over my almost eight years here at Tryon Presbyterian Church, though, I have come to see this differently. First of all, we are where we are. This is a retire-ment community. Our median age will always be higher than other communities. More im-portantly, there’s nothing wrong with “older.” In fact, I believe we have a unique opportunity to help our struggling American culture figure out that older folks are not a problem, or liability, or bur-

den; rather they are a unique re-source to our community, our country, and our planet.

What our world and our country desperately need today is wisdom. And wisdom is often directly re-lated to age. (Well, not al-ways…). We need to become a church that cultivates and cele-brates wisdom. So, what exactly is wisdom?

The dictionary defines "wisdom" as the ability to discern “what is true or right.” Our English word "wisdom" has both moral implica-tions--discerning what’s right--and inte l l ec tua l im pl i c a t ions - -discerning what’s true. One of our Christian foreparents added: “Wisdom is the God-given ability to perceive the true nature of a matter, and also to discern the will of God in that matter.” That’s no small task if you stop to think about it.

The Bible has a lot to say about wisdom. In Proverbs 3:5-8 we read: “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. Do not be wise in your own eyes; fear the Lord, and turn away from evil. It will be a healing for your flesh and a refreshment for your body.

BE WISE Good advice, but how to do it? First, remember that wisdom is something we cultivate, over years and through many experiences. So, cultivate your wisdom. Pay attention to your life, think about it, talk about it, pray about it, and write about it. Read, get involved helping others, learn to be an ob-server of life, practice listening. Study the lives of others. Learn to see life from more than one per-spective. And attend Sunday School.

Yep. I said it. Go to Sunday School. It’s a great place to culti-vate wisdom. It’s easy to do. Just come to church an hour earlier and choose one of the three classes offered. Get a cup of coffee and join in. Sunday school is not the only way to cultivate wisdom, or maybe even the best way, but it is a great way to start. Our fall Sun-day School begins on September 10 with an introduction to the three fall classes. And classes start on September 17. So this fall, be wise, get wise. Attend Sunday School.

Grace and Peace,

Dent

PAGE 2 THE TRYON TRUMPET

7 Sylvia Creasy 8 Ed Harrelson 9 Gil Denton 12 Mary Potter 14 Alice Prince 14 Sarah Prince 15 Bob Reynolds 16 Carol Dadson 17 Dot Kennedy 18 Margaret Phillips 20 Peggy Lyons 22 Bob Jones 23 Keaton Nager 24 Zereta Lloyd 25 Dennis Sakos 25 Mary Anne Sledge

27 Judy Warden 27 Marilyn Hawthorne 28 Marshall Edwards 28 Fran Creasy 30 Betty Cline 1 Reggie & Dale Drake 7 Les & Rita Stobbe 13 Ben & Peggy Woodward 18 Clark & Martha Benson 19 Rob & Fran Leidheiser 20 Don & Carol Schlegel

SEPTEMBER BIRTHDAYS & WEDDING ANNIVERSARIES

September 3 September 10 September 17 September 24 10:00 am 8:30 am 8:30 am 8:30 am Caroline Brown Ken Shull Ralph Kuether Rob Leidhiser Susan Woodcock Jim Raney Betsy Zeek Terry Moore Rodger Walker Denny Hill 11:00 am 11:00 am 11:00 am Bill Daniel Bill Daniel Bill Daniel Jeanie Daniel Jeanie Daniel Jeanie Daniel Don Lyons Don Lyons Don Lyons Peggy Lyons Peggy Lyons Peggy Lyons

Communion Servers - September 3

Don & Peggy Lyons, Al & Fran Creasy

USHER LIST FOR SEPTEMBER

PAGE 3 SEPTEMBER 2017

LITURGIST SCHEDULE

September 3 Rev. Mary A. Potter

September 10 Les Stobbe

September 17 Jon Austin

September 24 Betsy Zeek

A ll church men are encouraged to join in for the annual Presbyterian Men's

Bible and Breakfasts (B&B). The first Thursday of each month in Fellowship Hall the men's group will gather at 8:00 am for a full breakfast, most enjoyable fellowship and a Bible study session with Dr. Dent Davis. We plan on closing by 9:00 so folks who need can get to work.

Team #1 (Elliot, Brown, Nichols, Hursey, Wil-kins, McCalister) will provide the culinary de-light. Come and try us on for size..... feel free to bring a friend. We have a number of "outside" guests each session.

Thursday, September 7

8:00 am

Fellowship Hall

MEN’S B&B

BIBLE AND BREAKFAST

STEPHEN MINISTRY

Next Meeting Wednesday,

September 13, 2017 10:00 am

(Please note: monthly meetings changed to second Wednesday of the month!)

Peer Support and Continuing Education

All Stephen Ministers are asked to please attend.

Celebrating 20 Years in 2017!

Stephen Ministry - Continuing Education

Review of book: Cancer - Now What?

PAGE 4 THE TRYON TRUMPET

OPERATION

CHRISTMAS CHILD

O n July 30, 2017, several Christmas "Elves" from Tryon Presbyterian Church

youth group assembled 100 shoe boxes for our August 27, 2017 kick off of Operation Christ-mas Child. Franklin Graham started this evan-gelism and discipleship program in 1993 to help children in devastated areas around the world at Christmas. Since then, over 86 million children in over 50 countries have benefitted from re-ceiving a gift of God's love from churches worldwide. You may pick up your shoebox after the 10:00 am service in the Jones Conference Room. You will have until October 13 to shop and fill your shoe boxes with gifts. The children who receive your gifts at Christmas will receive "Good News of Great Joy!" Enclose $9.00 in the envelope provided for shipping and attach your boy or girl label to each shoe box.

Sewing Custom Curtains, Shades, and Top Treat-ments By Susan Woodcock 232 Pages Available on Amazon.com

Molly To The Rescue: A True Story By Sally Hursey 36 pages Available from the author at: www.sallyhursey.com

Rutherfordton, North Carolina: A Photograph-ic History By Robin S. Lattimore 200 pages with over 400 vintage photographs Available from the author

Pictured left to right: Evan Dadson, Callie Dunn, Eric Harrelson and Alex Harrelson

CHURCH MEMBERS

PUBLISH NEW BOOKS

PAGE 5 SEPTEMBER 2017

T hank you for your generous contribu-tions of book bags, notebooks, pencils,

and many other supplies. We gave $435 in school items so far. The children of Polk County and Thermal Belt Outreach Ministry appreciate your kindness.

Carolyn Thompson TPC Ambassador Thermal Belt Outreach Ministry

THANK YOU THE LORD IS MY PILOT

BY BETSY ZEEK, PRESBYTERIAN WOMEN

SPIRITUAL NURTURER

Seen on the back of a car while driving south on I-81…

The Lord is my Pilot.

I followed it for quite a few miles. It had been the escort car for a large load from

Florida which had been delivered and it was now headed home to Florida. It reminded me of the book and/or movie “God is my co-pilot.” That gave birth to the bumper sticker, “If God is your co-pilot, change seats.”

Who is in charge of my life? Who is calling the shots? Who has the best plan? And am I really open to His direction?

We like so much to be in charge, in control of our lives, that when changes come (and they will come) we can become very upset. We ask a lot of questions….why me? Why now? WHY? Answers do not often come very clearly.

For the Christian, this is where Faith, or the lack of it, shows up. Not especially with answers but with its own set of questions. “Do you trust me? Do I love you? Do you love me? Have you seen my love demonstrated to you in the past?” Our answers show our level of commitment to the direction of the Pilot.

There was another phrase on the back of the car, one that I have had to learn to deal with. “Sudden lane changes.”

Being open to changes, being flexible as I walked day by day, was not part of my nature and I have learned over the years to relax more, enjoy the view as I have traveled this road.

Trust that your Pilot knows the best way and move on.

PAGE 6 THE TRYON TRUMPET

CHURCH SCHOOL OPPORTUNITIES THIS FALL

T he Christian Growth Committee of Tryon Presbyterian Church has been busy during

the summer planning for Sunday School for our church during this next year. We have some excit-ing plans for the fall term that we want to share with you at this time. First of all, we want to invite you to our “Sunday School Kick-Off ” at 9:30 am on Sunday, Septem-ber 10th. There will be coffee, juice, and some sim-ple snacks for you to enjoy. Then, we will outline our courses for the three blocks of study for this fall. Instructors will be introduced and each will give a preview of the course she or he will be teaching. There will be an ongoing Bible class that will run for the entire fall term. In addition, in Blocks I and II, two elective courses will be offered. For the short Advent term, all classes will meet together. You won’t want to miss this exciting time to hear about all of the possibilities that will be available this year, so plan to join us on September 10th in the big classroom behind the Fellowship Hall. As a way to start whetting our appetite for our fall classes, here is a brief preview of each. September 10th – Kick-Off September 17th – October 15th – Block I (5 Sun-days) October 22nd – Mission Fair (which will run during the Sunday School and 11:00 am Worship Service times) October 29th – November 26th – Block II (5 Sun-days)

December 3rd and 10th – Advent Block December 17th, 24th, and 31st – No Sunday School

BLOCK I

“Finding God in Genesis” – This more tradi-tional Bible class will be a continuation of the study begun last spring. The class will explore the Book of Genesis to learn how God is so often found in-teracting in the lives of people. And, the class will explore the various descriptive names for God that are highlighted in the Genesis text. Instructor: Betsy Zeek 4 “Pictures” of Jesus – Did you know that there are four different gospels in our New Testament, each one painting a little bit different picture of Jesus? Did you know the earliest of these gospels was not written until over 30 years after Jesus’ death and resurrection? Did you know that over half of the material in the Synoptic Gospels is com-mon to all three? Did you know that almost 50% of Matthew and almost 40% o Luke is paralleled in Mark? And did you know that over 90% of John’s gospel is unique to John? Join our class and find out how we can account for these parallels and differ-ences. Instructor: Tom Malone Strength for the Journey – How can we live a spiritual life in today’s complicated, anxiety-filled world? How can we get the spiritual strength we need to face life’s challenges? How can we learn to notice and celebrate God’s presence in our lives? This class will be a conversation on the possibilities suggested by Barbara Brown Taylor in her best-selling book, An Altar in the World. Building on the great stories of the Bible and her own practice of prayer, Taylor extends and expands traditional spir-itual practices in practical and inspiring ways. The

PAGE 7 SEPTEMBER 2017

class will focus on Taylor’s book through conver-sation and questions and will include some good laughs and an opportunity to grow in faith and practice. Feel free to participate even if you don’t have time to read the book. Instructor: Dent Davis

BLOCK II “Finding God in Genesis” will continue during this block. Instructor: Betsy Zeek “A Very Present Help” – Based on a book by former missionary and former national Staff As-sociate for Older Adult Ministry, this class will look at the psalms and particularly at how they speak to older adults. 10/29 – Psalms 137 and 46 – “The World Has Changed and So Have I” 11/5 – Psalms 42 and 43 – “Being In a Place I Don’t Want To Be” 11/12 – Psalm 71 – “What Shall I Do with the Rest of My Life?”

11/19 – Psalm 51 – “How Can I Be Reconciled to All That I Am?” 11/26 – Psalm 121 – “Where Do I Go for Help?” Instructor: Mary Potter “Reformation Questions/Reformation An-swers” - 2017 is the year that we celebrate the 500th anniversary of the Reformation (October 31, 1517-October 31, 2017). This course will include an overview of the key events. people, issues, and ideas that changed the face of the Christian Church. Instructor: Charles Drawdy

ADVENT BLOCK Two of TPC’s ministers will share some of their insights on the meaning of Advent.

PAGE 8 THE TRYON TRUMPET

SEPTEMBER SCHEDULE

Sunday, September 10

Glory Girls Circle 6:00 pm

TPC Fellowship Hall

Monday, September 11

Lydia Circle 10:30 am

at Tryon Estates Private Dining Room

Naomi Circle 10:30 am

Tuesday, September 12

Ruth Circle 3:00 pm

at White Oak Village Lounge

Monday, September 25

Co-Team Meeting 10:30 am

at TPC - Jones Conference Room

Saturday, September 30

Fall Gathering 12:00 noon

TPC Fellowship Hall

PW FALL GATHERING

Saturday, September 30

12:00 noon

TPC Fellowship Hall

Program: Sally Hursey

Sally will present a program about her book, Molly To The Rescue: A True Story

PAGE 9 SEPTEMBER 2017

M any are inquiring about how Pres-byterian Disaster Assistance is

helping with response to the needs of com-munities impacted by Hurricane Harvey and its aftermath. For those who wish to support PDA's emer-gency response and recovery efforts, gifts can be designated to DR000169-Harvey. You may give online at: www.presbyterianmission.org We need your help. Please give generously. If you prefer to mail a check, you may send it to:

Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.) PO Box 643700

Pittsburgh, PA, 15264-3700

You may also call PDA Monday through Fri-day, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. (EST), at 1-800-872-3283 and donate by phone. For updates, please go to pda.pcusa.org.

PRESBYTERIAN DISASTER ASSISTANCE

~ HURRICANE HARVEY ~

We have not yet received word on when any volunteer response teams will be sent. When that information becomes available we will pass that information along to you. We know you will join us in praying for courage for those who are suffering; wisdom and dili-gence among agencies and individuals assessing damage and directing relief efforts; and for gen-erosity to flow as powerfully as rivers and streams, as we respond to the deep human needs left in the wake of the storm. Grace and peace,

Cam D. Cameron Murchison Stated Clerk, Presbytery of WNC 37 Wood Robin Ln. Black Mountain, NC 28711 828-669-7238 (h) 404-556-8041 (c)

PAGE 10 THE TRYON TRUMPET

SNIPPETS FROM THE MEDIA CENTER

BY MARCY HAGEN

Angels to the Rescue: Inspira-tional Real-Life Stories from

an ER Doctor

By: Robert Lesslie, MD

This is a collection of stories from the ER which tells of first responders and real-life angels who inspired the au-thor, an ER physician, and will bring

inspiration to the reader. Meet Elton, a daring high-way patrolman who risks it all to prevent disaster. Meet James, an orthopedic tech with a God-given tal-ent for mending hearts. Meet Maybelle, a faithful nursery volunteer who makes a life-saving diagnosis. Each chapter has a warmth and a realism which lifts the heart and shows God’s amazing work among his peo-ple. I enjoyed reading these accounts and thinking about their impact on lives in the ER and without. With gratitude, I share it with you and hope it will be a blessing to you.

Mary Magdalene

By Diana Wallis Taylor

I found this fictional look at Mary Magdalene both in-teresting and enlightening. Its author is an excellent storyteller, and she creates a vivid portrait of Mary of Magdala. Also included in her writing is excellent historical detail and rich descrip-tions of the landscapes, lifestyles, and rituals of the time-period in which Mary lived. In this account, Mary is a young woman with hopes for a life filled with learning, fami-ly, and young love. In one dread-ful night everything changes. First, there are terrible nightmares, then waking visions of unspeakable terror. Her torment is real and long-lasting. Her husband is

faithful to her and to God, and he continues to try to find avenues for healing for her. Their agony sur-rounds them and plays a difficult toll on their life and marriage. Many characters, both supportive and mocking, enrich the telling of Mary’s story, and give the reader an honest look at the feelings of all in-volved. I do recommend that you read this book, even if you are not accustomed to reading Christian fiction. In spite of all the heartache, it is filled with love and hope and will be a blessing to you.

Redeeming Love

By: Francine Rivers

It was quite a journey for me to read this Christian novel. It was based on the story of Hosea and Gomer in the book of Hosea, and the male character is named Michael Hosea. The heroine is Angel, and she is a product of the times. Set in 1850s California gold country, when men sold their souls for a bag of gold, and women sold their bodies for a place to sleep, Angel expects nothing from the men in her life except betrayal. She was sold into prostitution as a child, and she has survived by keeping her hatred alive. Then she meets Michael Hosea, who obeys God’s call to marry Angel and love her unconditionally. Subse-quently, Angel feels guilty and unworthy and runs away in fear. Angel’s journey is filled with difficult twists and turns, and her story speaks to any reader who has known heartache through a destructive rela-tionship. It is God’s powerful and redeeming love that brings Angel back to safety and a genuine awareness of her value as a woman and a child of God, knowing that she is worthy of the love of Michael Hosea. It is a hopeful story for all who want to be convinced of God’s love. I am very lad that I read it.

PAGE 11 SEPTEMBER 2017

September 2017

Sun Mon Tue Wed Thu Fri Sat

1 2

3 10a Worship

4

Office Closed

Labor Day

5 6 9a Building Com-mittee Meeting 6:30p Chancel Choir Rehearsal

7 8a Men’s B&B 12p Tryon Rotary Club

8 9

10 8:30a Worship 9:30a Sun. School 11a Worship 6p Glory Girls

11 10:30a Lydia Cir. 10:30a Naomi Cir. 1p Staff Meeting 2:30p Music/Worship Comm. 4p Administrative Committee

12 3p Ruth Circle 4:30p Square

13 10a Stephen Min-isters 6:30p Chancel Choir Rehearsal

14 12p Tryon Rotary Club

15 16

17 8:30a Worship 9:30a Sun. School 11a Worship 12p Session

18 1p Staff Meeting

19 12p Thermal Belt Ministerial Asso-ciation

20 6:30p Chancel Choir Rehearsal

21 12p Tryon Rotary Club

22 23

24 8:30a Worship 9:30a Sun. School 11a Worship

25 10:30a PW Co-team 1p Staff Meeting 1:30p AAUW

26 27 28 12p Tryon Rotary Club

29 30 12p PW Fall Gath-ering

THE TRYON TRUMPET A Monthly Church Newsletter

TRYON PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH 430 Harmon Field Road

Tryon, North Carolina 28782 828-859-6683

Email: tpreschurch@gmail.com Website: www.tryonpres.org

Church Staff Dr. Dent Davis

Pastor Rev. Lesley Bush

Minister of Music and Director of Communications Dr. Charles Drawdy

Parish Associate for Congregational Care Dr. Tom Malone

Parish Associate for Christian Education Tara Calton

Church Administrator Richard Kennedy

Sanctuary Choir Director Michael Carruth

Youth Director David McEntyre

Custodian Loretta Mills Nursery Worker Bill Daniel

Treasurer Rick Dunn

Property Administrator Dr. James McPherson

Pastor Emeritus Betty Brewer

Organist/Music Director Emerita

Session Members Class of 2017

Bill Daniel John Gardner

Pat Lane Lee Lindsay

Class of 2018 Terri Hendrix Susan Penfold Rachel Ramsey

Rita Stobbe Class of 2019

Tom Clark Scott Dadson Glenn LeFeber Bonnie Sakos

Clerk of Session Les Stobbe

Tryon Presbyterian Church Mission Statement: To be and make disciples of Jesus Christ, who love God and their neighbor.

SANCTUARY CHOIR NOW

CHANCEL CHOIR!

M any of you hear the choir from Sunday to

Sunday and think, “They’re good - they sure don’t need any more singers.” WRONG! Because of turnover there is always a need for new members. The choir is a great way to serve at Tryon Presbyterian Church. Our mission is to help lead in worship each Sunday and provide music for special seasons of the year. And, we have lots of fun doing it! Re-hearsals are each Wednesday even-ing at 6:30 pm. We try to “wrap it up” by 8:00 pm. The goal of the choir is to provide quality choral music in worship.

Pray about joining us. Our first rehearsal for 2017-2018 will be Wednesday, September 6. Anticipating our new chancel in the renovated sanctuary, we will now be known as the Chancel Choir! If you have any questions, please speak to Richard or Lesley.

Richard Kennedy Choir Director 864-404-8001

Lesley Bush

Minister of Music-Organist 828-859-6683 ext. 103