Showing posts with label Pastoral Letter. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Pastoral Letter. Show all posts

Monday, May 28, 2012

Pilgrims Progress May 2012



PILGRIM’S PROGRESS



Voice of the Pilgrim Presbyterian Church
Vinita, Oklahoma

May, 2012


A Pastoral Letter from the Sidelines



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Dear friends,


There is a lot of gloom and doom talk regarding the future of our Presbyterian Church, but that is not going to trump the vision and enthusiasm evident in Pilgrim Presbyterian Church!


Well do I remember our first meeting. Toni Moore, then chairperson of the Worship Committee, invited me to preach at a Sunday service in April 2005 - 7 years ago! There were eleven people in the congregation that morning. After the service, Jim Ratcliff approached me, and in a persuasive way said “we need you.”


Session took a risk and invited me “an old man” to be your “temporary supply pastor”. I accepted and I’m glad I did.
Working together, faith in action has infused new life into our beloved Church. Session, Deacons and our Committee of Mission and Outreach, chaired by Joyce Dishman, deserve much credit for renewal. Through the efforts of the Rev. Judy Hendedrson we are participating in mission in far away Malawi, Africa.


Brian Dishman and Jewell Morgan get kudos for making possible an outreach ministry, “Off Site-On Line”, which connects Pilgrim Church with hundreds of people each week.


Our “Monday at Ten” fellowship at Burroughs Manor, and the Deacons monthly sponsored “Bingo” afternoon at the Manor, have both been well received by our good friends next door. And, what a joy to see how many of you have supported our ecumenical relations with St. John’s Episcopal Church and the Salvation Army.


The Christian life is one of “good tidings of great joy.” You’ve got it. Don’t lose it. There are many challenges ahead. I only wish I could be with you as you meet them in a positive, exciting way.


Bless you and thank you for your kindness and support, especially in this past year, which has been a tough one for me.


With fond regards, always,


Richard



ON THE PRAYER LIST

Please remember the following individuals in your daily prayers:

Richard Evans – Our minister

Dilys Evans – Richard's daughter

Mary Draper – Church member

Melba Shelton - Church member

Shirley Spaulding - Church member

John and Louise Gullett – Janie's parents 

Patricia Hemphill – Friend of the Church

Larry Skaggs – Friend of Todd Mariner

Bill Montgomery - Friend of Toni’s 

Men and women serving in the military forces, and their families




CHURCH OFFICERS     


Session Members

(Class of ’12) Joyce Dishman, Wally Olson, Jim Shelton

(Class of '13) Keith Cresap, Sue Ratcliff, Fred York

(Class of ’14) Sarah Bruce, Kitty Brown, Irene Conine


Deacons

(Class of ’12) Jim Dishman, Dianne Rapp

(Class of '13) Jeanne Cowley, Jan Clark-Haney, Toni Moore

(Class of ’14) Liz Logan, Shirley Spaulding 



Church Trustees

Wally Olson 2012
Keith Cresap 2013
Kitty Brown 2014 




Church email: pilgrimpresby@sbcglobal.net 





17 Lawrence Noggle
20 Jan Clark-Haney
26 Jim Ratcliff

28 Mark Curnutte 



Birthday Sunday is celebrated on the 2nd Sunday of the month.


Birthday Sunday Assignments:


May - Sarah Bruce

June - Shirley Rapp
July - Sue Ratcliff
August - Jan Clark
September - Janie York
October - Linda Burger
November - Toni Moore
December - Jeanne Cowley


(Bring cake & check on juice for children) 




****************************************
 Melba Shelton’s address is 821 N. Foreman #115

*******************************************


Graduation Celebrations !

May 13 was the celebration of Vinita High School graduates Caitlyn Spurgeon and Madison Kroll. We are especially proud of these two young ladies.

Caitlyn was crowned Basketball queen and Madison was crowned Football queen this past year.

Caitlyn Spurgeon is the daughter of John and Cindy (Cresap) Spurgeon. Her activities and honors include: being named to the All-State basketball team, becoming Vinita’s all time leading scorer in basketball, track, cross country, NHS and Senior Rotarian. She was also Valedictorian of her class.

Madison Kroll is the daughter of Chris and Julie (York) Osborn. Madison is a model in addition to being a football and track trainer. She works for the Linda Layman Agency, where she models and teaches. Recently she was offered a contract from Cing Deux Un, a modeling agency in Tokyo, Japan. Her plans after high school aren’t completely set in stone but for the moment she is thinking about going to Japan, where she will probably model all the time and if she likes it will sign a contract. She is excited about seeing that part of the world. She stated that if she doesn’t like it she will come back home and go to college. 





Excerpt from a letter from General Presbyter, Greg Coulter:


“I am challenging each congregation in this presbytery to do something, anything, just one thing new between now and the end of the year which advances the gospel message in your community. It has to be something you haven’t done before and it has to reach out to someone who isn’t already attending your church.

Have some fun; experiment; trust in the Holy Spirit to bless and multiply your efforts. Then let me know what you did and how it worked out!”

Grace and Peace,
Greg 





Deacons:

  • The Deacon's met on Sunday April 15th. Everyone was present but Jan. 
  • We made plans to celebrate Mother's day and our graduates on May 13th. Madison Kroll and Caitlyn Spurgeon will be honored as well as all the Mother's. Cake and punch will be served after church.
  • We also talked about our July Pot Luck dinner. More on that meal after our May meeting. 
  • Bingo at Burroughs will play in May and June and then take a break until Sept. The residents really enjoy seeing some new faces and playing bingo is taken very serious. In April we had two bingo on blackout, first time that has happened. Jewell, Liz, Toni and Diane were the bingo helpers. Next bingo is May 19th.




Ministers for May/June

6 - Nancy Covington
13 - Craig Kilgour
20 - Greg Coulter
27 - Craig Kilgour

June 3 - Ken Bailey



Tearful Farewells:

Chris and Julie (York) Osborn have accepted teaching positions in Hennessey, Oklahoma. Chris will be the Athletic Director and Julie will teach elementary school. The family will be sorely missed. 






Wednesday, December 7, 2011

2011 December PILGRIM’S PROGRESS

PILGRIM’S PROGRESS

Voice of the Pilgrim Presbyterian Church

Vinita, Oklahoma
December, 2011



"A Letter from the Sidelines"


Dear friends,

It's December already and I hope you are making a meaningful personal journey through Advent to the Cradle of the Christ child.

There are many Bible passages to read during Advent, but I hope you won't miss these:
Isaiah 9:2-7; 40:1-11; 53:1-6
Luke, chapter 1, especially note verses 46-55, the Magnificat 
And, of course, on Christmas, Luke 2:7-14

Christmas is a strange season!  We cut an evergreen tree and bring it into our living room.  We hang stockings in a conspicuous spot in our home.  Strange behavior!  But, wasn't the first Christmas strange, too?

God nudged unsophisticated shepherds to look up to see a star, and then he nudged them to look down to see a child in a stable.

Who is this God who nudges us still?  God is the high and mighty one who inhabits eternity.  Lift up your head and behold the star!

Who is this God who nudges us still?  God is the one who is self-revealed in a stable.  Lift up your spirit this Advent season and look within to the one who dwells with you.  (John 1:1-14)

God nudges us to move from star to stable, from stable to star.  The mysterious other is God with us.  That is what makes this season of Christmas a strange, hallowed, gracious time.

In an age notorious for dashing hopes, lift up your head that the child who was born in a stable may yet be re-born in you.

Merry Christmas to you and your loved ones!

In friendship,
Richard

Church email:pilgrimpresby@sbcglobal.net



THE PRAYER LIST

Please remember the following individuals in your daily prayers: Richard Evans, Vera Tresler, Mary Draper, John and Louise Gullett , John Burckhalter – illness - Friend of the Church, Patricia Hemphill, Pat Robinson, Joan Dirmyer, Dee Ann George, Adele Davis, Larry Skaggs, family of Eleanor Lewis. Brett Forbes family – Serving in the military

Men and women serving in the military forces, and their families

We light the Peace Candle each Sunday and pray for all men and women currently serving in the military and their families, as well as for all who are suffering from war, persecution and terrorism.


*********************
Bill Dirmyer, brother of Pam Noggle passed away in New York.  Please keep the family in your prayers.


Church Birthdays

are celebrated on the 2nd Sunday of the Month – December 11 – same Sunday as holiday meal.

December 19 – Mary Draper
                  27 – Terry Brown


~~Notes from Session~~


The Session met November 20, 2011 and opened with prayer by Moderator Judy Henderson.   There was a quorum present including the following elders: Kitty Brown, Sarah Bruce, Keith Cresap, Joyce Dishman, Wally Olson, and Sue Ratcliff.   Excused were Irene Conine, Jim Shelton, and Fred York.  The October 9th and October 16th minutes were  approved by common consent.

Under the Treasurer’s Report for October 2011, the Beginning Balance was $5,135.19, Receipts were $2,684.55,  Expenditures were $4,634.21, and the Closing Balance was $3,185.53  The annual Stewardship letter will be mailed to members in November.  Session approved continuing the $1800.00 budgeted to send  annually to Presbytery.  The motion was made by Kitty Brown, there was a 2nd, and the motion carried.

After some discussion on the proposed 2012 Budget, Wally Olson moved to authorize the Treasurer to make the necessary changes to the Budget advised by Session, there was a 2nd, and the motion carried.  

The Clerk’s report included approval of the Annual Review of Session Minutes on October 31, 2011.  The Clerk also noted Session’s acceptance of Richard Evans’ resignation and that notification was sent to Presbytery.  There was no annual Necrology Report.   

Under the Trustees’ Report Keith Cresap reported that he has not received the abstract for the church manse so that final papers can be signed.   Keith also reported on an Allensworth property which was given to the church and will work with the Trustees to come up with a sale price. 

Irene reported for the Worship Committee that ministers and music are in place for the Holiday Season.  Joyce Dishman’s report on our annual Mission giving will be included in the January Session and Congregational meetings.

Sarah Bruce reported for the Sanctuary Guild that Christmas decorations are being planned along with poinsettias which members will be asked to contribute.

Under Old Business in order to update the Active and Inactive Rolls the Clerk is planning to meet with one or two Elders at a time during the month of January either on Sunday after church services or on Monday mornings to work on the rolls and plan a new Church Directory. 

Under New Business Session set the Congregational Meeting date for January 15, 2012.  Items to be included will be the Financial Report, Mission Giving Report, and the election of the 2012 Church Nominating Committee.  Session also set the date of January 15, 2012,  to hold the Ordination and Installation of Elders and Deacons.  Judy Hendersonhas offered to instruct and examine the Elders and Deacons if Presbytery has not appointed a Moderator for our church.

Under Other Business the following Elders will serve as Lay Assistants during December:  Sarah Bruce - December 4th, Kitty Brown - December 11th, Keith Cresap  - December 18th, and Jim Shelton - December 25th.  Communion will be prepared on Sunday, December 4th by Sue Ratcliff.  The worship Assistant for January is Kitty Brown, and Communion will  be prepared on Sunday, January 8th by Joyce Dishman.  

The next Session Meeting will be held on Sunday, January 15, 2012, subject to change if a new Moderator is appointed.  

The meeting was closed at 12:15 p.m. with prayer by Moderator Judy Henderson.

Reverend Judy Henderson, Moderator
Sue Ratcliff, Clerk of Session


The next Session meeting will be held on Sunday, January 15, 2012.



Thank you to:

  • Irene for making arrangements for special music during the Advent and Christmas season and Sue and Irene  for making sure we have a minister each Sunday.
  • Toni for cookies and birthday cake this month.
  • Annette our custodian for the nice clean windows in the kitchen.
  • Irene, Sarah and Toni  for the beautiful Christmas decorations throughout the church.
  • Sarah for the extra serving spoons she donated for the kitchen.

~~Notes from Deacons~~

Deacons met November 20, 2011 with the following present:  Jim Dishman, Shirley Spaulding, Toni Moore, Jeanne Cowley, Dianne Rapp, Jan Clark, Jewell Morgan, Liz Logan.  Plans were made for the Holiday Meal on December 11th.  Burroughs Manor is invited and several parishioners from the Grove church plan to attend since Dr. Richard Evans will be here.  The schedule is A-G salad; H-O vegetable; P-Z dessert.
The meat, bread and drinks will be provided by the church. Set up is Saturday, December 10 at 10:00 a.m. We are planning for 50-60 people.
December cookies and birthday cake assignment is Toni.  Birthday Sunday is same day as Holiday Meal.
There will be no Bingo at Burroughs Manor in December.  Next Bingo will be January 21st.

Jewell Morgan reporting

Next Deacons meeting will be January 15th



Bingo prizes needed for January: Small lotions, small aftershaves, easy puzzle books, tuna and chicken salad packages, small packs of cookies, crackers, paper products, toilet paper, Kleenex, paper towels, small candy bars, small kitchen towels, any candy.  


Congratulations to Mary Kate Shelton and James Craven who were married in our church on November 12.  Mary Kate is the youngest daughter of Jim and Sarah Shelton, granddaughter of Melba Shelton and Mike and Jane Snedden and James is the son of Jim and Vicki Craven and nephew of Debbi Myers.  The beautiful reception was held at the Shelton ranch in the barn and tents that were set up near the home.


The Bruce family is thankful for the use of the kitchen and fellowship hall for their Thanksgiving dinner .The Bruce's are currently remodeling their kitchen.  Sister Robin and her family were able to enjoy our new facility that their uncle James Kerr donated to our church.


□□   CHURCH OFFICERS   □□

Session Members        Deacons

 (Class of ’12) (Class of ’12)
Joyce Dishman Jim Dishman
Wally Olson Dianne Rapp
Jim Shelton

(Class of '13) (Class of '13)
Keith Cresap Jeanne Cowley
Sue Ratcliff Jan Haney
Fred York Toni Moore

(Class of ’14) (Class of ’14)
Sarah Bruce Liz Logan
Irene Conine Shirley Spaulding
Kitty Brown

    

HOLIDAY MEAL 

– December 11 immediately following morning worship.
The turkey, ham, bread, drinks will be provided.  Please bring a covered dish.  

If your last name begins with:

A-G   salad
H-O   vegetable
P-Z    dessert

Richard plans to be here.  
Burroughs Manor residents are invited and a few from the Grove church where Richard was interim for 6 years plan to attend.  Please bring your family and celebrate the holidays with us.


              2011-12                                  2011-12
WORSHIP ASSISTANTS         COMM.  PREPARERS      
December – Elders Share  Dec – Sue Ratcliff
January – Kitty Brown     Jan – Joyce Dishman


St. John's Episcopal Women are hosting a Wine and Cheese/Silent Auction Saturday, December 10 from 4:00 – 6:00 to benefit the Backpack Program and other charities.
The cost is $8.00.










Saturday, November 5, 2011

PILGRIM’S PROGRESS



PILGRIM’S PROGRESS
Voice of the Pilgrim Presbyterian Church
Vinita, Oklahoma   November, 2011

"A Letter from the Sidelines"
Dear friends,

Six years ago, by inviting me to be your part time pastor, you gave me responsibilities and duties which have been a continuous privilege.

I may have fallen short to do my best, but with reliance on God I have tried to declare and demonstrate that a Christian expresses and determines one's attitude toward life as a whole.

Since early June my health has been running down hill.  Following more tests and exams that I knew existed, the heart doctor I consulted told me "it's time to retire."  By now most of you know that Session has accepted my resignation.  At the same time, Session has asked that I continue to write a letter for Pilgrim's Progress, the MONDAY MORNING messages for email and the Church BLOG, and notes and cards to members and friends of the congregation.  I can do that, and I'll continue to do that, "from the sidelines", until you invite my replacement as your part time pastor.

I have great appreciation for Pilgrim Church.  I miss being with you every weekend, and I miss our "Monday at Ten" gathering at Burroughs Manor.

I cherish your friendship, and I ask that you continue to be involved in effective ministry of Pilgrim Church, and that you pray for me as I pray for you.

With blessings, affection, and all good wishes,
                                                                        and in Friendship,

             Richard



"Religion is primarily, and at the heart, the spiritual meeting of the soul with God"
 HYPERLINK "http://www.pilgrimpresbyterian.blogspot.com/" www.pilgrimpresbyterian.blogspot.com/
             
           Church email: HYPERLINK "mailto:pilgrimpresby@sbcglobal.net" pilgrimpresby@sbcglobal.net

Saturday, October 1, 2011

Pilgrims Progress Newsletter October 2011


PILGRIM’S PROGRESS

Voice of the Pilgrim Presbyterian Church
Vinita, Oklahoma October, 2011

A Pastoral Letter

Dear friends,

Death in the midst of life hits us all sooner or later. Most of us have met it in the loss of someone close to us. In bereavement, faith can soften the feeling of desolation, but can do little to make less natural human grief.

Blessed are those with a family circle to which they can turn in bereavement. But often children may have moved and are not readily accessible. And, there are many who have no children.

One source of healing in bereavement is the use of memory. There is a justifiable form 'of living in the past'. To remember incidents that provoke laughter or evoke a quiet smile of happiness are part of the gift of loving and being loved.

Memory, of course, causes us to recall the bad with the good, missed opportunities, hurtful words, silly mistakes. Thankfully, God's mercy does forgive our blindness and wrong doing.

There is one other helpful source of strength in bereavement. That is the Christian hope of life beyond death. Read Romans 8:35, 37-39. This throws grieving back upon the vitality of a person's faith in God.

To know God in Jesus Christ is to possess the power to meet bereavement victoriously.

With affectionate regards to a wonderful congregation, and in friendship,

Richard



"The Church is essentially a fellowship"

www.pilgrimpresbyterian.blogspot.com/

Church email:pilgrimpresby@sbcglobal.net


THE PRAYER LIST

Please remember the following individuals in your daily prayers: 
Richard Evans, John Burckhalter, Mary Draper, Vera Tresler, Louise Gullett, John Gullett, Patricia Hemphill. Pat Robinson, Dee Ann George, Joan Dirmyer, Dee Ann George, Adele Davis, Clell Goodpaster Brett Forbes family serving in the military. Please also remember all service men and women.

We light the Peace Candle each Sunday and pray for all men and women currently serving in the military and their families, as well as for all who are suffering from war, persecution and terrorism.

*********************

Church birthdays are celebrated on the 2nd Sunday of the Month 
– October 9th – Linda Burger will supply the birthday cake.

4 – Sue Ratcliff
7 – Ryder Vazquez
12 – Carter Given
15 – Cynthia Boatright
16 – John Turner
16 – AnnaBelle Mitchell
17 – Melba Shelton
19 – Chris Conine
28 – Jim Dishman


You may pick up your copy of
"These Days" in the Narthex.


WORLD WIDE COMMUNION
Will be observed Sunday, October 2 at 10:00 a.m.
The Reverend Judy Henderson will serve Communion.

~~Notes from Session~~

The stated Session meeting opened at 11:15 a.m. on September 18, 2011 with prayer by Moderator Ann Wasson. Present were: Irene Conine, Keith Cresap, Joyce Dishman, Wally Olson, Sue Ratcliff, and Jim Shelton. Kitty Brown, Sarah Bruce, and Fred York were excused. Minutes of the August 21st minutes were approved.

Keith Cresap gave the Treasurer’s Report for the month of August 2011. Beginning Balance was $7,309.95, Receipts were $2,243.77, Expenditures were $3,731.20, and the Closing Balance was $5,822.52. The Treasurer’s Report was approved by common consent.

Also under the Treasurer’s Report was receipt of the EOP Report for Pilgrim Church , the 2012 Mission Pledge Form, and a letter to all Stewardship/Mission Committees, Sessions, and Pastors in EOP dated July 21, 2011.   Joyce Dishman will compile the figures for Mission giving during 2011.

Under the Pastor’s Report, Session received Richard’s resignation letter dated September 7, 2011. After further consultation with Session members, Richard withdrew his resignation on September 13, 2011. Wally Olson moved that Session approve Richard’s decision, there was a 2nd, and the motion carried.

Under the Clerk’s Report was a letter from EOP dated July 20, 2011, regarding the change in ordination standards in the Book of Order. EOP also included a copy of the Policies and Procedures Guide for the Work of the Session.

Under the Trustees’ Report, after some discussion, Wally Olson moved that the church manse be offered for sale to member Walter Rapp for $55,000.00, Irene Conine 2nd, and the motion carried.

Under Committee Reports, Irene is planning for special music during the Holiday Season. Under Mission and Outreach, Joyce reported that she had delivered the donations for Bundles for Babies and Blue Star Mothers. Joyce also noted that the Salvation Army food panty is very low and could use food and money donations. Wally Olson will be donating two beefs to the pantry in the near future.

Under New Business, Session approved the use of the church by member Jim Shelton on Friday, November 11th, and Saturday, November 12th, for the rehearsal dinner and wedding of Mary Kate Shelton and James Craven.

Session conducted the annual review of the composition of Session, Deacons, and Trustees regarding ethnicity, age, sex, and disabilities with regard to the make-up of the congregation. This information is useful for the Nominating Committee.

The Nominating Committee includes Sarah Bruce, Irene Conine, Jewell Morgan, Todd Mariner, and Walter Rapp. The committee will report to Session at the October 16th meeting.

Under Other Business, the Worship Assistant for October is Sue Ratcliff, and Communion will be prepared on Sunday, October 2nd, by Toni Moore.

The next Session meeting will be held on Sunday, October 16, 2011.

Ann Wasson, Moderator Sue Ratcliff, Clerk of Session

Thank you to:

  • Irene, Dianne, Shirley, Sarah, and Jewell for taking food to "Bridges Out of Poverty" student and leader participants.
  • Pam for her donations of "Blankets for Babies"
  • Irene for making sure we have a minister each Sunday.

~~Notes from Deacons~~

Bingo at Burroughs
We resumed our monthly bingo games at Burroughs Manor on Sat. Sept. 17th. A good crowd was on hand and a good time had by all. Jean Cowley and Diane Rapp shared calling the numbers. Walter Rapp, Jewell Morgan, Toni Moore were also in attendance. Cookies were served and everyone looking forward to next month when bingo will be on Sat. Oct 15th.

Next Deacons meeting will be October 16

CHURCH     OFFICERS
Session Members                    Deacons

(Class of ’11)                       (Class of ’11)
Sarah Bruce                         Jewell Morgan
Irene Conine                      Shirley Spaulding
Kitty Brown

(Class of ’12)                       (Class of ’12)
Joyce Dishman                      Jim Dishman
 Wally Olson                         Dianne Rapp
  Jim Shelton

(Class of '13)                        (Class of '13)
Keith Cresap                        Jeanne Cowley
Sue Ratcliff                             Jan Haney
 Fred York                             Toni Moore

              2011                                 2011
WORSHIP ASSISTANTS           COMM. PREPARERS
October – Sue Racliff           Oct – Toni Moore
November- Jim Shelton        Nov – Wally Olson
December – Elders Share     Dec – Keith Cresap


The PPC mouse observed ----------
•Someone putting up a new curtain in the Pastor's restroom.  Could it have been Toni?
•Beautiful fall decorations appearing.   Was it Sarah?
•Cookies at the last minute.  Thanks Dianne.

Saturday, July 2, 2011

Pilgrim's Progress, Newsletter for July 2011


PILGRIM’S PROGRESS
Voice of the Pilgrim Presbyterian Church
Vinita, Oklahoma
July, 2011

A Pastoral Letter

Dear friends,

We don't always know what's going on inside our bodies.  I was pleased when a recent PET Imaging report read "No cancer in his body."  But, I still felt tired – fatigued.  That, with what I thought was an anxiety attack, forced me one night to go to a nearby Urgent Care Clinic.

I was advised to go to the hospital, which I did.  For the next couple of days I had, what seemed to me, an endless string of tests.  New health problems were disclosed.

A pacemaker was inserted in my chest, and I was send home promising doctors "to take it easy for awhile".   Apparently I'm too weak (or probably too old) for further treatment at the present.

To make a long story short,  Session has granted me a "leave of absence" until mid-September.  At that time our relationships will be evaluated.

I miss you already!  You are a gracious, caring congregation and I am proud and honored to be a part of Pilgrim's extended family.

Please pray for me as I pray for you.  I think of you at the ten o'clock Sunday morning hour as you gather for worship.

With blessings and affectionate regards.

Richard
"PEARL OF VALUE" 
"For freedom, Christ has set us free."






~~Notes from Session~~

Seven member of Session met informally on Sunday, June 26th.  Terry Brown submitted the May 2011 Treasurer's  Report.

Session approved placing the church manse for sale, and Bow Bailey has agreed to show the property to any prospects.  Session also approved the use of the church on August 6th or August 13th for Burroughs Manor activities under the direction of Paula Butcher.

Our Pastor, Richard Evans, has asked to take a leave of absence until Sunday, September 11, 2011. Richard will continue the Monday Morning and Blog ministry during this time.  Session approved Richard's request, and noted that we are looking forward to his return to the pulpit this fall.

Irene Conine, Worship Chairwoman, has been in charge of calling replacement pastors while Richard is away, and Session would like to extend our heartfelt thanks to Irene.

The Worship Assistant for July will be Keith Cresap and Communion will be prepared on Sunday, July 10thby Sarah Bruce.  The Worship Assistant for August will be Joyce Dishman, and Communion will be prepared on Sunday, August 7th by Shirley Spaulding

Sue Ratcliff
Clerk of Session  

THE PRAYER LIST

            Please remember the following individuals in your daily prayers: Richard Evans, John Burckhalter, Mary Draper, Vera Tresler,  Louise Gullett, John Gullett,  AnnaBelle Mitchell, Patricia Hemphill. Pat Robinson, Joan Dirmyer, Clell Goodpaster. Families of recent tornado tragedies.  Please also remember our service men and women.

AnnaBelle  and Melba are in Heartsworth House. Anna Bell is #114 and Melba #115  821 N. Foreman, Vinita, OK 74301.

       John Burckhalter is returning home July 2 after  eight months therapy in Tulsa.  Continue to keep him and the family in your prayers.


~~Notes from Deacons~~

Deacon's meeting
The Deacons met on June 19th to make plans for the Potluck Dinner to be held on June 26th.  Next meeting will the July 17th.
Next fellowship meal will be  a picnic in August.

Jewell Morgan, reporting


Church birthdays are celebrated on the 2nd Sunday of the Month – July 10th – Toni Moore will supply the birthday cake.
           
July 4, Kitty Brown, 5 Jewell Morgan, 7 Madison Kroll, 12 Wally Olson, 14  Pat Boone, Blake and Mox Osburn, 20 Fred York, 22 Walter Rapp, 24 Emily York and Keith Cresap