In This Issue:
Presbytery of Charlotte Churches
and Pastors in the News
“Love Me Knots Comfort Design”
“Black church, White neighbors”
Presbytery of Charlotte
Youth Mission Trips
“Another Great Mission Trip!”
“Youth Mission Trip Reflections”
“9th Annual Youth Mission Trip”
Congratulations To…
Receives Mecklenburg Ministries Award
Receives Gospel Homage Award
Celebrations in
Presbytery of Charlotte Churches
Honored for 25 Years as Minister of Music
News From the
Higher Education Community
Appoints New Dean
Offers New Online Resource for Ministry
Conference on Reformed Theology & Ethics
In The News
Humor in the Church
News From The Presbytery Office
on WLYT/Lite 102.9 FM Radio
From Your E-Concordance Staff
Closing Thoughts
“God and the Spider”
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VOLUME 6/NUMBER 3
FROM THE PASTOR'S PAGE
THE REVEREND CHARLES WALTER McCANLESS,
PASTOR, PROVIDENCE PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH
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The Reverend C. Walter McCanless
(Photo courtesy of Providence PC)
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The Reverend Charles Walter McCanless has served as Pastor of Providence Presbyterian Church in Charlotte for over 14 years. He graduated from Southwestern at Memphis (now Rhodes College). After receiving a Master of Divinity degree from Columbia Theological Seminary, he was called to work as an Associate Pastor of Westminster Presbyterian Church in Spartanburg, SC. Prior to coming to Providence Presbyterian Church he served as Pastor of First Presbyterian Church in Bartow, FL.
Rev. McCanless and his wife Annie, a teacher and swim coach at Providence High School, have four children: Marie, Margaret, Charlie, and Emily.
Reprinted here, with permission, is his article, “The Advent of Our Lord Jesus Christ,” originally published in the December 2009 issue of The Pen, the monthly newsletter of Providence Presbyterian Church.
"The Advent of Our Lord Jesus Christ"
"And the Word became flesh and lived among us...
full of grace and truth." (John 1:14)
God sent his Son into this world-though not as some divine, super-hero to wage war against the sinister and evil things found here. Rather, God’s son is born into this world; a helpless, fragile baby. He started out as all the rest of us do, and in the end it seemed the sinister and evil things had their way with him, just the way they do to the rest of us. Ridiculed and mocked, with nails in his ankles and wrists, he dies. The birth and death of the Word made flesh.
THE Word became flesh, not just any word. God’s word spoke creation into existence, called forth a people from Abraham, led them out of Egypt through the wilderness and down through the ages. God’s Word spoke of law and life, covenant and promise, steadfast love and faithfulness throughout eternity. God’s Word begins and God’s Word ends, the Alpha and the Omega. “THE Word became flesh and lived among us…full of grace and truth.” The fragile baby born to a poor, homeless couple died on a cross thirty some odd years later. But not before getting in the last word as he uttered, “Father, forgive them…” forgive them, all of them, even the fellow holding the hammer, even you and me. Such is the eloquence of THE Word made flesh and living among us, the very substance of grace and truth even in his dying.
THE word became FLESH in a feeding trough surrounded by various animals, perhaps a few shepherds and other curious locals all jammed into the backyard stable together. It is not too glorious a beginning, in fact it is so understated that it is almost sure to be lost in the hustle and bustle, into all the “fleshness” of our lives. And so we don’t miss it, so we don’t pass by the manger unaware of its contents, so the hurried shopping, frantic cooking and obligatory visiting doesn’t blind us to the enfleshment of grace and truth among us, we have the season of Advent.
Advent. The season of four Sundays and the weeks they begin leading up to Christmas Day. Advent. The time of preparation, of having our eyes and ears tuned into Who is coming. Advent. The growing anticipation of something deep and new, something quite ordinary yet totally different. Someone revealed whose coming changes everything. Advent. The training of hearts and minds to pay attention to what God is doing, for God’s ways are different from our ways...
Blessings: Through the busyness of this season, may you perceive the deep love God bestows upon His world in the gift of His Son. May you come to the manger in worship and awe, may you experience again His grace and truth, may the power of His Word made flesh transform us from the inside out this Christmas.
May the penetrating event of Bethlehem engulf you and may you be swept into its deep meaning. “Be not afraid, I bring you good news of great joy which will come to all the people…”
Walt McCanless
PRESBYTERY OF CHARLOTTE CHURCHES &
PASTORS IN THE NEWS
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The Reverend Venetta Baker
(Photo courtesy of Q City Metro)
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THE REVEREND VENETTA BAKER'S
LOVE ME KNOTS COMFORT DESIGN
In the July 27, 2009 issue of Q City Metro, writer Glenn Burkins profiled the Reverend Venetta Baker and her home business, Love Me Knots Comfort Design. Read the full article here.
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Matthews-Murkland Presbyterian Church
(Presbytery of Charlotte photo)
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MATTHEWS-MURKLAND PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH
"BLACK CHURCH, WHITE NEIGHBORS"
In the August 29, 2009 “Faith and Values” section of The Charlotte Observer, the challenge of Matthews Murkland Presbyterian Church in Charlotte to stay relevant and grow amid changing demographics in the area surrounding the church was the subject of an article written by Observer writer, Elizabeth Leland. Read the entire text of the article here, reprinted with permission of The Charlotte Observer.
PRESBYTERY OF CHARLOTTE
CHURCH MISSION TRIPS
MONROE FIRST PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH
WEST VIRGINIA MISSION TRIP
(From the August 2009 issus of The Tablet,
the newsletter of First Presbyterian Church in Monroe, NC. Reprinted with permission)
Tracey McDanel, Joanne McDanel, Holly McDanel, Will McDanel,
Deanna Griffin, Stephanie Griffin, Steve Hartsell, Magan Hartsell,
Anne Flippen, Leslie Sanders, Joseph Komaravalli
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Tracey McDanel makes presentation to
Monroe First Presbyterian PC congregation
during "Mission Sunday" service.
(Presbytery of Charlotte photo)
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Imagine living in a peaceful little town in a small valley between two mountains. Another long winter has passed, the mud from the spring thaw is finally gone, and the days are warmer and getting longer. Then a spring storm arrives and in four hours, six inches of rain falls. The peaceful stream turns into a raging river that rises well over the twelve foot flood stage. Imagine living in a peaceful little town in a small valley between two mountains. Another long winter has passed, the mud from the spring thaw is finally gone, and the days are warmer and getting longer. Then a spring storm arrives and in four hours, six inches of rain falls. The peaceful stream turns into a raging river that rises well over the twelve foot flood stage. The water retreats down almost as quickly as it arrived but it has turned your life upside down.
As our mission team arrived in Hanover, WV on Monday, June 29 along with a group from Bel Aire, MD, we saw the remains of the flood. Along the banks, high in the trees there is debris everywhere. From the outside, the buildings look normal. Then you look inside and see the devastation.
Our group was split up between the Free Will Baptist Church and an elderly blind woman’s home a few doors from the church. At the house, the group worked doing plumbing, building walls, hanging sheetrock, painting, cleaning the yard and sanding. The rest of us go to clean out the muddy muck from under the sanctuary, spread lime on the firm but still wet ground, and then cover the ground with new plastic. Once the church is completed, we start work on digging the muck out from under another house.
In between projects, we spend time cleaning the yard at the Hanover church and the Kooperston church where we are staying. Each night we share devotion time with the group from Bel Aire and review the list of accomplished tasks with our site supervisor.
Friday is our last day in WV. Our group separates as some are leaving and some head to try whitewater rafting while a small group heads back to the house to install trim and finish the drywall work that they’ve started.
We’ve spent the week bonding with one another and the people of WV. The small mining community of Kooperston, WV has opened their hearts and arms, welcomed us, and thanked us for the work we’ve done for their neighbors in Hanover. The people of Hanover have opened their hearts and arms and have thanked us. Nine months of planning that had seen numerous changes in the plans for the trip is coming to an end. Reflecting on the week, you realize that God sent us to be there at that place at that time. He showed Himself in unique ways that if you didn’t look, you may never have seen. How else can you explain that a group from FPC Monroe ended up working on the home of someone with family in Monroe?
During our return trip on Saturday, we decide that we want to go back next year and give back to the community of Kooperston. Join us the week of June 20, 2010 for a return trip. Maybe we’ll get to work on the jobs that were originally planned for us this year.
YOUTH MISSION TRIPS
DERITA PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH
"ANOTHER GREAT MISSION TRIP!"
(From the August 2009 Issue of Derita Presbyterian Times,
the monthly newsletter of Derita Presbyterian Church in Charlotte.
Reprinted with permission.)
This year, 20 people “took to the hills” to serve God and five families in West Virginia. 20% of the group were making their first trip. Different groups; built a roof and a ramp to connect a deck to a carport and shelter both from winter ice and sleet; caulked and painted a house; replaced siding, washed and primed the outside of a house; built a new kitchen floor in a house, repaired a section of the Wellspring Ministries’ shop and storage area; and replaced door locks, completely cleaned and landscaped another house. We also were guests of Ronceverte Presbyterian Church for a lasagna dinner, helping the pastor to start a mission team program at the church. Our DVD of the trip will be included at Ronceverte’s library, to help educate the congregation. The adults on the trip cooked “by committee” with everyone taking a hand in at least one meal during the week. This year’s recreation was whitewater rafting in the New River and everybody, from 14 to 70 enjoyed the ride! Special thanks to our supporters and, especially, the prayer partners for your service and care. It really makes the week special, knowing that we truly go out in your name, too.
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Mission Trip participants
(Photo courtesy of Derita Presbyterian Church)
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Mission '09 T-Shirt
(Photo courtesy of Derita Presbyterian Church)
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NEWELL PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH
"YOUTH MISSION TRIP REFLECTIONS"
(From the August 2009 issue of The Steeple,
the monthly newsletter of Newell Presbyterian Church in Charlotte.
Reprinted -- and edited for space and clarity -- with permission)
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Newell Presbyterian Church
(Presbytery of Charlotte photo)
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“This youth mission trip was different from the normal mission trip. We decided to visit and participate with some new monastic communities. One was the Rutba House in Durham, NC and the other was the Livingstone Monastery in Newport News, VA. They were two very different experiences. Below are some of the reflections from the Youth.”
For me, this trip to the Rutba House and Livingstone Monastery was a great experience. I’m glad I was able to go and got to learn about the way they live in new monastic communities. The trip was meaningful to me because I was able to meet new people, learn about their way of life, and interact with them. While at the Rutba House, we helped them paint a room for a man who will be moving in with them soon. At Livingstone Monastery, we cleaned out a courtyard that will be used for a children’s playground. I think that helping people even with simple things is important.
Before we went to visit these communities I had no idea what they were about or what they did, but now I have had this experience. I learned that they are normal, Christian people that devote their life to helping others and keeping up a Christian lifestyle that includes more than just worship once a week. They take people into their home to help people get back on their feet or if they just need a place to stay. They have prayer at regular times throughout the day. Thank you all for letting us have this wonderful experience. - Elizabeth Wood
What I found meaningful about this trip is that even though everyone there had busy schedules, they still managed to work church into their lives every day. They had jobs and things that they had to do. At the Rutba House, both of the families had children, but they still managed to have morning and evening prayers. - Jules Moody
I enjoyed the time spent (at Livingstone), but found it less applicable to everyday life because it was so separated from society. With any task in life a time to step back and take a break can be very important; Livingstone is a Christian community providing this place for others to retreat. Both communities put a lot of emphasis on hospitality. Rutba welcomes people into spare bedrooms for a chance to get back on their feet from whatever situation life presents. Livingstone welcomes groups and provides facilities for church activities. I feel hospitality is something all of us should be more conscious about, and I hope to be more intentional about sharing my blessings with others! - Meredith Wood
Editor's Note: Elizabeth and Meredith Wood are members of Hickory Grove Presbyterian Church in Charlotte, who participated in the Newell PC Youth Mission Trip. The trip was coordinated by the Reverend Amy Busiek, Associate Pastor for Education for Newell Presbyterian Church.
TRINITY PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH
"9th ANNUAL YOUTH MISSION TRIP"
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Trinity Presbyterian Church
(Presbytery of Charlotte photo)
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The week of June 20-26, 11 youth and 3 advisors embarked on a journey to San Antonio, Texas for the 9th Annual Youth Mission Trip. Participants Wes Bradley, Wil Bradley, Eve Davis, Chief Etheridge, Billy Hair, Doug Henry, Lindsey King, Burns Newsome, Eli Nutter, Gary Sugg and Blair Williams worked throughout the week in stifling heat (105 degrees) helping those less fortunate. Our groups spent time in the San Antonio Food Bank preparing thousands of meals that were served throughout the city. We worked with children in fragile neighborhoods through a summer camp program and saw the face of God in the homeless we served at St. Vincent de Paul’s soup kitchen.
The week of work and service was complemented by an adventure to a water park, dinner on the River Walk one evening and a few stolen minutes in the air conditioned mall. In spite of the lack of air conditioning in the church where we stayed, everyone was enriched by the experience.
The youth would like to thank all of the congregation members who donated items and purchased items in the Silent Auction Fundraiser. Without your support the trip would not have been possible. We are also especially grateful to the Click family who made delicious goody bags for us to take on the plane! Finally, special thanks to Katherine Lambert, Baron Mullis and Brent Mullis who gave a week of their time to lead the youth on this adventure.
The 2010 Youth Mission Trip will depart for Chicago, Illinois next June. The trip is open to all current 8th-12th graders.
CONGRATULATIONS TO...
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Mary Nell MacPherson
(Photo courtesy of Charlotte Covenant PC)
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MARY NELL MacPHERSON RECEIVES
MECKLENBURG MINISTRIES AWARD
(From the November 2009 issue of Covenant News,
the monthly newsletter of Charlotte Covenant Presbyterian Church)
Congratulations to Covenant Elder Mary Nell McPherson who has been recognized as the 2009 Community Leader of the Year by Mecklenburg Ministries.
While Mary Nell’s faith is rooted and grounded at Covenant, her spirit blossoms on the other end of McDowell Street at Seigle Avenue Partners, where she serves as Executive Director. Her work in establishing Freedom Schools in Charlotte has set her apart as an extraordinary advocate for children.
Watch her nomination video on YouTube (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1toG1X3hpME), and read her powerful acceptance remarks at the Mecklenburg Ministries web site (www.meckmin.org).
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Wadesboro First Presbyterian Church
(Presbytery of Charlotte photo)
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WADESBORO FIRST PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH
RECEIVES GOSPEL HOMAGE AWARD
(From the October 2009 issue of the Epistle,
the monthly newsletter of First Presbyterian Church, Wadesboro)
First Presbyterian received a Gospel Homage Award given by the Woman Associate Ministry of Anson County on September 19, 2009, at Believers Christian Center. We were honored along with Vancine Sturdivant, Wadesboro Kiwanis Club, WADE Radio, The Wadesboro Police Department, and Movements of Praise, a liturgical dance team. We were nominated for this award by Chuck Kiser of the Department of Social Services for our mission efforts in the community, i.e., the Food Pantry and crisis aide to people. Ashe and Kaye Ratliff and Jim and Mary Katherine Boylin accepted the award on behalf of the Church.
CELEBRATIONS IN
PRESBYTERY OF CHARLOTTE CHURCHES
JANE BOSTIAN ARANT IS HONORED FOR 25 YEARS
AS MINISTER OF MUSIC AT TRINITY PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH
On Sunday, October 4, 2009, a concert of music for brass was presented at Trinity Presbyterian Church in Charlotte, honoring Jane Bostian Arant for her 25 years as Minister of Music at the Church. A Reception in Carson Fellowship Hall was held immediately following the concert.
In the November 2009 issue of PostScripts, the monthly newsletter of Trinity Presbyterian Church, she reflected on the past 25 years. Read “View from a Bench” and see photos taken during the celebration here.
“I believe with all my heart that the exciting community that embraced me when I came here 25 years ago is not the accomplishment of any individual or group, but is the manifestation of a congregation’s spirit nourished by the Holy Spirit. That Spirit will be a fountain of creativity, courage, and energy that will enable Trinity to continue to be a rich and inviting place for all who enter into its life.” Jane Bostian Arant
NEWS FROM THE
HIGHER EDUCATION COMMUNITY
COLUMBIA THEOLOGICAL SEMINARY
EMERGENCE NOW (JANUARY 2010 SEMINARS)
The reformation was a long time ago… or was it? Are post-modern/emergent/missional conversations signs of a new reformation? What other signs are we seeing or yearning for as we seek to be faithful, 21st Century disciples? A series of conversations and workshops around these and other questions will be held January 26-28, 2010, with Bruce Reyes-Chow as one of the instructors. The program fee includes lunch on Tuesday and Wednesday. For more information log on to www.ctsnet.edu.
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George Harris
(Photo courtesy of JCSU)
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JOHNSON C. SMITH UNIVERSITY
APPOINTS NEW DEAN
Johnson C. Smith University has announced George Harris as Dean for University Records, Admissions and Financial Aid. He serves as the chief records officer (Registrar) and provides oversight and administrative leadership for several of the University’s key enrollment management units (Admissions, Financial Aid, and Registrar offices).
UNION PSCE OFFERS NEW
ONLINE RESOURCE FOR MINISTRY
In October, Union-PSCE launched a new website that offers a host of online resources for using children’s and adolescent literature in educational ministry. The new website, Children’s Literature: A Resource for Ministry, shares book reviews, lesson plans, and ideas for ministry related to children’s and adolescent literature and connects the work done by students in the course with the larger church. Log on to http://storypath.wordpress.com for more information.
DAVIDSON COLLEGE
CONFERENCE ON REFORMED THEOLOGY AND ETHICS
A Conference on Reformed Theology and Ethics takes place at Davidson College, February 22-24, 2010. This wonderful (and inexpensive) continuing education opportunity is entitled "The Lord's Prayer in Theology and Ethics." The keynote speaker is David Bartlett, Professor of New Testament at Columbia Theological Seminary and co-editor, with Barbara Brown Taylor, of Feasting on the Word: Preaching the Revised Common Lectionary. Concurrent seminars will discuss the relevance of the Lord's Supper for various aspects of preaching and pastoral care.
For more information or to register, please visit Davidson College's Religion Department web site at http://www3.davidson.edu/cms/x3733.xml.
WARREN WILSON COLLEGE
IN THE NEWS
Warren Wilson College, located in Swannanoa Valley, 10 miles east of Asheville, was featured in the September 27, 2009 issue of the New York Times Magazine - "The School Issue: College". The article, "When Your Dorm Goes Green and Local," was written about the school's new EcoDorm. Read the article:
http://www.nytimes.com/2009/09/27/magazine/27Ecodorm-t.html?_r=1
The school was also featured in Bruce Reyes-Chow's blog of December 8, 2009. Reyes-Chow had visited the campus this past summer, one of 3 Presbytery-affiliated institutes of higher learning he has visited thus far, and after a "golf-cart walkabout," declared the school "a gem." Read his blog: http://www.mod.reyes-chow/2009/12/warren-wilson-college.html
Julie Lehman, Director of Church & Interfaith Relations at WWC invites others to also take a walkabout of the college campus!
HUMOR IN THE CHURCH
(From Halife.com)
Rev. Warren J. Keating, Pastor of the First Presbyterian Church of Yuma, AZ, says that the “best prayer he ever heard was: ‘Lord, please make me the kind of person my dog thinks I am’.”
A student was asked to list the 10 Commandments in any order. His answer? “3, 6, 1, 8, 4, 5, 9, 2, 10, 7.”
A woman went to the Post Office to buy stamps for her Christmas cards. “What denomination?” asked the clerk. “Oh, good heavens! Have we come to this?” said the woman. “Well, give me 50 Baptist and 50 Catholic ones.”
NEWS FROM THE PRESBYTERY OFFICE
"LITE FOR YOUR LIFE"
ON WLYT/LITE 102.9 FM RADIO
If you haven’t had a chance to listen to the 60-second radio spots that have been airing on Lite 102.9 FM Radio since the beginning of September, log on to the Presbytery of Charlotte web site by clicking here, where you will also find information on all of the churches/committees/ Presbytery staff members who have provided inspirational moments for the Charlotte community and the surrounding areas.
Presbytery of Charlotte pastors and others want to give back to our community in these uncertain times by giving words of encouragement and telling brief uplifting stories of faith and perseverance. Many in our area have responded very favorably to these radio spots and are listening in regularly.
"LITE For Your Life" spots air on Lite 102.9 each Monday, Wednesday, and Friday at approximately 7:45 AM. You can listen on your way to work, school, or when you are just getting ready to begin your day.
The program will continue into 2010. Listen in and let us know what you think.
GREETINGS!
From Your e/Concordance Staff
It’s that special time of the year again. Plans for family gatherings, good food (and lots of it), quiet nights lit with candlelight. Anticipation for new and better things to come.
But much of this may not be reality for many. We must not forget those less fortunate during the holiday. We must reach out with faith, love, and support to our brothers and sisters in need.
Throughout the year the Presbytery of Charlotte offers help through our ministries and missions - hoping to ease the burdens of hunger, homelessness, poverty, aging, violence, and lack of a feeling of self-worth.
Especially in the Christmas season, we seek to comfort and bring joy to others. In this Holy Season we are even more aware that the good we do for others is done also for Him.
As we come into this season with the hearts of children, remembering happiness of Christmases past, we recall the words spoken by Ebenezer Scrooge in Charles Dickens' A Christmas Carol, when he was reminded of the REAL "reason for the season".
"I will honor Christmas in my heart, and try to keep it all the year".
With prayers for many blessings Christmas and throughout the New Year...
Your e/Concordance Staff,
Sandy Randolph
Editor
Concordance & elConcordance
concordance@presbyofcharlotte.org
704.535.9999 or 800.926.1537, ext. 208
Tamara Williams
e/Concordance Webpage Layout
tamara.williams@presbyofcharlotte.org
704.535.9999 or 800.926.1537, ext. 203
PRESBYTERY OF CHARLOTTE
5700 Executive Center Drive
Suite 200
Charlotte, NC 28212-8801
704.535.9999 or 800.926.1537
FAX: 704.537.3476
Visit us on the web at www.presbyofcharlotte.org
CLOSING THOUGHTS
Editor’s Note: While we are remembering those near and dear to us at Christmas, we must not forget those who serve our country in the military, and we pray that God continues to watch over them and keep them from harm – and bring them home safely to their loved ones.
"GOD AND THE SPIDER"
(From the November 2009 issue of The Gate Post,
the monthly newslettter of Indian Trail Presbyterian Church, Indian Trail.)
During World War II, a US marine was separated from his unit on a Pacific island. The fighting had been intense, and in the smoke and the crossfire he had lost touch with his comrades.
Alone in the jungle, he could hear enemy soldiers coming in his direction. Scrambling for cover, he found his way up a high ridge to several small caves in the rock. Quickly he crawled inside one of the caves. Although safe for the moment, he realized that once the enemy soldiers looking for him swept up the ridge, they would quickly search all the caves and he would be killed.
As he waited, he prayed, “Lord, if it be your will, please protect me. Whatever your will though, I love and trust you. Amen.”
After praying, he lay quietly listening to the enemy begin to draw close. He thought, “Well, I guess the Lord isn’t going to help me out of this one.” Then he saw a spider begin to build a web over the front of his cave.
As he watched, listening to the enemy searching for him all the while, the spider layered strand after strand of web across the opening of the cave.
“Hah,” he thought. “What I need is a brick wall and what the Lord has sent me is a spider web. God does have a sense of humor.”
As the enemy drew closer he watched from the darkness of his hideout and could see them searching one cave after another. As they came to his, he got ready to make his last stand. To his amazement, however, after glancing in the direction of his cave, they moved on. Suddenly, he realized that with the spider web over the entrance, his cave looked as if no one had entered for quite a while.
“Lord, forgive me,” prayed the young man. “I had forgotten that in you a spider’s web is stronger than a brick wall.”
We all face times of great trouble. When we do, it is so easy to forget what God can work in our lives, sometimes in the most surprising ways. And remember with God, a mere spider’s web becomes a brick wall of protection.
~Origin Unknown
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