UPCOMING CHURCH EVENTS:

Beginning Sunday, September 3, 2017, Membership Rosters of those eligible to serve as officers of GMPC will be made available for the upcoming elections. Nomination Forms will be included as bulletin inserts on September 17th, 24th and October 1st.

A Congregational Meeting will be held on November 5th for Elder and Deacon elections.

The 2017 - 2018 Nominating Committee, Diane Westerbeek: Chair, Bill Aiken: Vice Chair, Beth Bryan, Sr., Beth Stewart, Melvin Weaver, Suzi Matthews, Olivia Williford, Jack Perry, John Surratt & Carol Wilson, thank you in advance for your prayerful consideration in making nominations for the upcoming elections.

The Graves Memorial Men's Chorus will be singing September 3rd for worship. Mark your calendars and plan to attend.

Fall Breakfast Kick-off: We cordially invite everyone, adults, youth, and children, to a Fall Breakfast Kick-off on Sunday, September 10th at 9:00 a.m. to celebrate a new program year here at GMPC! Please make plans to attend this celebration of a new beginning!

September 10, 2017 is Promotion Sunday! This is a special time when we commission our leaders for the coming program year. This is also a time of recognizing our children and youth as they are promoted to new Sunday school classes. Bibles will be presented to our first graders; Prayer Books and Presbyterian Hymnals are given to Worship Readiness children who are entering second grade and will now remain in the sanctuary with their parents during worship. The Bibles and prayer books are a gift from the church and the hymnals are funded by the GMPC Music Fund. Rising ninth graders who have served as acolytes will also receive recognition.

An Installation Service for GMPC Presbyterian Women Officers and Leaders, for the upcoming 2017-2018 program year, will be held on September 17th during Worship.

GMPC Prayer Quilt Ministry (Third Tuesdays at 9:30 a.m.) resumes on September 19th in the GMPC Fellowship Hall. Do not worry if you can not sew, that is only one aspect of creating these quilts.

NEW: A PODCAST (audio file, mp3 format) of Sunday Sermons Is Now Available on the GMPC Website. To listen to posted sermons please visit: http://gravesmemorial.org/sermons.shtml.

Presbyterian Disaster Assistance: Out of Chaos, Hope, for those affected by Hurricane Harvey. Historic flooding has forced rivers and streams from their banks and submerged homes, churches, businesses and roads, stranding thousands of people. The Presbytery is relying on the generosity of Presbyterians to provide financial and hands-on support to help the whole church stand with these communities and the Presbyterian family as it responds to its neighbors. The needs for the response are great and God’s people are once again called to fill in the “GAP” – Give. Act. Pray. Bulletin inserts with more information will be made available at GMPC on Sunday, September 3rd or visit http://pda.pcusa.org/ for the latest news.

Volume XXXX, No. 8

Graves Memorial Presbyterian Church Newsletter 201 Fayetteville Street . Clinton, NC 28328

Phone: 910-592-2677 . Fax: 910-592-3100 . Website: gravesmemorial.org

Email: Jerry Bron: brondrj@aol.com; melissagriffin@embarqmail.com

OUR KNOWN ILL:

Barbara Kerr Linda Williamson Martha Dunn Deborah Hall Tink Purcell Geneva Matthis Margaret Register Don Wilson Diane Westerbeek

Doc Fields—Southwood; Rm. 109 Margaret Faircloth—Mary Gran; Rm. 715

Frances Hubbard– GlenAire

Betty Heaton—Mary Gran; Rm. 105

Others: Angie Prucha -(Daughter of Edwin Danford)

Betty Hairr-(Mother of Vickie Pope) Joe Butler-(Brother-in-law of Penny Horne)

Juaweese Franklin-(Mother of Melissa Nimmo) Jim McGuirt-(Former GMPC member) Margaret Williamson John Michael Bron -(Nephew of Jerry Bron)

August - September 2017

Lectionary Text for September:

03) Ps. 105:1-6, 23-26, 45b; Ex. 3:1-15; Rom. 12:9-21; Matt. 16:21-28;

10) Ps. 149; Ex. 12:1-14; Rom. 13:8-14; Matt. 18:15-20;

17) Ps. 114 or Ex. 15:1b-11, 20-21; Ex. 14:19-31; Rom. 14:1-12; Matt. 18:21-35;

24) Ps. 105:1-6, 37-45; Ex. 16:2-15; Phil. 1:21-30; Matt. 20:1-16

SYMPATHY TO:

Nick and Pat Rose & families on the passing of their mother and GMPC member, Mary Warren Rose.

Carol Wilson and family on the passing of her sister, Lydia John Senter Langdon.

Copies of the GMPC Newsletter are always available in the Narthex and outside the church office for your convenience.

Graves Memorial Presbyter ian Church Newsletter Page 2

WORDS FROM DR. JERRY BRON: A New Day Dawning?

It is my perception that life in the Kingdom here at Graves Memorial is settling down a bit. And while there are challenges and obstacles remaining, there are any number of you who are eager and willing to embrace what I see as a new day dawning. In my time studying the Gospels, Jesus is often quoted as saying that “the Kingdom of God is at hand.” That was Jesus’ way of saying that the time had come for God to act decisively. The Old Testament book of the “preacher” Ecclesiastes suggests that there is a time for everything under heaven: there is a time to be born and a time to die, a time to plant and to reap, a time to kill and to heal, a time to hold on and to let go, a time to rip out and to mend, a time to speak out and a time to shut up. I am suggesting that this is the time to move ahead for there is a new day dawning here. For the members and officers of this church, practically speaking that means figuring out how you might contribute to the new day that is dawning. What responsibilities will you be led to embrace, what new practices will you help initiate, how much of the opportunity to contribute financially will you embrace? I hear God saying to all of us here, “IT’S TIME, IT’S TIME, IT’S TIME. I am confident that you will help this new day dawn. Grace and Peace to you and yours, I am……… Jerry

OUR CHILDREN:

PresbyCrew resumes September 13th. PresbyCrew meets the 2nd & 4th Wednesday of every month from 3 – 5 p.m. for Kindergarten – 5th grade. Welcome back letters & registrations have been mailed. Plan to join us & bring a friend!

PresbyMusic resumes September 13th. Welcome back letters and registrations have been mailed. Please see new schedule below:

~First and Third Wednesdays: Cherub Choir (for preschool through first grade) will meet from 4:00-4:30.

~Every Wednesday: Children's Choir/Handbells (for second through fifth grade) will meet from 5:00-5:30. They will alternate weeks between Handbells and Vocal Choir.

~Every Wednesday: Youth Choir/Handbells (for sixth through eighth grade) will meet from 4:30-5:30. They will have one-half hour of Handbells and one-half hour of Vocal Choir each week.

NEW: GMPC Mission Buddies (For All Children – 12th grade) Mission Buddies first group meeting will be-

held on Promotion Sunday, September 10, 2017 as part of Sunday School. Join us for Sunday School on the

10th at 9:45 a.m. to learn more.

CONGRATULATIONS TO:

Mark & Charlotte Harrell on the birth of their daughter Carter Louise Harrell, born August 11, 2017.

Grandmother is Joni Fay Fetterman. ~~~~~~~

Dan & Rebecca Feagin on the birth of their daughter Emma Jane Feagin, born August 14, 2017.

Grandmother is Glenda Underwood. ~~~~~~~

Whit & Sarah Newton on the birth of their son Henry Whitfield Newton, born August 27, 2017. Grandparents are Tommy & Annette Newton.

The GMPC Prayer Quilt Ministry Is Seeking Vol-unteers! The Prayer Quilt Ministry meets on the Third Tuesday of the month, at 9:30 a.m., approx. 6-7 times a year. Four quilts are prepared at each meeting, than sent home with a sewer to complete at home. The idea behind these quilts is simple, yet powerful. As each knot is tied, a silent prayer is offered and symbolically tied into each quilt. Each “comforter” is a gift of love, a statement of faith and a testimony to our belief in God and the power of prayer. If you know how to sew, and would like more information on how you can be of ser-vice to this wonderful ministry, contact Bill Scott, Missions Chair, cell #990-3474.

Three copies of Being Presbyterian in the Bible Belt, A THEOLOGICAL SURVIVAL GUIDE FOR

YOUTH, PARENTS, AND OTHER CONFUSED PRESBYTERIANS, by Ted V. Foote Jr. & P. Alex Thornburg are now available in the church office to be checked out. Pick up your copy today!

Graves Memorial Presbyter ian Church Newsletter Page 3

Youth Groups Info.

GMPC Youth Group will Kick-off on Sunday, September 10th at 5:00 p.m. in the Fellowship Hall with: FUN (Oh Yes!), FELLOWSHIP (That’s Right!), & FOOD (Yum!)! Mark your calendars and make plans to be in at-tendance!

High school students are welcomed and are encouraged to join the GMPC Chancel Choir & Handbell Choir. Handbells practice each Wednesday from 6:00-7:00, p.m. & Chancel Choir practices each Wednesday from 7:30-9:00 p.m. *Contact Lara & Sean Capparuccia, Directors of Music, at (910) 548-0505 to find out more.

OTHER NEWS AND NOTES:

~ Congratulations to Lyman Horne and Melissa Fulton on their recent retirements! Lyman retired from Star Communications with over 37 years of service, and Melisa retired from BB&T after 36 years of service. We hope retirement finds them happy, healthy, and with plenty to keep them busy. Congratulations!

~ CAKES NEEDED: for the September 14th First Baptist Soup Kitchen. We ask that all cakes be delivered to the GMPC kitchen by 2:00 p.m., Wednesday, September 13th. *Please contact Linda Williamson to sign up/ place your name on the September list. We thank you in advance.

~ MEALS on WHEELS Volunteers Needed! In addition to our current Meals on Wheels volunteers, we are seek-ing extra volunteers to serve for 2 deliveries a year. GMPC currently delivers on the 1st, 3rd & 5th Tuesday of every month and we would like to begin serving every Tuesday. Deliveries take about an hour. Contact Anne Price or the Church Office to volunteer.

~ Mission Opportunity: Diaper Bank of Sampson County. Donations of diapers (all brands and sizes, to include adult diapers), diaper wipes and diaper rash cream are collected. A collection bin is located in the GMPC fellowship hallway for your convenience.

~ MISSIONS: Christian Food Bank of Salemburg, every third Saturday, monthly, bags of food are given to those in need beginning at 9:00 a.m. What you can do to help: Volunteer Your Time! Donate Food Items! *Food drop off container located in the Fellowship Hallway. Next Food Bank: September 16, 2017

~ Backpack Buddies Program: Volunteers meet each Tuesday at 10:00 a.m. at Sunset Avenue School to pack food bags for over 250 “food insecure” Clinton City School children, ages Pre K - 8th grade. What you can do to help: Volunteer Your Time! Donate Food Items! (canned soups, juice boxes, raisins, fruit cups, pudding cups, granola

bars, pop tarts, trail mix & individual cereal boxes) *Food drop off container located in the Fellowship Hallway.

PRESBYTERIAN MEN OR PRESBYTERIAN WOMEN NEWS:

~The Presbyterian Men’s Breakfast Meetings resume on September 10th at 8:15 a.m. at First Baptist Church. A Sign-up sheet will be made available for Clean-up, Breakfast Program Leaders and 5th Sunday’s Lay Reader opportunities. Please make plans to be in attendance as we gather for a time of fellowship with the 1st Baptist and FUMC men!

~ A Joint Meeting of All Three Presbyterian Women Circles will be held on Monday, September 11th at 7:00 p.m. in the fellowship hall. Please plan to attend as we join together for the first meeting of the program year. 2017 - 2018 P.W. Handbooks and P.W. Horizon Bible Study Books will be distributed. See you on the 11th!

* Volunteers are needed on Thursday, September 7th at 10:00 a.m. to help assemble the P.W. Handbooks. Please call the church office to add your name to the list of available volunteers.

GET INVOLVED SPOTLIGHT: First Baptist Church Soup Kitchen *(In an effort to bring awareness to the many mission opportunities here at GMPC we will “spotlight” one mission every month. We ask that you please give regularly to these programs in need of your help.)

The First Baptist Church Soup Kitchen (408 College Street, Clinton, N.C.) is held on Thursdays, weekly from 11:00 a.m. – 7:00 p.m. September through May. *11:00 – 3:00: Cooking, *3:00 – 5:00: Deliveries, *5:00 – 7:00: Serving. (Volunteer for the whole day or as your schedule allows.) GMPC began assisting First Baptist Church with their soup kitchen in May 2015 by providing donations of cakes/desserts on the second Thursday monthly and through church volunteers who assist in the cooking, serving and cleaning of this outreach ministry.

What you can do to help: Volunteer Your Time! Donate Food Items (#10 cans)! Bake/Buy a cake(s) monthly!

EDUCATIONAL / SERVICE OPPORTUNITIES FOR SEPTEMBER 2017:

03 10 17 24

Crib/Toddler Nursery Volunteers: (Nancy & Lauren Perry, Mary Doyne) 9:30 a.m. - 12:15 p.m. Anne Price Mariana Sanderson Joy Dodson Diane Barwick

Acolytes: (Brenda Nordin) Austin Spell Spencer Westerbeek Bailey Spell Walker Spell Jewell Carr Jase Westerbeek Anna Perry Sinclair Silas Bradley

Worship Readiness: September Leader: Tami Warren

PreK—2nd Grade Class: (Hollis White) TBA TBA TBA TBA

3rd - 5th Grade Class: (Hollis White) TBA TBA TBA TBA

Sr. & Jr. High Youth Class: (Sunday School: James Dodson; Youth Group Facilitators: Joel & Wanda Coleman) Joy Dodson James Dodson Joy Dodson James Dodson

Memorial Room: (Dorothy Sue Faison) Melvin Weaver Melvin Weaver Anne Price James Dodson

Care Class: (Brenda Nordin) James Dodson Nita Aiken Ronnie Honeycutt Bill Scott

Pathfinders Class: (Lauren Perry)

PresbyCrew: (Mariana Sanderson & Myrtle Petty) We always welcome extra volunteers … come any time you can! 09/13 Team 1: Mary Aycock, Bonnie Barr, Penny Horne, Betty Blue Packard, Darby Scott, Jan Tart; Myrtle Petty, Mariana Sanderson 09/27 Team 2: Mary Doyne, Dorothy Sue Faison, Annette Newton, Nancy Perry, Amelia Surratt, Diane Viser; Diane Barwick, Jennifer Bradley Snacks: 09/13 Myrtle Petty & 09/27 Ann Johnson

Meals-on-Wheels: (Anne Price) 09/05: Barbara Taylor & Anne Price; 09/19: John & Amelia Surratt

Ushers: (David Brock) Note: A yearly list is posted on the bulletin board outside the office David Brock, Hampton Brock, Rick Green, Sim Green, Mark Harrell, Allison Martin

Lay Readers: Matt Johnson TBA James Dodson TBA

Flower Committees: (Mac Spell) 03 Communion 10 Memorial for Mr. and Mrs. James M. Johnston, Jr. and Mrs. Jennifer Denning Hocutt, by Mr. and Mrs. Jim Johnston 17 Memorial in loving memory of Dr. and Mrs. L. C. (Bill) Peak by Whit and Jan Tart 24 Memorial for Mrs. Margaret Martin by Mr. Cecil Martin and family

Happy Birthday During September: 01) Beth Bryan, Sr.; 02) Bonnie Barr,

Mark Viser, Claire Fox; 05) Don Hollingsworth, Nita Aiken, Tynnley Miller; 07) Mary Dudley; 08) Adam Sink; 09) Jim Naylor, Jeffrey Howard, Chris Berendt, Molly Blanchard; 11) Stewart John-ston; 12) Ray Walls; 15) Carroll Oglesby; 16) Mary Lou Faircloth; 17) Dottie O’Quinn, Ryan Carter; 18) Russell Byrd; 19) Finn Howard; 20) Pinckney Heaton; 23) Diane Viser, Billy Prestage; 24) Juanita Cantrell, Mac Spell; 25) Gina Powell; 26) Sharon Funderburk, J.T. Newton; 27) Anne Price, Cameron Ellis; 28) Ginny Williamson; 29) Scott Prestage, Will Dodson, Collin Murphry

Columbarium Committee To Be Formed: The commit-

tee will report findings and recommendations back to the Session and the duties will be threefold: 1) Determine the location, design and layout of the proposed columbarium and associated memorial garden. 2) Provide the economic and financial justification for con-struction cost, maintenance and on-going care with the stipulation this project will not pull funds from our operating account. 3) Devel-op an operating policy to include governance and administrative guidelines, rules and regulations. *Anyone interested should contact the church office or Bill Scott (910.990.3474) for more details.

Sunday, August 27, 2017

I will be loyal to GMPC and support it with …

My Presence: Sunday School Attendance 43 Worship Attendance 102

My Gifts: Weekly Year-To-Date Tithes and Offerings $5,935.29 $207,083.27 Building Fund Offerings $ 265.00 $ 35,594.83

Needed for Budget: Weekly Year-To-Date Operating Budget $4,504.63 $157,662.05 Building Fund $1,525.38 $ 53,388.30