THE WRIGHT UPS

September 2014 edition

JANUARY 2015 ISSUE

Happy New Year!

When I think about New Years I always think about the New Year’s Eve scene from the

movie Forrest Gump. The title character is out with his friend when a couple of people join them.

The time square countdown begins and one character reflects, “Don’t you just love New Year’s?

You get to start all over. Everyone gets a second chance.” These words are thought provoking, and

they are the themes that society celebrates every New Year. Our faith and community seek the truth

these words speak on a deep level.

There is cause for rejoicing as we celebrate the marking of a new time. Many of us look

forward to what God is creating. This is a time to celebrate that God is calling us to renewal. The

place where our faith differs from the movie line, and society’s view, is that we receive more than a

second chance.

You ever have one of those days where you think, “Oh, well, that was that, I guess I’ll try

again tomorrow.” Christians and people of faith are called to have the awareness that there is more

to life than one-second chance. We live lives that call us to constantly seek renewal and

refreshment. This is one reason for practicing the Sabbath. We need time to observe the passing of

time; we need to rest and refresh; and we need to begin again. Forgiveness and Jesus’ command

that it be done an infinite amount of times shows that human life needs more than a second chance.

We need and yearn for daily renewal. Our faith shows that New Year’s is more than a second

chance. It is an important ritual of reflection on the past, celebration of transition, and rest for the

new path ahead.

This has been quite a year for all of us. It almost feels as if every day, or least every month,

was its own New Year. We have prayed, reflected and worked hard to settle into our new life

together. Our reflection of the past gives us reason to grieve, rejoice, and, hopefully, to have

awareness of how God has always been there. We have said goodbye to many loved ones. These

were times when we were reminded that there are limits to the number of human New Years. We

held each other, cried, and sought divine comfort.

In the midst of the sadness we were simultaneously excited about the end of the discernment

journey. We rejoiced with new ministry, God’s answer to our prayers, and our response to God’s

new call. This has, thank God, included the welcoming of new faces into our life together.

When we look back to see the hard times in conjunction with the blessings we always find

God. When we shared our uncertainties and loss there was comfort. The celebrations of the end of

tough work helped us grow spiritually. These experiences affirmed our faith that whatever happens

God will be there.

Let us remember this in our New Year. May we be refreshed daily. May we look back and

remember how God moves with us no matter where we go. The awareness of the everlasting

Divine, and are love for one another, will always carry us through. We will flourish and always

hear God speaking.

God Bless and Happy New Year!

Rev. Drew Terry

Wright Congregational United Church of Christ

4821 Franklin Rd, Boise, ID 83705 Office: Tues-Thurs 9-Noon and 1-3:00

208-343-0292 email: church@wrightucc.com web: wrightucc.com

JANUARY Worship Team

Lay Worship Leader Carl Van Slyke-Jan. 4; Syl Apperson-Jan. 11,18,25 Ushers Frank Capshaw, Wes Andrews, Dan VanderVeen, Will Patterson Care Givers Marilyn Williams Altar Care Meredith Pond Communion Servers Marilyn Williams, Anne Schnebly, Jennifer & Trevor Makinson

Date Greeters Altar Flowers Coffee Hosts

Jan. 4 Clay & Laura Shockley and family

Janice Aagaard in celebration of her parents

anniversary

Jan. 11 Dave & Debbie Turner

Jan. 18 Will & Shirley Spiva All Church Potluck

Jan. 25 Dale & Cindy Shoemaker Suzanne Robb

AS OF THIS WRITING THESE WERE THE SIGN UPS

January Birthdays

Jan. 4-Dolores Wallace; Jan. 7-Linda Baxter; Jan. 15-Ronna Sundell; Jan. 17-Suzanne Robb; Jan. 20-Howard Adkins & John Thomas; Jan. 23-Katie Trammell;

Jan. 29-Pat Robb & John Freeman

December Anniversaries Jan. 27-Jim & Becky Erickson

If you would like to add your birthday or anniversary to our Wright Ups let us know.

2015 Directory's The new directories will be available very soon.

The office will be closed the week following Christmas.

We will be back Tuesday, Jan. 6, 2015.

Keeping Our Food Pantry Stocked

for the Winter

Our pantry needs our help to be stocked for the winter months. Non-parishable items are always needed. This time of year, chili, stew,

canned meats, soups, veggies and fruits are always good. Plus paper goods and personal hygeine items. Thank you.

2015 PLEDGES

ARE STILL BEING ACCEPTED If you have not turned in your pledge for 2015 please do so as soon as

possible. Pledge cards are still available in the office for your convenience

Memorials Gifts have been given in loving memory of:

Ginny Trapp & Dave Carmen by Linda & Dwain Baxter (new cordless mic system). Ginny Trapp by Donna McMackin

Ida Lovin by Janice Aagaard

Treasurer's Report

Gen Fund Income $6782.01 Gen fund expense 8985.01

Balance for Nov. -1203.00 Oct. balance -6822.18 YTD balance -8025.18 Janice Aagaard, Treasurer

Lunch Bunch

Our lunch bunch will meet at 1:00 pm, Thursday, Jan. 8 At the Stuffed Olive in the Albertsons Market Place in Eagle.

A casual lunch with great conversation and fellowship. Everyone is welcome – bring your friends.

Book Club News

The book club meets on the first Thursday of each month at 1:00 pm in the church library.

All are welcome to come and enjoy a cup of tea and interesting discussions. Jan. 1 –No Meeting, Happy New Year to all.

Feb. 5 – Each one will tell about a favorite book. March 5 – Continue with the telling about favorite books.

Important Notice The annual meeting of the Congregation to approve the 2015 budget and install the Church officers will be held on Sunday, January 11 following worship. In addition to these two business items you will have the opportunity to "dream a little". We will be talking about our dreams for the future of our church. Please plan to be there.

Exciting times coming to Wright – become involved!

Women's Fellowship

Next gathering is Wednesday, January 7 at 1:00 pm in the social hall. Join us for lunch and great conversation. Lots of events coming up in the life of our women's fellowship. All ladies are welcome to come and enjoy.

All Church Potluck-Sunday, January 18

Yummy foods, fun, and fellowship will continue on the Third Sunday of each month. Bring your favorite dish of choice and enjoy a relaxing meal with friends and family. January's potluck is sponsored by our Mission & Outreach and Memorial committees.

Wright 1's All single people are welcome to this fun group.

Monthly activities are planned such as: outtings; eating; social events; eating; movies; etc.

Friday, Jan. 23 will be a get-together at Carol Rivers. Its a potluck at 6:30p (more eating ) followed by a planning session for the next few months, and fun games.

(games are a hoot with this bunch). Please contact Carol to RSVP

Quote of the Month!

Sometimes a good night's sleep is the best decision.

AND THE WINNER IS.... Congratulations to Tom Eubanks who was the winner of our Christmas train! Congratulationsl to Carol Rivers who was the winner of our Christmas house!

Congratulation to Dale Ramsey who was the winner of our jeweled Christmas tree! A total of $209 was collected for Pilgrim Cove Camp.

Thanks to all who participated.

Wright Up deadline for the February edition will be Sunday, Jan. 25.

Diaconate News by Carl Van Slyke

I would like to welcome the class of 2017 to our diaconate. We will be having our first meeting for ALL of the diaconate on Sunday, January 25 following worship in the Choir Room – get a cup of coffee and come join the meeting. We will be filling the calendar for usual responsibilities for February thru April. We will also be making plans for monthly meetings focusing of the "Philosophy of Worship" and "Pastoral Care". Our hope is to split into two groups with each group meeting monthly on different Sundays (second and fourth) following worship for an hour of study lead by Pastor Drew. These studies would last through May.

Idaho Interfaith Roundtable Against Hunger By Carl Van Slyke

IIRAH will be involved in three different legislative issues during the coming Idaho legislative session. These issues include the following: 1. Raising the minimum wage in Idaho. This effort is supported by a variety of state wide organizations. The current minimum wage in Idaho is $7.25 per hour. This is about ½ the amount that it takes to meet the basic needs of one adult. 2. Support extending the grocery tax credit. A proposal to remove the sales tax on food will probably be introduced, but this may not benefit those in need of help. 3. Support closing the gap on Medicare. This is currently being talked about before the Idaho legislature meets. Stay tuned for further updates on these issues and others.

NEED AN IDEA FOR OUR MONTHLY POTLUCKS?

Copies of "The Wright Recipes Cookbook" by The Wright People are still available in the office and they are just $10. Get your copy today. Great

ideas for breads, candies, cookies, desserts, main dishes, salads, soups and miscellaneous recipes.

JANUARY 2015

Sun Mon Tues Wed Thurs Fri Sat

.

1 No Book Club

2

3

4 10:15 Choir warm up 10-Sunday School 11-WORSHIP/ Communion 12-Fellowship

5 6 7-Alanon

7 1:00-Women's

Fellowship

8 1-Lunch Bunch

9 10

11 10-Sunday School 11-WORSHIP 12-CONGREGATIONAL MEETING

12 13 7-Alanon

14 6-Huntington’s Disease Support Group

15

16 11:30 Crafters

17

18 10-Sunday School 11-WORSHIP- 12-Potluck

19 20 7-Alanon

21 7-Board Meeting

22 23

6:30 Wright Ones-planning, potluck

24

25 10-Sunday Sch 11-WORSHIP 12-Fellowship Wright Up articles due

26

27 7-Alanon

28

29

30

31

The Wright Ups Wright Community Congregational Church United Church of Christ 4821 Franklin Rd Boise, Idaho 83705

Return Service Requested

January 2015 Vol. 2015 Issue 1 Contact us: Phone: 208.343.0292 e-mail: church @wrightucc.com web: wrightucc.com Ministers: All Of Us Pastor: Rev. Drew Terry Office Admin: Robin Canning Board Chair: Chuck Pond Organist: Ann Burkholder Moderator: Carl Van Slyke

10:00 Sunday School 11:00 Worship Noon: Fellowship Communion: 1st Sunday of each month Cry room available for restless little ones