Volume 9, Issue 5

May 2016

Dear Friends,

Some�mes I find the spiritual prac�ces of others to be of great benefit. I’m o&en looking around to see what others

are doing to enhance their spiritual lives with the hope that I might find something in their prac�ce that will be beneficial

to my own.

During the recent mee�ng with my Covenant Group the sugges�on was made that we choose a Scripture passage to

use as a focus of prayer when we are in the midst of some spiritual struggle. The idea was to choose a meaningful

Scripture and allow it to speak into our hearts and lives during �mes of stress or indecision or doubt. My take on this

exercise was somewhat akin to how I believe the Apostle Paul invited believers to put away harmful thoughts and

replace them with posi�ve, faith producing thoughts. In Philippians Paul says, “Do not be anxious about anything, but in

everything, by prayer and pe��on, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God.” (Philippians 4:6) Paul then goes on

to say, “Finally, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is

admirable – if anything is excellent or praiseworthy – think about such things.” (Vs. 8)

This strategy makes sense to me. When my faith is assaulted with nega�ve thoughts and I feel doubt and

discouragement rising within me, I should turn my a:en�on to God’s goodness and faithfulness and think about those

things.

At our group mee�ng, we were given a period of �me to separate ourselves from one another so we could pray and

search the Scriptures and think about what might be our verse for this prayer focus. As I flipped through the Scriptures

reading a variety of short passages, it didn’t take me long to se:le on a verse. It comes from Colossians and says, “Since,

then, you have been raised with Christ, set your hearts on things above, where Christ is seated at the right hand of

God.” (Colossians 3:1)

What struck me about this verse was the “past tense,” of it. This is not

simply a promise associated with the future. It is a present reality that has

already been accomplished on my behalf by what has happened in the past.

I have been raised…already!

This isn’t something that I have to wait for. My life has already been

bound up in the resurrec�on of Jesus. I have already been given access to the

victory of Jesus over my sins and my death. And now, Christ is at the “right

hand of God,” the posi�on of power and authority where he reigns as King of

kings and Lord of lords over the en�re universe and even beyond.

There is therefore a greater reality than the reality I see and experience in

my day to day walk. That reality is Jesus’ lordship. Whatever I am going

through does not diminish that reality. I can gain courage and confidence

when I direct my thoughts to the reality of the kingdom of God which has

come but which is s�ll coming to its full consumma�on.

Un�l that day comes, I know I will experience the effects of a crea�on

marred by sin and rebellion against God and God’s purpose and plan for the

crea�on. That being the case, I need to “set my heart on things above where

Christ is seated at the right hand of God.”

“Thanks be to God, who gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus

Christ.” (1 Cor. 15:57)

Together with you in Christ’s service,

in this ISSUE

Adult Educa�on Page 2

Calendar Page 9

Celebra�ons Page 8

Children’s Ministry Page 5

Community Outreach Page 4

Congrega�onal Care Page 7

Fellowship Page 4

Finance & Budget Page 7

Small Groups Page 3

Youth Page 5

2

The Prac�ce of Prayer

Facilitator: Rachel Clark

Loca�on: Fellowship Hall A

Beginning May 8 this class will begin to explore

the gi& of prayer. What is it? Why has God

given us this gi&? How has he made it possible

for us to communicate with him anywhere we

are? We’ll open the Bible to learn more and to

learn in ways that will equip us to make prayer a

greater part of our lives.

HomeBuilders

Loca�on: Room 100

Homebuilders is a class that is open to all,

interac�ve and conversa�onal, focused on

fostering fellowship and discipleship in such

areas as marriage and family rela�onships,

paren�ng, financial stewardship, and other

parts of our daily walk with God.

Fellowship Class: Understanding Islam

Facilitator: Jeannie Phelps,

Loca�on: Fellowship Hall B

As Islam and the Middle East are constant

parts of our news today, this class wants to

be:er understand how to engage and love

our neighbors. We’ll look at the religion,

history, and what we can do today to

be:er love our neighbors on behalf of

Jesus Christ.

The Fellowship Class is a group that values

conversa�on and offers hospitality as they

gather to study God's word. Come join this

always-welcoming class as they con�nue

to study prayer.

On Sundays at 10:00 AM there are a

variety of classes open to anyone who is

interested. You are welcome to join at any

�me and see for yourself what discipleship

looks like at TPC.

SALT Class:

The Gospel of Ma7hew

Facilitator: Donna Frank, Loca�on: Room 101

In February SALT is beginning a study on the

Gospel of Ma:hew. Join this class for an open

discussion on the good news we encounter

when we read about Jesus. This class will use

a popular study by Stephen and Jacalyn Eyre

to help guide and enrich the conversa�on.

Bible Study—James

James is a shorter book in the New Testament, but it is one that deserves plenty of a:en�on. It challenges

some of our Protestant roots in the way James describes faith, but rather than ignore it, we'll pa�ently read

through it and make the most sense of it that we can. Anyone can join the study as we seek to go slow and

allow for plenty of �me for ques�ons and answers. We meet every Wednesday, except for when there is a

Ministry Team mee�ng.

Wednesday at 6:00PM in Room 206

3

Women’s Fellowship Group!

Women of all ages are invited to attend. We meet the 2nd & 4th Thursdays of the month from 10:00-11:30AM in the Fellowship Hall. Upcoming meetings are:

May 12 and 26 & June 9 and 23 Please invite any friends and neighbors who would enjoy this great opportunity to fellowship, study Scripture and pray with sisters in Christ. We always have a delicious snack as well! Contact Rachel Clark for more information.

Study Recommenda�ons

Habits of Grace- David Mathis A book about the spiritual disciplines, appropriate for both new believers and those who have walked with Jesus for many years. PDF available for FREE!! Visit John Piper's website, Desiring God (http://www.desiringgod.org/books/habits-of-grace). Free study guide for individuals or small groups also available to download (http://www.desiringgod.org/books/habits-of-grace-study-guide).

Acts - Life-change series by Navpress

An in- depth bible study that takes you through the story of the work of the Holy Spirit in the early church. This study provides helpful historical and literary information to help you better understand the context surrounding the events of Acts.

Romans 1-7 For You by Tim Keller

In this study, Keller opens up the first half of the book of Romans, helping you to come to grips with its meaning and showing how it transforms our hearts and lives today.

Adult VBS—Triangle University: The One and Onlies

June 19-23, 6:15-7:45PM

During our yearly Vaca�on Bible School, any and all adults are welcome to come out for some fun of their own. The first

night is an adult only cookout that has been a great �me for the last few years. (RSVP to Casey so he knows how much food

to prepare or sign up online). The following nights will have teaching and discussion. The environment is very casual and

open as we will look at what is so important in our faith. As TPC is trying to recommit to what it means for us to faithfully be

the church of Jesus Christ, we'll look at the central beliefs of the faith. What about Chris�anity is unique and fundamental?

How is Jesus the one and only? Why are these beliefs important and how do they shape my everyday life? Through this week

we'll aim to rediscover the core convic�ons of a Chris�an life.

If you have ques�ons, ask Casey Clark.

Why should I join a small group? Small groups are a great source of spiritual growth for the

members of the TPC body and a catalyst for Chris�an love and

service in our community. A small group is like a “church with-

in a church”- it is a smaller, more in�mate gathering of people

who encourage one another, hold each other accountable,

and share together in their Chris�an walk. Consider the ways

you can be further rooted and grounded in the love of Christ

by sharing life together with other Chris�ans.

Contact Rachel Clark about joining a small groups at TPC.

4

Food Bank—Juice Boxes

In addi�on to dona�ng your items, you are also able to donate cash and

checks! Look for the Campbell’s Soup cans a&er service the first Sunday of

each month.

NOTE: Easy open cans/packages are preferred.

June—Rice July—Personal Hygiene August—Cereal

Sept—Peanut Bu:er Oct—Canned Fruit Nov—Mac & Cheese

Dec—Baby Formula/Cereal

May4

6:00PM

On the menu is

teriyaki chicken,

rice, green

beans, salad

bar, hot dogs and dessert. The cost is $5

per adult, and $2 per child with a $15

family cap. Sign up today on the sign-up

board or on-line!

PAT H WAY S G R O U P : M a y Ev e n t s !

‘Pathways: a Chris�an journey through life.’ Pathways is a place

where anyone is welcome. Con�nue to look for specific

informa�on in the newsle:er and bulle�n.

Just Older Youth—Golden Corral

Thursday, May 12 @11:30AM

Come out and have lunch with those of us who are…

“Just Older Youth” or who enjoy having lunch with our

older members and friends. We normally meet the

2nd Thursday of the month at the Golden Corral on

Hwy 55 at 11:30AM. It’s a wonderful �me of great

food and fellowship topped off with a short devo�on

led by one of the Pastors.

May 8: Volleyball in the FLC at 1:30PM

May 13: Friday Night Game Night at 7:00 pm

May 16: Volleyball in the FLC at 6:30PM

May 22: The Church Has Le& the Building!

May 23: Volleyball in FLC at 6:30 pm

May 29: First Sunday Brunch (following the late service)

For info or to be added to the email list, contact Kelley Crabtree kelleycrabtree@nc.rr.com

or call the church office at 919-544-2872.

5

Blessing Bag Update

Thank you for your generosity in

donating food for the Blessing

Bags. The supply of 300 bags is

dwindling away as you give them

out at intersections in our

community. Thank you for

participating in this ministry to the

homeless.

Volunteer sightings around TPC

Thanks to Andy Batton, Doug Steel and the TPPK staff and parents for moving all the furniture out of our class-rooms and back in following stripping and waxing. The

floors look wonderful!

Thanks to all the volunteers who decorated, prepared and served food and cleaned up after Leader Appreciation on April 17. Extra thanks are due to those members of the Children’s Ministries team who brought food and juice, decorated and served and cleaned. God knows, and we

do too! Thank you!

VARSITY (High School)

May

1 12:30PM Parent Mee�ng (FH)

6:30-8:00PM Regular Group

8 Happy Mother’s Day—No Mee�ng

11 6:30-7:30PM Bible Study

15 6:30-8:30PM Varsity Open House

(8th graders/parents invited)

18 6:30-7:30PM Bible Study

22 6:30-8:00PM Regular Group

25 6:30-7:30PM Bible Study

29 Happy Memorial Day! No Mee�ng

Major League Youth (Middle School) meets on Sunday evening from 4:00-

5:30PM.

Varsity Youth (Sr. High) meets on Sunday evening from 6:30-8:00PM. They

also meet for Bible study on Wednesday evenings from 6:30-7:30PM.

For more info, contact Jeff Spainhour, jeffspainhour@trianglepc.org.

MAJOR LEAGUE YOUTH (Middle School)

May

1 12:30PM Parent Mee�ng (FH)

4:00-5:30PM Regular Group

8 Happy Mother’s Day—No Mee�ng

13-15 8th Grade Retreat

15 4:00-5:30PM Regular group

22 4:00-5:30PM Regular Group

29 Happy Memorial Day! No Mee�ng

6

Sunday, June 19 – Thursday, June 23

**** TIME CHANGE***** 6:00-8:00PM

If you have difficulty arriving on �me while s�ll feeding your kids,

there will be some proteins and fruit available for a small dona�on,

beginning at 5:30PM each night. You MUST sign up if you plan to

take advantage of this opportunity.

VBS at TPC is like an evening summer camp for kids and youth and a great Bible study for adults! Each

evening Sunday, June 19-Thursday, June 23, elementary kids and preschoolers will experience the Bible

stories, applica�ons, cra&s, games and snacks of the Triangle Presbyterian Deep Sea Discovery. Our Mission?

To know that Jesus is with us everywhere and always! This year our Bible stories include how our God knew

Noah’s heart; heard Jonah’s prayer; strengthened Peter in the storm; loved his disciples, and sent Paul to tell

His story. Our VBS provides opportuni�es for kids, teens and adults to be encouraged and strengthened in

their faith and/or exposed to a new depth of rela�onship with Jesus. Middle School students and adults will

have their own programs.

Register your children for VBS on the TPC website and submit your registra�on fee to the church

office NOW! Registra�on fees for youth and children include a brightly colored T-shirt to add to your

collec�on. Nursery and preschool classes are available only for children on par�cipa�ng adults. Registra�on

fees are as follows: Nursery and preschool-$10; elementary and middle school-$15. The family cap for

children and youth is $30.

Calling all VBS Volunteers! Want to par�cipate? We’re looking for teachers, decorators, camp

counselors/tour guides and more as we plan. Adults and senior high students interested in helping as tour guides,

cra& team members, or room decorators should email Nancy at nancyholton@trianglepc.org. To par�cipate with

kids/youth you must have completed a background check. Email Nancy for informa�on with the subject heading

“VBS volunteer”!!! You can also send her a text at 919-630-1851. Just make sure to iden�fy yourself!

VBS Props construc�on party! Join us on Sunday, May 15 from 1:00PM-3:00PM (pizza provided). Here

are some things worker bees could make together OR you can prep things at home if that suits your schedule. The

theme rooms include 1) Picnic on the Beach; 2) Curiosity Cavern; 3) the Yellow Submarine; 4) The Shipwreck; 5)

Walking on Water (an underwater room). Our theme areas need lots of things to simulate an underwater scene.

Items to make: We have large mural panels to be glued to foam insula�on panels. Sea creature pa:erns to

cut out and mount on foam panels (plus brainstorming on how to make them stand up); Jelly fish (made from

shower cap and plas�c tablecloth strips); Urchins (styrofoam balls with paper cups glued on); Coral (spray paint

branches cut out of pool noodles). Sound challenging? We have a great video of decora�ons if you would like to

get your crea�ve wheels turning.

Contact Nancy to volunteer or ask for more informa�on! You may bring your items to Room 106 AFTER TPPK

is out for the summer: May 26.

FIRE DRILL UPDATE

Thanks to parents, teachers, church officers and kids for par�cipa�ng in our prac�ce fire drill on April 10.

Remember to

email your observa�ons and posi�ve sugges�ons to Nancy in the church office at nancyholton@trianglepc.org.

Parents: If you have not viewed the safety instruc�ons video for parents you can find it on our website. h:p://

www.trianglepc.org/tpc-safety-instruc�ons/.

7

TPC’s 2016 OUTSTANDING OLDER ADULT

By The session of Triangle Presbyterian Church to New Hope Presbytery

Leona has a smile that is infec�ous and if you spend any amount of �me with her,

you will soon be smiling too! She loves the Lord and her life bears witness to

Christ working through her in so many ways.

Leona has always called Durham, North Carolina home. She married Nick, her high

school sweetheart, on April 13, 1951. Of the brief �me they spent in California

when Nick was dra&ed Leona says “that doesn’t really count”. They returned

home to Durham and began faithfully a:ending Fuller Memorial Presbyterian

Church in downtown Durham. As �me went on the couple was blessed with three beau�ful daughters; Debbie, Karen

and Nikki. While living on the south side of Durham, raising three girls and working for Ligge: & Myers Tobacco

Company, Leona and Nick started a:ending a bible study near their home. Stepping out in faith, this new group of

friends looked to answer the need for a Presbyterian church “on the south side”.

The 31 charter members of Triangle Presbyterian church began worshiping in 1967 in the lobby of Lowe’s Grove

Elementary school. Back in those days the only paid staff member was the pastor and Leona remembers each family

taking turns doing everything from setup to cleanup; seYng up chairs for Sunday worship, supplying and arranging

flowers, teaching Sunday school, keeping babies in the nursery and even cleaning the bathrooms a&er service. The

congrega�on acted like a big family with everyone contribu�ng, many hands making light work.

Eventually the church moved into a permanent building and over the years the congrega�on has grown to over 540

members with three full �me pastors and a support staff of six. Quite a difference from those early years, but through it

all Leona has helped maintain the original feeling of family within the congrega�on. She enjoys mee�ng new people and

encourages others by saying hi to people she doesn’t know yet.

Throughout the years Leona has par�cipated in Women’s Circles, Bible studies, taught Sunday school, kept nursery, and

helped establish a vibrant meal ministry. She has shopped and cooked for many, congrega�onal meals, and con�nues to

be an ac�ve member of this commi:ee. She especially enjoys geYng to know the people she works alongside in the

kitchen.

Leona and Nick were married for 57 years before Nick went home to be with the Lord. Along with her three daughters,

Leona enjoys spending �me with her 4 grandchildren and 3 great-grandchildren. Her faithfulness, loyalty, and humility

make Leona an inspira�on to all of us.

March 2016

Pledges Budget Contribu�ons Expenses Net Gain/Loss

$95,015 $101,056 $106,060 $101,650 +$4,410

Year to Date

Pledges Budget Contribu�ons Expenses Net Gain/Loss

$285,044 $303,044 $257,270 $287,778 -($30,508)

8

1 Jackson Mercer

2 Stacey Richardson

3 Pam Norton

4 Cameron MacDougall

Leigh Matan

5 Sherri Ellington

Karen McIntyre

6 Sarah Cato

7 Cordelia Clark

Charlo:e Hoffman

Van Jackson

Lorre Koontz

Bill Link

8 Kelly McMillen

Nicholas Min

9 Kent Foerster

Michael Owen

Reuben White

10 Chris Fraser

12 Aireana Goust

Danielle Nichols

Ma:hew Tilley

13 Geoff Lloyd

14 Sheila Taylor

16 Beth Durham

17 Roy Avere:e

Archer White

18 Dan Fuchs

Wya: Howell

Bobby McAdams

19 Mary Godwin

Heidi Jo Hetland

20 Calvin Clark

21 Isaac Anderson

Gail Nelson

John Valgus

22 Natalie Jerkovich

23 Rosa Lewis

Anne Nolan

24 Esther Acolatse

25 Jonathan Marx

Haley Saunders

Meagan Saunders

26 Diane Albert

Betsy Ba:on

Amanda Lee

27 Jon Palmer

28 Tim Richter

30 Trace Barth

Kapp Ogburn

31 John Min

Lesley Woodall

3 Sarah & Bruce Vance

16 Amy & Bob Schumann

Kathy & David Walmer

Chris�na & Pedro Zabala

17 Gretchen & Joe Mauney

18 Penny & Tom Bitsas

Kathy & Chip Hill

20 Lesley & David McAdams

22 Pam & Bob Norton

Melody & Eric Rodgman

Lesley & Bert Woodall

25 Alana & Dirk Barth

Elaine & Perry Hinkle

Jill & Mike Schultz

26 Helene & Lucinio Santos

27 Melanie & Sco: Shadoan

28 Peggy & Kim Anglin

29 Jodie & Mark Lee

Heather & Ma: McLaughlin

30 Beth & Lee Murphy

31 Jennifer & Jeremy Mario

9