From the Pastor’s Pen

Special Points of

Interest:

CHURCH IN MISSION

YOUTH IN ACTION

FELLOWSHIP EVENTS

WORSHIP NOTES

PUMPKIN PATCH

PUMPKIN PATCH 2

LIVING WATERS 3

NEW ADULT CLASS 4

NEW OFFICERS 5

HYMNAL DEDICATION 6

CALENDAR 7

Inside this issue:

October 2014 Volume X Issue 512

W e s t E m o r y P r e s b y t e r i a n C h u r c h

West Emory NEWS

Kirking of the Pumpkins Photo by Mark Burton

Are you ready for some

Pumpkins!!!!!!!!

It is that wonderful time

of year again when our

congregation invites the

whole neigh-

borhood to join us in celebrating “gourds

for the Lord.” We look forward to having

lots of visitors coming to select just the

perfect pumpkins for their holiday deco-

rations. The joy on the faces of the chil-

dren experiencing this annual event is

priceless! Our church members always

have a good time greeting our guests and

sharing the wonderful story of this minis-

try as well as our commitment to reach-

ing out to those in need in our community

and beyond.

Because our pumpkins arrive on Satur-

day this year, we will have a “Kirking of

Pumpkins” as part of our worship service

on Sunday the 12th. The Scottish word

for church is “kirk” so a kirkin’ or kirking

is a church blessing. It is very fitting that

we acknowledge the many blessings our

Pumpkin Patch ministry has brought not

only to us as a congregation but also to

those who grew and distributed them,

those who buy them and those who will

receive the fruits of this labor. It is a

blessing in so many ways. We are

pleased that bagpiper Kay Irwin will lead

us again in this blessing.

I am also looking forward to beginning

our second year in partnership with A.L.

Lotts Elementary School and our mentor-

ing program through Kids Hope USA. We

got off to a grand start last year and the

enthusiasm of the mentors and prayer

partners continues to be contagious.

Please keep this ministry in your prayers.

I hope you will take the time and read

through all the articles in this newsletter

and may we thank God for the many op-

portunities we have been given to serve.

We truly are “The little church that

could, did and does”!

Blessings to you all, Miki

World Communion Sunday

On October 5th we will join with our sisters and brothers

around the world as we break bread and share the cup of

salvation as we celebrate God’s grace and peace found in

unity with Jesus Christ our Lord and Savior. Visible symbols of

our global connection will once again be present in the wor-

ship service. The Session has designated 25% of our

Peacemaking Offering to be used for our outreach ministry

through our Benevolence Fund. 25% will be used to support

missions through our presbytery and synod peacemaking efforts. 50% will be used by

our denominations peacemaking program.

Volume X Issue 512

It’s Pumpkin Patch Time Once More!

Our Pumpkins will arrive on Saturday, October 11th and once again our front

lawn will be festooned in a sea of orange pumpkins. This is our nineth year host-

ing the Pumpkin Patch and we will be unloading a full semi-trailer truck load of

large and small pumpkins. In past years we have been blessed to have about 50

or so youth representing five different high schools participating in this event as

part of their volunteer service in the community.

We want to thank in advance all our West Emory Church folks and friends who

help make this event a wonderful outreach mission project. Special thanks to

Shannon Patton for her faithful leadership as our director.

We are also excited about our Pumpkin Festival that will be on Saturday, Octo-

ber 18th from 10 am to 2 pm. We will have a jump house and crafts for the kids,

a bake sale, hayrides, face painting, pumpkin decorating, home-made crafts and

used books for sale, and much more. We need donations of books, baked goods

and craft items. If you can help in any way, please let us know.

Once again our neighbors and friends are letting us know how much they love

the patch and look forward to this annual event each Octo-

ber. As you remember, the pumpkins are grown on a Nav-

ajo reservation in New Mexico and shipped to us, free of

charge, by Pumpkin Patch Fundraiser of Greensboro, NC. Our church keeps a percentage of

proceeds that we give to our mission projects which last year included 150 Thanksgiving bas-

kets for Knox Area Rescue Ministries (KARM) families and clean water systems through Liv-

ing Waters for the World. Each year 100 small pumpkins are donated to the children of Helen

Ross McNabb Center for their Fall Festival and we anticipate being able to provide additional

funds for the Family Promise ministry to homeless families as well as for other ministry pro-

jects like the Fisher House Foundation which provides assistance to injured veterans.

More volunteers to staff the Patch during the day in three-

hour shifts, 12:30 to 3:30 pm and 3:30 to 6:30 pm are al-

ways welcome. It is great fun and a wonderful way to meet

our neighbors and spread the joy of our ministry together at WEPC. Please contact

Co—director Jennifer Fischer, XXXXX@hotmail.com or 323-XXXX

Attn: High School Students or anyone in need of Community Service Hours. If you

are available to help out on the pumpkin unload day and/or the festival day you

will be eligible to receive Community Services Hours for your time.

October 5 - World Communion Sunday Peacemaking Offering

Youth group—5:00 pm

October 11 - Pumpkins Arrive Unloading begins around 9 am.

October 11 - 30 - Patch Open 12:30 to 6:30 pm

October 12 - Kirkin’ of the Pumpkins Worship service with bagpiper

October 18 - Fall Festival - 10 am to 2 pm

November 23 - Thanksgiving Luncheon After Sunday worship service

November 30 - Hanging of the Greens- Covered Dish Supper at 6 pm Page 2

We had a wonderful Picnic on the

Grounds Sunday, September 21st

Volume X Issue 512

Year Two of Mentoring Program to begin in October

We are delighted that three more of our folks have responded to God’s call to be a mentor

to an at-risk child attending A.L. Lots Elementary School. That brings our active team of

mentors up to seven including one substitute. Mentors include; Rena McAlister, Debbie

Hall, Miki Vanderbilt, Ann Naylor, Jennifer Fischer, Laura Morrison and Becky Reno.

One hour once a week they will provide a little extra attention to and care for their special child. Kids Hope USA is a

national program that partners churches with neighboring schools. For more information please contact

co-directors Rena McAlister, 405-XXXX, Becky Reno, 777-XXXX or Debbie Hall, 966-XXXX.

Thank you to those serving as prayer partners and all who have been praying for this life-changing outreach

ministry.

Fall Festival on Saturday, October 18th 10 am - 2 pm

Excitement is building as we and our neighbors anticipate the Annual Fall Festival and all the fun

and activities that come with it. Each year families mark their calendars so as not to miss the

hayrides, bounce house, arts and crafts activities and special critters from John Knox Center. The

Book and Bake sale will be back by popular demand and you can get a start on your Christmas

shopping at the craft area. Returning this year will be a selection of olive wood carvings and other

items from Palestinian artisans from Bethlehem in the Holy Land. Spread the word and bring your

family and friends for a day of good fun.

Here are some ways you can help:

Make craft items, jams and jellies, gift candies

and baked goods to sell

Donate books for book sale

Volunteer to help staff the Fall Festival activities. We need folks to help set up on Friday, Oct. 17 at 6:30 pm and take down

after the event on Saturday.

See Julie Michel or Linda Whitehead for details.

Come one...Come all. Everyone can help! Page 3

Living Waters for the World Update - By David Little

A BIG thank you to everyone who will be helping on our Pumpkin Patch. A portion of the pro-

ceeds will go towards the installment of a clean water system in the home of our neighbor,

Heidi Taylor, who lives in the Sneedville community, about 15 miles north of New Tazwell.

Jon Michel, Jim Whitehead and I are in the process of prefabricating the system in Jon’s gar-

age and will have it on display at the Fall Festival. If you are interested in being a part of this

outreach ministry with neighbors in Appalachia, please contact either one of us for details.

Announcing…...A New, Rejuvenated Adult Sunday Morning Class

is Coming Soon!

We are excited to announce a new, thought-inspiring, biblically-based and faith-

strengthening Sunday morning class for adults will begin on October 26 at 9:30 am

in the Fellowship Hall.

The class will be called The Monday Connection. The name is derived from the idea that we endeavor to strength-

en our faith to exercise the principles of Christian living each and every day, not just on Sundays. This class will

explore a wide range of topics incorporating a variety of media, which will be selected by the class. The format is

facilitated discussion which allows for diverse teaching styles and introspection of the lesson.

We will begin the class with the Living the Questions series—an open-minded alternative to studies that attempt

to give participants all the answers. Living the Questions creates an environment where participants not only in-

teract with one another in exploring the best of today’s theological thought, but together strive to explore what’s

next for Christianity. This DVD series has been put together by an interdenominational group of theologians, pas-

tors, and professors who have banded together seeking/questioning/desiring-to-become better Christians. This

study is made up of 3 sets of 7 sessions each: Invitation to Journey, Reclaiming the World, and Call to Covenant.

Each 20 minute video segments include conversations with leading voices of faith, sermon and lecture clips, digi-

tal stories illustrating aspects of an evolving faith, and concrete spiritual practices. Living the Questions includes

session guides with corresponding readings and discussion questions.

One will enjoy the class if you just want to listen, OR express your thoughts, OR lead the discussion. Come and

visit us any Sunday. We will meet in the Fellowship Hall every Sunday at 9:30 a.m. beginning Sunday, October 26.

There will be a short preview gathering on October 19 in Fellowship Hall at 10:15 a.m. for any interested individu-

als who may have some questions. You can drop in or out as your schedule allows and still feel right at home.

The class will be facilitated by David Little and new-members-to-be, Norm or Ann Naylor.

Volume X Issue 512

Kitchen Renovations Complete! Under the expert leadership and skill of Jon Michel and other dedicated volunteers including Steve Patton, Seth

Fischer, Jim Whitehead, Julie Michel and Junior helper, Sara Michel, our new kitchen is now a dream come true.

The cost of this project was underwritten by a gift from friends of West Emory Church through the Special Projects

fund. The renovation included new and refurbished cabinets, pantry, desk for Child Enrichment Center, bright new

painted walls and expanded storage units. On behalf of the congregation and the session, we express our heart-

felt appreciation for this wonderful gift.

Page 4

Volume X Issue 512

New Church Officers Elected—Class of 2016 and 2017

On September 14th the congregation elected the following persons to the office of Ruling Elder. We welcome them

to this leadership position in our congregation and give thanks to God for the many gifts they bring to this ministry.

Class of 2016

[Filling the unexpired term of Jeff Carter who is planning on moving at the end of the year to be with his wife, The

Rev. Sharon Carter, and her new congregation of Community of Faith Presbyterian Church in Covington, Kentucky.]

Jon Michel Jon is a retired submarine nuclear reactor operator and lives in Echo Valley with his wife Julie and

daughters Ashley and Sara. His two older children reside in Central Florida and his grandson will cele-

brate his 2nd birthday in October.

Jon was raised in a Presbyterian family and has served a partial term on the session of West Emory,

cut short by a job transfer out of state. He and Julie returned with their daughters to Knoxville; have

started their own handyman business together and are happy to be back home in East Tennessee.

Jon is an avid motorcyclist, enjoys building scale models and spending time with his girls. He is a trained installa-

tion technician for our Living Waters for the World project, participates in the choir program and can be found most

nights playing guitar and singing daughter Sara to sleep. He also was the lead contractor and mainstay of our new

kitchen renovation project.

Class of 2017

Kay Devore Born into the Methodist faith I was raised in Chattanooga, Tennessee. with three brothers. I attended

White Oak Methodist Church where two of my brothers and their families still attend. I married Don

Devore whose grandfather was a Presbyterian minister. We joined the Presbyterian Church on Signal

Mountain where we lived for about five years, moving to Nashville, Maryland’s eastern shore and

then to Knoxville.

I have been blessed with three children and six grandchildren. They all live close to Knoxville and are

a great source of strength to me. I have worked for Roane State Community College for the past

twenty years, currently in the Continuing Healthcare Education Department.

I look forward to serving again on the session of West Emory. I ask God’s blessings on our church and our session.

Kay is an ordained Ruling Elder and served as the Clerk of session form 2008-2010. She has been an active mem-

ber of West Emory Presbyterian Church for many years serving in a variety of ministry areas.

Jeff Patton

A Kingston native, I am a lifelong Presbyterian. I spent my youth attending Bethel Presbyteri-

an Church in Kingston. Following graduation from Roane County High School, I attended Ten-

nessee Tech University in Cookeville and received a B.S. degree in Political Science in 1984.

While in Cookeville I attended First Presbyterian Church and later became (as did Shannon) a

member of Cumberland Presbyterian Church. Our oldest son, Corey, was baptized in that

church. We remained in Cookeville until 1998, when we moved to Knoxville. After visiting sev-

eral churches, our final stop was at West Emory. We felt at home here and still feel that way. Shannon

and I transferred our membership to West Emory shortly thereafter.

Our youngest son, Collin, was baptized in this church and is now a member, as is Corey.

I am thankful to be asked to serve the church in this capacity and am grateful for the opportunity. (Continued on next page) Page 5

Volume X Issue 512

New Church Officers Elected—Class of 2016 (Continued)

Linda Whitehead I am a Virginian by birth, a Tennessean by choice, and a Presbyterian for life! I grew up in the Shen-

andoah Valley of Virginia, and attended the same church where my father grew up, and where my

grandfather had been among the charter members. As part of the former “southern” Presbyterian

denomination, I was witness and participant in

significant changes within the denomination, and our local church. I remember the controversy when

the first black person attended our worship service, and when my grandmother was elected the first

female to serve as an elder. As a college student, I was chosen to attend General Assembly as a

Youth Advisory Participant. It was a joint General Assembly with the “northern” Presbyterian denomination and I

met Presbyterian youth from around the US. I discovered that the “Church” was bigger than I had ever envisioned,

and yet would listen to the voice of a 19 year old girl. Feeling the Spirit move in that group gathered in worship and

work renewed my own commitment to serve God’s kingdom wherever I could.

The pastor of my home church encouraged me after college to attend the Presbyterian School of Christian Educa-

tion in Richmond, VA. I enrolled at PSCE to pursue a Master’s degree in Christian Education, and in turn was pur-

sued by this cute guy with a beard. Two years later, Jim Whitehead and I were married in the campus chapel. We

worked together in a Presbyterian camp in VA before moving to Knoxville, where I was employed as a Director of

Christian Education and Jim as interim camp director.

After serving 3 years as a Director of Christian Education (DCE), my career path took a left turn. Little did I realize at

the time that God was training me for a new way of serving! I worked for 12 years for Mayo Garden Centers before

becoming a store manager for the KARM Thrift Stores. For the last 5 years I have served as Director of Retail Oper-

ations for the stores. It has provided me a unique way to combine my faith and vocation in service to the homeless

and disadvantaged in the community.

When I first left the job as a DCE our family visited and soon joined West Emory Presbyterian Church in 1994. Here

I have had the opportunity to serve as a Church school teacher, elder, clerk of session, chairperson of Pastor Nomi-

nating Committees and again attend the denomination’s General Assembly as a commissioner. But most folks rec-

ognize me as the “children’s message lady”. It is a role I have enjoyed for many years, since my own children were

among the young worshippers.

Jim and I have now been married for 27 years, and have two adult sons, Matthew and Jeremy. Having spent my

whole life as a Presbyterian, I can truthfully say that I love our denomination and the careful way we approach so-

cial issues, always seeking God’s guidance and spirit. I enjoy the fellowship and service attitude of our congrega-

tion here at West Emory, and I feel honored to be asked to serve again as an active elder.

Dedication of our new hymnals to the Glory of God On September 21st our congregation celebrated the addition of the new Glory to God hymnals that will enhance

our worship experience for many years to come. Worship is at the very heart of the church’s life. First and last—

from alpha to omega—the theological purpose of

worship is praise, giving honor and glory to the Tri-

une God, from whom all blessings flow. Among the

myriad manifestations of praise, congregational

singing has a special place. Psalms, hymns and

spiritual songs bring people together, as voices

are united in a common act of worship.

We give thanks to our members and friends who

endowed all 140 of our new hymnals in honor or

memory of their loved ones. [The picture to the left

is of our children’s participation in this dedication

making a “joyful noise to the Lord.”] Page 6

Page 7

Volume X Issue 512

October: 1—Dale McLean, 2—Rem

Edwards, Elizabeth Borrego and Kate

Atchley, 3—Jim Whitehead, 5—Sam Hart,

10—Collin Patton, 14—Raph Hix, 15—Matt

Hensley, 16—Laura Morrison, 17—Jeff

Patton, 22—David Little, 24—Chuck Moore,

26—Lorelei Hix

November: 1—Sarah McCall, 5—Sydney

Borrego, 8—Joyce Bernard, 13—Greg Robert-

son, 17—Louise Edwards, 18—Becky Reno, 20—Jackson

Borrego, 25—Steve Patton

1 – Choir Rehearsal – 7 pm

5 – World Communion Sunday – 10:30 am

Peacemaking Offering

Youth Group - 5 pm

11 - Pumpkins Arrive - 9 am

Pumpkin Patch Open - 12:30 to 6:30 pm

12 – Worship Service – 10:30 am

Kirking of the Pumpkins

Two Cents-a-Meal Offering

15 – Choir Rehearsal – 7 pm

16 - Session Meeting - 7 pm

17 - Fall Festival Set up - 6:30 pm

18 – Fall Festival - 10 am to 2 pm

19 – Worship Service – 10:30 am

New Adult Class preview—10:15 am

26 - Worship Service - 10:30 am

New Adult Class begins—9:30 am

29 - Choir Rehearsal -7 pm

Calendar of Events

See you

at the

Patch !

Share God’s Love and

Care

If you know of someone

who may be going through

a bad patch in life or even

celebrating a happy but

stressful time even like a

new baby, please share

one our beautiful Prayer Shawls with them. Please contact

Pastor Miki for details. We thank all of those who have so lov-

ingly contributed to this ministry by knitting or crocheting

these comforting symbols of God’s loving presence.

Elders Pease Note:

The next Session meeting is

October 16 at 7 pm

Summer is over and its time to

get back together for fun and

fellowship, for outreach and

outings. Our first gathering will

focus on painting new signs for

our Pumpkin Patch and making

plans for the Fall Festival. Mark

your calendar for Sunday even-

ing — October 5th @ 5 pm. We

will meet in the Fellowship Hall

for pizza and projects so wear your paint clothes,

bring your friends and come ready to have a great

time.

An Invitation — Music is an essential part of our wor-

ship together as the people of God.

Over the years West Emory has been

richly blessed by those who enjoy

singing and have shared their gifts so

graciously to the glory of God as part

of our wonderful Chancel Choir. We

would like anyone interested in being

a part of our music ministry team to

join us.

The Choir will be rehearsing on every other Wednesday even-

ing at 7 pm. Contact Gwen Bridge at 254-XXXX if you would

like more information

Sunday School Volunteers Needed— If you would like to

join the dedicated group of folks in our Christian education min-

istry with children during Sunday worship once a month or every

other month, please contact Jenny Porras, 293-XXXX.

1035 Emory Church

Road@ Westland Drive

Knoxville, Tennessee

37922

Phone: 865-690-5333

www.westemorypresbyterian church.org

minister@westemorychurch.org

West Emory Presbyterian Church

The Mission of our congregation is to grow as disciples of our Lord and Savior

Jesus Christ and to reach out into the community and the world in his name.

Through worship, study, fellowship and outreach, we are committed to serve God

with joy and enthusiasm and to welcome all persons into this family of faith,

the Body of Christ.

We s t E m o r y P r e s b y t e r i a n C h u r c h

Ministers: The Congregation Pastor: The Rev. Dr. Augusta B. “Miki” Vanderbilt Music Director: Gwen Bridge

Pianist: Louise Edwards

Clerk of Session: Belinda McCall

Treasurer: Bill Hall

Christian Ed. Coordinator: Linda Whitehead Director of Child Enrichment Center:

Tiffany Tallent

Photos in newsletter by Matthew

Whitehead, Jim Whitehead, David

Little, Jon Michel and Miki Vanderbilt

Our church family

enjoys tasty food,

warm fellowship,

lots of smiles and

laughter, and mak-

ing new friends

Church Picnic

Sept. 21st