Pastor on Call
For an emergency over the weekend, please contact our Summer Intern, Susan Sexton.

* * * * * * * * * * * *

Sunday, July 1, 2007
Cathy Church Norman, Preacher
A Service of Celebration of Creation

Scripture:
Psalm 8
2 Kings 20:1-19

Music: Jamie and Julie Buning, soloists “God Loves the Outcasts”, accompanist Sue Buning.

Fellowship:
The Building and Grounds Committee will provide refreshments on Sunday following the 10:00 a.m. worship. Please take a moment to stop by the patio and enjoy.

* * * * * * * * * * * *

Attendance Sunday, June 17:
9:00 a.m.: 126
11:00 a.m.: 250

Attendance Sunday, June 24:
9:00 a.m.: 205
11:00 a.m.: 266

* * * * * * * * * * * *

Jody's Journal

Dear Family and Friends of the Kirk,

Having been in and out of town over the past few weeks, it is good to be home for a while. I enjoyed time with our youth and adults on the mission trip to West Virginia last week. We are blessed! We were saddened by of the death of Sara Saunders while we were away but I was privileged to see how Christian faith and care support us in difficult times. We are blessed to be in a congregation that knows how to love one another. I find myself comforted again and again by prayers, scriptures and music in the memorial services. God is indeed a present help in times of trouble.

One of the things Sara did very well was to plan for her service. I’ve been inspired by her to revise guidelines for services and develop a new form that will allow you to express wishes at the time of your death. Whether death is near or distant, preparing for your funeral can help you reflect deeply about the meaning of your faith and your life. I’ve also seen how those who pre-plan give a gift to those who are left behind. It is a great comfort to know the wishes of the loved one who died. I will be making those guidelines and forms available very soon. The staff is reviewing and revising them.

The 4th of July comes in the middle of the week this year. Having recently thought about matters of life and death, my mind and heart are directed toward members of the military and their families who have lost loved ones or fear losing loved ones. In staff meeting we also mentioned the need for prayer for the military chaplains who deal with suffering and death at a profound level. I know all will join in a prayer for peace. In closing, let me share a prayer with you that is based on a prayer from the Church of Scotland:

“God of goodness and truth, we offer our broken spirits for your healing, our searching for your guiding light; through Jesus Christ our Lord…. Grant that our remembrance this day may be consecrated for practical service, and the world made better for our children’s children. Receive our prayers for the well-being of all people, especially those who mourn and are sad, and for all in distress, both known to us and unknown….Grant that the people of the world may do your will and live in your spirit; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.”

In Faith, Hope and Love,

Jody

* * * * * * * * * * * *

Mary Kay's Cary Days

Dear Friends,

I wish to thank all of you who sent cards, called or emailed me after my brief stay at the hospital last weekend. A wake-up call to take better care of myself! It is so nice to be reminded of the caring at a personal level that is evident daily to the staff in so many circumstances here at the Kirk.

It has been my honor to provide music for two memorial services in the last few days, for Sara Saunders and for Melvin Harmon. I have recently been reading “This is Your Brain on Music” by Daniel J. Levitan, a neuroscientist, session musician and sound engineer. After years of research, he believes that our brains are hardwired for music and that we all are more musically equipped than we think. Our perceptions begin to be formed even before birth. Levitan, and many others in his field, maintain that it is at the heart of human nature, perhaps even more fundamental in our species than language. It is no wonder to me that music brings many so much comfort, stirs memories, and is an expression of deep emotion.

A special thanks to Elizabeth Luttrell and Katherine Olson for singing at worship last week. “The Living Prayer” by Alison Krausse is always beautiful. Thanks to the ASP group for teaching us a new song!

This Sunday, the women of the Buning family will be offering special music for our worship service. I am grateful for their gifts.

See you Sunday!

Peace,

Mary Kay

[contents]

Church Office Closed
The Church Office will be closed on Wednesday, July 4, in observance of the Independence Day holiday.

* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *

After Worship Brunch
Join your fellow Kirk members and friends on Sunday, July 8, following the 10:00 a.m. worship for brunch in the Fellowship Hall. Bring your favorite breakfast dish to share. Please bring enough of your dish to feed 10 - 12 persons using the following schedule:

A - D: donuts, muffins, biscuits, bagels
E - S: eggs, meats, casseroles
R - Z: fruit

The Fellowship Committee will be on hand in the Fellowship Hall kitchen before worship if you would like to drop off your dish to keep it warmed or chilled.

* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *

Exploring the Kirk Classes

Thinking about joining the Kirk or just want to learn more? Then consider becoming part of our next Exploring the Kirk Class. We'll talk about the Christian life, both in this congregation and in the Presbyterian (USA) denomination, and ministry opportunities available to us. It will be a great opportunity to meet other visitors and Kirk members, as well as a wonderful way to begin to discover different ways God might be calling you to participate in the life of this church.

The next Exploring the Kirk Class will meet in two parts on Sunday afternoons (July 15 and 22) from 3:00 - 6:00 p.m. This class is a prerequisite for membership at the Kirk. Please contact the church office (467-4944, kirkofkildaire@nc.rr.com) by Monday, July 9, to register or to request childcare. For more information, contact Cathy Church Norman (467-4944).

* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *

Small Groups Committee Meeting
The Small Groups Committee is reminded of their meeting on Wednesday, July 11, at 7:30 p.m. in the Session Room.

* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *

Mission Matters

The "Bank of Palá" and Ice Cream
Lately you have heard often about Palá, the Guatemalan community with which the Kirk has a partnership. Nayda Colomb, who went on the Kirk's first mission trip there, knows firsthand how badly Palá needs our help:
"This small village has many committed Christians, including those in the Ray of Light Presbyterian Church. Their faith is inspiring. In the midst of increased poverty due to the destruction of their fields and gardens by Hurricane Stan, they continue to worship, sing, pray, and support one another in true Christian fashion."

"The children of Palá look well cared for, yet they have very little. A highlight of our visit with them in July 2006 was the gift of wooden beads for the making of a necklace. The girls I helped with this simple project were quite adept, with the older girls helping their younger siblings. We also enjoyed a time of blowing bubbles and playing with balloons. This playtime began with the children of the church and quickly expanded to include most of the village children as word of it spread. The church became crowded and lively as the children shared and enjoyed the activities with each other.

"These children must grow up very quickly. We saw girls carrying younger children as old as three, and half as large as they were themselves, in shawls on their backs. The girls, especially, had little time for play, as they helped in the kitchen and washed dishes for us. The boys gathered in the doorways and windows of the church to watch us drink the sodas we were provided. Our lunch, prepared in the church 'kitchen,' a space with a dirt floor, included tortillas toasted over a wooden fire. Large, hungry eyes watched us as we ate.

"This July, please consider a donation to the 'Bank of Palá,' sponsored by the Mission Committee. The funds collected will be carefully distributed to those in need of loans with the help of missionaries David and Jeannene Wiseman, formerly of Cary Presbyerian Church, and other Presbyterian contacts in Guatemala. Let's work together in the same Christian spirit as the people of Palá. Your donation will be greatly appreciated. Thank you."

Please plan also to attend the July 29 post-worship social on the porch, at which delectable peach ice cream will be served by the bowl or cone, free of charge. You may order half gallons to take home as well, for $6.00 a pop (of which $1.65 will benefit Palá). Half gallons, in peach and other flavors, have to be ordered by July 25. They can be picked up at the church between July 27 and July 29, or local delivery (in Cary and Apex) can be arranged. Call Deborah Sullivan from 8:30 to 5:00, Monday through Thursday.

* * * * * * * * * * * *

September Katrina Trip
There are still three openings for the September 23-29 mission trip to New Orleans. To sign up, contact Chris Mazzara. For more information on RHINO, the program in which the Kirk is taking part, visit www.scapc.org/Pages/rhino.html (note the "Click here for more info" link at the left of that page).

* * * * * * * * * * * *

Guatemala Mission Trip
Our next trip to Guatemala is scheduled for January 5 - 12, 2008 where we will again work with PRESGOV and David and Jeannene Wiseman. We would like to take a group of 12 - 15 people. Anyone college age and older is welcome to apply to accompany us. During the week, you grow closer to members of the Kirk, to new friends in a Christian community in Guatemala, grow spiritually and work on a project. People who go on these trips often return spiritually renewed and personally transformed with an increased vision for mission.

We are hosting two information sessions for those interested in joining this next trip. The information sessions will be held in the Session Room on Sunday, July 1, at 4:00 p.m. or Wednesday, July 25, at 7:00 p.m. Each meeting will last approximately one and a half hours (or less!). If you are not sure about mission travel, but think you might want to go, this is the perfect opportunity to come and hear what the trip involves. You are not required to attend an information session to apply to go on the trip.

If you have any questions at all, please contact Hal Jordan or Virginia Anthony.

[contents]

All are invited Sunday, July 8 to the first Summer Forum at 9:00 a.m. in the Fellowship Hall. Our first presentation will be interns from the Student Action With Farmworkers, a ministry that the Kirk supports. This ministry works with migrant farmworkers, providing access to resources to better their lives.

Look for more Summer Forum's coming during the summer.

[contents]

The Kirk Men "Adopt A Highway"
The Kirk Men's Group has agreed in principle to renew an "Adopt A Highway" contract with NC-DOT to look after US 1 between Walnut Street and beyond Cary Parkway (sides only). If you are an energetic member willing to help four times a year, please give your name to the Church office (467-4944), Dick Hart or Willem Van Eck. There will be prominent signs along the road saying "Adopt A Highway - Kirk of Kildaire, Presbyterian.

* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *

KOALA Staff Search Update
Our search for a new van driver continues. This person will be responsible for transporting students from Briarcliff Elementary School to the Kirk once a week, on either Tuesdays or Thursdays. The time commitment is a scant 45 minutes (2:45-3:30). Please note that KOALA volunteer training begins in September and that a driver has to be trained and seated behind the wheel by October. For more information about driving, contact Jerry Rhodes.

* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *

Can you help Kirk youth?
Absolutely! Join us on Thursday, July 12, at 7:00 p.m. in room M-18 for an informational meeting to learn about all the opportunities to help Kirk 6th-12th graders grow in faith. We need parents, young adults, and others to help on Sunday mornings, Sunday evenings, and Wednesday evenings. For questions or if you are not able to attend, but are interested, please contact Nancy Stokes.

* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *

Kirk of Kildaire Presbyterian Women needs YOU!
The "new year" for Presbyterian Women starts at the salad supper on August 16. New members of the PW Coordinating Team will be introduced at that time. We are searching for individuals to serve in the following open positions on the Coordinating Team.

Moderator (or co-Moderators if two of you would like to share this position): Oversee activities of PW; hold quarterly coordinating team meetings; prepare handbook & annual report; order study guides; work with Treasurer to prepare budget.

Vice-Moderator (or co-Vice-Moderators if two of you would like to share this position): Assist Moderator in preparation to assume that role the following year and oversee Retreat Coordinating Committee.

Hospitality Coordinators (at least 3 are needed): Work with 5 others to plan/organize Christmas brunch, senior dinner, mothers' tea, salad supper.

Retreat Coordinators (at least 2 are needed): Coordinate Spring Retreat.

New Member Outreach (2 needed): Invite new women members to attend PW events.

Babysitting Coordinator: Arrange sitters as needed for PW events.

This is an excellent opportunity for you to get involved in Presbyterian Women and help make a difference at the Kirk. (Please contact Sandra Clark or Amy Woynicz to sign up.)

* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *

Suggestions For Elder Nominees
The congregation is requested to submit names of nominees for the office of Elder for the class of 2010 (term from January 2008-December 2010). Officer training will be required. According to the Presbyterian Book of Order, "Elders should be persons of faith, dedication, and good judgment. Their manner in life should be a demonstration of the Christian gospel, both within the church and in the world." The committee also requires any candidate to be an active, pledging member of the Kirk; have demonstrated leadership in church activities; and have been a member long enough to know a substantial number of other Kirk members. You may copy the information below and send to a Committee Member, drop it in the offering plate on Sunday morning or leave in the church office. Please make your suggestions by July 1.

Nominating Committee members are: Gail Jordan (Chair), Lawson Rankin, Victoria Vojnovich, Kathy Mason, Jim Leonard, John Leonard, and Sallie Branch.

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

ELDER SUGGESTION
I suggest the name of __________________________________________________
for consideration by the nominating committee for the office of elder.
Please state reasons why you believe this person would make a good church officer:
_________________________________________________________________
_________________________________________________________________

Signed _______________________________________________
Recommending person(s)

---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

[contents]

Habitat For Humanity
Thanks to Virginia Anthony, Angela and Jim Farthing, Leslie Gordon, Annette Homiller, Amy and Joel Huenemann, Don and Tricia Jones, Hal Jordan, Jim Scott, and Sharon Welker for volunteering their time this past Saturday to construct another Habitat home. This hardworking group of volunteers worked on roofing, interior framing, and other tasks. Our next work date is July 28. If you would like to volunteer, please contact Jim Farthing.

* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *

ASP Thank You
Thanks to the entire Kirk for your prayers and contributions to this year's Appalachia Service Project. We worked on a 110-ft. drainage ditch, started a retaining wall, fixed plumbing and electrical problems, built two porches, "re-roofed" a mobile home, completed two bathrooms, met great families and staff members, and grew closer to each other and God. The youth and adults who went on the trip absolutely could not have done so without the congregation's support and encouragement. Thank you!

* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *

VBS A Tremendous Success!
We had over 130 children who attended VBS this year and they had a fabulous time while learning about Jesus and his message. Many thanks to all the wonderful volunteers from set up, take down, seamstresses, tribe leaders, shop leader, etc. (We hope we are not forgetting anyone!)

Planning Team: Stephanie Arnold, Julie Hoffman, Wanda Shive, Kathy Nigro, Sandra Clark, Liz Railton, Marie Crawford, Patty Snow.

Jackie Aman, Brenda Armstrong, Stephanie Arnold, Robert Babb, Abby Bell, Whitney Bell, Amy Belote, Christi Benton, Kaitlin Bigger, Nathan Bigger, John Billotte, Joyce Billotte, Stephanie Bourne, Debbie Bowling, Jenny Bowser, Sheila Bramante, Sue Buning, Doug Burton, Holly Burton, John Burton, Christine Chupka, Vicky Church, Robert Clark, Sandra Clark, Tiffany Clark, Megan Clyburn, Andrew Coats, Caitlin Coats, Allison Connors, Erin Corson, James Crawford, Marie Crawford, Steven Dalgetty, Betty Delancey, Heather Donaldson, Luke Dowling, Shelley Dowling, Tom Droessler, Mary Helen Earle, Candy Elder, Rachel Ellington, Bonnie Feddern, Kate Gongol, Chandler Gray, Philip Gray, Kay Guyton, Diane Hamm, Josh Hare, Patrick Hare, Ryan Hare, Shelly Hare, Nora Hill, Carol Hoffman, Carroll Hollenhead, Annette Homiller, Karen Hoover, Neil Horman, Stephanie Horman, Amy Huenemann, Gail Jordan, Kathy Keller, Endy Kidanewold, Dorothy Lamberty, Laurie Linn, Amelia Lorenzo, Gabi Lorenzo, Aubrey Luck, Hannah Lugiano, Hillary Lunn, Rachel Mazzara, Susan Mazzara, Janet McGettrick, Jaime Morrison, Jeff Morrison, Jennifer Muise, Cara Nagy, Judi Nagy, Carolee Nail, Kathy Nigro, Lauren Nigro, Michelle Nigro, Tricia Pannill, Juliette Parks, Keeley Pollard, Liz Railton, Melanie Rankin, Lynne Ritter, Tammy Robbins, Lee Anne Ryan, Marcia Schroeder, Joseph Scroggin, Sam Scroggin, Sharron Scroggin, Charles Seay, Susan Sexton, Wanda Shive, Barbara Smith, Caroline Smith, David Snow, Katherine Snow, Patty Snow, Gloria Stafford, Karen Stancil, Jan Stricker, Jelena Subasic, Christi Turner, Faye Ubinger, Sarah Vojnovich, Sharon Welker, Duane Westin, Flo Westin, Mai Wickelgren, Beth Williams, Dona Woodard, Amy Woynicz, Sarah Woynicz.

* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *

Our Condolences go to:

- Phil Saunders, on the death of wife, Sara and to Kenneth and Hayden in the loss of their mother.

- Marie, James and Abby Crawford on the death of Marie's father.

- Barry Harmon and family on the death of his father.

- Joe Long on the death of his sister (who was also Pattie Stephenson's aunt).

* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *

Prayer Request Of The Week - Please include in your prayers this week those who have family and friends in the armed services and particularly military chaplains.

* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *

Prayers: We pray for Brenda Armstrong, Susan Harmon (pneumonia), Janet Covington (neck surgery), Barbara Huggins (knee replacement), Carolyn Cobb, Beth Brown, Louise Harter, Helen Floyd, Janice Coats, Jeff Slack, Alan MacIlroy, Colleen Calwell

If you would like more information regarding any of our concerns, please contact the church office.

Glenaire Healthcare Unit: Ruth Wagnon, Nedra Chesnutt, Martha Haake, Louise Harter, Mary Frances Webb, Lillian Soo-Hoo.

* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *

[contents]

A time to pray, discern, and comment upon the Goal Options

This week’s option is Caregiving.

The Long Range Planning Committee has been tasked with developing a long-range plan (4-5 year timeframe) for the Kirk. Dreams and visions provided by the congregation and meetings of the task force helped develop 44 possible goals (referred to as Goal Options, since all are options but not all will be chosen). After our discernment period, the list of goals will be whittled to a set of 5-8 goals to lead us on the mission God calls us to fulfill. The selection of the goals will occur in September and be done by the elders, key leaders of the Kirk, and any interested members of the congregation.

The Long Range Planning Task Force has grouped the 44 Goal Options into categories. Each week, we focus on one category, allowing us to pray, study, and talk about a subset of the “big picture.” Feel free to investigate all categories, but please pay specific attention to the Goal Options highlighted each week. Below is the order we are using for the categories, with the Goal Options for the highlighted week outlined:

June 3 Worship

June 10 Mission

June 17 Education

June 24 Aspirations

July 1 Caregiving (Focus of the Week)

• Expand the system of personal support by building on Small Groups, Stephen Ministry and Care Givers so that all members are afforded the opportunity to have a support network through the Kirk.

• Within one year implement a Transportation Ministry such that those who no longer drive, are unable to drive, etc., can remain involved or have their specific personal needs met during a time of crisis.

July 8 Facilities

July 15 Improvements

July 22 Member Involvement

July 29 Staffing

August 5 Strengths to Build On

Commentary on all goal options, as well as resources needed, secondary goals, and a place for feedback can be found by going to the Kirk’s web page and clicking on Long Range Planning Information or by clicking on http://www.kirkofkildaire.org/joomla/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=71&Itemid=104.

We’d like for you to take a few minutes to share your thoughts and have any questions answered concerning the Goal Options with the Long Range Planning Committee. You may do this in person on Sunday mornings following the worship service by talking with the LRPC representative standing at the front of the sanctuary near the baptismal font. Of course you can also do this at the website.

During this time of discernment, the congregation is asked to pray about the Goal Options. Pray that we may see God’s perspective and that we may hear God’s mission for the Kirk. In a discernment period we try to align our future with God’s mission. Please pray for the Kirk, for each other, and for the Kirk to remain devoted to hearing God’s mission for our church and pray that we all become disciples of that mission.

Grace and Peace,
Amy Woynicz, Craig Nygard, Larry Nielsen, Lisa Miller, Don Stephenson, and Jody Welker

[contents]

Stephen Ministers have a desire and a calling to serve others with a listening and open heart. The Kirk supports this particular form of giving care by providing budget funds for training, continuing education, and congregational outreach. An important form of support from the congregation is being receptive to receiving the care offered, and being willing to encourage friends, family, and co-workers to seek out a Stephen Minister. Your prayers and openness to care are greatly appreciated.

Meet two more of our active Stephen Ministers:

Carole Rhodes has been a member of the Kirk for almost 10 years, and a Stephen Minister for five years. "For me, Stephen Ministry is a rewarding way to serve the Lord while serving members of the Kirk and the community."

Mai Wickelgren has been a member of the Kirk for 15 years, and a Stephen Minister for four months. "For me, Stephen Ministry is a great way for me to serve God by helping others."

[contents]

[contents]