Pastor on Call
For an emergency over the weekend, please contact our Pastoral Associate, Warren Bock.

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Sunday, August 12, 2007
Stephanie Arnold, preacher

Scripture:
Psalm 50:1-6
Hebrews 11:1-3,8-16

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Fellowship:
Please join other Kirk members and visitors for a time of fellowship and refreshments following worship on the patio. Refreshments will be provided by the Christian Education (Youth) Committee.

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Attendance Sunday, August 5:
10:00 a.m.: 420

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Pennies for Hunger
Sunday, August 5: $19.47
Year to date total: $203.24

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Susan's Sayings...

Dear Kirk Family,

As I reflect on my summer weeks with you (which are too quickly coming to an end), the one word that comes to my mind is grace. My understanding of grace is that it is a gift which is not earned, but one which is freely given. You have been gracious to me as you warmly welcomed me into your church family the very first day I was here. You didn't know me, but greeted me on Sundays, met me in the library, allowed me into your homes or hospital rooms, invited me into your classrooms and worship services, and generously gave me opportunities to explore my call to ministry. These gifts have gone beyond anything I ever imagined before I came here. The Kirk of Kildaire is a place where God's presence and grace are genuinely seen.

One of the most memorable moments for me this summer, one that can never be duplicated anywhere else, is the Sunday morning I delivered my very first sermon, and then, my second sermon. I share with you now something that I told myself in secret before I began my internship. I knew I needed the experience of preaching because that is simply a part of seminary training, but I honestly never expected to really enjoy it. I told myself I would do my very best, and then just continue to focus on my love for pastoral care. But as I prepared my sermons, studied the scripture, and pondered meaning in our lives today, I found myself becoming absorbed in the process and loving every minute of it. Then, coming into the sanctuary and feeling your encouragement, I was drawn into an overwhelming sense of wanting to share a message with you. You have been an important part of opening doors for me.

I wish I could thank each of you individually for the wonderful ways in which you've helped me this summer, but please know that I'll never forget this special church family. I also want to tell you that the monetary gift that was given to me will be most helpful this fall when tuition is due. The stained glass you gave me is a treasured gift which will always remind me of the Kirk's beautiful sanctuary and especially of your grace. I know that I have truly been blessed.

In Christ,
Susan

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Warren's Wanderings/Wonderings

The Kirk has a very strong Stephen Ministry. Stephen Ministry is a ministry where trained lay people walk alongside folk who need a listening ear and a caring heart when going through some difficulty. I spent last week in Pittsburgh training to be a Stephen Leader at the Kirk. Once again, I discovered the value of Stephen Ministry.

One of the statements made in the training that particularly impressed me was "Stephen Ministry is not just for those who might feel weak and in need of strength, but for the strong who might need additional strength." Stephen Ministers assist folks in the Kirk and beyond who probably would or could get through a crisis on their own, but who find it helpful to have another person to add strength to their own as they walk down a troubling road or carry a heavy load.

Stephen Ministers listen more than they talk, comfort more than give counsel, bring hopeful prayer more than advice and other healing affirmation to folk needing both. Hopefully, they bring the grace of God through their presence.

When trying to decide whether you might benefit by having a Stephen Minister, ask yourself if you could use another Christian to add strength to your own strength, to give support when you feel fragile, to pray with and for you as you pray.

If so, please use this ministry that the Kirk provides. Contact any of the pastors, any Stephen ministers, [wearing blue name-tags] or Kathy White who is the referral person for Stephen Ministry.

And, remember, Stephen Ministers are bound to absolute confidentiality.

Warren

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Attention Presbyterian Women Please join us at our annual Salad Supper, to be held on Thursday, August 16, at 6:30 p.m. in the Fellowship Hall. Bring a salad to share. Drinks and desserts will be provided. If you need childcare or transportation, please contact Kathy Keller.

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"Team Up" With Wednesday Night Live! Wednesday Night Live! (WNC) will start September 5 which is "right around the corner." The program offers a catered meal to give the cook in the household the night off. Registration for the meal begins this Sunday following worship. Look for sign up sheets on the patio. We are still in need people to collect money, set up the serving line, keep the ice bucket filled, and straighten up afterwards. We are forming meal

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Summer Book Discussion Group "Mountain beyond Mountains" by Tracey Kidder

Setting the Date
Several members of the Kirk have been reading the book “Mountain beyond Mountains” by Tracey Kidder. The time has come to choose when we will discuss the book. It’s not too late to read the book if you would like to join in.

The date and time for the discussion will be based on the response to the options below. There will be one morning discussion and one evening discussion. Here are the options:

Morning:
Monday, August 20 – 11:00 a.m.
Wednesday, August 22 - 11:00 a.m.

Evening:
Wednesday, August 22 - 7:00 p.m.
Tuesday, August 28 - 7:00 p.m.

Please let Bonnie Pendleton know which times you are able to come to a discussion group by Sunday, August 12. Make sure she has your name and contact information.

Thanks, Jody

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CALLING ALL GOLFERS!

Wake Interfaith Hospitality Network (WIHN) is hosting its 7th annual Charity Golf Tournament, and we hope you will join us. The tournament will be held at Eagle Ridge Golf Club on Monday, September 17, 2007 with a shotgun start at 9:00. The format will be Captain's Choice with 2-person teams.

This is a great opportunity to play a spectacular course less than 10 miles south of downtown Raleigh (with a GPS system on each cart!), as well as make a difference in the lives of homeless families in Wake County. Our goal is to raise $30,000 to benefit our families at WIHN. The fee is $75 per player, of which $25 is tax deductible. This covers greens fees, cart, lunch, and prizes. If you don't golf, you could sponsor a hole or donate prizes. Deadline for registration is Friday, September 7.

For more information on this fun and rewarding event, call WIHN at 832-6024 or email ahwihn@aol.com.

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Summer Forum #4
The Sunday School Forum this week will cover our theme for worship on Sunday of Gospel music and hymns, led by the Kirk Music Director, Mary Kay Campbell.

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The Bible from Scratch Class

You are invited to join a “Bible From Scratch” class. We will offer one short-term Sunday morning class (9:45 a.m.). This class begins on September 9 in Room A-6 of the Activity Building. We will also be offering the class as one of our Wednesday Night Live studies. This class will begin on September 12.

These classes are designed to be a guided tour through the Old Testament and to introduce basic tools and skills for Bible study. Participants will get a sense of the general “sweep” of the biblical story, including the major people and the chronology. There will be an opportunity to practice using basic Bible study tools such as concordances, Bible dictionaries and commentaries.

To register, please contact the church office (467-4944).

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COMING THIS FALL!

Disciple Bible Study is an approach to Bible study that emphasizes disciplined reading and listening to Scripture. It is used in congregations among many denominations across the country. It results in biblically-nourished persons committed to live as disciples. The study is based upon a different theme each week which is explored through reading extended portions of scripture at home. In-class learning is accomplished through open discussion of Biblical issues and working in smaller groups to examine the meaning of the scripture for our discipleship. There will be information meetings held on Sunday, August 12 immediately following worship in the Fellowship Hall and on Wednesday, August 15 in Room M-18 off of the Fellowship Hall at 7:00 p.m. Please contact Cader Howard if you have questions.

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Volunteers Needed for Kindergarten and 1st Grade Classes
If you enjoy getting to know Kindergarten or 1st graders, we have a perfect opportunity for you. We need Shepherds for these two classes. Shepherds are not required to be here every week and there is no preparation needed. It is a great way to help our children grow in faith. Please contact Stephanie Arnold if you are interested.

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Left Behind Dishes, etc.
The Fellowship Committee has cleaned and scrubbed the Fellowship Hall kitchen. In the process many dishes were found that have been left behind by their owners. These have been placed in a tub marked "Lost and Found." Owners have until September 1 to retrieve their item. After that date all will be donated to the Dorcas Shop.

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Missing Antioch Arcade Game Wheel
We are unable to find the game wheel used in Faith Quest for our Antioch Arcade rotation. It resided in the Activity Building. If anyone knows its whereabouts, please contact the church office.

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School Supplies For Refugee Children This year several of the refugee families the Kirk has sponsored will have children in school for the first time in the US. They include three boys in middle school and one boy in elementary school, two boys in kindergarten. They could all use basic supplies like paper, crayons, markers,

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Library Lingo

“Presbyterians Today” could be considered our monthly “home journal”, and “Presbyterian Outlook” our weekly newspaper. The "Outlook" is that unmistakable blue item in the Kirk library’s magazine rack. Its editor is Jack Haberer who spoke at the recent Greenville Presbytery meeting.

The "Outlook" covers such mundane matters as classified and box ads from churches seeking pastors, news about clergy transfers and retirements, and obituaries; but also has a weekly bible lesson, a “church wellness” column (by Durham’s Tom Ehrich, an Episcopalian), and book and film reviews. Recent issues have reported on and provided scholarly and legalistic discussions on General Assembly actions. Haberer writes a spirited editorial, often related to special features, such as retirement in the most recent issue, and “wee-kirks” and discussing issues affecting small congregations.

Active pastors and church officers are strongly encouraged to read this church weekly, and all of us can benefit from its many nuggets of church news and digests.

Some of the material from each issue is reprinted on the website www.pres-outlook.org.

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Our Congratulations to Phil and Faye Ubinger on the birth of their daughter, Nora Marie, born on August 5.

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Prayer Request Of The Week - Please include in your prayers this week people affected in natural disasters such as floodings, bridge collapses, and the sweltering heat.

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Prayers: We pray for Stephanie Horman, Paul Miller, Carolyn Cobb, Brenda Armstrong, 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.

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Mission Matters

Guatemala Fund-Raiser Update
To date, Kirk members and others have donated $7,565 for scholarships, $4,395 for loans, and $855 for general purposes-a total of $12,815 for the people of Palá. Thanks for your great generosity. If you haven't made a donation but would like to do so, you may leave it either in the collection plate during worship or in the office during the week. Please make out checks to the Kirk. If you wish to support scholarships, write "GSF" on the memo line; if loans, "GED."

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August Food Drive for Infants
During August, the Kirk is collecting food for the youngest of our community's hungry. Most food drives collect items that infants cannot eat, so we are targeting products intended for them. The proceeds will be taken to the Food Pantry, run by Urban Ministries of Wake County. Please bring formula (powdered or premixed), infant cereals, juices, fruits, vegetables, and meats in cardboard or plastic containers or in cans-no glass. There will be a collection box outside the office. Thank you for the gift of food.

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September Katrina Trip
There are still openings for the September 23-29 mission trip to New Orleans. You must sign up by tomorrow, August 10. To do so, please contact Chris Mazzara.

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Your Money in Missions
One of the Mission Committee's responsibilities is to pay out benevolences (charitable donations) that the Kirk budgets for specific causes. Since this money comes from your pledges, we want you to know where it goes.

In August, the Mission Committee is paying out the second installment of the benevolence budgeted for Alliance Medical Ministry, a faith-led ministry that has provided affordable medical care to working-poor families of Wake County since 2003. These families generally earn less than $25,000 annually and lack health insurance. Alliance depends on donations from individuals, corporations, foundations, and congregations. Out of your pledges, Alliance will receive $4,000 this month (it received $2,000 in March). On February 18 the News and Observer named Alliance's executive director, Dr. Susan Weaver, "Tar Heel of the Week." For the story, go to www.alliancemedicalministry.org/docs/totw.pdf.

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Long Range Planning
A disciple of Christ has a mission, but does Christ's mission have a disciple?

All goal options and commentary are posted on the Kirk's web site (Long Range Planning Information link). Please take time to review the goals and provide feedback as we are rapidly approaching the time for selection. For each goal option not only can you provide feedback, but you can rate the option. Rating is simple, just click on one of the buttons.

As you review and rate the goal options, please keep these three things in mind:

• Is the goal large enough?
• Is the goal strategic or tactical? In keeping with the idea of long range planning, we would look to implement strategic goals as opposed to tactical goals. Tactical goals are goals that enhance existing programs and can be deferred to the committee for action at a later date.
• Is the goal in keeping with the spirit of Jody's sermon on April 29, 2007, "Whose Voice Do You Hear?"

Please continue to pray for the taskforce and for the Kirk, congregation and staff, and that all of us will hear what God is calling us to be and do.

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

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Stephen Ministers are ready to walk alongside you - and your friends, neighbors, coworkers or relatives - to provide distinctively Christian care for as long as we are needed.

Throughout the spring and summer Krier articles shared information and insights from our active Stephen Ministers and Stephen Leaders. This is the last of the series; please continue to pray for all the individuals including the two below who represent the Kirk in this ministry of compassion and care.

Kimberly Underwood has been a member of the Kirk for 10 years, and a Stephen Minister for two years. "I enjoy seeing how much power and strength comes from such a quiet and confidential ministry."

Jackie Green has been a member of the Kirk for nine years, and a Stephen Minister for one and a half years. "For me, Stephen Ministry has been a chance to learn new skills in caring for others and to make new friends that share a very deep faith connection but also have fun together. It is a special opportunity to be able to help others in the congregation, our families and the community when they are facing some of the most difficult situations life offers and to have the confidence because of the excellent training that you will be able to represent God's love to other's in need. I never realized when I was called to become a Stephen Minister that my skills would be so rapidly needed to help my family deal with the death of my dad, my mom's serious health issues, as well as my father-in-law's 15+ month ongoing battle against terminal brain cancer. It made me realize once again that God prepares us for what's ahead if we will listen to him and follow the steps he lays out."

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