Please note there will be no emailed Krier next week.
It is taking a vacation!

A Congregational Meeting has been scheduled for Sunday, September 16, following the 11:00 a.m. worship service for the purpose of electing a new class of Elders. Look for further information in future Kriers.

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

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Sunday, September 2, 2007
Warren Bock, preacher

Scripture:
Exodus 35:30-36:2; 39:32
Matthew 4:18-32

Sermon:
Butcher, Baker, Candlestick Maker--All of Them Gone to "See"

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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 our Stephen Ministers honoring the commissioning of Warren Bock as a Stephen Ministry Leader.

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Attendance Sunday, August 19:
10:00 a.m.: 375

Attendance Sunday, August 26:
8:45 a.m.: 218
11:00 a.m.: 465

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Monthly Food Offering & Pennies For Hunger
Please bring your offerings for the food bank and Pennies for Hunger to church this Sunday. Suggested donations for food offerings include crackers/snacks, soup, pasta, cereal, peanut butter, and macaroni and cheese. Please leave your offering in the basket located in the narthex closet.

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Jody's Journal

Dear Family and Friends of the Kirk,

The time draws very near when we will be selecting key strategic goals that will offer direction for the coming years at the Kirk. On September 8, from 9:00 a.m.-3:00 p.m. we will gather for a retreat where we will select about eight strategic goals. We will look at goals for worship, for our community life together, for mission/outreach and goals that help us manage our growth. (Read them in this newsletter) I want to thank the taskforce who has met weekly to guide this process. I want to thank the Kirk members who took the time to read and make comments. I want to thank those who have been praying for discernment this summer. Our goal is to discover the future we believe God has in store for us at the Kirk.

Last Sunday was a good example of the excitement, energy and potential we have a the Kirk. Over 650 people gathered for worship. Sunday School classes were bursting out the doors. The brunch was well attended. As I enjoyed the morning, I realized how blessed we are as a congregation.

I’m very excited about September 5. It is the first night of our Wednesday Night Live, a time for fellowship, a meal and special programs. Remember, you can come for the meal only, come to the programs and not the meal, or you can come for both. I hope to see many of you there. Remember to make your meal reservations.

In a couple of weeks, on September 16, we will hold a congregational meeting to elect the Session class of 2010. This is one of the most important acts of a congregation as you elect elders who will lead you as the people of God and as followers of Jesus Christ. Please be sure to pray for those being nominated and thank them for their willingness to serve. After their election they will be involved in 15 hours of training to prepare them for this responsibility and privilege. Thank you to the Nominating Committee for their hard work in seeking those God has called to serve.

In faith, hope and love,

Jody

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Men Of The Kirk Breakfast Meeting
The Men's Breakfast is scheduled for September 8, at 7:30 a.m. in the Great Hall. Dennis Erickson, Kirk member, will present the program "Living in Lithuania." The usual great $2 breakfast will be served. If you have never been, you are missing a great opportunity for fellowship, interesting program plus a great breakfast. Call the church office (467-4944) to make reservations so enough food will be available.

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Handwork Circle Date Correction
Please correct your calendars that The Handwork Circle meets on the third Thursday of each month. The September "Windows" issue had an incorrect listing.

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OWLS (Older, Wiser, Loving Seniors) The OWLS will meet at the Kirk at 10:00 a.m. on Monday, September 10. Dick LaRue - a kid who never grew up - will take us back to the days of Tom Sawyer, and its author Mark Twain, as he tells of the adventures of these mischievous young men.

Debbie Eakes and Jean Adams will be our resident caterers as they plan and provide us with a gourmet meal sponsored by the OWLS Club. A great way to start off the 2007-08 season. Invite a friend to share in the fellowship and fun of the OWLS Club.

Questions, or need transportation, call Bob Adams.

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Glenaire Yard Sale
Glenaire Retirement Center (400 West Cornwall Road, Cary) will have their annual yard sale on Friday, September 7 from 9:00 a.m. until 4:00 p.m. and Saturday, September 8 from 9:00 a.m. until 1:00 p.m. All are welcome to come browse and purchase.

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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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Bible Study on the Book of Genesis
You are invited to a Bible study on the Book of Genesis, presented by Dr. James (Mickey) Efird, a professor at Duke and ordained Presbyterian Minister. The Bible study will take place at Westminster Presbyterian Church in Raleigh on Tuesdays, beginning September 11 - October 2 from 7:00 - 9:00 p.m. The cost is $25. For more information, please contact Stephanie Arnold.

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A Benefit for Habitat for Humanity
Join us for an inspiring evening of music and stories at Saint Frances United Methodist Church with Linnea Good. Linnea is a singer-songwriter who has been called the Voice of the United Church of Canada. She brings her unique blend of inspirational Christian music and humor to this benefit for Habitat for Humanity as it breaks ground on new homes in Cary. This is a VERY family-friendly concert with music for all ages.

DATE: Saturday, September 15, 7:00pm
PLACE: Saint Francis UMC, 2965 Kildaire Farm Rd., Cary
COST: $10 adults, $5 children 5-12, $30 family maximum
FOR INFORMATION: contact Shannon Giles at swgiles@bellsouth.net

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Faith Fellowship Sunday School Class
The Faith Fellowship Sunday School Class on Sunday, September 2 will begin a four-week series on "What on Earth am I Here For?." This series explores paradigm shifts that will help us figure out why we are here. There is no pre-class preparation and the class meets in Room S-13 in the Classroom Building.

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Faith Foundations Sunday School Class
On August 26 the class began a study of selected sections of Isaiah. Everyone is invited to walk right in to this informal class in S-16 at the end of the hall in the Classroom Building. Hope to see you there.

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Seekers Adult Sunday School Class
The class is beginning a new book study on September 9 entitled, "When Jesus Came to Harvard: Making Moral Choices Today" by Harvey Cox, a theology professor at Harvard Divinity School. For twenty years he taught a class called "Jesus and the Moral Life," and this book is his reflections on the content and experiences of that class. It covers a vast array of subjects such as the nature and authority of stories, how understanding Jesus as a rabbi affects how we read his stories, what to make of the present popularity of end-times theology like that of the "Left Behind" books, torture, resurrection, the rise and demise of "The Jesus Seminar," and religious pluralism. If you have an interest in these topics and might enjoy lively discussion, please plan to attend.

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The Bible from Scratch Class

We are offering two short-term classes this year:

We will offer one short-term Sunday morning class (9:45 a.m.) on the New Testament, taught by Dot Rascoe. This class begins on September 23 in Room A-6 of the Activity Building.

We will also be offering a class on the Old Testament as one of our Wednesday Night Live studies, taught by Catherine Devins. This class begins on September 12.

These classes are designed to be a guided tour through the Bible 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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Faith Quest Children learn about the Ten Commandments

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Faith Walk Preschoolers learn about Joseph

God had a special plan for Joseph. Joseph's father, Jacob, loved him very much. Jacob gave Joseph a beautiful coat of many colors. Joseph loved his coat. His brothers were jealous of the coat and did mean things to him. But God had a special plan for Joseph. Joseph could have been mad at his brothers. Instead, Joseph forgave them and helped them. God's special plan for Joseph helped save his family and a nation. Come to Faith Walk on Sunday to learn more about Joseph.

The Faith Walk children were given banks last week to collect their coins for the hunger offering that is collected in worship on the first Sunday of the month.

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Stephen Ministry It's that time of year! Perhaps you've had a child who has just started off to kindergarten. Or perhaps you have just taken your child to college and the house feels very empty. These are emotional events, yet sometimes those emotions are quite powerful and kind of take us by surprise. If you would like to have a Stephen Minister to chat with for a short or

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Kirk Coffee Mission The Kirk Coffee Mission has perked back up. The mission delivers Free Trade Coffee from Just Coffee which is grown in Mexico on co-op farms originally funded by micro loans from the Presbyterian Church.

You can help this mission and service in 3 ways:

• Enjoy the Sunday morning coffee service upstairs near the office and downstairs in the hallway

• Buy bags of fresh coffee to take home: $8.50 per pound/ Regular or Decaf/ Whole Bean or Ground

• Serve at the coffee cart once a month.

Orders & Questions: Carolee Nail

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Mission Matters

August Food Drive for Infants
The August food drive for infants has ended, and the Kirk responded to it with glad and generous hearts. What that means in pounds, I'll let you know as soon as Urban Ministries adds it up. If you meant to donate something but didn't have the chance, please remember that the Kirk receives a food offering on the first Sunday of every month. So you can bring it this Sunday, September 2. Thank you for the gifts of food, diapers, wipes, and more.

Please be aware that in October the Kirk will run a similar food drive for seniors. The items needed then will include nutritional drinks (e.g., Ensure and Boost) and products low in sugar and sodium.

Chris Mazzara

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September Katrina Trip
The final roster for the September 23-29 trip to New Orleans is John Billotte, Monty Brekke, Linda Bruggers, James Crawford, Dave Earley, Leslie Gordon, Ann and Tom Grundstrom, Annette Homiller, Bill Kammerer, Jim Leonard, Jan Marallo, Chris Mazzara, and Mai Wickelgren. They will stay at St. Charles Avenue Presbyterian Church, which hosts the RHINO program (Rebuilding Hope In New Orleans), and will participate in Project Restore Ferry Place, in partnership with New Orleans Area Habitat for Humanity. Ferry Place is located right against the levee at the end of Willow Street in the Seventeenth Ward neighborhood of Hollygrove. Please keep these fourteen Kirk members and the people they will be helping in your prayers during the coming weeks.

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Habitat For Humanity
Thanks to Amy and Joel Huenemann, Shawn Chapla, Alex Chapla, Brian Dalgetty, Mark Dalgetty, Jim and Linda Cain, Annette and Dan Homiller, and Angela and Jim Farthing for volunteering their time this past Saturday to construct another Habitat home. This group of volunteers worked on siding. Not the easy part, mind you, but the hard part with all the oddball angles and cuts that other volunteers leave for the more experienced volunteers, like our group. Our next work date is September 22. If you would like to volunteer, please contact Jim Farthing.

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Prayer Request Of The Week - In light of the Labor Day holiday, please include in your prayers this week all those who work for the benefit of others.

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Praying for Your Elders: We have begun to include in the Krier and Sunday bulletin an opportunity for you to pray for elders who are serving on the session. Each week we highlight one elder and ask that you pray for him or her as they seek to lead at the Kirk. The staff is also praying for this elder. This week’s elder is Joyce Billotte who serves as chair of communications. Please remember Joyce in your prayers.

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Prayers: We pray for Kathie Bell (knee surgery, 9/7), 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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Long Range Planning
Discerning Strategic versus Tactical Goal Options

The conversation that started late last year is moving to a phase that requires leadership and decision making. The Task Force has refined the 44 goal options into two lists:

1. A list of goals that we consider strategic (delineated below).
2. A list of goals that we consider tactical (not delineated below, but can be found at the web site within its original category and number).

We chose to do this for several reasons:

• Long Range Planning is based on strategic planning, plans that are visionary for the future.
• There are numerous goals that we consider tactical and can be dealt with efficiently and effectively at the committee level.
• We condensed the goal categories, listed below, to be more manageable and to more evenly distribute the strategic goal options so that the selection process can be followed more easily.
• We felt that it was necessary to make the differentiation between the goals. In doing so, we used the definitions below as well as the insight that tactical goals can be readily identified and given to the appropriate committee for action as they deemed appropriate:

˜ Strategic (strategy) - an elaborate and systematic plan of action, a plan of action resulting from strategy or intended to accomplish a specific goal or result, highly important to an intended objective.
˜Tactical (tactic) - a system or a detail of tactics, an expedient for achieving a goal; a maneuver.

• We also asked, "Would this goal make a difference in what we do and how we do it? This touchstone helped us to further distinguish between strategic and tactical goals.

Strategic Goal Options

Please note that we have kept the original goal option number so that you can readily see where the goal was within the original 44 goal options should you want to compare it with the listing on the web site. However, at the meeting on September 8th, the goals will be in numerical order within their specific category.

Doxological (Worship/Spirituality - toward God)

1. Within two-three years, create/establish a worship system that involves most individuals in an active part in the service, to include but not be limited to:

a) incorporating emergent worship elements into the worship experience
b) expanding music offerings during worship, e.g., choirs at all services, increased choir size, youth band/choir
c) incorporating mission aspects of the church's programming at least quarterly

2. Develop and implement alternative worship service(s) (both style, locations, and times) within two years.

4. Within 18 months, develop worship opportunities for the unchurched in our local community, including outreach to our Hispanic community.

6. Develop liturgical teams for worship for the purpose of developing creative and involved worship at the Kirk (seasons of Advent/Christmas, Lent/Easter, and Pentecost).

31. Within 18 months, develop spirituality as a major emphasis for the church that provides a suite of spiritual development programs to include daily devotional exercises and meets people where they are and to move them forward in their faith journey.

Communal (Nurture, Education, Small Groups, etc. - toward one another)

15. Create a diversity of educational programming (subject matter {such as prayer, Bible study, marriage enrichment, young adult, older adult, Christian Education University}, length of program, time of offering) such that every church member has the desire and opportunity to participate and 50% of all adults do participate in one program each year.

17. Develop a comprehensive ministry for children, youth, and young adults to enable them to discern their call to ministry (i.e., medicine, ministry, education, etc.).

20. 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.

22. Expand number and variety of small groups such that 50% of church members participate in at least one small group activity on a continuing basis, are connected to the body of Christ, and are prepared for service.

24. Develop a system of involvement with the goal that every member will be involved in ministry (e.g. interview teams, time and talent, shepherds, sponsors, mission, education, special attention to new members, etc.) that:
• enables all members to recognize and identify their spiritual gifts
• provides a means to understand all opportunities to serve at the Kirk
• intentionally helps all find a place to serve
• develops a system of checks and balances that ensures members are involved (this would include follow up if participation decreases or concerns are raised to discuss their situation and ensure that other care is provided if necessary)
• offers bi-annual picnics with musical entertainment that provides information on programs offered at the Kirk for people to be involved in (e.g., Habitat, KOALA, food bank)

Missional (Outward)

7. Establish and operate within two years a "rapid-response" Southeastern Disaster Network such that a functional church team is on-task within 24 hours of an expressed or observed need.

8. Within two years, develop and implement a neighborhood-oriented outreach program such that at least 100 neighbors participate in a church-sponsored activity three times a year, to include:

a. developing Vacation Bible School with the intention of reaching out to the community

9. Within two years, expand the diversity of mission programs (content, location, length, style, skill sets needed) such that 40% of church members of all ages are involved in at least one mission activity annually. This expansion should include but not be limited to:

a. partnering with other organizations (e.g., Urban Ministries, Safe Child, Wake County Mental Health)
b. informing congregation of specific needs
c. clinics

10. Set up a designated endowment of $1,000,000 to support mission programs (yielding approximately $40,000 annually).

11. Within two years, select a long-term theme (e.g., reducing world hunger, building a Habitat House) that will drive at least 50% of mission activity on an annual basis.

14. Within 18 months, expand our international mission activity in partnership with local and international churches and NGO's that require multiple skills (e.g., doctor, nurse, builder, teacher).

18. Expand our refugee ministry such that more people are involved in the procedures and processes required to help refugees come to the Kirk, establish a home, find work, become enrolled in schools, if applicable, etc., and begin a new life in the United States.

28. Within two years, expand music and arts outreach via concerts, dramas, musicals, etc., such that two programs are offered each year for the Kirk and community.

30. Develop a mission of evangelism by identifying and encouraging congregational members to be involved in a ministry of visitation.

Growth Management

25. Eliminate building debt and develop guidelines regarding debt that could be assumed in the future.

27. Convert to an environmentally-friendly church, developing practices and policies to minimize our impact on the environment.

32. Develop an appropriate staffing strategy to accommodate and align with the church size, growth and programs.

38. Within one year, develop a master plan for the next phase of building, including timeline, capital funds initiative process, and estimate of cost, with a focus on renovation/replacement of Activities Building.

39. Within one year, develop a master plan that strictly deals with the timeline to accomplish and funding necessary to:
• renovate the Classroom Building and Great Hall
• renovate the Fellowship Hall and replace associated, aging kitchen equipment.

41. Within two years, develop a plan for financing expansion of the office wing to add additional office and classroom space for staff and education.

42. Develop plans for an off-site campus that maximizes the use of the primary facility and the quality of our programs as a means to address growth of the church and community.

43. Explore and develop plans for a new church in Apex/Holly Springs area with a significant number of members of the Kirk (for example 75) committing to starting this church and remaining present for a minimum of 5 years.

44. Within one year, analyze space and usage of existing facilities, local facilities, and technology to meet the needs to growing church programs without expensive renovations.

As we begin to bring our time of discernment to a decision point, we still ask that you pray to God about the Goal Options. Pray that we may see God's perspectives and that we may hear God's mission for the Kirk. 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

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Wednesday Night Live! kicks off next Wednesday! The Kirk’s new Wednesday Night Live! program will begin on September 5. The first night will be a fun get-to-know-you night. Jody will lead some fun games that all ages will enjoy!

A CATERED meal will be served from 5:30 to 6:30 p.m. Reservations are required. Reservations may be placed on Sunday at church or you may register by going to kirkofkildaire.org. If you would like to make a Standing Reservation, please check the box at the end of the form.

A variety of adult classes will be offered at 6:30. On Sept 5, we will hear about the classes and most will begin the following week. There are three choices for adult classes:

- The Old Testament from Scratch which is an eight-week overview of the Old Testament. If you feel that you are missing some of the foundational skills for using your Bible, this is a perfect class for you.

- Understanding Baptism which is a three-week class on one of the sacraments of the church. We will talk about the history and various meanings of baptism. If you are coming from a different denomination or if you have (or will have) a child or grandchild baptized or if you want to learn more, this is a perfect class for you.

- Everything Scottish which is a class led by Steve Johnston, our self-described Scottish junkie. The class will also feature guests with many gifts to share. This is a class you won’t want to miss!

Children are invited to a crafts class and childcare will be provided for young children.

If you have any questions, please contact Stephanie Arnold (467-4944).

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