08/18/04

Dear Ones –

School in Jefferson County is back in session, so lots of folks are up and out of bed a bit earlier these days – me included. Now I have to convince myself to get to bed earlier as well! I hope for those of you with children, that the start of the school year is going well.

Here at Beulah we witnessed the faith and summer experiences of many of our youth as they led in worship this past Sunday. Energizers and short sermons, children’s time and prayers – the youth did it all, and did it all very well. And many youth worked behind the scenes as well: my son Andrew put together the power point slide show, Sean Payne helped with the sound board, and many others helped with the offering. What a great group of youth (and children) we have here at Beulah – a credit to each of them, to their parents, to us as a congregation that is welcoming and supportive of youth and children, and to our director of Christian Education and Youth Ministries, Terry Hargrave !!

On the whole the prayer list is filled with good news this week, thus far. And even when the news is troublesome, we can be grateful that we worship and service a God who is present with us in Jesus Christ, by the power of the Holy Spirit, “who is able to do far more than we can ever ask or imagine.”

Estil Pope had a heart procedure on Tuesday morning, and is going home today (Wednesday) – and all went well.
Jeannie Koerber is even now in the office for a visit; she appreciates all our prayers. Her pain these days in manageable, and her legs continue to give her some trouble – and she says she tires very easily. But she is able to be up and about, and to come by for a visit, which is great!
Cliff Stout remains at home, and is coming along well. Give him a call and let him know you’re concerned about him.
Bettie Banks continues to struggle with a broken foot – and she’s working Bill hard these days!
Andrew Hockenberry got his cast off on Monday, and is back to the doctor in three weeks, but his elbow looks good.
John Spalding is out of his cast, and is progressing well thus far – stay tuned.
Doug Jones is still wearing a wrist brace, and was able to play piano last Sunday for the service.
Bob Tackett continues on his oral chemotherapy, and is fatigued, and gets a very dry mouth after he takes these meds – but remains in good spirits.
As you may have read in the Beulahtin, we have two special Sunday School events coming up that you will not want to miss:

This Sunday, Polly Johnson, a Presbyterian elder who has traveled quite a bit in Israel / Palestine will be leading Sunday School this Sunday, August 22 – at 9:30, in the Memorial Room. Come and listen and participate with a fellow Presbyterian who has been there on the ground and is aware of the issues facing the Middle East in these days.

Then in two weeks, on Sunday, August 29, at 9:30, Elder Nancy Leach, the Elder Commissioner from our Presbytery to the 217th General Assembly (2004) that met in Richmond, and I will be leading a discussion on the actions of the GA. There has been much written in the papers on this, and the Session is studying the position paper on Iraq and the war, which has caused no small stir in the church. Come and see and talk about the work of your church at the General Assembly level – Sunday, August 29, 2004.

Also on August 29 welcome Shannon Meacham as she (and her husband, Will Meacham) resumes her work here at Beulah for this coming academic year as our seminarian.

This Sunday I will be preaching on the text from Luke: 13:10-17, the story of the woman who was “bent over, and was quite unable to stand up straight.” Possible sermon title, “Are You Bent Out of Shape?” (I think I am).

Hoping to worship with you this Sunday, and if you are unable to come, hoping that you will know the presence of the Spirit in your life today and this Sunday, I remain,

Yours in Christ,

Ken H.