__ April 2015 __ A VIEW FROM THE PEW

Risen! “He is risen” declared

an angel about two thousand years ago. It was an angel who first announced Jesus’ birth. Now it is an angel who punctuates the turning point in world history which forever changes the destiny of mankind. This April opens with days to remember the passion (suffering) of Jesus Christ. His torture, trial, crucifixion, and burial occur. On the third day after His death, He is alive again by the work of His Heavenly Father… a stupendous event for all humanity. The resurrection makes it possible for us to change from mortal life to immortality. The resurrection makes it possible for people to transition from temporary living to eternal life. The resurrection of Jesus is such an important event for every living soul that it should be the basis, the core, of every school’s educational curriculum. In the economy of all things there may be no greater value than the knowledge of the resurrection. The resurrection is confirmation of power. To behold the risen Christ is to see the mighty power of God. We can luxuriate in that God devoted His majesty to making it possible for us to be His children. It is resurrection power that reinforces the declaration “if God be for us, who can be against us.”

*There is no power comparable to resurrection power; “no power on earth can hold it down.” It has defeated death – and from the grave “it tore the bars away.” It saves from the effects of sins. It is a guarantee of perpetual motion (spiritual hearts that will never stop beating). It underwrites the appropriateness of all praise, glory and honor due our creator King. Simply, resurrection power gives life.

By His resurrection, Jesus demonstrated that God keeps His word. Jesus said that He would rise from the dead on the third day. The disciples forget that – until He reminded them. He carried out His word and strengthened their faith. Believing that He would rise from the dead and knowing that He did so, we are assured that He will come again for us – as He has so said! Then we shall ever be with Him.

Elder Dr. David Ciliberto

*About the tomb, from Matthew 27:65 “Pilate said to them, ‘you have a guard of soldiers; go, make it as secure as you can.’” A story is told about a spider that lived by the railroad tracts. She was disturbed every morning by the passing freight train. She desired to stop it. All through the night she weaved her most elaborate web across the railway. She made it “as secure as she could.” With the dawn came the train. Whoosh, went the web. She had made the web as “sure as she could.” **************************************************************************

The Adult Sunday School class continues to meet from 9:45 – 10:45 a.m. The study topic focuses on the work of the Holy Spirit in the life of the believers. The topics scheduled are:

April 05 – Resurrection Guaranteed (1 Corinthians 15:1-11, 20-22) April 12 – Love One Another (1 John 3:11-24) April 19 – Believe God’s Love (1 John 4:13 – 5:5) April 26 – Watch Out for Deceivers! (2 John 1-13) May 03 – Co-workers with the Truth (3 John 1-15)

Come to participate.

Dr. David Ciliberto, Chairman Christian Education Committee **************************************************************************

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Meeting held Monday, March 16, 2015

Members Present: J. W. Bailes, Mary Bailes, Pam McDonald, Geri Hales, Jan Renwick, and Pat Setzer.

Mary Bailes opened the meeting with prayer. The members and friends on the prayer list were prayed for and plans were made to prepare a meal for a church member. Cards have been sent and will continue to be sent to those on the prayer list. J. W. Bailes closed the meeting in prayer.

J.W. Bailes, Chairman Congregational Care & Fellowship

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Presbyterian Women of Coastal Carolina SPRING GATHERING

Saturday, April 18, 2015 Carolina Beach Presbyterian Church

Carolina Beach, NC Registration, Exhibits, Food and Fellowship 9:00-10:00 a.m.

Plenary and Business 10:00 a.m. Speaker: Rev. June Highfill, Honorably Retired (PCUSA) Nursery available upon request – contact Jeanne Anderson

336-909-2841 – jeanneanderson@windstream.net Recommended accommodations: Golden Sands Hotel – 910-458-8334

Only a few minutes from the church Bring your spouses. Bring your children. Bring your church sisters.

Make this a fun weekend at the beach!

For more info, contact Betty Robinson – 919-498-6374 **************************************************************************

The primary focus of the March meeting of the PW Coordinating Team was the celebration of the Gifts of Women on Sunday, March 8th, and the planning and presentation of the Church World Service Blanket Offering. Both occasions were brought to fulfillment with much joy and success through the efforts of many capable and willing hands.

On that first Sunday and for the first time in recent memory, Mrs. Betty Sherrod, CRE was in the pulpit, with a memorable sermon titled, "The Great Invitation." Our thanks to Worship Chair, Buddy McNeill for making Mrs. Sherrod participation possible.

What a delight it was to see Virginia Brown's face when it was announced by Sheila Brewer that she was the 2015 Honorary Life Member recipient. With Floyd and their family beaming, Virginia strode forward and received her plaque and Presbyterian Women pin.

Among those contributing to bring about the happy occasion were: Sheila Brewer who made all the award arrangements and wrote the heartfelt description of attributes of this year's winner; Darlene McNeill, who served as Choir Director for the day and the ladies comprising that day's Choir; the "Team Cashion" ushers, namely Jackie Frie, Jan Tart, and Annie and Avery Tart; Leah Everett, featured pianist; Jan Renwick, who lent her ever-valuable creative skills to the table arrangements; and Pat Setzer, for making the detailed arrangements for the delicious catered lunch that followed. And a hearty shout-out to those who kindly stayed behind for clean-up!

On the following Sunday, a special offering was sponsored by our Women for Church World Service's "Blanket Offering." We are most grateful to our congregation, who graciously and generously responded with donations totaling $322. The prior week's bulletin insert highlighted some of the ways these monies are used in response to our Father's call to care for those in need.

LIFETIME MEMBERSHIP PRESENTATION

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Looking ahead, please note the following:

EASTER FLOWER CROSS - A time to get into the yard early, snip your prettiest blooms and bring them to church for our beautiful celebration of the Risen Lord.

SPRING GATHERING of Coastal Carolina Presbyterian Women, Saturday, April 18th, at Carolina Beach PC, Wilmington, NC

HOMECOMING SUNDAY, May 3rd - Please let your family and friends out of the area know the date. A pot-luck lunch will be held following morning Service.

Betty Robinson, PW CT Moderator

PINNING VIRGINIA

VIRGINIA BROWN AND FAMILY

GIFTS OF WOMEN SUNDAY

March 8, 2015

KAY, TIFFANY, MACKENZIE, & KOLBY

THE GIRL SCOUTS

ONE OF THE GIRL SCOUTS FAMILY

CONGRATULATIONS VIRGINIA!

VIRGINIA AND FLOYD START THE LINE

LARRY, ANNE, & JACKIE

KATHY, JEANNE, & BOB

WE HAD A REALLY GOOD CROWD!

GIFTS OF WOMEN LUNCHEON

March 8, 2015

Remember with love and prayer: CHURCH MEMBERS: Vialee Cashion, Nellie Cox, Roy Cox, Greg Deck, Barbara Jo Glass, Clay Ingram, Sandie Lemons, and Lisa C. Moore FAMILY OF CHURCH MEMBERS: David Brown, Linda Crompton, Marcus

Freeman, Michael Holt, Edna Johnson, Terry Johnson, Taylor Jones, David Key, Elaine McBryde, Sam McClearen, Jacob Monson, Carson Setzer, Julie Siess, Louise Stewart, Hazel Wicker, and Jan Thomas FRIENDS OF CHURCH MEMBERS: Jennifer Avent, Frank Foushee, Frank Gaddy, Carol Haines, Lynn & Christine Harris, Will Kirkland, Lynda Lohr, Kevin Luck, Rebecca Mansfield, Martin Marks, Melissa Miles, Megan Nelson, Parker Normann, Dr. Michele Roberson, Lisa Rubinosky, Allison Upchurch Smith, Frank Tibbett, and Dorothy Warner **************************************************************************

WEEKLY OFFERING TOTALS/ATTENDANCE March 01, 2015 – $1281.00 35 March 08, 2015 – $3489.00 62 March 15, 2015 – $1278.00 54 March 22, 2015 – $1143.00 41 March 29, 2015 – $1338.00

5 Cents A Meal Offering – $63.60 Backpack Kids Offering – $89.00

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Gifts to the Church

Made a Donation to the Youth Program and the General Fund Glenn and Fran Griffin

HOMECOMING

MAY 3RD

Mark your calendars and be sure to attend Homecoming for Buffalo 2015. Reverend McDowell will present our message and a covered dish luncheon will be shared after the service. Call a friend or invite your family members to come back and share a time of remembering and fellowship as we celebrate years of continuous service to the Lord at Buffalo. **************************************************************************

To The Presbyterian Women of Buffalo,

Receiving the Award for the “Honorary Life Member of Presbyterian Women” was a surprise and a joy. This award and being

included with this “group” of women is an honor. With God’s help and love, I will continue to fulfill this title and commitment. Love in Christ Always, Virginia Brown Quote: “As we express our gratitude, we must never forget that the highest appreciation is not to utter words, but to live by them.” – John F. Kennedy **************************************************************************

The North Carolina Presbyterian Historical Society will hold its Annual Spring Tour on Friday and Saturday, April 10th & 11th, in the beautiful colonial town of Edenton. Many of our colonial and state leaders lived there, as well as the slave and later author, Harriet Jacobs. We will visit historic houses, a restored lighthouse, the colonial

courthouse, St. Paul's Episcopal (organized 1701) as well as First Presbyterian, and will learn about colonial religion in an area with few Presbyterians. Please join us for a memorable tour. Registration is only $21. The schedule, registration form, and address are on our website at www.ncphsociety.org, or contact Program Chair Sam Martin at (910) 428-4165. **************************************************************************

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HAPPY BIRTHDAY April 07th – Nelson Burke April 12th – Richard Christian

April 10th – Mattie Kelly April 17th – Bob Kelly

April 11th – Sandie Lemons April 19th – Raymond Bradley

April 28th – Ellen Gordon **************************************************************************

WEDDING ANNIVERSARIES

April 05th Bob & Ann Christian Barraza

April 14th Raymond & Susan Bradley

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Congregational Greeter’s for April

April 05th – Geri Hales April 12th – Karen Johnson April 19th – Kathy Jolly April 26th – Pat Setzer

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April Leaders April 05th – COMMUNION (No Joy Worship) April 12th – Kathy Jolly (Lesson A-37) April 19th – Logan Key (Lesson A-38) April 26th – Anna Renwick (Lesson A-39)

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Starting April the 5th from 9:45 to 10:45 a.m. you are invited to "Brunch at Buffalo". A continental style breakfast will be provided in the fellowship hall. The Evangelism/Outreach Committee is encouraging church members to invite

potential new members and current members that haven't been attending on a regular basis to this brunch. We will enjoy good food, fellowship, and the chance for people to become a member of a great church family. Our goal is to hold this event the first Sunday of every month until the end of 2015. **************************************************************************

BUFFALO PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH 1333 Carthage Street Sanford, NC 27330

919-776-7313

buffalochurch@windstream.net

www.buffalopres.org

EASTER LILIES

The Buffalo Presbyterian Women will supply Easter Lilies to adorn the Sanctuary for Easter. If you would like to purchase an Easter Lily “IN HONOR OF” or “IN MEMORY

OF” a loved one, please fill out the form below and turn it in to the church office or the collection plate along with $10.50 for each lily ordered. Orders must be received by Wednesday, April 1st.

Please make checks payable to: Buffalo Presbyterian Women

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IN HONOR OF: (ONE NAME OR FAMILY PLEASE)

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IN MEMORY OF: (ONE NAME OR FAMILY PLEASE)

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GIVEN BY: _________________________________________

PLEASE ATTACH $10.50 PER EASTER LILY

***EASTER LILIES MAY BE PICKED UP

AFTER THE EASTER SERVICE***

Session Corner

Highlights from Stated Meeting held March 3, 2015

Examination of Reception of New Member: Dorothy Sutton. Motion was made by Buddy McNeill and second by Jeff Cashion.

Evangelism/Growth/Communications: Motion to have Breakfast first Sunday of each Month: Unanimous.

Patrick Kelly Clerk of Session

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LAUGHTER

When life gets rough, sometimes all you can do is laugh. And why not? Laughter is a great healer:

Reduces stress

Energizes you physically

Relaxes you emotionally

Strengthens your immune response

Relieves pain

Improves circulation

Boosts job performance

Promotes teamwork

Facilitates learning and decision making

Enhances creativity

Fosters self-esteem

Expands problem solving capabilities

Helps you cope with problems

Inspires a will to live

Shared by: Virginia Brown