__August 2013__ VIEW FROM THE STUDY

LIFE TOGETHER

Dietrich Bonhoeffer wrote a book entitled Life Together. It is a thin book, meant to be a guide to a group of students he was teaching in a clandestine seminary, hidden from the authorities in Nazi Germany in the1940’s. Bonhoeffer’s point? Life is full of trials and tribulations as well as successes and celebrations. As Christians, we are meant to share those experiences, leaning on our brothers and sisters in Christ when times are difficult for us, and offering an out stretched arm when things are difficult for others, as well as sharing in the celebrations, laughter, and successes of life.

In our last month together at Buffalo we have experienced a vast array of need, hurt, celebration and joys, and we have experienced them together. While the demands have been great in the many meals prepared, the tears shared, storm clean up, teaching opportunities and crafts shared in VBS, the joy and hopeful expectation of a baby shower, the death of two members, both deeply mourned, your response has been overwhelming and joyful. Your faithfulness as members could be the subject of a book, and as a matter of fact, it is. At the beginning of the 12th chapter of Hebrews is written, “Let us run with perseverance the race that is set before us, looking to Jesus as the pioneer and perfecter of our faith.” While my human tendency is to proclaim well done you good and faithful servants, my reformed training reminds me that Christ is the pioneer and perfecter of our faith. When we live our lives well, together, our praise goes to the one who draws us together, who nourishes us as one, and who sustains us in our reaching out over and over, persistently to each other, together.

Bonhoeffer’s seminary was eventually discovered, and all but a handful of students were sent to the Russian front and died in the war, as did Bonhoeffer himself. Life together in Christ does not infer the absence of trials, only that our joys and sorrows will be born together as we live out being the children of God in His church. Be at peace and know it is Christ who sustains us. Thanks be to God!

Grace and Peace, Paul

GO TELL IT ON THE MOUNTAIN, THAT JESUS CHRIST IS LORD

What a wonderful Bible School we had, with Bible stories, activities, and music centered around this truth. This year’s Bible School was well attended as in past years. Thanks to all who came and all who helped make Bible School a time of fun, learning and great fellowship. A special thanks to our youth and adult helpers who prepared our suppers and provided desserts, also to those who helped with photography, crafts, music, and recreation. Of course we cannot forget to thank Hiker Harry and his friend Billy for sharing some awesome Bible stories with us! Looking ahead to worship opportunities, our Youth Sunday will take place on August 25, 2013. On this day our youth will lead our 11:00 a.m. worship service. Please mark your calendars and plan to attend this very special service in support of our young people. Also, a Rally and Sunday School Recognition Day is planned for Sunday, September 8th. A catered luncheon honoring our new members will follow the worship service. Please come share good food and fellowship as we welcome the eleven new members that have joined our church within the past 16 months.

Christian Education Committee

Session Corner Highlights from Stated Meeting held July 16, 2013

Admin.: Begin Balance 04/01/2013 $26,347.15 Qtr. Income $29,608.06 Expenses $28,459.16

End Balance 06/30/2013 $27,496.05 Lee stated money holding over 2nd quarter. Once he knows the cost of moving the AC unit, Philip Johnson will give quote for bathroom project. Session approved baby shower for Allison Goodwin on Aug. 4th and vacation for Rev. Shields Aug. 12th to Aug. 19th.

Worship: Ken announced VBS presentation on Aug. 4th and installation of teachers on Sep. 8th. Rev. Harold Stone will fill pulpit on Aug. 18th while Paul on vacation. Worship will explore replacing communion’s cut bread with wafers.

Christian Ed.: David reminded us VBS on for July 30th – Aug. 1st from 6:30 to 8:00 p.m. Youth Sunday service will be held on Aug. 25th. The committee will write a letter of acknowledgement and thank you to the Girl Scouts for the playground refurbishment.

Cong. Care: Buddy stated that many visits, cards, calls, and meals were delivered and it is time to give the women a break.

Evang./Growth/Com.: Patrick will investigate inviting Beverly and George Thompson through Presbytery to facilitate “church revitalization”. A luncheon following church on Sept. 8th in honor of new members will be catered at $9.00 or less per person – money coming from the general fund. CUOC donation of $200 per month will continue to end of year.

Women: No meeting. The calendar was approved with a few changes. A conflict was noted between Men of Church and VBS in July. Lee will resolve conflict by moving MOC to July 24th.

Next Session Meeting will be August 20th.

Jean Wilberg, Clerk of Session

AVERY AND CARSON ENJOYING THEIR SUPPER

HIKER HARRY AND BILLY SHARE A STORY OF

“GOING UP ON A MOUNTAIN”

TIFFANY AND MACKENZIE HELP OUR YOUNGER

CHILDREN WITH CRAFTS

VACATION BIBLE SCHOOL 2013

CRAFTS

AND MORE CRAFTS

JEAN AND CAITLYN TEACH US HOW TO GO TELL

REV. SHIELDS TELLS ON SUNDAY MORNING

OUR CHILDREN GO TELL ON SUNDAY AS WELL

MORE VBS FUN

EVELYN AND HER GIRLS

LEE & ELIZABETH ANNIE AND AVERY

The annual Presbyterian Women Fall Gathering will be held on August 24th, at Wallace Presbyterian Church. The church is located at 205 West Main Street in Wallace, N.C. Registration begins at 9:00 a.m. A variety of workshops will be offered. If interested in attending, please contact the church office. It is hard to believe, but our Fall Bazaar will be here before we know it. The Bazaar will be held on Sat., Oct. 5th, from 8:00 a.m. until 12:00 noon. Now is the time to start working on items for the Bazaar. Thanks to our own Peggy McGinty, we will be raffling off a beautiful quilt again this year. Funds from the Bazaar are used to support a variety of charities, as well as helping meet the needs of our church. We look forward to everyone participating in this yearly fundraiser. Let’s make it the best ever!

Jackie Frie, Moderator The Presbyterian Women

THE BABY SHOWER FOR ALLISON WAS WELL ATTENDED AND LOADS OF FUN!

SEE PICTURES BELOW.

Remember with love and prayer:

CHURCH MEMBERS: Mary Bailes, Jonathan Bridges, Vialee Cashion, Jean Chester, Nellie Cox,

Paige Davis, Greg Deck, Barbara Jo Glass, Karen Johnson, Kevin and Pam McDonald, Virginia Neal, and Ann Seymore

FAMILY OF CHURCH MEMBERS: The Family of Mike Seymore, Robert Barraza, Michael Holt, Edna Johnson, Terry Johnson, Sam McClearen, Jacob Monson, Robin Padgett, Carson Setzer, Louise Stewart, Abby Sturm, Abigail Whitaker, Edward Wilberg, and Jennifer Christian Wilkins

FRIENDS OF CHURCH MEMBERS: The Aragon Family, Amber Austin, Darlene Bryant, Ryan Buell, Price Carter, Bill Douglas, Leah Everette, Kay Hale, Roy Holt, Ty Kimball, Will Kirkland, Sung-Sun Kyburz, Amanda Mager, Megan Nelson, Parker Normann, Inez Riddle, Brian Sibbett, Allison Upchurch Smith, and Dr. Jerry Vuncannon *********************************************************************************************

2 CENTS A MEAL OFFERING – $123.78 SCHOLARSHIP FUND OFFERING – $559.27

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Dear Friends,

Thank you so much for

the cards, calls, and

delicious meals you

provided during Ken's

recent surgery. We are blessed to be

part of such a thoughtful and caring

church family. God bless you.

Ken and Jackie Frie

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Gifts to the Church

In Memory of Peter Wilberg

Jan Renwick Geri Hales Pat Genzlinger

Connie Gaddy Karen Perra Bob & Mattie Kelly

Vialee Cashion Clay Ingram Larry & Ann Collins

Linda Rhinehart Janet Warner Jim & Sarah Monson

Doug & Barbara Doris Dennis & Jane Sibley

John & Sandie Lemons Bobby & Evelyn Johnson

J. L. & Debbie Thomas James & Jeannette Siess

Patti Elko & Dave Denmet Robert & Joyce Buzinski

Bill & Elizabeth Shermer Frank & Betty Robinson

Nelson & Kathy Jolly Burke George & Rebekah Harvey

In Memory of Mary Ritter

Pat Johnson

YOUTH WORSHIP

SERVICE Sunday, August 25th

11:00 a.m. Worship Service

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NEW MEMBER LUNCHEON

SAVE THE DATE! Sept. 8th has been

set for our new member’s luncheon.

This year we will have a CATERED

affair, so please sign up in advance!

CHICKEN & BBQ *********************************************************************************************

August Leaders

August 04th – COMMUNION (No Joy Worship) August 11th – Penny Shields (Lesson B-8) August 18th – NEED LEADER (Lesson B-9) August 25th – Anna Renwick (Lesson B-10)

Congregational Greeter’s for August August 04th – Pat Setzer August 11th – Penny Shields August 18th – Kay Davis August 25th – Geri Hales

Greeting Elder’s for August August 04th – COMMUNION August 11th – David Ciliberto August 18th – Ken Frie August 25th – Patrick Kelly

WEDDING ANNIVERSARIES

August 08th Rick & Cathy Bridges

August 10th Lee & Pat Setzer

August 31st Jeff & Lisa Cashion

HAPPY BIRTHDAY Aug. 02nd – Bryan Ragland Aug. 07th – Rob Davis

Aug. 04th – Jamie Crompton Aug. 14th – Lindi Renwick

Aug. 04th – Tim Johnson Aug. 17th – Barbara Currie

Aug. 04th – Cecil Sineath Aug. 17th – Barbara Jo Glass

Aug. 05th – Sheila Brewer Aug. 18th – Jessica Whitaker

Aug. 07th – Virginia Brown Aug. 19th – Jolynda Bowers

Aug. 25th – Leah Bradley

WEEKLY OFFERING TOTALS & ATTENDANCE

July 07, 2013 – $2400.00 56 July 14, 2013 – $1453.00 54 July 21, 2013 – $1416.00 51 July 28, 2013 – $1069.00 56

BUFFALO PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH 1333 Carthage Street Sanford, NC 27330

919-776-7313

buffalochurch@windstream.net

www.buffalopres.org

Dear Friends,

Thank you for all the prayers,

food, cards, gifts and acts of

kindness you have extended to

Peter, me, and our family. Your

love and concern has been and

is greatly appreciated.

Jean Wilberg and Family

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To My Buffalo Church Family,

I want to thank you all

for your prayers, visits, food,

phone calls, and your many

cards. It is the greatest

feeling to be on the receiving end of so

much love and kindness.

As I continue on my journey of

healing, it is a blessing to know you are

there with me.

With Love,

Vialee H. Cashion

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WEEKEND OF CELEBRATION AT UNION PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH

Our sister church, Union Presbyterian in Moore County, is celebrating a special anniversary the weekend of September 6th and are welcoming visitors. Like Buffalo, Union was founded in 1797 by Highland Scottish families and we shared ministers with them for about the first 50 years.

2013 marks the 200th anniversary of the Old Building, the second building in which Union worshipped. The present building is their fourth and was built in 1880 by the same contractor who had just built Buffalo.

Events are as follows:

Friday, September 6th – a Ceilidh and Dinner at the Fair Barn in Pinehurst.

Saturday, September 7th – Worship at the Old Building with Rev. Donald McDonald of the Isle of Lewis preaching. Lunch at the church followed by an afternoon of activities including historical and genealogical talks.

Sunday, September 8th – Homecoming Worship at 11:00 a.m. followed by dinner on the grounds.

Union Presbyterian Church is located at 2000 Union Church Road, Carthage. More information about the church and the weekend’s activities can be found at their website: www.unionchurchcarthage.org.

Sheila Brewer, Church Historian