__ February 2015 __ A VIEW FROM THE PEW

This is the month for sending messages wrapped in chocolate, to

take advantage of Valentine’s Day. The notes say “I LOVE you.” They are sent with the hope that there is a “you, who loves me-too” in return. The message is intended to start or maintain communication between two who will LOVE each other. But do we consider what we send – this very splendid thing. At some level, perhaps the lowest, LOVE is a warm feeling of appreciation. (Depending on how warm it is, it may melt the chocolate that is its carrier.) More seriously, deeper meanings are attached to this word LOVE. It is both a noun and an action verb. LOVE is “something” and “something-to-do,” simultaneously. To say I LOVE you is to send a part of me to you, and the very best that I can offer, from my heart. LOVE is an emotion with the promise of goodly action to follow. LOVE is all things good. For LOVE is gentle and kind, patient and long-suffering, majestic and meek, selfless and self-sacrificing, and abundantly filled with all the fruits of the Spirit.

Given that “God is LOVE,” and “In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was God,” if things equal to the same thing are equal to each other, then in this relationship, LOVE was the Word at creation. So compassionately does Jesus permit His Name to be used by mortals.

LOVE is a gift. It comes in different wraps, but cannot be sold. However, it is surely a good bargain. Processed at the Heart Corporation, it is suitable for any celebration, regardless of the season. It is durable, “LOVE never fails.” It comes with an eternal guarantee, the Almighty as its surety. Jesus is our ultimate Valentine. His LOVE letter tells us so. He said, “By this shall all men know that you are my disciples, that you LOVE one another.” So, LOVE (share) Christ to each other.

Elder Dr. David Ciliberto

Worship Committee chair, Ken Frie sharing his final moments as outgoing ruling Elder with those ordained and installed to follow his lead. Many thanks to Rev. Dr. Bill Pauley for his services and congratulations to Buddy McNeill, Pat Setzer, Larry Collins and J.W. Bailes.

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The Congregational Care Committee met Monday January 19, 2015 with Buddy McNeil, JW Bailes, Mary Bailes, Pam McDonald, Geri Hales, and Jan Renwick present. Buddy opened the meeting with prayer. We discussed our concerns for the ones on the prayer list. We will continue our card ministry. Buddy closed with prayer.

JW Bailes, Chairman Congregational Care & Fellowship

Calling all Adults! We have changed the time of the Adult Sunday School Class. In an effort to accommodate choir members who need to have time to prepare for Sunday morning worship, the Sheila Brewer adult Sunday School class will now meet at 9:45 in the Women’s Parlor. While Sheila was absent Dr. David Ciliberto has been leading the class. Thank you, David! Your preparation and insight have been a great benefit to the class. For the last month of this quarter the “Present Word” material used for this class is exploring the topic of Stewardship for Life.

Feb. 01…Feasting and Fasting Daniel 1:5, 8-17; Matthew 6:16-18 Feb. 08…Serving Neighbors, Serving God Luke 10:25-34 Feb. 15…Serving the Least Matthew 25:31-46 Feb. 22…Clothed and Ready Ephesians 6:10-20 We would love to have YOU come study God’s Word with us. You would be a blessing to us and you are sure to receive a blessing from both the study and the fellowship. Come join us at 9:45 Sunday Mornings! Members: Dr. David Ciliberto, Jackie Frie, and Jean Wilberg

January was a light month for the Presbyterian Women Coordinating Team as the meeting was cancelled. But, we did accomplish something: A 2015 Lifetime Achievement recipient. The worthy lady will be revealed during "Gifts of Women Sunday," March 8th! Please note the date as there will be a church-wide luncheon in her honor, following worship service.

The Team will meet February 2nd at 6:00 p.m., when a priority agenda item will be deliberating which Mission projects to undertake for the remainder of this term year. We'll keep you posted.

In the meantime, please continue in prayer for our church, its members, our community, and the peace of the world.

Betty Robinson, Moderator Presbyterian Women

PRESBYTERIAN WOMEN

DECEMBER 2014

PRESBYTERIAN MEN

NOVEMBER 2014

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Men, please don’t forget the Sweetheart Banquet. We also need help with meals for the Men’s Dinner. Please let me know if you can help with one or more months. Thanks for your help. Looking forward to a great year.

Lee Setzer, President Presbyterian Men

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SWEETHEART BANQUET

Make plans to attend the

Men’s Sweetheart Banquet

on Sunday, February 8th,

at 6:00 p.m. Sweetheart or

not, we want you to come. A

delicious meal will be provided

by our men. Fellowship,

prizes, and a good time

available to all and all are

welcome! The men will arrange

transportation for any who desire it, just

call the church office.

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Remember with love and prayer: CHURCH MEMBERS: Vialee Cashion, Nellie Cox, Roy Cox, Greg Deck, Barbara Jo Glass, Sandie Lemons, Pam McDonald, and Lisa C. Moore

FAMILY OF CHURCH MEMBERS: Linda Crompton, Marcus Freeman, Michael

Holt, Edna Johnson, Terry Johnson, Taylor Jones, David Key, Linda Lunsford, Elaine McBryde, Sam McClearen, Jacob Monson, Dawn Pfaff, Carson Setzer, Julie Siess, Louise Stewart, and Jan Thomas

FRIENDS OF CHURCH MEMBERS: Aragon Family, Amber Austin, Jennifer Avent, Ryan Buell, Leah Everette, Frank Foushee, Frank Gaddy, Carol Haines, Lynn & Christine Harris, Hunter Hazelton, Roy Holt, Bob Johns, Will Kirkland, Amanda Mager, Rebecca Mansfield, Melissa Miles, Megan Nelson, Parker Normann, Dr. Michele Roberson, Lisa Rubinosky, Allison Upchurch Smith, Frank Tibbett, and Marie Wicker **************************************************************************

WEEKLY OFFERING TOTALS Jan. 04, 2015 – $2897.50 Jan. 11, 2015 – $5305.50 Jan. 18, 2015 – $2034.00 Jan. 25, 2015 – $1277.00

5 Cents A Meal Offering – $82.19 **************************************************************************

A NEW FLOWER CHART FOR 2015 HAS

BEEN PLACED ON THE BULLETIN BOARD

FOR MEMBERS TO SIGN-UP FOR PLACING

FLOWERS IN THE SANCTUARY. **************************************************************************

The newsletter staff welcomes comments and suggestions. We hope there will be something of interest to all and maybe a

laugh or just a smile from the contents of each issue.

Deadline for articles to be included in the next issue of the newsletter will be Monday, February 23, 2015.

Gifts to the Church

In Memory of Sarah Frances Currin Collins J. W. and Mary Bailes

In Memory of Ann Seymore Marie Macko

Jackie & Larry Furr and Tracey & Rhae Auman

In Memory of William Russell Wicker Mary Jo Parks

Gloria H. Peele

Rives & Associates, LLP

The Hazel Wicker Family

Donnie and Susan Oldham

Fred and Dot Watson and the Sloan Children:

Barbara, Bobby, and Kenneth

What a joy it has been to have Reverend Gilbert McDowell preach at Buffalo these past few Sundays! We are certainly in for a treat listening to this Man of God preach the Gospel as we go into the New Year. I think everyone has been able to take something with them after every sermon to cope with everyday life and be a better Christian in a fallen world. On behalf of the Evangelism/Growth/Communications Committee, I would like to encourage the congregation to invite people to come and listen to Reverend McDowell each Sunday and enjoy the fellowship of a loving congregation.

Jeff Cashion, Chairman Evangelism/Growth/Communications

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HAPPY BIRTHDAY Feb. 02nd – Randy Seymore Feb. 22nd – Geri Hales

Feb. 05th – Allison Goodwin Feb. 22nd – Pat Kelly

Feb. 10th – Linda Cummings Feb. 22nd – Shannon Lemons

Feb. 13th – Jeff Cashion Feb. 23rd – Debbie Thomas

Feb. 16th – Angela Deck Feb. 25th – Chase Setzer

Feb. 16th – Wayne Martindale Feb. 26th – Jason Kelly

Feb. 17th – Andy Holder Feb. 26th – Darlene Reagan

Feb. 21st – Marie Macko Feb. 28th – Shawn McNeill

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WEDDING ANNIVERSARIES

February 06th Frank & Betty Robinson

February 16th Nelson & Kathy Jolly Burke

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Congregational Greeter’s for February February 01st – Karen Johnson February 08th – Kathy Jolly February 15th – Pat Setzer February 22nd – Kay Davis

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February Leaders

February 01st – COMMUNION (No Joy Worship) February 08th – Jackie Frie (Lesson A-28) February 15th – Kathy Jolly (Lesson A-29) February 22nd – Anna Renwick (Lesson A-30)

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We would like to thank our Buffalo Church Family for the many prayers and expressions of sympathy during the death of our mother, Sarah Collins. We are comforted and blessed by your love and caring.

Larry and Anne Collins

Appendix C Presbytery of Coastal Carolina

Relationship Between a Congregation and a Former Pastor

(For Session Members & Congregation)

For the purposes of this document the term “pastor” and “minister” shall include: Pastor; Associate Pastor; Interim Pastor; Interim Associate Pastor; Stated Supply; Temporary Supply; Intern; Inquirer or Candidate as Temporary Supply; and Commissioned Ruling Elder.

To the churches, ministers and commissioned ruling elders, the Committee on Ministry has been concerned about the relationship between the particular church and its former pastor or associate pastor. While recognizing the enduring value of the friendships established during the term of a pastoral, administrative, educational, teaching advice and counsel or worship leadership or preaching relationship, the Committee is aware of difficulties which may result for a current pastor when the congregation or a portion of the congregation continues to look to a former pastor for pastoral advice and counsel.

Therefore, the Committee on Ministry commends to the churches and pastors the following:

A. When Presbytery dissolves the pastoral relationship, that relationship is dissolved. Only the pastor duly installed by Presbytery, or the pastor approved by the Presbytery for temporary service, is authorized to perform pastoral, administrative, educational, teaching advice and counsel or worship leadership or preaching duties among a particular congregation.

1. The former pastor should not participate in any way with the function of the Pastor Nominating Committee.

2. The former pastor should make every effort to be supportive of the next pastor. Encourage persons who might make contact with concerns

about the current pastor to address them to their current pastor or the Session or the Committee on Ministry. Avoid drawing conclusions about the current pastor on interpreting his/her behavior or words. Encourage openness and opportunities for growth.

3. Should the former pastor’s family return for a visit or for a vacation, make a friendly phone call to the current pastor prior to the visit/vacation and soon after arrival.

B. For a pastor or associate pastor to return to a former parish to perform pastoral, administrative, educational, teaching advice and counsel or worship leadership or preaching and continuing services for the church and its people while they have another person as their pastor is to show disregard for the minister who is there. The same is true for continual visiting among the congregation, continual attendance at congregational functions, or visiting the people in hospitals, as pastor. “Intentional or not, it expresses discourtesy and disregard toward the new person’s service as pastor when a former pastor returns without such invitation and coordination.”

C. “Former pastors, associate pastors and assistant pastors may officiate at services for members of a particular church, or at services within its properties, only upon invitation from the moderator of the session or, in case of the inability to contact the moderator, from the Clerk of Session.” Book of Order, G-2.0905.

D. The people of the church shall give consideration to the pastors they have called and to show respect for them by calling them to perform pastoral, administrative, educational, teaching advice and counsel or worship leadership or preaching services.

E. Any complaint to the COM shall receive a first response in the form of a private meeting of three

members of the COM with the person alleged to have violated the privilege of the pastoral relationships. Should they find the complaints valid, and should the practice continue, the matter shall be brought before the entire COM and the accused may be subject to censure according to the Rules of Discipline. The pastor, associate pastor, interim pastor, interim associate pastor, stated supply, commissioned lay pastor, intern, makes no comments, even privately, about the new pastor after leaving except to install confidence and support in the congregation. All other approaches, questions, comments from any member or staff of the congregation shall be referred appropriately.

F. If the accused is a member of another Presbytery, the COM shall communicate with the COM of that Presbytery.

G. When a minister or lay pastor leaves a pastoral relationship with a church, a copy of this statement will be given to the minister or lay pastor as well as to the session members. The session will be asked to share this statement throughout the entire congregation by reading it aloud to the congregation gathered or by using it as an insert for the bulletin or newsletter, unless the statement has been distributed through the congregation within the past year. The Committee on Ministry’s liaison person will share the statement with the session when an installed pastorate is ended or has ended.

H. A minister who has served a church in an established relationship may not serve that church as parish associate or in any other relationship until at least two years after the next pastor has begun serving the church.

NOTE: These guidelines do not apply in case of a

relationship of an interim pastor, interim associate pastor, stated supply, or lay pastor that lasts four months or less.

BUFFALO PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH 1333 Carthage Street Sanford, NC 27330

919-776-7313

buffalochurch@windstream.net

www.buffalopres.org

Session Corner

Highlights from Stated Meeting held Jan. 20, 2015

Rev. Ron Stoker appointed moderator of session. Rev. Stoker is the minister at First Presbyterian.

Patrick Kelly elected Clerk for the upcoming year.

Administration: Painting of second floor of the Educational Building. Approval for a new roof on the Sanctuary which has been needed for a long time.

Worship: Congregational meeting on February 1st with Rev. Sandy Williams preaching.

Christian Education: Dr. Ciliberto reported that the Sunday School hour has been changed to 9:45 – 10:45 a.m. This will accommodate choir members.

New Business: Interim search committee formed with Kathy Jolly as chair and consist of Patrick Kelly, Buddy McNeil, and Dr. David Ciliberto.

Patrick Kelly Clerk of Session

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KINDNESS: COLOSSIANS 3:12 – AS GOD’S

CHOSEN ONES, HOLY AND BELOVED, CLOTHE YOURSELVES WITH

COMPASSION, KINDNESS, HUMILITY, MEEKNESS, AND PATIENCE.

Kindness is love doing little things, things that seem scarcely worth doing, and yet which means much to those for whom they are wrought. Kindness lends a hand when another is burdened. It speaks the cheerful word when a heart is discouraged. It gives a cup of water when one is thirsty. It is always doing good turns to somebody. It goes

about performing little ministries with a touch of blessing. It scatters its favors everywhere. Few qualities do more to make a life bright and beautiful! Lord, make me kind today, full of love! **************************************************************************