__ May 2014 __ VIEW FROM THE STUDY

EMPTY AND FULL

Recently, a friend referred me to the following magazine article, recommending Bible Study. I whole heartedly agree, and have reprinted a large portion of that article for our consideration.

An article in a church growth magazine asked, “Why are so many churches empty?” The writer answered the question with the typical responses, including the need for good parking, nursery quality, signage, and creative bulletin covers. The article was well written, but I don’t believe it answered the deeper question.

One reason so many churches are empty may have little to do with the tools and mechanisms employed for numerical growth, and more to do with how they are empty in deeper places. As one pastor said, “Our church has substituted ritual for relationship.” Indeed! To practice real faith — not just belonging to a church’s membership rolls — requires deepening relationships set within the community of God.

We live among shifting cultural concerns related to the church. People are skeptical of institutions. Religion means little to the next generation past an actual face or friendship that gives it context. And our culture seeks real meaning, not merely mission statements. People don’t attend churches because of nice slogans, artful worship, and outstanding facilities. They are looking for something more. Again, many

churches are empty in numbers because they are empty at a deeper place.

I have participated at all levels of in-depth Bible study over twenty years of ministry — as a student, teacher, writer, editor, and host. God worked something significant within me in my times of study.

In-depth Bible study has two powerful effects on a congregation. First, in-depth Bible study provides a means to know and love God beyond the Sunday sermon or daily devotional. Some lessons in scripture teach us directly about the person, purpose, and plan of God, and some teach us about God’s work through creation, covenant, and community. In the process, in-depth Bible study utilizes scripture to recalibrate a congregation’s view of God and God’s people.

Second, in-depth Bible study provides examples of what it means to love like God. From the beginning of scripture, a narrative of God’s tension between righteousness and love unfolds. By the end of the biblical story, we discover what it means to form a life around our faith in God — particularly through the gift of God’s Son, Jesus Christ.

Therefore, in my experience, scripture draws us not only to God but to each other, as well.

As a personal testimonial, nothing has had a greater impact on my Christian journey than group Bible study. Prayerfully consider if our study of the Gospel of Mark, beginning on Wednesdays at 11:00 a.m., is for you.

Grace and Peace, Paul

From “The Circuit Rider”, May, June, July- 2014

Rev. Shields will lead a Bible study on the Book of Mark on Wednesdays at 11:00 a.m. in the Women’s Parlor. The first meeting will be May 7th. We hope to see you there to take advantage of this opportunity to study God’s Word together.

The Christian Education Committee is busy planning Vacation Bible School with stories around the Sea of Galilee with the theme: “Surfing with the Savior.” We are planning fun crafts, exciting music, and yummy snacks. Our Preschool Summer Camp children will participate and we are hoping that your children and grandchildren will come and enjoy either participating as a student or if older as a helper. Save the mornings of June 24th, 25th, and 26th. We will offer more details later. We are always looking for volunteers to help with this fun activity, so please let us know if you could offer an hour or more during this time.

We will continue to make a small number of library books available in the sanctuary entrance. We are pleased to see that some of you have chosen to borrow from that offering. Our library on the 2nd floor has many more books for your enjoyment. Please feel free to borrow from these as well.

We meet on the second Tuesday of the month at 6:00 p.m. and would love to have you join our active committee.

Members: Dr. David Ciliberto, Jackie Frie, Penny Shields, Jean Wilberg, and Rev. Paul Shields

Jean Wilberg, Chairman Christian Education Committee

GAMES & CRAFTS

WE GATHERED

CAITLYN HELPS MAKE BUNNY EARS

PIN THE TAIL ON THE BUNNY

EASTER EGG HUNT

On Saturday, April 12th, the Congregational Care and Fellowship committee hosted our children, grandchildren, friends and preschoolers to a fun morning of crafts and games, topped off with a delicious light lunch and Easter Egg Hunt. Many thanks to all who participated, to our faithful committee members who created this great event, and to the Girl Scouts from Buffalo’s troop 101, who assisted us in every way. God is glorified when we gather in His name. Thanks be to God!

JAN HOST A DELICIOUS LUNCH

B.J., NEVEAH, & REALITY WAITING TO HUNT

LOOKING FOR EGGS

WE FOUND!

On April 8th, the Women of the Church (WOC) Coordinating Team opened our monthly meeting at 6:00 PM. The Christ Candle was lit, representing the Light of the World and our commitment to bring that Light to the unsaved. A devotion, titled, "Marking Time" was read from this quarter's "These Days," pgs 4-5, reminding us to "live into the holiness of everyday events and people", in response to God's love for us. Names of people in need of prayer were read aloud; updates on circumstances were offered.

Minutes of the March meeting were presented by Secretary Jan Renwick and accepted. Treasurer Pat Setzer offered her report which was accepted. Historian Sheila Brewer related that she had two events for Buffalo: A display of church artifacts and photos was set out for the Chamber of Commerce members present at the AM Buzz meeting; and, she hosted a history tour of the church for the Carolina Trace Questers Club. (Updated church history brochures are available in the entry hall). Her next project will be a History Table at Homecoming on Sunday, May 4th. Thanks to all our ladies for their faithful service.

Among the agenda items was an update on the decorating and furbishing of the newly completed bathrooms; the WOC contributed $1,200 to this project. Please be certain to thank Cathy Bridges, of the church committee, for the superb outcome. The Women's Lounge in particular is outstanding. And the men of the church weren't neglected -- there is nothing "plain" about those facilities.

Pat Setzer is in the process, working through the Congregational Care Committee, of organizing hospitality teams to respond to refreshment requests following funeral services. Contact Pat if you're able to participate.

Pat read aloud several thank-you's: The Salvation Army for the Angel Tree project; Helping Hand for tithed gift; a note of thanks from Mission Outreach, Inc. for our on-going support, together with an invitation to their Open House on April 8th at the Women's Shelter (more on that in June's newsletter); and, a request from Barium Springs Services for Children and Families for a donation. In response to this last, a motion was made and passed to send $100.00.

Closing prayer was offered and the Christ Candle extinguished. As we continue to be without a Moderator or Co-Moderator, Sheila Brewer will serve as May's Interim Moderator.

Ladies, please join with Mary Lou Campbell and Sunshine Circles for our Annual PW Birthday Meeting, Monday evening, May 12th at 7:00 PM, in the Fellowship Hall.

In Christ, Betty Robinson, April Interim Moderator

ALLISON, CASH, JAMIE, AND MEME ENJOYING THE EASTER EGG HUNT

THANK YOU GIRL SCOUT TROOP 101 SHANNON AND CHARLOTTE

EASTER LILIES Sunday, April 20, 2014

IN LOVING HONOR IN HONOR OF: GIVEN BY:

Lily to the Glory of God…….…………………..Jan Renwick Children & Grandchildren................Cecil & Peggy Sineath Lynda Bowers………………Her Children & Grandchildren Vialee Cashion…………………………..Patricia A. Johnson Nellie Lett Cox………………….…………………….Greg Cox Carolyn Harrell……...………...............Jim & Sarah Monson The Johnson Family……….……………..The Moore Family Kathy Jolly…………...…….…………….Bob & Jeanne Jolly Roylene Monson………….…..............Jim & Sarah Monson

IN LOVING MEMORY IN MEMORY OF: GIVEN BY:

“Hanny” Geraldine Bridges……John & “Honeybun” Caitlyn Bridges

Eloise Cashion……………………............Baby Cash Goodwin Ina Foushee Cox………………………………………..Greg Cox E. P. & Clara Lee Dowdy…………………..J. W. & Mary Bailes Dennis Foushee………………………………Frances Foushee Pressly Foushee………………...…………....Frances Foushee Malcolm & Inez Jackson…….…...………..Brooks & Pat Kelly Shack & Treva Kelly…….………..………...Brooks & Pat Kelly Knott Family………………..………………..Nancy Knott Smith Eldon Monson……………………............Jim & Sarah Monson Pauline Pfaff………………………………Jim & Sarah Monson James & Alice Porter..………………...............Peggy P. Travis Aurora Sawyer……………………...Chase & Allison Goodwin Walter Watkins……………...………...Kevin & Pam McDonald Peter Wilberg…………..……………………………Jean Wilberg Stephanie Williams………..……………............B. J. McCauley Our Loved Ones……………............Bobby & Evelyn Johnson Our Parents………….…......…………Bill & Elizabeth Shermer Our Parents………….……....…………...Paul & Penny Shields

Remember with love and prayer:

CHURCH MEMBERS: Jonathan Bridges, Floyd Brown, Vialee Cashion, Jean Chester, Nellie Cox, Paige Davis, Greg Deck, Barbara Jo Glass, Pam McDonald, and Ann Seymore

FAMILY OF CHURCH MEMBERS: Robert Barraza, Michael Holt, Edna Johnson, Terry Johnson, Taylor Jones, Elaine McBryde, Sam McClearen, Jacob Monson, Robin Padgett, Carson Setzer, Mary Smith, Louise Stewart, Jan Thomas, and Edward Wilberg

FRIENDS OF CHURCH MEMBERS: Aragon Family, Amber Austin, Jennifer Avent, Ryan Buell, Roy Dinkens, Leah Everette, Marty Foushee, Kay Hale, Hunter Hazelton, Roy Holt, Charlotte Johns, Bob & Grace Johns, Will Kirkland, Amanda Mager, Melissa Miles, Megan Nelson, Dr. Michele Roberson, Allison Upchurch Smith, Frank Tibbett, Jerry Vuncannon, Evelyn Watson, Gaye Watson, and Marie Wicker

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WEEKLY OFFERING TOTALS & ATTENDANCE April 06, 2014 – $2800.00 64 April 13, 2014 – $1642.00 54 April 20, 2014 – $1390.00 85 April 27, 2014 – $1909.00 53

5 Cents A Meal Offering – $115.41 *********************************************************************************************

According to recent data, the average Protestant church size in America at 89 adults. 60% of protestant churches have less than 100 adults in attendance. Only 2% have over 1000 adults attending. While we are above average on the number of members and below average on number of attendees, it shows us one thing, we never need to stop spreading God's word and inviting people to visit and hear God's word.

Patrick Kelly, Chairman Evangelism/Communication/Growth

Gifts to the Church

In Memory of Mary Alice Christian Richard and Dorasue Christian

In Memory of Peggy McGinty Marilyn L. Brinker

Made a Donation to the Church

In Honor of the Tour they took of the Church Questers #1228 of Carolina Trace

Made a Donation to the Building Fund Layne M. Wright

VACATION BIBLE SCHOOL 2014 June 24th – 26th, 9:30 – 11:30 a.m.

All youth ages Preschool through 5th grade are invited to our 2014 Bible

School, Surfing With the Savior, to be held Tuesday, June 24th, through Thursday, June 26th. It will be held in the fellowship hall starting at 9:30 until 11:30 a.m. There will be Bible stories, arts and crafts, singing and recreation, and a snack. Please come and share in the fun and fellowship of this exciting week.

May Leaders

May 04th – Jackie Frie (Lesson A-38) May 11th – Kathy Jolly (Lesson A-39) May 18th – Penny Shields (Lesson A-40) May 25th – Anna Renwick (Lesson A-41)

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

Greeting Elder’s for May May 04th – Ken Frie May 11th – Patrick Kelly May 18th – Pam McDonald May 25th – Buddy McNeill

WEDDING ANNIVERSARIES

May 16th Brooks and Pat Kelly

May 21st Daniel and Amy Hart

May 22nd J. W. and Mary Bailes

HAPPY BIRTHDAY May 01st – Paul Shields May 24th – Jonathan Bridges

May 03rd – Libby Ragland May 24th – Paige Davis

May 07th – James Tart May 25th – Lee Setzer

May 11th – Patrick Kelly May 26th – Kathy Jolly

May 13th – Helen Martindale May 30th – John Bridges

May 16th – Caitlyn Bridges May 31st – Carlton Davis

BUFFALO PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH 1333 Carthage Street Sanford, NC 27330

919-776-7313

buffalochurch@windstream.net

www.buffalopres.org

SAVE THE DATE…

HOMECOMING - MAY 4TH Mark your calendars and be sure to

attend Homecoming for Buffalo 2014. Reverend Shields will present our message and a covered dish luncheon will be shared after the service. View photo from last homecoming below. Call a friend or invite your family members to come back and share a time of remembering and fellowship as we celebrate 217 years of continuous service to the Lord at Buffalo.

HOMECOMING 2013

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is May 11th! You may purchase a carnation “In Honor Of” or

“In Memory Of” your mother or loved one. Please fill out below and return this to the church office as soon as possible. If you wish to have your name published in the Carnation Brochure, please ensure the order form is in the office by Wednesday morning, May 7th. Otherwise, you may purchase a flower until Mother’s Day. The carnations will be $1.00 each and you may take them home with you following Worship Service.

In Honor Of: (One name only please) _____________________________________ In Memory Of: (One name only please) _____________________________________ Given By: _____________________________________

Session Corner Highlights from Stated Meeting held Apr. 15, 2014

Admin.: Beginning Balance: 03/01/2013 $23,103.06 Income $10,896.36 Expenses $12,689.95 Ending Balance: 03/31/2014 $21,309.47 A leak in the sanctuary is fixed. A patch to the ceiling will be made soon at no cost to the church. Opinion poll on Manse is inconclusive so far. Still time to get your opinion counted.

Worship: The 7:00 p.m. Maundy Thursday Service will alternate scripture with congregational hymns and one choir hymn.

Christian Ed.: The 11:00 a.m. Bible Study on the Book of Mark will start on May 7th. Vacation Bible School is scheduled for 9:30 to 11:30 a.m. on June 24-26. The 3/31/14 Preschool balance was $5018.66 with a positive cash flow.

Cong. Care: The Easter Egg Hunt was well received. Homecoming will be held May 4th and Preschool Graduation on May 11th.

Evang./Growth/Com.: No meeting.

Women: Sheila will be meeting with “Outreach” magazine to give information about our church for their series on ‘Historic Churches’. The Joint Circle Birthday celebration will be held at 7:00 p.m. on May 12th and all women are welcome. WOC has sent $100 to help with Barium Springs’ budget deficit.

Old Business: Rev. Ray Mendenhall will lead our Session Retreat on May 17th. Paul will be at General Assembly on June 13-23 as service to our presbytery. They will pay his expenses.

Calendar for May was discussed.

Next Stated Meeting will be May 20th.

Jean Wilberg, Clerk of Session