First Presbyterian Church of Roanoke Rapids, NC
16 East Fifth Street, Roanoke Rapids, NC   27870
252-537-4018,  252-537-9041(Fax),  office@fpcrr.com

In Touch -- July 2007

In this month's newsletter I want to share a little bit of what we will try to accomplish together in the time that I am here. I want to give you a little background on the boundaries of the Interim Minister. The Book of Order (BOO) states the following: G-l4.05136 An interim pastor is a minister invited by the session of a church without an installed pastor to preach the Word, administer the Sacraments and fulfill pastoral duties for a specified period, not to exceed twelve months at a time, while the church is seeking a pastor….The Session may not secure or dissolve a relationship with an interim pastor without the concurrence of the Presbytery through its Committee on Ministry. A minister may not be called to be the next installed pastor...of a church served as interim pastor….These are limits set to help us understand our relationship.

Perhaps one way to think about my ministry here is to see me like a “plumber”. When you have some sort of pipe problem, you call a plumber. You bring in that plumber to assess the situation, to tell you the good news and, if necessary, the bad news. The plumber offers a solution, sometimes several options, and you decide how to proceed. The analogy can’t be stretched much further but it provides a rough approximation of how we might work together.

Specifically in this transitional time, we have several tasks to help prepare you and the future PNC to call your next installed pastor. While these tasks are listed in chronological order, bits and pieces may show up throughout. The first task we’ll tackle is coming to terms with history. We’ll get together to share stories, and celebrate the past successes; we will also in our sharing speak about losses and grieve together and open ourselves to God’s healing. The second task will be to ask some questions about who you are today. As scripture teaches us, we’re “new creations in Christ.” What might this new First Presbyterian identity be”? We’re on a journey of faith which means we don’t get to stay in the same place. God is always calling us to new missions and ministries. The third task will be to look at the leadership. We’ll recognize those who have been leaders in the past, current leaders, and try to discern who might be a new leader. The “new creation in Christ of First Presbyterian of Roanoke Rapids” may call forth a new group of leaders. Fourth, as we talk and pray, think and study, we’ll try to use the resources available to us as a community of faith. We’re connected to the larger church and available to us as a community of faith. We’re connected to the Presbytery, Synod and larger church. This denominational connection will help and offer support during the transition and, hopefully, this will strengthen ties to these parts our church. Finally, we’ll need to commit to the new direction(s) and new ways, we’ve discerned together. Having discerned a new direction doesn’t mean that all the wonderful traditions and current vital work disappear, but it does mean as you ready yourselves to welcome a new pastor, you’re also open and ready to use your gifts in new ways and in new directions.

This introduction to interim work may raise more questions than offer answers but as I and your Session move forward, we’ll be filling in all the details.

I’m excited to see how God will lead us. I’m glad to be here and ready to work with you.

In Christ,


Jane

Vacation Bible School 2007 was truly an out-of-this-world adventure.

The words: Trust, Unite, Train, Follow, and Lead will remain with us to direct our thoughts.

The words of Joshua 1:9 will guide us.

“Be strong and courageous. Do not be terrified; do not be discouraged, for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go”

and the words to our theme song, “I Trust You with My Life”, will remind us that the Lord is walking there behind us, before us and beside us and we should trust Him with our lives.

The Christian education committee extends a special thank-you to all who helped and participated in Bible School. I would like to say a special thanks to the Christian education committee for all of their hard work. The support of our congregation was remarkable and I’m most appreciative to all.

Lelia Frazier

                Nursery

July 1st- Roni Hackenburg
July 8th- Available
July 15th- Available
July 22nd- Available
July 29th- Available
 

Dennis Gaylor-Captain
Susan Gaylor
Jimmy Bryant
Jim Frazier
Sally Ray Warren
Susan Barmer
Ray Barmer
Mike Stainback  
 

Sun

Mon

Tue

Wed

Thu

Fri

Sat

Deadline 9:00 AM

Bulletin Input Deadline 9:00 AMBulletin Input Deadline 9:00 AM

Newsletter Input Deadline 1:00 PM

Bulletin Input Deadline 9:00 AM

Some may want to send the following out of town friends a note or card due to recent deaths in their family:

Dr. David McDonald
907 Deer Spring Lane
Wilmington, NC 28409

Ann Hayes
204 Blackbird Court
Cary, NC 275ll-2303
 

Sweet Potato Soufflé

Ingredients: 3 cups mashed cooked sweet Potatoes
1 cup sugar (1/2 cup Splenda or 1/2 cup brown sugar
3 eggs
1/2 cup milk
1/4 cup butter or margarine
1/2 cup raisins
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Topping Ingredients: 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon 1 cup cornflake crumbs
1/4 cup melted butter or margarine
1 cup chopped pecans

Combine potato mix ingredients. Mix well. Spoon into 9” X 13” buttered baking dish.

Combine Topping Ingredients. Mix well. Sprinkle over potato mix. Bake at 350 Degrees for 20 to 30 minutes or until brown. Yield—10 servings.

Enjoy!

Reminder

Post meetings and activities on the calendar in the church office. We can put the information in the newsletter and it will be available if someone calls the church office.