Experiencing and sharing God’s love to transform our homes, community and world.
[email protected]
www.npcmh.com
Northminster Evangelical Presbyterian Church
FEBRUARY 2016
434/929-2713
Volume 35, Issue 2
LOOK AT WHAT GOD GIVES US!
God gives gifts to His people! Although I begin with spiritual gifts, I believe God
has given us everything we need to be faithful to His call and claim upon our lives.
During my sermon on January 17 (before our big snow storm) I preached on I Corinthians 12:1-11,
wherein I showed from this passage that the Holy Spirit gives spiritual gifts to each and every person who
trusts in Jesus Christ as their Lord and Savior, and whom God places in a community of faith. These gifts
are given to glorify God and to be used for the common good of those believers. These spiritual gifts are
different from talents, abilities, and inclinations (all of which can be used to serve God as well). These
gifts are spiritual in that they come from the Holy Spirit. Some of the spiritual gifts can be found in
Romans 12:1-8, I Corinthians 12:4-11 and 27-31, Ephesians 4:7, 11-13, I Peter 4:9-10, I Corinthians 13:3.
As you read through these lists, please note that there is repetition of gifts. I believe that these lists of
gifts do not contain all the gifts that the Holy Spirit might give. I believe that whatever the gift(s) may be,
it is the same Spirit who gives them and it is the same God who is at work in and through the believer and
his/her use of their gift.
I am writing about this because I have sensed hesitancy to identify and use the spiritual gift that you have
been given. What if God gave you a checking account with one million dollars in it for you to use for His
kingdom, but you never wrote a check, instead you chose to do the best you could do. God has given
each believer in Christ a spiritual gift (at least one). This truth is not something I have made up. As
God’s people, we learn about God. We come to know him little by little, grace upon grace. We learn that
God has done specific things for His people and we believe that He has done those things for us. I
encourage you to read and re-read these passages on spiritual gifts. Ask God to teach you about them (in
general) and to show you what His gift to you is.
Just to be clear, I also believe that God is about shaping our lives, our character in accordance with His
Word. God desires that we also bear spiritual fruit (See Galatians 5:22-23). Let us seek the things of God
above everything else, so that we might give Him glory, honor and praise, and so that we might witness to
His power!
If you would like to talk with me about spiritual gifts, the fruit of the Spirit, or any other way you sense
God is working in your life, please let me know. I promise I will listen.
Pastor Jeff
Highlights from the Heights
page 2
February 2016
NEW SERMON SERIES: I Peter
“Learning More about Being God’s People”
The earliest followers of Jesus were known as disciples (learners who were taught and sought to obey).
After Jesus was crucified and resurrected, the followers of Jesus were referred to as those belonging to the
Way (Acts 9:2). When persecution forced all except the apostles out of Jerusalem, some of them made
their way to Antioch where the disciples were first called Christians (literally “little Christs’; see Acts
11:26). Many scholars believe that this term “Christians” was not a positive reference. Christ had been
found guilty of treason (the overthrow of the Roman Empire) and blasphemy (claiming to be God by the
Jewish authorities). He had been crucified (a shameful and cruel form of execution).
Beginning the first Sunday in February, I will begin a series on I Peter. The apostle Peter is writing to
new believers who had begun to experience persecution. Some had to flee from their homes; others
remained in their communities but were now looked upon with hate, suspicion, and fear. God had entered
into their lives in a wonderful and gracious way, and everything had changed! Peter draws upon
references from what we call the Old Testament and uses imagery to give these new believers a new
understanding of their new identity as God’s people, and new insights into the ways God works and into
their new life in Christ. I will be using the Servant passages from the prophet Isaiah to further illustrate
Peter’s message.
As a church, we have a new name- Northminster Evangelical Presbyterian Church. We are now
Christians who are a part of the Evangelical Presbyterian Church. Has anything changed? Really? What
is this “evangelical” about? Does this term have any meaning for us? Maybe our change is in name onlyat least we are no longer …..! How does God view us? How does this help us deal with our present and
future circumstances? Let’s explore our identity in Christ as God speaks to us in I Peter. Please read the
scripture passages before you come to worship. I ask that you would pray that God’s Word would speak
to your heart and mind, and to our congregation as a whole. Let’s see how God’s Word shapes our lives!
Pastor Jeff
Date
February
7
Feb. 14
Feb. 21
Feb. 28
Scripture
Isaiah 42:1-4
I Peter 1:1-2
Isaiah 42:5-9
I Peter 1:3-9
Isaiah 49:1-6
I Peter 1:10-12
Rev. Bob Mills
Theme
“What’s in a name?”
Occasion
Transfiguration of our Lord/communion
“Our Gracious
Inheritance”
“Gracious Recipients
Of God’s Prophets”
First Sunday in Lent/Valentine’s Day
Second Sunday in Lent
Third Sunday in Lent
Highlights from the Heights
FEBRUARY BIRTHDAYS
1
Beckett Bryant
FEBRUARY CHILDCARE
7
14
21
28
Jade Stewart, Vonnie Rucker
Sandy Stafford, Pat Callahan
Jade Stewart, Linda Lange
Debbie Irvine, Bonnie Wine
FIRST SUNDAY FOOD PANTRY COLLECTION
The collection for the food pantry
at the First Baptist Church of
Monroe takes place on the first
Sunday of each month.
Your
monetary
gifts
are
appreciated as well.
Their
volunteers can buy food from the Food Bank at a
much lower cost than from the grocery store.
Our sympathy and Christian
love are extended to Barbara
Baker, whose sister, Nora Cash died in
early January.
Congratulations to Mandy
Rucker
and
Christopher
Newsome who were married
January 16. The wedding and
reception
were
held
at
Northminster with Pastor Jeff
officiating. Mandy’s parents,
Harry and Vonnie Rucker, extend their thank you for
the church’s generosity in hosting this joyous
occasion at Northminster, where Mandy attended
from birth until college.
The couple is making their home at 3600 Old
Forest Rd., #105, Lynchburg, 24501.
page 3
February 2016
I sought the Lord, and He
answered me; He delivered me
from
all
my
fears.
Psalm 34:4 NIV
Prayer requests:
Liz Boothe has been very sick with pneumonia. We
have missed her at church. Pray for strength and
stamina.
The Porters’ daughter, JeriLyn, is recovering from
surgery.
Jeff’s mother is having knee replacement surgery
Feb. 1.
Tim Mills has moved to Boston and is looking at job
opportunities.
Bill Patrick is in Fairmont Crossing.
John Collins is still at the VA. Prayers for a place to
live where he can have appropriate care.
Juanita Price, Arlene Horton’s sister, has lung
cancer.
Pauline Kalin had a CT scan on Jan. 8 that showed
her cancer has stopped growing! She still is
undergoing chemo therapy. Recently, she fell on
the ice and broke her wrist. Pray for healing.
Rachel Lakes, training in West Africa to be a Missionary
Journeyman to work in a medical clinic. She will be
there for another year.
Margaret Watts is now living with her daughter and
son-in-law. Their address is: Bobby & Paula
Stinnette, 1675 Izaak Walton Rd., M.H.
All active servicemen and women
Missionaries serving Jesus Christ, particularly those
going through persecution.
Remember others who cannot be with us in church:
Dick Collins, Margaret Watts, Elizabeth Ogden, Dot
Rucker, Doris Eden, Bob & Marie France.
PRESBYTERIAN WOMEN
Morning Circle:
The morning circle will meet Tuesday, February
2 at 10 a.m. They are on the 9th lesson of their
study, “Parables—The Greatest Stories Ever Told.”
June Hedrick is the study leader. Looking for a small
group Bible study? Join this group on the 1st Tuesday
here at 10 a.m.
Evening Circle:
The women’s evening circle will meet Tuesday
evening, February 2, 7 p.m. in the NewSong classroom.
They will be on lesson 5 of their study entitled “The
Emotionally Healthy Woman” by Gerri Scazzero. The
8-session study is presented by the author on DVD
followed by group discussion. Anne Wilkins will be
the facilitator for lesson 5.
Highlights from the Heights
HURRAY! 2016 IS UNDER WAY AND
GOD IS ON THE MOVE!
 We have completed our first year’s payment
to the PCUSA and we are awaiting our
property deed with the attached 10 year
reverter clause [Peaks Presbytery’s lawyer is
working on this].
 We have a full complement of ruling elders
who are continuing to gain in their
knowledge and understanding of the
Evangelical Presbyterian Church. By January
31, they all will have gone through a period
of preparation; they have been examined;
and now they will provide leadership as we
seek God’s wisdom, direction, and will.
Elders and their committees are:
John Lange, Fellowship
Joan Porter, Nurture & Discipleship
Judy Reyburn, Missions, Evangelism &
Outreach
Debbie Irvine, Christian Education
George Brine, Personnel, StewardshipBudget & Memorials
Harry Rucker, Worship
 We need your prayers, your participation in
Sunday School and other learning activities,
worship, fellowship opportunities, and
serving those in need and sharing Good
News with others. Thank you for your
financial commitment to our General Fund
and to our Campaign Fund (paying of our
obligation to the PCUSA)!
We have been given much! We have much to
look forward to! Praise be to God! Thank
you…to each of you!
WOMEN’S BOOK CLUB
Feb. 6, 10 a.m.
The Women’s Book Club will meet
next on February 6 at 10 a.m. at
Vonnie Rucker’s home. They are reading The
Battle Plan for Prayer. This book, written by
Stephen and Alex Kendrick, was inspired by
their recent movie “The War Room”. This
women’s group invites anyone who is reading
this book to join them February 6.
page 4
February 2016
VACATION TIME
Feb. 22-29
Joan and I will be heading west to San Diego
where my parents (my mom is having knee
replacement surgery on February 1), my brother
and his wife, and one of our daughter’s live
(JeriLyn is recovering from surgery). Then we
will fly to Portland to visit Joan’s mom, brother
and sister-in-law. We leave on February 22. I
will return February 29; Joan returns March 3.
Please contact George Brine, elder over
personnel, or Vonnie if there is a pastoral
emergency.
There is a new and exciting mission
coming to Amherst County in the form of
a ministry called
Neighbors Helping Neighbors
Of Amherst County
The Mission Statement of this new endeavor
is to:
 Provide Nutrition to the Hungry of
Amherst County
 Educate the Citizens of Amherst
County on the Needs of the Hungry and
Serve as an Advocate In Meeting Those
Needs
 Direct Individuals to Assist in SelfSufficiency and Improve Their Quality
of Life
 Not Only Feed the Less Fortunate But
Help Them Out of Poverty.
This ministry is still in the planning stages. A
lot of the ground work has taken place but
more hands are needed. One of the facilities
to be used is the Odd Fellows Building in
Madison Heights. The board is still looking for
a location in the town of Amherst. There is
also discussion about having a food truck to
travel the Clifford area of the county.
Planning meetings for this ministry are every
third Tuesday of the month (February 16,
2016) from 7:00-8:30 p.m. at Amelon
Methodist Church at 220 Amelon Road in
Madison Heights.
See me, Judy Reyburn, if you are interested in
attending this meeting.
Highlights from the Heights
BURUNDI HOPE PROJECT
RIPE FOR HARVEST WORLD
OUTREACH
From: Susan May
“I praise you because you made me in an
amazing and wonderful way”
Psalm 139:14
The Burundi Hope Project is establishing an
Advisory Committee. The Advisory Committee
will meet quarterly to plan and discuss current
and future projects and plans for this ministry. It
will serve as an accountability group as well as
an outreach to potential other ministry partners.
In addition to our quarterly meeting there will be
regular Advisory Committee updates. Members
will be asked to update the committee as well.
INQUIRERS’ CLASS
Wanting to learn more about what it
means to be a Christian?
Curious about what our church believes
and how we seek to express our faith in
Jesus Christ?
Periodically I offer a short course, entitled “An
Inquirers’ Class” - three two hour classes- that
address these topics. I am “testing the waters” to
see if there is interest in such a course. We will cover
topics that are basic and foundational in nature to
our Christian faith. The goal is to provide you with
information and resources that you help you to grow
in your faith in Jesus Christ and to better understand
what role the Church plays in God’s plan and what
are the distinctions of the Evangelical Presbyterian
Church (in general). Finally we will discuss the ways
that we operate here at Northminster.
This class is for those who want to know more
about the Christian faith in general and the
Evangelical Presbyterian Church in particular. You
can be a member of this church or someone who is
currently attending who is just curious and wants to
know more, or someone who is interested in joining
NEPC. Taking this class does not obligate you to
join- either right away or ever; but it does pave
the way for such a commitment.
If you are interested (the date and time for each
class is set by those who attend), or have
questions, please call or e-mail me. Pastor Jeff
page 5
February 2016
MY “LAST WEEK” PRAYERS
Rev. Phil Linton is the World Outreach Director for
our new Evangelical Presbyterian Church
denomination. He recently wrote a short story
regarding prayer that went like this:
“Last month a friend asked me to imagine Jesus
appearing one night and saying, ‘I am going to
answer every prayer you prayed……last week.’ My
instant reaction was pain at missed opportunity. It’s
the same feeling I get when I read, ‘You don’t have
because you don’t ask God’, in James 4:2’”
That was a very convicting thought for me, and led
me to post this on our church’s website
(www.npcmh.com) – something that I knew was
directed to me first of all, but also put out as a
respectful challenge for all of us to consider: “If God
answered all the prayers you prayed last week,
would you be glad for all the time you spent praying,
or wish you had prayed more?”
All of that is leading up to my asking if you would
please dedicate some time to praying about our
church and about its worship.
My Session
responsibility this year will be to work with the
Worship Committee. I am excited about that, and
also anxious about that, because Worship is central
to what we do as a church. Actually, according to
the examples set forth in Scripture, worship is our
primary responsibility (and privilege, may I add…).
So – will you pray with me that we (the Worship
Committee in specific, and our church in general)
will get the Spirit’s direction on how best to offer
worthy and honoring worship to our Lord, and how
we can also ensure that our worship time refreshes
us (the congregation), renews us, and energizes us
to tell others about our great Lord Jesus, too. If
others are drawn by our interaction with them to
worship at Northminster, that’s great of course, but
even if the Lord has plans for them to worship
elsewhere, the important thing is that we will have
shared with them the same Good News that we are
so thankful we have our for ourselves.
I hope the worship Committee can soon have a
goal/focus/theme for the coming year (will you pray
about that, too?), and I hope it somehow includes
the word “irresistible”, because I believe history
shows that when people find our Lord, and worship
of Him, “irresistible”, there is no limit to what He can
and will do for those people and through those
people.
Thankful to be worshiping and serving the Lord
Jesus alongside you at Northminster…Harry
Highlights from the Heights
Afternoon at the Theatre
Join Northminster members and friends as we
continue to enjoy plays performed by Liberty
University’s Theatre department and other area
groups. Mark your calendars now!
BRIGADOON
Brigadoon tells the story of two New Yorkers,
the dreamer Tommy Albright and the worldweary Jeff, who stumble onto the enchanted
village of Brigadoon while hiking in Scotland.
Under the spell of a “miracle” designed to keep
the village forever pure, the town materializes
for one day each century. On this day, Tommy
finds true love.
 Sunday, February 21, Tower Theater,
Liberty University
 2:15 p.m. (following church potluck
luncheon).
Carpool to the Tower
Theatre. University.
 3 p.m. Enjoy the Play!
BEAUTY AND THE BEAST
The Fellowship Committee and Christian Ed
Committee are partnering to provide this
opportunity for the entire Northminster family,
children and adults alike, to enjoy this beautiful
musical. Beauty and the Beast is considered
Disney’s finest work. Come celebrate family!
 Sunday, May, 15, Tower Theater, Liberty
University
 2:15 p.m. Meet at Northminster to carpool
to the Tower Theatre.
 3 p.m. Enjoy the Play!
SOUTH
PACIFIC
&
DINNER
IN
CHARLOTTESVILLE-Date TBA
Looking ahead, join Northminster members and
friends in July for a day trip to the Paramount
Theatre in Charlottesville where we’ll enjoy the
Broadway musical South Pacific. After the play,
we’ll enjoy fellowship with each other as we
have an early dinner (dutch treat) at one of
Charlottesville’s Downtown Mall restaurants.
For more information, ask Liz Boothe (8419084) or sign up on the bulletin board.
page 6
February 2016
2016 LENTEN SCHEDULE
Services begin at 12 Noon
Lunch follows
The season of Lent begins Wednesday,
February 10. Several area churches share the
Lenten Services each year.
This service,
approximately 30 minutes, is followed by a
lunch at the host church. A donation for lunch
is appreciated to help offset the expenses of the
host church.
An offering will be taken during the Lenten
service to support the Helping Hands Ministry
of Amherst County.
Ash Wednesday,
Feb. 10
Monroe United Methodist
Feb. 17
Elon Presbyterian
Feb 24
First Baptist of Monroe
Mar 2
Northminster
Mar 9
Bethany United Methodist
Mar 16
Union Christian
Mar 23
Elon Baptist
March 20 – Palm Sunday
March 27 - Easter
CHURCH OFFICERS’ RETREAT
On Saturday, February 6, the session of our
church is meeting at Westminster Canterbury
from 8:30 am to 3:00 pm to pray, discern,
prepare, organize, become better acquainted,
and pray some more! Our annual planning
retreats provide a stronger foundation upon
which to work together so that we can help our
church be faithful to Christ’s call. Please be in
prayer for our ruling elders and pastor!
RE-SCHEDULING OUR ALLCHURCH RETREAT- Friday &
Saturday, April 8-9!
Mark these new dates on your calendars!
This will be a great time to learn about our
new denomination and our new identity
being a part of it! Stay tune for more
details!
Highlights from the Heights
page 7
February 2016
2016 FELLOWSHIP COVERED-DISH DINNER SCHEDULE
February 21st – 1st fellowship meal
In 2016, our church’s Fellowship Committee continues their sponsorship of fellowship meals every other
month throughout the year. Our 2015 fellowship meals were wonderfully delicious and enjoyed by all.
Again, a BIG “thank you” must be given to all who attended and especially to those who prepared main
dishes and desserts for each meal.
As we focus on our move to the Evangelical Presbyterian Church our committee has a renewed focus on
fellowship in Christ and the inclusion of others. Please plan for these meals and bring the family and
others. The fellowship meals will follow the Sunday morning worship service. Members and visitors
attending morning worship are invited and encouraged to attend. A theme specific for each fellowship
meal will be announced in advance.
The fellowship meals are pot luck. So as you prepare your main dish, consider guests or visitors may be
participating in the fellowship meal with us. Desserts are encouraged and welcomed as well. We want no
one to be turned away. The committee will provide the drink, plastic ware, napkins and plates, and theme
focus materials. Our intent is fellowship and getting to know and enjoy each person in attendance.
PUT THESE DATES FOR FELLOWSHIP MEALS ON YOUR CALENDAR NOW!!!
February 21st – “Love of Christ and Church” August 21st - a harvest theme is TBA
March – Receptions on the 6th and 20th
September – CHURCH PICNIC TBA
th
April 17 – “Stewards of God’s Creation”
October 23rd – tailgate theme “Team Northminster”
May - Receptions on the 1st and 22nd
November- Receptions on the 6th and 20th
th
June 26 – Father’s Day theme “Our Father in Heaven” December at a date TBA a fellowship gathering
July – Receptions on the 10th and 24th
of light finger food and the introduction of the “Christ
Cake” IN CELEBRATION OF JESUS BIRTH.
Note: A reception will be scheduled for the first Sunday of the month when a Fellowship meal is scheduled.
The theme for the first covered-dish meal scheduled for February 21st will include the Valentine
theme. The activities for meals planned will be fun and challenging for both individual and table
responses. Should you desire to bring a dessert, remember the theme as you prepare. If you can’t come
up with anything specific, John says that’s okay, any sweet tasteful dish or cookie will do. 
Those in regular attendance are encouraged to look forward to the different themes identified. If visitors
are in the morning worship service, please introduce yourself and invite them to attend the dinner being
served. It is our hope that each meal will bring a time of thankfulness, enjoyment and fellowship to our
church and to all who attend.
If for some reason you cannot be there, please know you will be missed. We want all members and
friends to participate. Help make this a fun time and plan to participate and attend. If you haven’t already
done so…..PUT THESE DATES ON YOUR CALENDAR NOW!!! ☺
NEPC Fellowship Committee: Liz Boothe, Cheryl Bray, Linda Lange, Margie Seal, Don Hedrick, Anne
Wilkins and John Lange
Highlights from the Heights
page 8
February 2016
Forever Hallelujah: Four Wednesdays on Handel’s Messiah
Intergenerational Learning for Children through Adults
Would you like to know more about what God is like and what God has done? Would you like to
learn more about the nature of music and music’s place in the life of the Church? Would you like to learn
more about God by learning more about music?
Do those questions sound familiar?
If so, you probably joined this past fall as Pastor Jeff and Bob Mills led a family-oriented study:
“Forever Hallelujah: Learning about God through the Music of Handel’s Messiah.” For six Wednesday
evenings, we learned about God through the Scriptures and the music in the Advent portion of George
Frederic Handel’s most famous work, the oratorio Messiah, which was published in 1742.
During Lent, we’ll resume this study, this time learning about and listening to pieces from what is
known as the Easter portion of Messiah. Each week, a simple supper will be provided. Our teaching
activities are aimed at children, youth, and adults. Learning together is wonderfully suited to Messiah!




We’ll learn a little about music.
We’ll study the Bible passages for the pieces we’re about to hear.
We’ll have a special activity for groups.
We’ll listen to two or three pieces of music (sometimes with live performers, sometimes on CD),
and wrap up the evening by talking about how the music combines with Scripture to lead us to a
deeper knowledge and love of God.
If you were able to join us last fall, we’d love to have you back. If you weren’t we’d love to have
start fresh with us in February.
Beginning at 5:45 until 6:50 p.m. on Wednesday, February 10, and continuing each Wednesday
through March 2, these four studies will combine listening and learning with fellowship and fun.
We hope that not only Northminster adults and children will attend, but that you’ll invite family and
friends to join us for this unique opportunity. Please use the sign-up sheet in the hall to give us an idea of
how many to expect for dinner.
Forever Hallelujah Grid Schedule - Lent
Date
Feb. 10
The Lamb of God
Title
Scripture
John 1:29-42
Isaiah 53
Feb. 17
The King of Glory
Psalm 22
Psalm 24
Feb. 24
The Trumpet Shall Sound
Job 19
Psalm 2
March 2
Hallelujah! Amen!
Rev. 1:1-20
Rev. 5:1-14
Messiah
Behold the Lamb of God
And with his stripes … healed
All we like sheep
All they that see him
He trusted in God
Lift up your heads, O ye gates
I know my redeemer liveth
Since by man came death
The trumpet shall sound
Hallelujah
Worthy is the Lamb/Amen
Highlights from the Heights
page 9
February 2016
CHURCH CANCELLATION -- IN CASE OF INCLEMENT WEATHER
Sunday Services:
When Sunday services are questionable due to bad weather, we will follow this procedure:
 A decision will be made by 7:30 a.m. Sunday morning
 A telephone message will be sent out to everyone using the church’s One-Call Now telephone
service.
 We will post the cancellation on the church web-site www.npcmh.com
Programs other than Sunday morning:
Cancellations regarding events other than Sunday morning will be decided as soon as reasonably
possible. You will be notified using the church’s One-Call Now telephone service. We will also
put a message on the church answering machine.
In every instance, it would be very helpful if each person would notify someone in the congregation.
Income
Expense
Balance
2015 FINANCIAL STEWARDSHIP REPORT
General Operating Fund
Pledges to Campaign
December
Y-T-D
December
YTD
11,294
126,347
3,500
6,025
10,002
127,055
+1,292
- 708
Help us to keep current on our bills and General Operating expenses.
====================================================================
Jeff Porter, Pastor
ELDERS
Ron Reyburn, Clerk
John Lange, Debbie Irvine, George Brine,
Judy Reyburn, Joan Porter, Harry Rucker
Bob Mills, Director of Music
Liz Boothe, Organist
Sharon Bryant, Superintendent
of Sunday School
Vonnie Rucker, Secretary/Treas.