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Presbyterian ‘Connection’ November 2018 Volume 25 Issue 61

From the pastor’s desk

Why do we remember the Reformation in the Presbyterian Church?

The storm broke on October 31, 1517, and the Protestant Reformation born. Opposition to the Roman Catholic Church came to a head in the sixteenth century, when a Roman Catholic monk named Martin Luther posted his 95 propositions (or theses) against the teachings of the Roman Catholic Church on the Castle Church door at Wittenberg, Germany. Luther’s intention was to bring reform to the Roman Catholic Church, and in doing so was challenging the authority of the Pope. With the refusal of the Roman Catholic Church to heed Luther’s call to reformation and return to biblical doctrines and practices, the Protestant Reformation began. From this Reformation four major Anglican. During this time God raised up godly men in different countries in order to once again restore churches throughout the world to their biblical roots and to biblical doctrines and practices. Underlying the Protestant Reformation lay four basic doctrines in which the reformers believed the Roman Catholic Church to be in error. These four questions or doctrines are: How is a person saved? Where does religious authority lie? What is the church? And what is the essence of Christian living? In answering these questions, Protestant Reformers such as Martin Luther, Ulrich Zwingli, John Calvin, and John Knox established what would be known as the “Five Solas” of the Reformation (sola being the Latin word for “alone”). These five points of doctrine were at the heart of the Protestant Reformation, and it was for these five essential Biblical doctrines that the Protestant Reformers would take their stand against the Roman Catholic Church, resisting the demands placed on them to recant, even to the point of death. These five essential doctrines of the Protestant Reformation are as follows: 1-“Sola Scriptura,” or Scripture Alone: This affirms the Biblical doctrine that the Bible alone is the sole authority for all matters of faith and practice. Scripture and Scripture alone is the standard by which all teachings and doctrines of the church must be measured. As Martin Luther so eloquently stated when asked to recant on his teachings, "Unless I am convinced by Scripture and plain reason - I do not accept the authority of the popes and councils, for they have contradicted each other - my conscience is captive to the Word of God. I cannot and I will not recant anything for to go against conscience is neither right nor safe. God help me. Amen." 2—“Sola Gratia,” Salvation by Grace Alone: This affirms the Biblical doctrine that salvation is by God’s grace alone and that we are rescued from His wrath by His grace alone. God’s grace in Christ is not merely necessary, but is the sole efficient cause of salvation. This grace is the supernatural work of the Holy Spirit that brings us to Christ by releasing us from our bondage to sin and raising us from spiritual death to spiritual life. 3—“Sola Fide,” Salvation by Faith Alone: This affirms the Biblical doctrine that justification is by grace alone through faith alone because of Christ alone. It is by faith in Christ that His righteousness is imputed to us as the only possible satisfaction of God’s perfect justice.

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4—“Solus Christus,” In Christ Alone: This affirms the Biblical doctrine that salvation is found in Christ alone and that His sinless life and substitutionary atonement alone are sufficient for our justification and reconciliation to God the Father. The gospel has not been preached if Christ’s substitutionary work is not declared, and if faith in Christ and His work is not solicited. 5—“Soli Deo Gloria, For the Glory of God Alone: This affirms the Biblical doctrine that salvation is of God and has been accomplished by God for His glory alone. It affirms that as Christians we must glorify Him always, and must live our entire lives before the face of God, under the authority of God, and for His glory alone.

These five important and fundamental doctrines are the reason for the Protestant Reformation. They are just as important today in evaluating a church and its teachings as they were then. In many ways, much of Protestant Christianity needs to be challenged to return to these fundamental doctrines of the faith, much like the reformers challenged the Roman Catholic Church to do in the sixteenth century.

Presbyterian history is part of the history of Christianity, but the beginning of Presbyterianism as a distinct movement occurred during the 16th-century Protestant Reformation. As the Catholic Church resisted the reformers, the Church split and different theological movements bore different denominations. Presbyterianism was especially influenced by the French theologian John Calvin, who is credited with the development of Reformed theology, and the work of John Knox, a Scotsman who studied with Calvin in Geneva, Switzerland and brought his teachings back to Scotland. The Presbyterian church traces its ancestry back primarily to England and Scotland.

See you in church,

Pastor Cindy

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Church phone # - 870-445-4622

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presch@suddenlinkmail.com

Connection Online

If you would like to read the “Connection” newsletter

online, go to our website;

http://www.presbyterianchurchofbullshoals.com

Click on the ‘Info Center’ tab at the top, then on the

drop-down menu, click on “Presbyterian Connection”,

then choose the month of the newsletter you would

like to read. The most recent newsletter will be at the

top.

Coffee & Fellowship

Be sure to drop in for coffee, maybe a

Danish or cookies and wonderful fellowship

on Thursday mornings at 10:00 a.m. in

Memorial Hall!

September Income - $2,535.00

September Expenses - $3,423.22

THURSDAYS, FROM 11:00 A.M. TO NOON IN

MEMORIAL HALL. MEN & WOMEN WELCOME.

CHURCH CHUCKLES

At Sunday School they were teaching how God created everything, including human beings. Little Johnny appeared especially attentive when he was told how Eve was created out of one of Adam's ribs.

Later in the week his mother noticed him lying down as

though he were ill, and she said, "Johnny, what is the

matter?" Little Johnny responded, "I have pain in my side...

I think I'm going to have a wife."

THANK YOU!

Ray and I would like to thank everyone for

prayers, cards and phone calls received for

our daughter Pam Kusserow.

Pam is in a better place and not suffering

anymore. The loss was hard on her as well as

her family. She is at Peace.

God’s Blessings to all,

Ray & Pat & Family

Roger Kusserow & Family

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WORSHIP IN NOVEMBER

November 4th

Hebrews 9:11-14 & Mark 12:28-34

COMMUNION

DAYLIGHT SAVING TIME ENDS

November 11th

Hebrews 9:24-28 & Mark 12:38-44

POT LUCK FOLLOWS WORSHIP

VETERANS DAY

November 18th

Hebrews 10:11-25 & Mark 13:1-8

Thanksgiving Service

BLESSING OF THE FOOD PANTRY

COMMUNITY THANKSGIVING SERVICE

CBTL - 6:00 P.M.

November 25th

Revelation 1:4b-8 & John 18:33-37

MINUTE FOR MISSION

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CHURCH USHERS/GREETERS COMMUNION SERVERS

November 4 - Irene Bere & Dr. Simons Irene Bere & Dr. Simons

November 11 - Sandy Erickson & Peni Lloyd

November 18 - Sandy Erickson

November 25 - Sandy Erickson & Peni Lloyd

PRAYER LIST FOR CONGREGATIONS, PRESBYTERY OF AR.- 2018

November 4 - Presbytery Church of Bull Shoals First, Arkadelphia

November 11 - Campus Ministries Hospital Chaplains & Counselors

November 18 - Church Nursery Workers First, Rogers

November 25 - First, Marianna Westminster, Hot Springs

PLEASE NOTIFY PAT ERLEWINE IF YOU KNOW OF ANYONE WHO SHOULD BE ON OUR PRAYER LIST.

BIRTHDAYS

November December November 11 - Sandy Erickson December 5 - Lee Powell November 16 - Roger Millard December 8 - Linda Allensworth November 19 - Lori Sliker December 11 - Diane Leden December 20 - Bruce Powell

ANNIVERSARIES

No November Anniversaries December 30 - Bob & Gloria Wiles

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PRESBYTERIAN WOMEN & MEN

PWM General Meeting, Tuesday, October 9, 2018, 9:30 am

Seven members of PWM and guest, Diana Spier attended our meeting. Thanks to Irene Bere we had a bit of sweets to go along with morning coffee. Amy Johnson opened the meeting at 9:30 with prayer and gave a devotion based on Romans 12:4-8.

Reports: Secretary, Amy asked for any changes or corrections to the September minutes. There were none so the minutes will be posted on the PWM bulletin board and placed on file. She asked Ada Jeffrey to give the devotion for November.

Treasurer, Mary Kerr presented her balanced report ending September 30. The beginning balance on Sept. 1 was $1453.24, with $73 in receipts and $450 in total disbursements, leaving the balance at the end of the month $1076.24. There were no questions or corrections so the report will be placed on file

No announcements.

No Publicity report.

No Best Choice labels report.

Missions: Mary noted that we should not pay out any remaining donations until after our Potato Bash fundraiser brings in more money. Pastor Cindy brought to light a devastating statistic that Marion Co. has the highest incidence of suicide in our state, believed to be due to a high population of veterans residing in this county. As food for thought, we might consider how PWM could, in the future, help to support a ministry that is reaching out to this sector of our population. She and Vicky Bair, a veteran, might shed some light on what is in place. Another issue that Pastor Cindy brought up concerns several schools in our area that are to receive federal funding for after school meals. Tywallah Schauer will try to locate the article Cindy read in the Baxter Bulletin within the last few weeks.

OLD BUSINESS: Peni Lloyd, our chairperson for our annual Baked Potato Bash fundraiser, shared with us all that needs to be covered to get this function going since our date set is October 27. We need tickets and fliers printed and volunteer sign-ups out for our congregation ASAP. Peni still needs to contact Vicky Bair concerning all the publicity needs, printing, etc. Mary Kerr will talk with Faye Brackett about ticket printing on card stock so that sales can begin Sunday, Oct. 14. Peni also wants to check with a local dealer on items needed for the kitchen including foil, oil, take-out boxes, etc. Peni will work over her sign-up sheets to include size and possibly price of needed potato toppers to be donated. Those also should be ready by Sunday, Oct. 14. There will also be sign-up sheets for cakes (13 this year), service, work days, and kitchen help the day of the fundraiser. Still needed are bakers of about 60 potatoes. Several women have signed up for 90 today.

Two work days have been set. The 150 potatoes that have been ordered by Mary will come in at Harp's on Thursday, Oct. 25, so those will be picked up and three of us will wash and set them out to dry, then on Friday they will be ready to oil and wrap, and to be taken home to be baked. Also Friday the flatware will be bagged, the tables set, the cups and glasses set out, etc. Amy is checking on and providing disposable decorative napkins and cake plates.

On Saturday Peni and Irene will plan to be at the church to receive donations of foods and cakes. Peni and Steve Broskovak will set out the roasters and extension cords and slow-cookers. Steve is in charge of getting the banners set outside the church. Irene and Amy will distribute the fliers around Bull Shoals and Lakeview and the churches. If I have left anything out of this report, it will still get done by this great committee. A final committee meeting is set for Sunday, Oct.21 after our worship service.

NEW BUSINESS: Next general PWM meeting is Nov. 13 at 9:30am with Ada giving the devotional.

Meeting was adjourned with prayer at 11 AM by Moderator Peni Lloyd.

Respectfully submitted by secretary, Amy Johnson

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COLOR ME

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LIBRARY LINES - NOVEMBER 2018

Some new fiction books have been donated. These books are published by Guide Post and are mysteries. They are as follows: SIMPLY VANISHED by Nancy Mehl, MAKING WAVES by Tricia Goyer & Cara Putman, HOME TO CHICORY LANE by Deborah Raney, A STITCH IN TIME by Elizabeth Ludwig, TWO ROADS HOME by Deborah Raney, REWRITING HISTORY by Vera Dodge, TO A TEA by Vera Dodge, DON'T ROCK THE BOAT by Elizabeth Ludwig, and ANOTHER WAY HOME by Deborah Raney.

The featured book is A STITCH IN TIME:

"Naomi needs to see a sick relative, and Cheryl is more than happy to drive her. Along the way, Cheryl buys a unique quilt from an estate sale. However, there appears to be a mystery behind this quilt; various attempts to steal it from her have been made, inspiring her to begin investigating its secrets. With people's reputations and lives on the line, Cheryl must decide whether or not revealing the past is worth hurting those in the present."

The PRESBYTERIANS TODAY magazine will be displayed on the New Book shelf. Please feel free to borrow the magazine which is "The Presbyterian Resource Guide to Ministry."

Faye Brackett, Librarian

I want to thank the PWM and the church for all the cards that have been sent to me.

I really appreciate the cards, the prayers; And the support.

- Boyd Brackett

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MISSION MINUTE

NOVEMBER - 2018

"When Presbyterians began international mission work over 175 years ago, "foreign

missions" was a profession--a career that most people could only dream

about. Fast-forward to 2015, and opportunities abound. Congregations and

presbyteries send short-term mission groups to every corner of the world. Some

dive in easily, building on longtime connections with global partners and mission

coworkers. Some jump in headfirst and realize they need help in building lasting

partnerships to create long-term impact. Others long to be engaged in mission but

don't know where to begin. In each case, Presbyterian World Mission can

help. World Mission connects U.S. Presbyterians with global partners addressing

the causes of poverty, striving for reconciliation in cultures of violence, and

sharing the good news of Jesus Christ."

"We face numerous challenges in this world--none more daunting than when

disaster strikes. An earthquake, tsunami, wildfire, or hurricane can leave a path of

destruction requiring years of recovery work. War or other acts of violence,

including gun violence, can be just as damaging. Presbyterian Disaster Assistance

enables congregations, mission partners of the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.), and

communities across the world to support those adversely affected by a

catastrophic event or other crisis. PDA is the emergency response and refugee/

asylum support program of the church, committed to the long-term journey of

recovery. PDA encourages congregations to prepare for disasters rather than

simply to react to them. Wise preparation can help communities minimize the

impact of a disaster."

Submitted by the Mission Committee

-Reprinted from the Presbyterians Today Magazine

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Till We Speak Again NOVEMBER 2018

Ghosts, Witches, Vampires and cartoon characters by the hundreds, remind us that

Halloween is right around the bend, followed by Thanksgiving, then Christmas. It is really

strange how they have Christmas trees the next isle over from the Halloween costumes,

which are right next to the Thanksgiving décor. Nothing says “Thanksgiving” like plastic

corn and fall flowers. The rush to make money by all of the major retail chain stores has

caused younger generations to almost completely forget the true meaning of these

traditional holidays. I imagine the next generation will have no clue whatsoever.

Black Friday sales now start early afternoon on Thanksgiving Day. This causes families to

rush through preparing and consuming the festive meal to hit the Christmas bargains. The

advertisers make it sound so exciting too! Where is the old concept of “Hearth and Home”

… or “Home for the Holidays”?

I do believe it’s been replaced by the words “Pre X-mas sale”! It isn't even politically correct

to say “Merry Christmas” anymore. Stores sell “Holiday Trees, cards and decorations”!

Where did we as a Society, put Christ?

I’ll tell you….we put him at the mall. We replaced him with Santa Claus. For that, I am deeply

saddened!

I, being of the rebellious nature, ‘have’ a “Christmas Tree, send Christmas cards”, and have

a “Nativity Scene” in my front yard. I guess one day, the ‘Holiday Police’ will come for me;

So be it!!

The fall season is upon us and that sends my mind racing toward the biggest, most

important holidays of this time of year.

Have a Happy Thanksgiving with lots of food and family!

Millie

Thought for the day; Politically correct isn’t always right if the Lord

is left out. He is the most important thing there is!!

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NOVEMBER PUZZLE

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RECIPE FOR NOVEMBER

Blueberry and Raspberry Croissant Puff

Ingredients 4 large croissants, cut up into pieces (about 6 full cups) 1/2 cup fresh or frozen blueberries 1/2 cup fresh or frozen raspberries 8 ounces cream cheese, softened 2/3 cup granulated sugar 2 large eggs 1 teaspoon vanilla 3/4 cup whole milk

Directions

Preheat oven to 350 degrees F. Lightly coat a 9-inch square pan with cooking spray.

Place croissant pieces in the pan. Scatter the blueberries and raspberries over the top.

In a medium bowl with an electric mixer, beat cream cheese and sugar until combined and smooth. Add in the eggs and vanilla and beat until well blended. Gradually add milk, beating well after each addition.

Pour mixture evenly over croissant pieces. Gently pat down with a wooden spoon so all the pieces are coated. Let rest 10-15 minutes.

Bake for 35 to 40 minutes or until set in center and golden brown. (If top starts to get too brown toward the end, cover with foil.)

Serve warm with powdered sugar sprinkled on top.

Recipe Notes

• Croissants are made in all different sizes. What I consider large, might not be the same thing to you. Just make sure they render about 6 full cups once cut up.

• Croissants are light and soft, so the liquid is absorbed pretty fast. If you use a different type of bread, adjust the resting time accordingly.

• This recipe can easily be doubled in a 9X13 pan. Also feel free to customize the type of fruit used to suit your taste.

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THIS WE BELIEVE FOR NOVEMER

“Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition,

with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. “Philippians 4:6”

“We will be scripture-based to spread the Gospel of Jesus Christ

and spiritually led to guide all people to be active doers of the Word”

Approved by Session on November 16, 2007

CHURCH STAFF

Pastor: Rev Cindy Saul, Clerk of Session: Vicky Bair, Church Treasurer: Meg Simons,

Church Secretary & Financial Secretary: Christi Partee

DEACONS

Class of 2018 Class of 2019 Class of 2020

Vacancy Sandy Erickson

Vacancy Pat Erlewine

ELDERS

Class of 2018 Class of 2019 Class of 2020

Vacancy Vicky Bair Meg Simons

Steve Broskovak Vacancy Peni Lloyd

Presbyterian Church of Bull Shoals

P.O. Box 305

Bull Shoals, AR. 72619