Issue #18 - October 2007
Minister's Message
I felt it this week. Autumn is well on the way to Louisa. Like so many people, I enjoy the upcoming autumn season. The cooler weather, colorful leaves, and upcoming holidays all make for a wonderful time of year. However, I think part of what I like is simply the change. I like warm weather and I like cool weather. But, too much of either is not enjoyable.
Change. That one simple word can wreak havoc in our world. Sometimes, change seems to make things worse. Sometimes, change makes things better. After finishing Seminary, I accidentally stumbled across a really good job working for a national non-profit organization in Richmond. I made good money, had a great boss, and enjoyed what I did. One year later, things changed suddenly. The organization had a shakeup and the boss was fired. Shortly thereafter, I was let go as the organization moved to Washington, D.C.
Needless to say, this was not a good change for me. To make a long story short, this unpleasant change eventually pointed me in the direction of full-time ministry in Louisa. Except for the usual bumps that come along with life and work, that unpleasant change may be one of the best things that has ever happened to me.
We rarely like change as we go through it. It may even look hopeless and dim. I learned my lesson the hard way: just trust God. Trust that God is with you during your time of change, whatever your change is. Whether you have lost a job, friend, spouse of fifty years, or your good health, trust that God still has great things in store for you.
For me, the end of summer really stinks. However, that transition brings on all the wonderful things in fall. We just have to trust that the changes are not more powerful than God's ability to bring good and purpose into our lives.
~ Matthew
Congratulations to Our Youth
Recently, many of our youth were recognized for outstanding academic performance.
The following youth had perfect scores on one or more of their SOL's:
- Katie D.
- Andrew P.
- Abbey S.
- Jack P.
- Sam P.
Congratulations, we are proud of you!
National Young Leadership Conference
Dear Louisa Christian Church,
I just wanted to thank you for donating money so I could have the chance of a lifetime to go to the Natinal Young Leadership Conference. It was a great experience that taught me the traits of a great leader.
When I first got there Monday I was nervous about being in Maryland with people I did not know. We went to the Ohio Room after checking in to meet and mingle with the other scholars who would be there. On Tuesday we went to Philadelphia to learn about the birth of our nation and the bases of our government. We learned about Benjamin Franklin and the traits he possessed as a leader.
On Wednesday the conference took us to the site of a famous raid. At Harper's Ferry we learned about the raid on the United States arsenal so John Brown could give guns to the slaves. His last message before they hung him for treason was, "I John Brown am now quite certain that the crimes of this guilty land will never be purged away but with blood."
On Thursday we were on the raod, once again, to D.C., where we learned about today's government and the many memorials. At the National Portrait Gallery we read the description of the Presidents and picked the ones we felt had at least one of the six leadership traits.
I enjoyed my trip to the confernce and am happy to be back home.
~ Virginia Bowers
Get to Know ...
Ethel Wilder
It is nearly impossible to know everyone at church well. New church members often find it difficult to learn who everyone is. Old church members often don't get a chance to meet the new folks. So, for the next few months the newsletter will be running a series of articles called "Get to Know ..." People will be randomly selected and asked to be the subjects. This month, we get a look at Ethel Wilder.
In the words of Ethel, "Everyone in Louisa knows me." That may be close to true. Ethel has lived in Louisa since 1983, when she moved here to be closer to her brother, an airline pilot. Except for a brief move, she has lived here ever since. As many people know, Ethel spent a lot of time as an antique dealer from her shop.
However, if you want the good stuff about Ethel, you have to go back past 1983. Born in Amarillo, TX, Ethel had a great childhood. To this day, Ethel says that Central Texas is still her favorite place in the world. And she has seen a good deal of the world. She has traveled across Europe and has visited Hawaii several times. Once, she went to Greece by herself for a visit.
Ethel spent her summers as a child on her grandfather's Texas ranch. She has fond memories of watching the cowboys and rodeos, not something most of us see in Virginia. Her father worked for the railroad and her mother was a teacher. For several years Ethel attended the University of Texas, working on a degree in English.
Moving to Louisa was a memorable event for Ethel. She still remembers the warm welcome that she recieved at the church from Arlene Badgett, Verlee Seay, and others. Ethel noted that the women of the church were very close and welcoming when she first moved here. This atmosphere led her to participate widely in the CWF and in the choir. She served as the CWF District 10 Director, as well as the President of the CWF at Louisa Christian Church. In addition to those jobs, she has served as a Deaconess, Elder, and Sunday School Superintendent. She is also a fifty year member of the Eastern Star.
Here are some more interesting facts about Ethel:
- Where were you born: Amarillo, TX.
- Hobbies: Reading, Antique Shows, Collecting Flo Blue Glass
- Pets: Has had many cats and a black Schnauzer. Currently, has one cat, Callie.
- Favorite Music: Most anything ... especially enjoys Classical music.
If you get a chance, say hi to Ethel and ask her how her cat is doing.
Board News
Recent board news:- Dottie reminded the Board of what she is doing as Treasurer and had concerns over what records to keep
- The carport behind the parsonage is falling down. The repairs will cost $2390. However, the labor cost will be donated. This will bring the expenses down to $1010.
- A committee was formed to examine the church's insurance policy and possible changes to it
- Ava Pippin offered her resignation as Sunday School Superintendent. She was thanked for her many years of service in this capacity. Nominations for a replacement for Ava may be made to Pat Purcell, Chair of the Nominating Committee.
Schedules
Acolytes
October: Shawn L. and Andrew P.
November: Katelyn P. and Jack P.
December: Andrew P. and Amber W.
Nursery
October 7, 2007 ... Lucie Snider
October 14, 2007 ... Patsy Lunceford
October 21, 2007 ... Steff Throckmorton
October 28, 2007 ... Diane Purcell
Thanks to all of our nursery volunteers!
Lectionary
October 7, 2007
Nineteenth Sunday after Pentecost
Lamentations 1:1-6
Psalm 137
2 Timothy 1:1-14
Luke 17:5-10
October 14, 2007
Twentieth Sunday after Pentecost
Jeremiah 29:1, 4-7
Psalm 66:1-12
2 Timothy 2:8-15
Luke 17:11-19
October 21, 2007
Twenty first Sunday after Pentecost
Jeremiah 31:27-34
Psalm 119:97-104
2 Timothy 3:14-4:5
Luke 18:1-8
October 28, 2007
Twenty second Sunday after Pentecost
Joel 2:23-32
Psalm 65
2 Timothy 4:6-8, 16-18
Luke 18:9-14
Take a moment and read these scriptures each week!
Volunteer Opportunities
- Come help with our Community Youth Night every Wednesday from 5:00 - 6:15pm by driving, cooking, or just hanging around.
Upcoming Youth Activities
Oct 6 (Sat) ... Carter Mountain Orchard 4 PM (bring $). Adults are encouraged to come. Youth Lock-In to follow upon return to church around 7 PM (Grades K-12) 7 PM. You are welcome to attend one or both of these events.
Carter Mountain Orchard Directions:
I-64 West toward Charlottesville, to Exit 121
From Exit 121, turn left onto Route 20 South (toward Scottsville)
Go .5 mile on Route 20 South
Turn left onto VA-53
Go .75 mile, turn right at the Carter Mountain Orchard sign
Oct 10 (Wed) ... No youth activities
Oct 27 (Sat) ... Harvey's Fall Festival 5-9 PM
Nov ... Volunteer with Louisa Santa Council throughout month
Nov 17 (Sat) ... Youth Spiritual Retreat for ages 8 and up (Day long ... Not overnight) ... See Matthew for info
Nov 21 (Wed) ... No youth activities ... Happy Thanksgiving!
Birthdays
Arthur W. (Doot) Boyd 11/14
K. B. (BB) Boyd, Jr. 11/6
Jennifer Collins 11/29
Susan B. Colvin 11/21
Sue Curtis 11/25
Dorothy C. Darnell 11/8
Bill Dessent 11/18
Debbie Dessent 11/20
Lauren D. 11/29
Bruce W. Ely 11/29
Fairlyte Eubank 11/4
Edna D. Gammon 11/21
David Jacobs 11/20
Clarence Maddra 11/1
Emma McGee 11/29
Virginia Pippin 11/15
Emily Seay 11/24
Lauren M. Shade 11/17
David M. Shoupe 11/7
Donald Smith 11/13
H.P. Smith 11/29
Ruth Smith 11/5
John L. Snider 11/19
Frank Woolfolk 11/6
If we missed a birthday, let us know.
Worship
Sunday School every Sunday at 10 AM
Worship Service following at 11 AM
Prayer Service each Wednesday at noon
Every Wednesday we offer a Bible Study at 10:30 AM and 6:30 PM
Community Youth Night every Wednesday from 5:00 to 6:15 PM
Louisa Christian Church
P.O. Box 1344
104 Elm Avenue
Louisa, VA 23093
Rev. Burnette: 540-967-4884
Email
Rev. Ricks: 804-683-3537
Email