Keyhole Press Southminster Presbyterian

From the Pastor

August Highlights

August 2016

• Outdoor Worship Update Page 2

• Cindy Corell’s Visit Page 2

• Scholarship News Page 3

• Garden Update Page 3

• School Supply Drive Page 4

Whether it be grabbing a tube for a lazy float trip, sipping iced tea on the porch of a friend’s river house,

or rock hopping down at Bell Isle—Richmonders know that the best place to be during these long sweaty

days is on the James. Last week a few friends and I decided to take a summer trip down the James River

rapids. It was a beautiful day, the sun was out but with enough of a breeze to keep us cool. For the first

hour or so we chatted with our guide and enjoyed letting ourselves get buoyed along by the warm

currents.

Then we headed down into the more serious rapids. As we went we became skilled at paddling on cue,

watching one another to stay in sync, and most of all watching the currents of the river to guide us. For

our last adventure we wanted to try something they call “surfing the rapids.” The plan was to point our

boat back upstream in the hopes that if we paddled hard enough and caught the currents just right we

could ride the waves, suspended for just a few moments on the crest of the big Pipeline rapid. This trick

takes some courage and a skilled guide, but we were up for the challenge! We lined up, waiting. On our

guide’s signal we plunged ahead as quickly as we could and as he steered us into the wave we were lifted

up, floating for just a moment before we splashed back down into the current laughing and wet, resigned

to the power of the river.

It was all a bit of good summer fun, but our “surfing” was a good reminder that going with the flow is

much easier than fighting the current. In the gospel of John Jesus says, “When the Spirit of truth comes, it

will guide you into all the truth.” Jesus sends us the Holy Spirit to surround us like a strong and powerful

current, guiding us in the ways and righteousness. Yet so often we try to ignore that pull of the Holy Spirit

in our lives, paddling upstream, wearing ourselves out pursuing our own ways rather than God’s. In these

last weeks of summer, maybe while you are out at the river away from the distractions of daily life, take

some time to pay attention to where the currents of God’s Spirit may be guiding you and pray for the

strength to let go and trust in God’s way.

Page 2

Christian Life

Church in the World

Southminster’s Special Guest: Cindy Corell, Mission Co-Worker in Haiti

On Sunday, July 10th Cindy Corell, the Presbytery of the James-sponsored missionary to Haiti, visited

Southminster to share her story and her mission. Rev. Deyerle interviewed Cindy as part of our worship

services. During their conversation, we learned that the Presbytery has been involved for many years in

a partnership with the Episcopal Diocese of Haiti, working in health, hunger, and education ministries.

Cindy, a former journalist in the Shenandoah Valley, a member of Tinkling Springs Presbyterian Church

in Fishersville, a farmer’s daughter, and a graduate of Longwood College, made her first trip to Haiti in

2010. She connected with the people and culture of this country in the Caribbean, and “I realized that I

could no longer be satisfied with an ordinary job.” In 2013, she accepted a mission appointment, serving

as the Presbyterian Hunger Program/Joining Hands facilitator in Haiti.

Cindy’s presentation to the Contemporary Issues class enlightened us about the history, settlement, and

culture of Haiti. Her personal stories and poignant photographs captured the spirit of the people and

their environment, their Creole language and customs, their food, and simple living quarters; she took us

right there—into their homes and onto their land.

We can all help support Cindy and her mission, either through prayer or by giving or helping to raise

funds. We can also show our support by following her blog, thelongwayhomeblog.org. The Presbytery

even offers an opportunity to travel to Haiti to see Cindy’s work first-hand. Let’s keep Cindy and the

people of Haiti in our hearts and prayers.

By Joyce Lapsley

Creation Care, Coloring, and Worship

If you wondered what all the raving about coloring books for adults was about, let me tell you: They are

lots of fun!

This summer at our outdoor worship service we opened this world of wonder to people of all ages in our

congregation. As part of our series focusing on themes of creation—water, plants and food, and

animals—each Sunday we introduce a new coloring poster that relates to the Bible passage for the week.

And after six weeks, we do have brave new converts who venture into and inhabit these stories not only

by listening, but also through this fun exercise of coloring

During the Sunday School hour the posters, like a movable feast, migrate to the playground where

parents of toddlers have been joining in the fun. At the 11 o’clock worship service we often see youth,

toddlers, and even adults pour their imagination on paper. What better way to learn about our wondrous

world that God, our Creator has entrusted in our care!

It is not too late to take part. Come and check it out in August!

By Enikӧ Ferenczy

Leadership & Planning

Page 3 Stewardship

Facilities

Southminster’s Facilities Committee and a number of

volunteers came together in April to build a raised garden

bed for the church. The goal of the garden was to

provide fresh produce for the Food Closet.

Thanks to their hard work and the ongoing efforts of our

resident gardeners, we have been able to supplement our

Food Closet staples with fresh herbs and tomatoes.

These contributions have been met with great enthusiasm

and appreciation from our Food Closet clients.

The Southminster garden is just getting started. These

“first fruits” promise great harvests to come, and we look

forward to sharing the bounty.

The Southminster Scholarship Committee is

pleased to report that the applications for the

Southminster Scholarship for the academic year

2016 – 2017 have been reviewed and approved.

This year, each of our nine applicants was awarded

$2,500.00 to put toward their college tuition

expenses. Southminster is proud to make this

investment in our young members by helping them

further their education.

We look forward to seeing what the future holds

for them.

Best wishes to our scholarship recipients.

Holly Coryell

Shannon Coryell

Julia Dugger

Christopher Endries

Matthew Endries

David Flynt

Zachary Pond

Abby Willis

Ryan Willis

It has been almost a year since we voted as a congregation to restructure our session and committees to be

smaller and more flexible.

In that time our elders and committee members have done a lot of creative and prayerful work. The

former Mission and Service and Outreach committees have fully combined into the new Church in the

World Team focused on all of the ways we serve our neighbor. Our four major internal committees, Worship,

Christian Education, Congregational Care, and Fellowship have reformed into the new Congregational Life

Team that is launching this fall.

Over the next year our Leadership and Planning Team will continue to guide this process. That work includes

listening to your thoughts and finding ways for you to be involved. If you have questions or want to play a

role on one of these new teams please talk to Rev. Deyerle or Gary Smith, our Leadership and Planning Team

leader.

Page 4

Session News

Session meetings resume in August. The next meeting will be on Sunday, August 21st at 12:30 PM.

Special Announcements

School Supply Drive

Every summer, Southminster works with Chesterfield County Support Services to provide school supplies

for low income families with special needs children. Last year we sent over 70 children to school with the

tools to learn. We are happy to accept supplies as well as monetary contributions to the School Supply Fund.

Donations may be dropped off in the church office through August 28th.

Our greatest need this year is backpacks for children of all grades. Below is a list of other commonly

needed items.

Notebook paper (college and wide ruled)

Graph paper

1 subject spiral notebooks

3 subject spiral notebooks

5 subject spiral notebooks

2 and 3 inch binders

Notebook dividers

Black and white marble composition books

#2 yellow pencils

Pencil boxes / zippered pouches

Pens (blue/black/red)

24 count crayons

Erasable crayons

Highlighters

Glue sticks (large and small)

Scissors (blunt and sharp)

Index cards

Vinyl folders (two pocket)

Vinyl folders (two pocket, three brad)

Post-It notes

Headphones

Covered pencil sharpeners

Clipboards

Baby wipes

Disinfectant wipes

Vinyl disposable gloves

Hand sanitizer

Liquid soap

Tissues

Ziplock bags (gallon/quart/sandwich)

Day Camp 2016 a Great Success

During the week of June 20th – 24th, Southminster welcomed eleven campers for our second Camp

Hanover Day Camp. We were pleased to see some of last year’s campers return, as well as some

new faces.

Our three energetic counsellors from Camp Hanover kept the campers busy with a variety of

activities, including a water fun day and an outdoor cookout. We were also fortunate to have a

number of volunteers from the congregation who generously gave their time to help out and provide

snacks and lunch for the camp staff. We are already looking forward to next year.

Southminster Notes

Remember in Prayer

Please pray for our military personnel, Dan Bice, John Bowles, Lillian Brooks, Mike & Pat Cifelli, Ron

Crenshaw, Matt Davis, Pete Gillispie, Marty Griffin, Anna Hall, Bob & Net Hall, Laura Jessee, Ann Kearns,

Bev Lamberton, Ron & Nellie Long, Adele Robertson, Ken Robison, Edna & Louis Schelter, Eddie & Jenny

Schiller, Gordy & Betty Smith, Riki & Dennis Stone, Dave Thomas, Marjorie Quimby.

Page 5

Notes will be published as space permits. Some notes will carry over to next month’s newsletter.

Dear Southminster Family,

Thank you for all of your love, concern, calls, cards, visits, Careful Chefs meal that Joyce Grier delivered,

Caitlin’s visits, and all the prayers that were lifted up for me since my fall.

I am doing well and improving daily. Shooting for a mini-marathon by the end of summer.

I don’t know what people do without a church family. I am truly blessed to be part of this family.

Love,

Becky

Dear Church Family,

Thank you so much for your love and support during my first year of college. The scholarship you provided

me allowed me to stress a little less on paying for tuition and focus a little more on my schoolwork and my

relationships—with friends, myself, and God. I’ve found a wonderful church home-away-from-home in

Williamsburg Presbyterian Church. This fall I will be working as the WPC intern and I will be leading

middle schoolers in youth group and Sunday school. I’m so fortunate for this opportunity, and I can’t thank

you all enough for everything. Your prayers (and the lovely Valentine’s care package) are so appreciated.

Thank you.

Love and Peace,

Holly M. Coryell

Thank you to all of our volunteers who assisted with the June 20 – 24 Camp Hanover Day Camp. Because

of your willingness to provide nursing care, snacks, lunches, support to staff, etc, eleven campers and three

staff left our church having experienced a fun-filled, positive week. I appreciate your willingness to support

this ministry and look forward to working with our Southminster volunteers and camp staff again next year.

Sue Rhodes

Directory Update

Gary & Amy Pond

10164 Lexington Circle North

Boynton Beach, FL 33436

Welcome New Members

David Carter & Christina Carter

2001 Deer Meadow Lane

Midlothian, VA 23112

August Schedules

Elder Greeters

7 Brown Pearson, Moses Adiele

14 Sue Rhodes, Bonnie Kowalski

21 Liz Snead, Joyce Lapsley

28 Ken Brammer, Kathy Liesfeld

Flower Delivery

7 Bonnie & Rich Kowalski

14 Jane Tarter

21 Jane Tarter

28 Linda Abercrombie

Ushers

7 Guy Dixon, Bob & Marty Griffin, Marsha Lane

14 Guy Dixon, Bob & Marty Griffin, Marsha Lane

21 Kitty Bice, Jack Daniel, Jerry Davis, Dianna Scott

28 Kitty Bice, Jack Daniel, Jerry Davis, Dianna Scott

Food Closet

1 Gerry Doyle, Jane Tarter

4 Shelley Murray, Barbara Reid

8 Liz Snead, Shirley Martin

11 Jane McGee, Norma Poole

15 Rachel Clay, Gerry Doyle

18 Bonnie Kowalski, Barbara Reid

22 Melba Jolly, Rachel Clay

25 Terry Liendecker, Jane McGee

29 Mary Stahl, Gail DeCosta

Door Greeters

7 Marty & Dixie Kovacs

14 Jim & Ada Park

21 Jane McGee & Shirley Martin

28 Jane McGee & Shirley Martin

Have we missed your birthday or anniversary?

Let the church office know: 804-276-1749.

August Birthdays

August Anniversaries

4 Matt & Barbara Briggs

4 Rick & Jennifer Weddle

6 Bob & Lisa Tully

8 Gary & Amy Pond

15 Ken & Eileen Robison

16 Bob & Bonnie Davis

17 Brown & Laura Pearson

18 Al & Karen Stafford

24 Mark & Bonnie Endries

26 Brad & Barbara Flynt

26 Bob & Danise Warren

29 Mike & Pat Cifelli

29 James & Caitlin Deyerle

1 Kathy Brammer, Morgan Ellenberg

Krigelman

3 Courtney Price

6 Shelley Murray

7 Barbara Briggs, Gary Pond

8 Ken Brammer

10 Timothy Knight, Lynn Sutton

13 Aileen Davis, Logan Pond

15 Larry Chamberlain, David Flynt

16 Jeanne Coryell, Cooper Knight

17 Jarrett Johnson, Layla Pond, Libby Pond,

Howard Vann, Hunter Wheeler

21 Benton Flynt, Nancy Peters, Mark

Pinchbeck

22 Brad Flynt, Melba Jolly, Jim Lewis, Jacob

Wetzel, Naomi Campbell

23 Rick Wheeler

26 Ivy Stennett, Jack O’Connor

28 Becky Rowan, Dennis Stone

29 Kevin Pond

30 Chuck Greenberg, Gary Miller

31 John Bowles, Lindsay Pond Conrad

Page 6

Page 7

SOUTHMINSTER PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH 7500 Hull Street Road

N. Chesterfield, VA 23235-5810

Phone: 804-276-1749

www.southpreschurch.org

office@southpreschurch.org

Return Service Requested

August 2016

Rally Day Sunday, September 11th

11:00 AM Worship 12:00 PM Fall Picnic

Join us as we celebrate the start of a new Sunday School year.

Would you like to receive your newsletter electronically?

Send an email to office@southpreschurch.org with Add Me To Newsletter List in the subject line.