From the PastorOne of my favorite stories about the growth of the early church is the story of Philip and the Ethiopian Eunuch. According to Acts, after Philip encounters this official riding in his chariot and reading from the book of Isaiah, he asks, “Do you understand what you are reading?” The Ethiopian replies, “How can I, unless someone guides me,” and, responding to his invitation to join him, Philip “proclaims to him the good news about Jesus.” The story concludes with the baptism of the Ethiopian and the continuation of Philip’s ministry at Azotos.Church growth happens as God works through believers who, like Philip, share the Good News with others and who guide them along their journeys. As “guides,” we are called to teach the stories of Scripture both through our words and actions. The ministry of guiding involves us in identifying those who visit our faith community and responding to them with love and hospitality. Like Philip, we also are called to go into the world and to be the guides for others who are seeking the truth. This “going could lead us as near as our next-door neighbor or as far away as another nation.”In his book, Transforming Congregational Culture, Anthony Robinson considers the role of our invitation in church growth and writes,

It is not up to us to make people come or to compel them to join the church or to become Christians. It is ours to share an invitation. In the Gospel of John we find some simple, but helpful, words with which to share an invitation, the repeated invitation to discipleship in three word: ‘Come and see.’ As with most of the Fourth Gospel, the words have layers of meaning. At one level, they are simple and straightforward: come along and take a look. At another level, they are much more profound: come and have your eyes opened to a whole new world. Come and see what is really real. Just as the Fourth Gospel states the invitation while letting the levels of meaning stand without explanation, so too can we share such words with others.

As “guides” for Christ, we extend the invitation, “Come and See,” remembering that our invitation is both comprehensive (“Come and see our church sometime”) and specific (Come and see our worship service and Sunday School class, come and see the Wednesday program, come and see our Church Circle or Friday prayer breakfast, etc.). The “invitation” is a beginning point for the growth of our church and all of us are called to extend this invitation to others. With God’s guidance and blessing, as people respond, the Church will experience growth in new, amazing ways.

Peace and grace, Brad

The Presby

October 2017Wytheville Presbyterian Church

285 Church StreetWytheville, VA 24382

Phone: (276)228-4715Fax: (276)228-6830

Email: wpchurch@embarqmail.com

wythevillepresbyterianchurch.org

Office Hours: Monday - Friday9:00am - 2:00pm

Wendy Morrison, Office Mgr.Brad Simpson, Pastor

Becky Absher, Music DirectorBeth Pulliam, Clerk of Session

Session Digest:The Session meet on Sunday, September 17, 2017, for a Stated Session Meeting. Committee reports where received and discussed.Pastoral Concerns: Ron Blevins, Beulah Bing, Pastor Bing, Joe Cavender, Ethan Challgren, Denise Cook, Ken Cottrell, June Crockett, Hayden Cundiff, John DiYorio, Nonia Gamble, Jim Gleaves, Carola Hider, Herley Hudson, Art Inman, Maxine Manuel, Kathy McAllister, family of Bill Washburn, Ernest Williams, Sr., Millie Williams and Mary Jane Wysor.Motions approved by the Session:

1. To accept the Church Financial Report as presented.

2. Facility request from Philadelphia Presbyterian Church for the use of the Youth room and Hatcher Hall on February 2nd & 3rd.

Next stated Session meeting is October 22, 2017. Elder in Charge for October is Kat McCoy, Hatcher Hall door is Sarah Angliker. Beth Pulliam, Clerk

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Presbyterian Women:The PW Circle 1 will meet on Monday, October 2 at 11:00 a.m. in the Fellowship Hall and Circle 3 will meet on Monday, October 2 at 7:00 p.m. in the Jones Parlor

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60+ Adventure:Sixty Plus Trip -  Tuesday October 17 - We'll depart at 10:00 AM from the church for an adventure to Hillsville.   Our trip will include a visit to the Carroll County Historical Society and Museum where we will learn more about the history of this region, including the story of the "Courthouse Tragedy" of March, 1912.   Lunch will be together at Pizza Perfect on

Main Street!  Reservations are needed by Sunday, October 15.

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Cove ServicesThe Cove Service will be held on Sunday, October 15, at 7:30 p.m. We hope you will be able to attend and bring family and friends with you.

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YOUTH: Will meet on Sunday, October 8 at Wytheville Presbyterian Church at 6:00 p.m. for dinner with program to follow.

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Fall Festival:Everyone is invited to our annual Fall Festival which will be held on Wednesday, October 25 at 6:00 p.m. in Hatcher Hall. Invite your friends and neighbors, especially the children. If you are willing to bring bags of candy and/or cakes for prizes, please bring them to the church office by Wed. Oct. 25.

* * * * * *Stewardship Message:As I reflect on the last few months, it really makes me stop and think about our daily lives. There has been so many devastating things to turn much of our world into a terrible event. People lost their homes, some lost their lives, children misplaced and yes, even their pets left without their masters to look after them. I was a professional nanny for 38 year and I can relate to all of the children, their little minds so curious and anxious. They don’t really understand the serious problems our country faces but we as adults do understand. We need to turn to God for guidance and direction. God is our protector and provider. With him in control we will survive and we are so

blessed. Let us think of all these people in our country who are hurting and need our prayers. It tells me we are good stewards and God will bless us and we will have many great rewards in return.Shirley CavenderStewardship Committee

I am writing this letter to God and to his son, Jesus.

Lord, I know you and your Son are busy these days trying to help churches to keep their doors open. I am now an older person; but when I was younger, it seemed like our churches were full of Christian people. Some of our churches today are in disrepair and need help. It seems as if people do not care about them. Fewer people are going to church which means less money for programs and maintenance.

God, help us to prayerfully consider the money we give. Forgive us as it seems we know what to do, but do what we want. We ask for your help in choosing what we must do to properly honor you.

The Stewardship Committee

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Free Vaccination Clinics:There will be free vaccination clinics at the Wytheville Training School Cultural Center at 410 E. Franklin Street on: Monday, October 9th – 7 a.m. – 1 p.m. and 4 p.m. – 7 p.m.

Friday, October 27th – 7 a.m. – 1 p.m.

Monday, November 13th –7 a.m. – 1 pm and 4 p.m. – 7 p.m.

Seasonal Flu, Pneumonia, Tdap, Shingles Vaccines

Please call 276-613-7987 for your apt.

* * * * * * Special Offerings:We received $453.00 for King University last Sunday. We also received $1250.00 for disaster assistance for hurricane Harvey and $425.00 for hurricane Irma. Thank you for your generous contributions!

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It’s just a short time until Christmas.  You won’t want to miss the celebration

At the

12th Annual Christmas extravaganza

Wytheville Presbyterian Church

Friday Evening, December 8. 2017

6:00 p.m. – Appetizers

6:30 p.m. – Dinner

Enjoy an evening of great food, outstanding entertainment and fine

company of your friends

To host a table, call Linda DiYorio at 228-4981

To make reservations for dinner call Bebe Martel at 228-5063

$12 per person (you can bring your check on evening of dinner)

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Hope Back Packs:We will meet on Wednesday, October 25 at 4:00 p.m. to pack the bags. It is

located behind the old Smokey’s Barbecue.