May 2007

Head Usher...  Melissa Thompson

Nursery Volunteers

NOTE: If the Sunday assigned to you is not convenient, please exchange Sundays with someone else. If you notice any supplies needing to be replaced, please let me know. Thank you for your assistance and suggestions.

From the Pastor...Dr. James H. Grant, Jr.

To the Session and Members of the Tazewell Presbyterian Church and Black’s Chapel: (April 17th, 2007)

After much prayerful consideration, I am planning to retire on June 30th, 2007. When I accepted your call and became your minister in August, 1994, I was so grateful to God and to you for asking me to share in the ministry of this fine congregation. During these past nearly thirteen years, I have felt your love and encouragement as we have tried to be the Body of Christ in this place, at this time, in this church’s illustrious history.

Now is the time for the Tazewell Presbyterian Church and Black’s Chapel to continue under new leadership and new directions and opportunities for spiritual growth.

I sent a letter to Kevin Campbell, Executive Presbyter of Abingdon Presbytery, on March 30th, 2007, requesting that he notify the Committee on Ministry of my decision to be honorably retired and to dissolve the relationship between me and the Tazewell Presbyterian Church on June 30th, 2007.

Because, the next day, July 1st, 2007, is a quarterly Communion Sunday, I would like to share the Lord’s Supper with you as my last official duty as your minister, if you so desire.

Charlotte joins me in thanking you for allowing us the great privilege to be a part of this church family and for sharing your love with us.

I will now entertain a motion to call a Congregational Meeting on Sunday, May 6th, to concur with my request. Representatives from Abingdon Presbytery will be meeting with you in the coming weeks to begin the process of calling a new minister.

With deep love and appreciation for your faithful service to Christ and this church; let us close this meeting with prayer. 

On Easter Sunday, April 8th, we welcomed the following members of the Confirmation Class into the membership of the church by Profession of Faith: Samantha Anne Altizer, Taylor Kittleson Catron, Kathlynn Grace Sergent, and Anne Lynn Wright. These four young ladies met with the Session and were examined for Confirmation on March 20th.

We thank everyone who contributed to the Holy Week, Maundy Thursday, Tenebrae, and Easter events. Thanks to Fred Sisco for the ham and apples for the Easter breakfast, and the following men for cooking the delicious food: Jimmy Thompson, chm., Joe Bowen, Charles Asbury, Frank Barnes, Bernard Beavers, Glenn Catron, Bruce Clifton, Ward Lester, David Pruitt, Tim Ray, Steve Rinehart, Michael Rinehart, Fred Sisco, Louis TePoel, Josh Thompson, Jerry Wood, Robert Heldreth and Roger Weaver. Randall Cooper, Paul Fournier, Bob Parks, Joe Ramey, Ryan and Bert Taylor (Black’s Chapel).

Special thanks to Phyllis O’Quin, Pam Irvin and Pat McPherson for everything they did to make each event so very special, and the choir for the inspiring music.

We are truly grateful for all of the young people who participated in leading us in worship on March 25th. Special thanks to Leslie Mitchell and Jarrod Thomas for their fine sermons!

National Day of Prayer will be held on May 3rd at the Main Street United Methodist Church at 6:30 P.M.

Congratulations to Karen and Adam Lallande, who welcomed Landri Parker Claire into their family on April 10th. Phyllis and Oakie O’Quin are the very proud grandparents.

The “One Great Hour of Sharing” offering this year is $3,849.00.

A Clean-Up Day has been planned at the church on Saturday, April 28th. Please try to come to help. Thanks to the Property Committee for having new carpet installed in the church library.

On Sunday, April 22nd, at 4:00 P.M., there will be a meeting at our church for anyone interested in learning more about the Mission Trip to Mississippi that Abingdon Presbytery is planning for October 28th - November 10th.

Dr. Isabel Wood Rogers, who led a week-end retreat for our church in October, 1999, died in Richmond on March 18th. Dr. Rogers, known affectionately as “Dr. Izzie”, taught at the Presbyterian School of Christian Education from 1961-1998. She was Moderator of our denomination’s General Assembly in 1987. She was the author of five study books for Presbyterians.

Congratulations and Best Wishes to Dr. and Mrs. David Hamilton (nee Elizabeth Hale Gillespie) whose marriage will take place April 21st, at Hot Springs, Virginia.

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EASTER LILIES

Mary Witten in honor of Al and Joyce Gillespie.
Joyce & Al Gillespie in memory of Geraldine Peery.
Ward & Eunice Lester in memory of Mr. and Mrs. Clinton Stevenson and in memory of Sam Jones.
Ward & Eunice Lester in memory of Virginia Lester and Mr. and Mrs. George Lester.
Cora Blankenship in memory of H. Warren Blankenship.
Bob Dills in memory of Phyllis Neel.
Bob Dills in honor of Elizabeth Lockhart.
Fred & Nancy Sisco in memory of loved ones.
Charlotte & Jimmy Grant in memory of loved ones and in honor of family, friends, and church members.

Elizabeth Lockhart in memory of Jennings Lockhart.
Elizabeth Lockhart in memory of Linda L. Bowen.
Elizabeth Lockhart in memory of Bill and Mary Jane Sillers and children.
Vivian Moore in memory of Mr. and Mrs. Rhea F. Moore, Sr.
Vivian Moore in memory of Mr. Rhea F. Moore, Jr.
Joe and Kim McGraw, Joe and Sarah, in memory of Bob and Bess McGraw.

Charlie & Peggy Asbury in memory of Cecil and Louise Sparks and Lena Meredith.
Charlie & Peggy Asbury in memory of Dorothy Asbury.
Dick & Ann Lilly in memory of Harold McGlothlin.
Dick & Ann Lilly in memory of Ruby McGlothlin.
Grandchildren: Varmit, Tadpole, Bullpup, Peanut - in memory of Morris and Becky Ferrell.
Stanley & Marvetta Stevenson in memory of Kathy Peters.
Sue Keene in memory of Susie Hess.

Roger & Carol Weaver in memory of Bige & Mattie Osborne.
Lynne & David Larimer in honor of Kelly Combs Necessary.
Robert & Jean Smith in memory of parents.
Richard & Ellen Yost in memory of Lucille Riley and Janice Rutherford.
Bob & Joan Brown in memory of George and Anna Brown and Julian and Julie Collie.
Lois Angles in memory of friends.
Lois Angles in honor of friends.
Greg, Kim, Jarrod & Michael Thomas in memory of Margaret Matney.

BLACK’S CHAPEL
Carolyn Kitts in honor of loved ones.
Bert & Debbie Taylor in honor of Louise Taylor.
Bert & Debbie Taylor in honor of Sharon Smith.
Juanita Boling in memory of Bill Boling.
Martha & Randall Cooper in memory of Bill Boling.
Randall & Martha Cooper in honor of Steve Cooper.
Sam & Mary Adkins in memory of Mr. and Mrs. Charlie Frank Asbury.

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From Bluefield Union Mission

Thank you very much for your donation of $1,500.

Craig Hammond

Leslie Autumn Mitchell - daughter of Howie & Kathy Mitchell

I have been an officer of the Pep Club for three years, a member of Senior and Junior Beta, and an officer of the student Council for three years.

I played basketball for three years and was a part of the team that made it to the “Elite Eight”. I also participated with Forensics and placed 6th in the state this year.

I was the Tazewell Presbyterian Church Youth Elder during 2006. I plan to attend James Madison University in the fall and major in Education.

Jarrod Scott Thomas - son of Greg & Kim Thomas

Jarrod has been a member of the DECCA Club and the FBLA. He was a Youth Elder of the Tazewell Presbyterian Church during 2005.

Jarrod plans to attend SVCC in the fall to begin a career in Engineering.

Congratulations to our Graduates!

“May God bless and keep you as you press on toward other significant achievements in the years ahead. Wisdom is the principal thing; therefore get wisdom; and with all thy getting, get understanding.” (Proverbs 4:7)

As I attempt to write while listening to “Breaking News” of the Virginia Tech tragedy, I am reminded of the necessity of prayer. The families, university, state and nation are dealing with unspeakable grief.

We can only depend so much on human comfort. What fortunate people we are to be able to turn to God with our burdens. In the words of the anonymous author of “Just A Closer Walk With Thee”, “Who with me my burden shares? None but Thee.”

“Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest.” (Matthew 11:28)

Father, We look to You in this time of extreme sorrow. We pray for all those who have lost loved ones and friends. We pray for peace in our state, nation and world. Thank You for making our burdens bearable. Amen.

Joan Flynn
Kim McGraw
PW Spiritual Growth Committee

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To Mother - On Mother’s Day

For all the things you’ve been to me, my guardian and my guide; For truths you have so gently taught and all the tears you’ve dried; For faith and understanding when I faltered on my way, I owe you more thanks Mother, than words can ever say.

So on this day that’s set aside especially for you, I send a wish for happiness in everything you do. May each hour bring you pleasure every day of every year - For all the things you’ve been to me, I love you, Mother dear.

(Author unknown)

SESSION DIGEST...
Meeting April 17th, 2007

1. The Session met on April 17th, 2007, at 7:30 P.M. in the Fellowship Hall. The following Elders asked to be excused: Carolyn Kitts, Martha Massie, Vicky Rinehart, Melissa Thompson, Molly Thompson, and Donna TePoel.

2. Devotions were given by Ruth Osborne, who read a beautiful poem by a client from the Food Pantry.

3. The March 20th minutes were approved and Anne Sergent was thanked for being Clerk.

4. The Treasurer’s reports were received as information.

5. Correspondences: Abingdon Presbytery concerning the Mississippi Mission Trip; National Day of Prayer on May 3rd; and a request to help the Michael Wellers.

6. Elders were asked to sign-up for December and January Head Ushers, and up-coming presbytery meetings.

7. Everyone was thanked who helped with the Easter breakfasts and all of the Holy Week Services.

8. Confirmation for Samantha Altizer, Taylor Catron, Katie Sergent, and Anne Wright was held on Sunday, April 8th. The Elder Friends were thanked.

9. Jim Grant took Communion to T. C. and Berniece Bowen, Ellen Yost, Irene Moore, Cora Blankenship, Susie Bell, and Virginia Barns on April 1st.

10. Anne Sergent announced that Craig Hammond will preach on April 22nd; and Nancy Norman will preach on April 29th.

11. Joe Bowen and Roger Weaver were thanked for the work they did to install the new lamps in front of the church.

12. The Youth Worship Service on March 25th was a wonderful example of our youth leading us in worship. May, 2007 Lamplighter Tazewell Presbyterian Church Session Digest...continued.

13. A meeting of people interested in going on the Mississippi Mission Trip October 28th - November 10th will be held in our church on Sunday, April 22nd, at 4:00 P.M.

14. Vacation Bible School will be held rom June 25th-29th.

15. Jerry Cromer and Eunice Lester were thanked for having new carpet installed in the church library.

16. Jerry Cromer was asked to consider being the coordinator for the local Mission Trip this summer at Camp Joy. Hopefully, he will accept this challenge.

17. The basement floors have been cleaned and waxed.

18. The Presbyterian Women will lead in worship on Sunday, May 20th.

19. Donna TePoel’s Christian Education report: Postcards have been sent with camping scholarship information to families; New books have been purchased for ICY; Gifts purchased for Sunday School Teacher’s Appreciation on May 20th; and gifts will be purchased for our high school graduates.

20. The Session welcomed Curtis Dunnivan back after a long absence.

21. Ward Lester reported that there will be two Church Clean-up days: April 2st and April 28th. Everyone is encouraged to sign-up to help.

22. Prayer Concerns: The students and faculty and families at Virginia Tech; Bryan Flynn (Iraq), Jeff Lowrance, Kelly Necessary, Russell Fletcher (knee surgery), Terrie McPherson, Sarah Sword, Sam Adkins (by-pass surgery), Kige Sergent (cancer).

23. Jim Grant read a letter that is printed in this issue of the “Lamplighter” requesting the Session to call a Congregational Meeting on May 6th to concur with his request to be honorably retired on June 30th. The Session honored the request and added that he be allowed to serve Communion on July 1st. The meeting was closed with prayer by Jim Grant.