Koinonia - River Hills Community Church

Koinonia
September 2010
Volume 35, Issue 9
From The Senior Pastor
I know it’s risky business to weigh in on the war of words circulating in our country these days concerning the building of an Islamic Center in Manhattan. Anytime this type of hot-button issue makes it to the forefront of national news, it’s easy for fear and misinformation to trump faith and facts. It’s often easy, even tempting, to allow such a discussion to devolve into something less than civil discourse and to simply repeat partisan
propaganda on either side of the debate or to accept widespread generalizations. I will try to avoid those traps
as I speak my heart on this issue as your pastor. Though at times my opinions and beliefs may be unpopular
with some, I work hard to state informed opinions and beliefs that are forged out of years of biblical study and
prayer.
Maria Hanlin of Mecklenburg Ministries recently offered a relevant corollary regarding the building of
the Islamic Center in New York City. Timothy McVeigh, she reminds us, was raised Christian. When he
bombed the Federal Building in Oklahoma City, the deadliest terrorist attack in America before 9-11, no one
raised the question of whether a Christian church should be built within two blocks of the Federal Building.
Why? Because I don’t believe Christians – or people who understand the beliefs of Christianity – believe that
McVeigh was a true Christian believer as his actions were so antithetical to Christianity.
Similarly, I don’t believe that Muslims – or people who understand the beliefs of Islam – believe that the
terrorist perpetrators of 9-11 were true Muslim believers as their actions were so antithetical to Islam.
In the fall of 2001, in the aftermath of the 9-11 attack, River Hills Community Church hosted an open forum on Islam including a panel comprised of members of our church who had lived in countries that were predominantly Muslim. One of these was Dr. Donald Bosch, a medical missionary and surgeon in the country of
Oman for over thirty years. Dr. Bosch reminded us that Muslims greet each other with the words “As-Salamu
Aiakum” (in Arabic, “Peace be upon you”), of why they kneel in prayer each day, and why they fast from sunrise
to sunset during the month of Ramadan.
Don and Eloise Bosch learned the same lesson living in Oman that I have learned through years at the
River Hills Community Church: how to be an ecumenical Christian. For years we hosted a Roman Catholic congregation in our facility. We have persons of Jewish and Buddhist faith who attend our worship settings. RHCC
has taught me that the best way to dispel misinformation, dismiss the myths and understand the facts about a
faith different from our own is through building a relationship with persons of another faith. RHCC has also
taught me the virtue of tolerance. It has long been a desire of our church family to build bridges in our community, and make it a better place for all – for Christians as well as those of other faiths, and even those who are still
outside of faith. RHCC has also inspired me to live my own faith more loyally.
I am proud to be an American. I am moved by our Constitution and privileged to live in a country
founded on freedom of religion. I am also very proud to be a part of the River Hills Community Church. For our
church, you see, teaches that we are to love one another. We can’t love others if we fear them or dismiss them.
So I pray that we will learn how to love one another – in the name of God who loves us all.
-Bruce M. Jones
SEPTEMBER PREACHING AND
WORSHIP CALENDAR
FINANCIAL REVIEW
(Thru July 2010)
Tithing
Early Worship in the Sanctuary, 8:15 a.m.
Budget
Actual
September 5 – Bruce Jones
(The Sacrament of Holy Communion)
586,031.25
531,634.95
$ ( 54,396.30)
Missions
Actual (available)
September 12 – Bruce Jones
$
54,278.14
Expenses
Budget
Actual
Over Budget
September 19 – Bruce Jones
(Back to Church Sunday)
697,203.60
727,190.38
$ ( 29,986.78)
September 26 – Bruce Jones
The Journey, in the Church Life Center, 9:00 a.m.
September 5 – Kenny Ashley
(The Sacrament of Holy Communion)
September 12 – Kenny Ashley
September 19 – Kenny Ashley
(Back to Church Sunday)
September 26 – Kenny Ashley
The Sanctuary, in the Sanctuary, 10:45 a.m.
Blood Drive in Honor of
Libby Claire
River Hills Community
Church
Tuesday, September 28
For more information or
schedule an appointment,
please contact Christina @
803-831-1615. Please bring
photo ID. Drink plenty of
water and avoid caffeine on
the day of the drive
September 5 – Bruce Jones
(The Sacrament of Holy Communion)
September 12 – Bruce Jones
September 19 – Bruce Jones
(Back to Church Sunday)
September 26 – Bruce Jones
Relevant, in the Church Life Center, 11:00 a.m.
September 5 – Matt McGarity
(The Sacrament of Holy Communion)
September 12 – Matt McGarity
September 19 – Matt McGarity
(Back to Church Sunday)
September 26 – Matt McGarity
FLU SHOTS - Gym, CLC
Wednesday, September 22 12:00-2:00 pm
By CVS for $29.00
Tuesday, October 12 12:00 - 6:00 pm
$30.00
Payment only by CASH, DEBIT/MC/VISA
Only Medicare Part B Insurance is accepted (ID
card required)
•
•
•
IMPORTANT
Wear short sleeves or loose fitting clothing
Children under age 9 cannot be vaccinated
Cannot have vaccination if you are allergic
to egg products or if you have ever had a flu
vaccine reaction
NOMINATION FOR CHURCH ELDERS
The Nominating Committee will begin accepting names for the three open Elder positions on September 1st. Nominations must be in writing or email and given to a member of the Nominations Committee. The nominee must agree to
allow his/her name to be submitted. Nominations must be made on or before October 15. This is a firm date. The
committee will begin discussing candidates for the other standing committees on September 1 until mid-November. For
detailed information regarding the expectations for RHCC ELDERS refer to your August Koinonia. We welcome your
questions or comments and ask you to prayerfully consider members who are best equipped to become a part of our
leadership in 2011.
Nominating Committee Members
Bev Leonberg
Dave Palmer
Jean Marshall
Gerry Martin
Marianne Hickman
leonberg@bellsouth.net
dncjbran@bellsouth.net
Jean1269@comporium.net
GMartin@Nascar.net
Hick1945@bellsouth.net
Chair
Hank Gerald
Sally Welday
Frank Vogt
Bruce Jones
hankger@bellsouth.net
Welday1@bellsouth.net
Frankandgwenvogt@att.net
Bruce@RHCConline.org
WELCOMING MIKE MOORE TO THE CHURCH STAFF
We are pleased to welcome Mike Moore onto the RHCC staff as our new “Minister of Maintenance” following Clint
Castleberry who left for a position in Iraq after serving here for eleven years. Mike and his wife, Paula, are members of
RHCC, having joined the church in 2008, and they have the joy of raising three grandchildren: Paige, Drew, and Trey.
The Moores live near the church on Harper Davis Road in Lake Wylie, and Mike brings an amazing set of skills to his
position at the church, having a background and knowledge of mechanical, electrical, heating and air conditioning and
carpentry trades. Needs and requests for Mike’s service should be directed through the Church Business Manager who
superintends our support staff. Mike, welcome aboard, and thank you for all you’re already doing around RHCC and for
the blessing you and Paula and your family already have become to us all.
“BALANCE” OUR WORSHIP THEME FOR SEPTEMBER
If you have kids, you strive to find balance between sports, dance, school, homework and family time. All of us who
have a career know the demands and strain work places upon us and upon our families. We all desire to have greater
financial margin. How do you strike a sense of balance in contemporary life? And does the Bible have anything at all to
say about this? It’s a timely topic for our worship messages during the four Sundays of September in each of our
worship environments: “Balance.” This may be the series that is designed especially for you. See you in September, at
RHCC!
PRESCHOOL
We are off to a great start. The 126 children and 15 teachers are so happy to be back at preschool.
We have begun selling Sally Foster for our fall fundraiser. You may order online, receive a packet
from the preschool, Church office or a preschool family. These funds help buy new toys, curriculum
materials, manipulatives, and many more special items. Thank you in advance for your continued
support of the preschool.
Here are some important dates to remember:
Preschool Labor Day Holiday: 9-6-10
Open House: 9-23-10
Preschool Holidays: 10-11-10 and 10-22-10
Please come and visit your missionyou are guaranteed to leave with a smile!!!!!
“Where Every Child Is A Blessing”
Love and prayers,
Katherine Hinson, Preschool Director
WOMEN’S STUDIES
FIRST TUESDAY WOMEN OF THE CHURCH (WOC) STUDY
It’s time to get back into Bible study. The WOC group’s first meeting is Tuesday, September 7th in room 102 at 9:30 AM. A
half hour of fellowship is followed by study discussion beginning at 10 AM. This year’s book is again one in the Women of
Faith series called Cultivating Contentment. Contentment doesn’t come naturally, and it isn’t learned quickly. But it can be
learned. You can, like Paul, say, “I have learned in whatever state I am, to be content”. Books will be available and can be
purchased for $8.75. All women of the church are invited to join this once a month Tuesday morning discussion group. New
faces are welcome. A retreat is planned for Tuesday, October 5th so put the date on your calendars. We will continue to
collect items for the Children’s Attention Home. September items are trash bags (13 and 30 plus gallon) and Tilex
Bathroom Cleaner. Any questions? Call Chris Arthur at 831-7720 or Sharon Rawls at 831-2632
WOMEN IN THE WORD
Tuesday mornings 9:30-11:30 Starting September 14
This group is for women of all ages and all stages of their Christian walk. We will use the Word of God as our starting point
and will share in a lively discussion of the Scripture and how we can apply it in our lives. Come enjoy wisdom, fun and
fellowship with the ladies…there’s nothing like it! Sign up for the study is appreciated so we can be properly prepared.
Childcare may be available for a small fee, please contact to register. Please e-mail Robyn Lawton at
gr82sing@rocketmail.com to sign up or for more info.
PEOPLE PUZZLE
For 4 weeks, beginning September 12 thru October 3 I will be leading a PEOPLE PUZZLE on Sunday
mornings from 10:30 to 11:45 am in one of the classrooms upstairs in the Sanctuary building. The People
Puzzle will help you understand how you see yourself and others and will enhance all of your interpersonal
relationships. It is a fun study that will pay dividends for the rest of your life. The class is limited to 20
people and the cost is $12 for the workbook (a couple needs only one book). If you would like to register,
please call the church office, or email Christina at christina@rhcconline.org .
THE WEDNESDAY GATHERING
The Wednesday Night Gathering resumes on September 8! Dinner will be served in the Church Life Center gym each
Wednesday at 5:30 p.m. starting on September 8, for only $6.00 for an adult plate and $2.00 for a child’s plate ($5.00 total for
three children or more). A variety of programs and small groups for adults will begin at 6:00 or 6:30 (watch for the flyers
describing the Wednesday night programs). Also, the Monday Morning Adult Bible Study resumes on September 13, and
this group will be studying Adam Hamilton’s “Christianity’s Family Tree.”
WEDNESDAY NIGHT LINEUP
• 5:30 p.m. - Dinner
6:00 p.m. - Children’s Program
• 6:00 p.m. - Boundaries with Kids, Jo Steagald
6:30 p.m. “Beginnings: An Introduction to Christian Faith”, Bruce Jones
Wednesday Night Bible Study, Kenny Ashley
“Boundaries”, Kathleen Nash
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•
CRAFT FAIR/SILENT AUCTION/BAKE SALE
Saturday, November 6, 2010
10:00 a.m. - 2:00 p.m.
Crafters and Silent Auction items are still needed for our bi-annual Craft Fair and Silent Auction to benefit the missions of
River Hills Community Church. Please contact the church office for an application form to reserve a space as a crafter. Please
contact Karen Otteni, 631-3776 or Vickie Martin, 831-8154 if you have questions or items to be donated for the Silent
Auction. We appreciate your support to help those in need in our community and around the world.
FREE CONCERT
Back to Church Weekend Celebration
Saturday, September 18th
Come out and join us for a fun-filled, family-friendly evening as we celebrate the kickoff to the fall season together. The
fun begins at 5:30 p.m. with activities for the kids, hotdogs and drinks, and a time to get to know others in the community.
The free concert by August Rain will begin at 7 p.m and will wrap up at 8 p.m. in time to get the kids home!
When: Saturday, September 18th from 5:30 – 8:00 p.m.
Where: River Hills Community Church Life Center
Revolution and Uprising Youth Ministries
Back to School Cookout!
When: Sunday August, 29th from 4:30 to 7:30
Where: Goshen Glenn Retreat Center – Clover, SC
Join us for our back to school cook out at the Goshen Glenn Retreat Center in Clover, SC. We have a great night planned.
There will be some great food (Chef Bob Lucas). A great message will be provided by our own Pastor Kenny Ashley. Lots
of Fun and Games. We will also discuss our fall schedule. All Youth from 6th Graders through High School Seniors are
invited to attend. Bring your friends. We also encourage parents to attend. We would like to spend some time with the
parents and let them know what we have going on - and how they can help support this ministry.
Directions:
Goshen is located at 430 Glenn Road. If you are going down 557, make a right on Glenn Road. (There is a old convenience
store on the right, and right across from Griggs Road Elementary School.) Travel approx 1 mile on Glenn Rd, and Goshen
will be on your right. It is a gravel driveway. Follow the gravel road until you come to the barn.................
Flamingo Flocking Fundraiser
A giant flock of Pink Flamingos has just invaded the Clover/Lake Wylie area. Members of our
Revolution Youth are strategically placing these Pink Flamingo’s in yards throughout the
community. We will gladly remove them for a small donation, and place them in a yard of your
choosing. If you want protect yourself, we will be selling Anti-Flocking Insurance at the church
office for $10. Thank you for your support and sense of humor. Check out our Revolution Facebook
page to see photo’s of our pink friends and our victims………………………..
SAVE THE DATE!
SUNDAY, OCTOBER 17
4:00 - 8:00 PM
CRUISE LAKE WYLIE
Not a cruise on the "African Queen" but a cruise with friends and
neighbors to support the Kenya Orphanage Project!
Dinner and a
Silent Auction will be held at the River Hills Pavilion following a leisurely cruise. $50 per person
Changing Children's Lives by Providing Education, the Key to the World.
Watch for your invitations mid-September for full details.
KOP BOOK DRIVE:
Learning English through Reading
As the kids are getting adjusted to an improved quality of education, some are struggling to excel in their English
classes. Believing that reading is the best way to learn English, we have researched and compiled a list of good books
that we would like to send to our students. We have a collection box in the Narthex with our list or choose a book from
any current required reading list." Thanks in advance for your support.
MUSIC NOTES
Chancel Choir
Since ancient times people have gathered together in chorus to raise their voices to God and assist in leading people in
worship. At River Hills Community Church we have continued that time honored tradition through the spirit and
service of our chancel choir. For the past three decades our choir has been so faithful in the leadership of our worship
every Sunday morning. Many of its present members were there in the beginning and really have found their way of
serving Gods purpose in the church. I say all of this to invite everyone "out there" who perhaps has a love of music in
your heart and have thought about serving the lord through singing. To continue this holy endeavor the choir always
needs new people to bolster and strengthen what we do. I know that some of you may think "My voice is good
enough or strong enough". Well let me say to you that you might be surprised what you can do and what you may
learn. In a choir it takes all kinds of voices, its like building a wall, you have to have bricks and mortar. Some voices
are bricks (solo voices) while many are mortar. It takes this mortar to hold it all together. So no matter what your
level there is always a place for you here in the service of God. The choir has just resumed Wednesday night practice,
at 7:30 and is getting ready to gear up for the very special season of Advent and Christmas. We always have a good
time together there is not only singing but laughter and a real since of togetherness, so if you would like to join us as
we all journey together, singing along the way please contact me or just show up for practice there is not audition
necessary just a willing heart and the ability to have a good time.
God Bless,
James Kevin Gray
Handbell Choir
The handbells choir will begin practice on Wednesday, September 1 at 6:30pm. We are looking for additional players,
no experience is necessary. Come and make a joyful noise with us! We will happily teach you the music reading
skills that you will need for bells. We look forward to see you there. We will meet upstairs in the Sanctuary
Building. If you have questions, please contact Jenni Hough at houghj@winthrop.edu.
SEPTEMBER BIRTHDAYS
Dick Lewis
Mark Hines
Alex Wilson
Peggy Finch-Hyatt
Peggy Slingerland
Lex Windell
Don Brenton
Annelise Dubrouillet
Leah Endean
Tom Moss
Sandy Shaffer
Robert Meeker
Bill Whisenant
Melanie Wilson
Jake Baird
Pam Lee
Mac McGarity
Jake Lomas
Nancy Palmer
Linda Cox
Angie McCarter
Linda Goins
Greg Farmer
Debi Brinkman
Jacob Martin
Dustin Spiker
Linda Whittaker
Austin Jerome
Jo Veith
Bob Rhyne
Ali Watts
Bob Vicars
Cameron Beard
Kevin McCrory
Helen Hopkins
Bonita Nugent
Georgia Hurst
Gail Day
9/1
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9/11
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Wade Lucas
Angie Burton
Lane Bennett
Scott Murdock
Monique Boekhout
Ellen Guthrie
Amity Molnar
Bill Bradley
Jean Haney
Warren Drye
Warren Stearns
Curry Evans
Perry Gregory
Nick Nichols
Elise Raborn
Carter Wagner
Brittany McInnis
Alan Hartley
Jim Stone
Kathie Olson
Wanda Ashley
Hans Brase
Tom Turner
Eleanor Harris
Vladimir Harris
Dave Welday
Lydia Nims
Erika Judson
Ken Moreno
Connie Schlagel
Stephen Burton
Lorraine Burton
Terri Hodges
Marcia Adams
Jan Sowell
Margie McGee
Charlotte Shand
Rick Beard
9/11
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Tucker Dobbs
James Pressly
Don Williford
Sue Moffitt
Mary Elizabeth Murdaugh
Jeanne Woolery
Bonnie Hornsby
Lawrence McKenzie
Michelle Tolson
Betsy Cullen
David Kowalczyk
Howard Kocmond
Jean Humphries
David Simpkins
Roland Neuffer
Caroline Simmons
Kaelyn Turner
Austin Hobbs
Brad Kokoski
John Nims
Jerry Drumm
Ian Blair
Yvette Herberger
Joe Daniels
Peter Dunbar
Ethan Armstrong
Deborah Little
Nicole Elmiger
Craig Galeota
Tony Pennington
Charles McClure
William Van De Nobelen
Matt Ringler
Steve Kelly
Joey Warder
Debbie Hines
Elaine (Laney) McGarity
9/19
9/20
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Obituary for Peter Hendryx
Peter Hendryx, formerly of Venice, FL, died July 3, 2010 at Metropolitan Hospice in Marietta, GA. He was born
August 2, 1927, son of Dwight and Loretta Hendryx. Survivors include his wife of 56 years, Marilyn Hendryx of
Marietta, GA, daughter Laura Lynam and husband Eric of Short Gap, WV, daughter Amy Foster of Marietta, GA, and
son-in-law Ted Mitchell of Gastonia, NC, along with seven granddaughters. He was preceded in death by daughter
Melinda Mitchell and son-in-law Kevin Foster. Born in Bradford, PA, Peter attended Franklin College and the University of Pittsburgh. He served in the US Navy Air Corps and worked in engineering and sales careers. He was a loving
husband, father and grandfather and was a great listener who enjoyed spending time with family and friends. He was
kind and always had time to help others. He enjoyed delivering Meals and Wheels and brightening the days of those
in need. Peter will be cremated and a memorial service will be held on Saturday, July 31 at Lake Lanier, GA.
Memorial contributions may be sent to Metropolitan Hospice, 200 Village Parkway, Marietta, GA 30067.
Simulcast with Beth Moore
Saturday, September 18, 2010
Christ The King Church
Charlotte, NC
For tickets : ctkcharlotte.org or call 704-587-0073
Church office 803-831-1615
Christina… ext. 200
Kathleen…ext. 207
Jerad………ext. 201
Matt…ext. 210
Bruce……..ext. 202
Jo……ext. 211
Dick……..ext. 205
Kenny…ext. 212
Kevin…….ext. 206
104 Hamilton’s Ferry Road
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Lake Wylie, SC 29710
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