Brownson Memorial Presbyterian Church
330 South May Street at Indiana Avenue
Southern Pines, North Carolina  28387
 

Telephone:  910.692.6252 ~ Fax:  910.246-0014 ~ E-mail:  office@brownsonchurch.org

 

 

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The Rev. Dr. Grady J. Perryman
Pastor
 
The Rev. Mrs. Karen C. Allen
Associate Pastor
for Christian Education
 

The Rev. Mrs. Cynthia J. Strickland
Parish Associate of Pastoral Care
 

Mr. Michael S. Howe
Director of
Music Ministries & Organist
 
Mr. Kris M. Brammer
Youth Director
 

Ms. Susan B. Paschal
Director, Children's Worship Arts
 

 

 

Brownson Bells Newsletter
December 2011

Quick Index 

Perryman's Ponderings (Grady Perryman, Pastor)
Education CommuniKA (Karen Allen, Associate Pastor)
Brownson Youth Connection (Kris Brammer, Youth Director)
Pastoral Care (Cynthia Strickland, Parish Associate)
Presbyterian Women
 


Perryman's Ponderings (Grady Perryman, Pastor)

            T

Perryman’s Ponderings

 

       Abstract church words taking on human form. The first time such a thing ever happened to me was during Lent more than twenty years ago. Making my usual visit to the hospital, as I passed by the open door of a room, I saw a father helping his young, eight years old or so, son get to the bathroom. In a cruel twist, a kind twist, compassion worked a miracle – for just a second, the father’s heart and my heart were one. I turned my head and hurried down the hallway. I did not want him to see me crying for and with both of them.

 

   It was the first time such a thing ever happened to me – the first time some abstract church word became incarnate, took on human form. What I experienced that day, what I felt that day is what the Church calls Lent. Lent was no longer just a season of preparation for Easter in the church year. Lent was a human experience, actually a human form. Lent became flesh and dwelt among us.

 

   On the four Sundays of Advent (November 27, December 4, 11, and 18) we will light the Advent candles. Many times those candles are given names – Hope, Peace, Love, Joy. Great qualities of the Christian life. Oh, but this year I realized that the four candles of Advent represent so much more than qualities. This year particularly these candles became incarnate, they took on human form. A gift from God that I never imagined possible. A single candle of light that God sent into my life that broke through the darkness of my despair.  Thus, Advent and Advent candles became a human experience, took on human form.  Advent was transformed from an abstract church word; Advent became flesh and dwelt among us, dwelt with me.

 

   I pray that those four special Advent qualities – Hope, Peace, Love, Joy – are for you more than brightly shining candles. I pray that they represent brightly beaming human forms in your life. May you too see beloved human faces in those candles this year. 

 

  Thank you, God, for Advent’s “candles”!

 

                                                                                             Grace and peace,

                                                                                              Grady

 

 

 


Education CommuniKA (Karen Allen, Associate Pastor)
 

  

Sunday, December 11

4:00—5:30 p.m.

 We will meet in the Ashe Street parking lot at 4:00 p.m., and return at 5:30 p.m. for a Chili Supper in Fellowship Hall.

 This year you are invited to bring mittens, scarves and hats to decorate our Christmas tree for the Coalition. Please join us for one or both events. 

  

Invite your friends and neighbors to join in spreading Christmas cheer!

 

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Brownson Youth Connection (Kris Brammer, Youth Director)

               

~ Youth Events ~
 

   

Middle School Youth 

  Dec. 4th @ 6:00 p.m.   Christmas themed night of faith, food, and fellowship!

 

  Dec. 11th @ 4:00 p.m.   Caroling and Family Night Gathering Chili Supper

 

  Dec. 18th @ 6:00 p.m.   Dinner and a Christmas Movie!

 

Senior High Youth

   Dec. 4th @ 6:00 p.m.   Homebound  Service project.  We will be making a gift for our   homebound church members.  We need individual socks (kids socks   too) and scrap fabric for this project.  So if you have socks who have   lost their mate, bring them to church (washed).

 

  Dec. 11th @ 4:00 p.m.  Caroling and Family Night Gathering Chili supper

 

  Dec. 18th @ 6:00 p.m.   Sr. High Christmas Party!

 

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Pastoral Care (Cynthia Strickland, Parish Associate)
 

 

Prayer Shawl Ministry will meet on Wednesday, December 7, at 12:15. in the Atrium. This is a new time to meet!  We invite all those who are interested to join us for a brown bag lunch, fellowship and of course, knitting.  You do not need to be an expert knitter, the shawls are surprisingly easy to make.  We will teach you!  Hope to see one and all in the Atrium on the 7th of December!         

  

Silent Night Service of Healing and Hope will be held on Wednesday, December 14,

at 5:00 p.m.  This special service recognizes that, for many people, Christmas is a sad and difficult time. With scripture, music, reflections, and candles, we affirm that the “light of Christ” shines for those who walk in darkness. A reception hosted by Martha’s Friends will follow.  Please invite friends or family who might appreciate this service.  Please call the office if you need transportation.

 

 

Stephen Ministry has been a vital, caring ministry at Brownson for three years.  We have trained over 30 individuals as Stephen Ministers, and they have reached out with love and care to over 50 individuals in that time on a one-on-one basis. We have seen the great value of this ministry and are planning to begin a new training session for Stephen Ministers in January 2012. We are looking for some compassionate men and women to become Stephen Ministers. If you are interested, or to find out more about this program, contact Cynthia Strickland at 692-6252 or cynthia@brownsonchurch.org.

 

Flower Ministry ~ Everyone loves to get flowers!  Did you know that every week our beautiful Sanctuary flowers are divided into smaller arrangements and taken to our homebound or those who are hospitalized?  We need some help with this important ministry.  Would you be able to help deliver these small arrangements on Monday or Tuesday of every week?  Maybe you could do it once or twice a month?  It will take about an hour, and you will bring sunshine to someone’s day!  If you are interested, please contact Peggy Calhoun.. 

Poinsettia Delivery ~ Thanks to our Congregational Care ministry, Christmas poinsettias will be delivered during the second week of December to those who are homebound or unable tocome to church during the Christmas season.  If you or someone you know would appreciate a poinsettia, please contact Cynthia Strickland at 692-6252 or cynthia@brownsonchurch.org.


 

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Presbyterian Women

       

Presbyterian Women will be collecting applesauce cups again this year for Back Pack Pals.  Last year, Brownson members contributed 1,459 cups and we hope that we can do as well or better this year.

 

  Barbara Ross will be asking for volunteers to support the annual Blood Drive which will be held in the Spring.  The Drive requires

20 to 30 volunteers, plus donors.

 

  Those women who may have questions about a circle or wish to join one may call Carol Misegades, Membership Chairman. Circle meetings are a time for fellowship, Bible study, and joining together in missions.  Other missions for PW this year were chosen

by the different circles.  They include Meals on Wheels, Barium Springs Home for

Children, Sandhills Children’s Center, the Empty Stocking Fund, Friend to Friend, and

Family Promise.

  PW events scheduled include:

  December 12 – Christmas fellowship with a cookie swap and white elephant exchange 

  March 19, 2012 – Diana Turner-Forte, a Lenten Program including Liturgical dance 

  April 16, 2012 – “A.B.C.” (About Brownson Circles)

  May 15, 2012 – Installation of 2012-13 Coordinating Team and Lifetime Membership Presentation.

 

  PW will provide the funds for a pizza party and get-together for college students when they return home for the Christmas holidays.  The youth of the church are also invited to attend this event.  Kris will let you know when the date is set.

.

  Merry Christmas and Peace on Earth to All,

 

  Barbara Dunn

 


                                                                                   
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