the torch - tuckahoepres.org marvel at and praise god for his unending grace and his work in ......
TRANSCRIPT
The monthly Newsletter of Tuckahoe Presbyterian Church 7000 Park Avenue
Richmond, VA 23226 804-282-2860; www.tuckahoepres.org
The Torch
SWEET RELEASE
Worship the Lord your God, and serve only him. (Luke 4:8)
Lent begins with Ash Wednesday on February 10th. Lent, from the Latin for lengthening, is the period of forty-days until holy week (excluding Sundays which are a little Easter). The biblical use of forty is symbolic for a period of testing and trial before a promised release - the Israelites wandering in the wilderness (in this case forty-years) before being released into the Promised Land and Jesus’ fast in the wilderness when he was tempted by the devil before be-ing released to begin his earthly ministry. We observe this season of Lent to be in solidarity with Jesus, to “walk with him” toward the cross and the resurrection. Unfortunately, our “fasting” is often superficial, such as abstain-ing from chocolate, drinking, etc. Giving up sweets and alcohol may serve to trim our waist-lines, but it does very little to serve God. When Jesus was entreated by the devil to make bread to alleviate his hunger, he refused, but not because he had committed to a carb-free diet, rather because he knew that God alone provides nourishment. For each of the “tests” the devil gave Jesus there was the assumption that Jesus had the power to make things happen apart from God, or to force God to do some-thing. But in his response to each test, Jesus unmasked the devil’s treacherous scheme and sub-mits to God (to refresh your memory, read Luke 4:1-13). Unlike Adam and Eve, who grasped the fruit so they could be like God, Jesus resists the temptations and passes the test. He chose to endure the suffering to serve God’s earthly purpose for him, to die so that hu-manity might live. Lent affords us an oppor-tunity to take a hard look at what we depend on for sustenance and meaning. In essence it is a season for us to question how much we really rely on God.
(continued, next page)
Volume 58, No. 2 February 2016
FROM THE PASTOR’S STUDY
2
WHAT’S INSIDE
From the Pastor 1-2
Youth Ministries 3
Children’s Ministries 4-5
Outreach 6-7
Around the Church 8-11
Food & Fellowship 12-14
2016 Budget 15
When the stock market drops, when our health is compromised, when our homeland is endangered, to whom do we turn? As followers of Jesus, we should expect that our lives will have periods of testing and trial. And, whereas I don’t believe God causes bad things to hap-pen, God certainly allows them to happen and to serve as tests to see where our hope for relief lies. If we seek ultimate relief in doctor’s administrations, or military might, or financial stabil-ity, then we are indeed on shaky ground. But if we respond like Jesus, when we believe that only God gives ultimate relief, that God is worth our full reliance and God alone is worth serving, then we find release from desperate wandering in the world’s wilderness. I invite you this Lent to take a hard look at yourself. What wilderness are you currently in and who are you depending on to take you safely through? Commit this Lent to praying more and reading God’s Word. You may find that by Easter you will find sweet release from the fears and strivings that have kept you wandering and are more prepared to confidently follow Jesus into the world.
Grace and Peace, Patrick
YOUTH MINISTRIES
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February 7 After Church Knox Bowl - Bring a change of clothes to church and join us for lunch and our annual flag football game. It's a great time even if you're not a stellar athlete!
February 12-15 Weekend High School Beach Retreat at Sandbridge - This will be a wonderful time of worship, rest, and renewal. Don't miss out! Registration is due to Susan Galvin by January 31st.
February 14 6:00—8:00 p.m. Youth Sunday Planning - Middle School
youth will gather at church for some recreation, dinner, and Youth Sunday planning. Bring your creativity, because we'll need you to take part in developing important pieces of Youth Sunday worship!
February 21 6:00—8:00 p.m. Youth Sunday Preparation - Come out and do your part to make it a meaningful Spirit-filled service.
February 28 During Worship Youth Sunday No evening Youth Group
SOUPER BOWL OF CARING
MORE THAN 25 YEARS AGO, the Souper Bowl of Caring began with a simple prayer from a single youth group: “Lord, even
as we enjoy the Super Bowl football game, help us be mindful of those without a bowl of soup to eat.” Since that day, more than $110 million has been raised for local charities across the country through
Souper Bowl of Caring. Be part of this movement that is sharing God’s love with those in need. Please give generously on Super Bowl
Sunday. Proceeds from this important fund raising effort will go to Lamb’s Basket.
Youth group is back in action, and we are already thinking about summer! Anyone interested in going to Montreat, you must return information to
Susan Galvin by January 31. If you are interested in attending this summer's Presbyterian Youth Triennium, you must apply through the link below. The Presbytery of the James is
coordinating this event. Here is the link to sign up- https://docs.google.com/a/camphanover.org/forms/d/1jfNttUE9aUyYpzc4aTEi3uuvr6Yo3Z7GKu5rHxvwpww/
viewform
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CHILDREN’S MINISTRIES
A 13TH ANNIVERSARY THANK YOU
On the second day of February in 2003, my ministry among the wonderful TPC family began. As I begin my fourteenth year serving this wonderfully kind,
enthusiastic, and supportive church family, I do so with great thanksgiving for each of you. I marvel at and praise God for His unending grace and His work in
my life, my vocation, and in our church family. Thanks be to God! - Becky Goode, Director of Children’s Ministries
LENT BEGINS ON FEBRUARY 10
Lent, through the eyes of a child, is…. …a time for looking at the things we have done that are wrong, asking God’s and other people’s forgiveness; …a time for giving up the things that keep us from being loving people; …a time for doing extra things that will help us grow closer to God; …a time to be more aware of what it means to love as God loves us; …a time to ask God to help us to be more loving, remembering that God is always ready to strengthen us;
…a time to think about our baptism and what it means to be a child of God.
WISH LIST FOR CHILDREN’S
MINISTRIES
Volunteers for Vacation Bible School!!! (sign-up display coming soon to Duntreath Hall) 6-pack boxes of Model Magic, “Natural Colors” 6 individual packs in a box (found at Michael’s or A.C. Moore) Inflatable or other lightweight beach balls and beach toys of all sizes for VBS decorating
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CHILDREN’S MINISTRIES
MARK YOUR CALENDARS FOR
VACATION BIBLE SCHOOL 2016!
WHEN: JULY 18-22 from 9:00 a.m.-12:00 p.m. AGES: 3 years old through rising 5th grade
THEME: Surf Shack…Catch the Wave of God’s Amazing Love!
Join in the excitement as we transform our buildings into a continuous, beachy experience of “Epic Rides”, powerful water stories from the Bible that illustrate
God’s amazing love! The combination of Epic Rides and Wave Words, along with life application discoveries, will help children understand how to love and
to serve God with love.
If you cannot be there every morning during VBS week, but can make time for just one of the three-hour sessions, you can still sign up to lead, or assist in leading, a
group of children to and from the five daily activities. There will be no classrooms, no class lessons. Children will gather and dismiss at their age group’s table in Duntreath
Hall, where their leader for the day (or days, or all five days) will help them to prepare for, and then take them to, the assembly and activities.
We also need activity leaders and assistants, youth helpers, drama characters,
nursery caregivers and more. Before the week begins, we need decorating groups for five small areas and other help with preparation.
Take a look at the volunteer sign-up display in Duntreath Hall, which will appear this month, and prayerfully consider how you are called to help.
If you know how you would like to take part before the display is in place, let Becky know and she will happily sign you up!
“Remember that the Lord is great and awesome!” – Nehemiah 4:14 Questions? Contact Becky Goode, email: [email protected] phone: 201-0571.
OUTREACH
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CHRISTMAS ELVES ARE MUCH APPRECIATED!
During the 2015 Christmas season, twenty-five individuals or families volunteered to be “Christmas Elves.” In this role they purchased clothing and a toy, a game, or school supplies for fifty students at Oak Grove – Bellemeade Elementary School. It was so exciting to transport fifty grocery sacks of gifts, filling two cars, to
the school for their distribution! While we did not witness the joy the students exhibited on picking up their gifts, our CIS volunteer coordinator has told us that
there were lots of smiles and hugs from both the children and their parents. A number of parents sent notes of appreciation to our volunteer coordinator.
Here are two examples: “Thank you for helping my family out with Christmas. It was truly a blessing for us and
Atiba. You made Christmas special for all of us.” “We really appreciate all that you do for us.”
Thank you Christmas Elves! Thank you TPC members for being involved in Outreach efforts!
OUTREACH COMMITTEE PRAYER
REQUEST: NEW BEGINNINGS
As members of our church begin a new year of service, each one needs your prayer support. Whether serving in an office
or on a committee that is a totally new challenge, or returning to a familiar setting, each person needs your prayer support.
Whether the position is a major one or a minor one, they need your prayer support. Tuckahoe’s mission—
“to be the heart, voice, hands, and feet of Christ” will depend on the actions of these leaders. Pray for them.
LIBERATION FAMILY SERVICES
MEAL PREP AND DELIVERY Cooks and/or delivery drivers are needed to complete our team of Tuckahoe volunteers providing dinner to the residents of Liberation Family Services on Sunday, February 7th. If you are willing and able to assist our team or have
questions, please contact Shawna Shade at [email protected] or 564-3379. This is a way for us to serve those who have served by preparing and sharing a
meal with military veterans. To complete our menu for the 25 residents either a pan
of enchiladas or a pan of brownies is needed. If you can assist with delivery, you need to know
that LFS is located on the corner of 1201 Hull Street and 12th Street. Please arrive at 6:00pm and park on 12th Street by the single door. Plan to serve and spend time with the
residents for 45 minutes to an hour.
OUTREACH
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CARITAS IS COMING IN MARCH
We will welcome back families who need shelter provided by CARITAS
(Congregations Around Richmond Involved to Assure Shelter), during the week of March 5 – March 12. Many of you regularly participate in our efforts to provide a week of food, shelter, laundry services, and encouragement to homeless families
each year, and we are pleased to be doing this again.
Look for a Volunteer Poster outside the Fellowship Hall on Sundays during the month of February.
PLEASE SIGN UP TO HELP WITH DINNERS, OVERNIGHT SUPPORT, LAUNDRY, AND OTHER DUTIES.
This is a perfect example of many hands making light work! Invite friends for a cooking team, engage Sunday School classmates to assist in some aspect, or sign
up in an open spot to help us with this effort. Whatever time and energy you can give, whether it be big or small in your mind, will make an impact on
the families we serve.
Contact Jennifer Albertson at 804-615-6262 or [email protected] if you have questions. If you want to learn more about CARITAS and the programs offered,
they have a wonderful website at www.caritasva.org.
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AROUND THE CHURCH
OUR CHRISTIAN SYMPATHIES
We extend our Christian sympathies to Ann Darden and her family on the death of her sister-in-law,
Sue Johnson, on January 9th. Sue and her late husband, Charlie Johnson, were charter members of Tuckahoe.
THE WARINNER FAMILY
SCHOLARSHIP FUND
MONTE CARLO @ TUCKAHOE
Mid-winter blues? Cabin fever setting in? Need a little fun? Saturday night, February 27, from 6:30—10:00 p.m. will be your chance to have some fun and dispel the winter blahs. The Warinner Family Scholarship Committee and Group
Dynamics Entertainment is sponsoring a Monte Carlo Casino night to raise funds for the scholarships given to deserving college student recipients each year.
We have something for everyone!
Putt Putt Golf - a chance to work on or show off your golf skills.
Black Jack and Texas Hold 'em for those of you who enjoy a good game of cards.
Horse Racing with the ability to sponsor/name your own horse and Bingo are also included in the evening's fun.
Did we mention the Silent Auction with over 20 items for bid?
Free Child care will be provided. Pizza slices and soft drinks will be available for a nominal
fee. To attend, please register in advance. Sign-up sheets for registering will be available
each Sunday in February, in Duntreath, immediately following the worship service.
Single tickets are $15.00 or $25.00/couple. All proceeds go to the Warinner Family
Scholarship Fund and will be used for Tuckahoe's scholarship recipients.
For additional information, please call or email Kathy Mahone.
[400-2949 or [email protected]]
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AROUND THE CHURCH
A MESSAGE FROM THE TREASURER
It is with feelings of joy and appreciation that I announce that our church completed the 2015 fiscal year with income exceeding expenses. The primary
reason for this result is that our congregation and guests provided more financial support (104.47%) in the form of envelope contributions than we
anticipated in the preparation of the 2015 operating budget. While the interest on deposited funds was approximating five percent less than anticipated, the
funds placed in the offering plates without the identification of the giver and the funds provided for the use of our facilities also exceeded the anticipated
amounts. Those of us who have accepted responsibility for planning, monitoring, and executing the financial aspects of Tuckahoe’s ministry thank each and every one of you for your contributions of time, talent, and money.
Dick Mateer, Church Treasurer
HELP FOR CRESTVIEW SCHOOL Please continue to support Crestview Elementary school by saving labels from
common products and placing them in the basket in the Resource Center between the narthex and Duntreath. The basket is well-marked!
Ongoing collections are as follows: Box Tops for Education: Cut out the Box Tops coupon. There are many participating brands, including Cheerios, Ziploc, Betty Crocker, Bisquick, Gold Medal (flour), Pillsbury (frozen products), Kleenex, Scott (towels), Hefty (trash bags), and Hanes (socks and underwear). Each coupon is worth 10 cents and contains an
expiration date, so please turn them in promptly. Labels for Education: Save the coupon, UPC code, or bottle top. Par-
ticipating brands are Campbell’s, BIC, Pace, Pepperidge Farm, Prego,
SpaghettiOs, Swanson, and V8.
HOME COMMUNION
Did you know that if you have served as an Elder or Deacon in the past you are still part of the College of Church Elders and Deacons? Tuckahoe sends teams of Elders and Deacons out to serve communion to homebound members. We are seeking to expand this outreach. We will give you guidance, training and
directions. If you have an interest in helping to serve in this way, please contact Ginger Spence at 804-399-0081 or [email protected]
for more information.
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AROUND THE CHURCH
AN INVITATION TO SHARE
AND GROW FROM THE
WORSHIP &
MEMBERSHIP
COMMITTEE Are you a member who finds God’s
living presence in our worship services? Do you relish this experience each
Sunday? Do you have joy when you leave the sanctuary each Sunday feeling reflective, purposeful, and better
prepared to begin your week? Are you someone who wonders how your church family can become more
“invitational,” or how your church can better share the Good News of Christ’s
resurrection as Lord, of God’s generous grace, and of the Holy Spirit’s comfort and direction in people’s lives? Do you
look forward to greater growth of faith in your own personal
spiritual journey? If you answered “yes” to one or more of
these questions, prayerfully consider that God may be calling you to join the
Worship and Membership Committee. Plan with us. Grow with us.
Please speak with either Alex Miller or with your Pastor, Patrick, about joining
some friends every 2nd Wednesday at 7:30 p.m. to meet together to sustain our quality worship experiences and to
bring others into God’s loving family at Tuckahoe.
NEW PHOTOS FOR THE
CHURCH WEBSITE
PHOTO DIRECTORY
Beginning Sunday, February 14, and continuing for several weeks, we will take “one-click-and-done” individual member photos for our membership database. We will take these photos in Duntreath Hall
immediately following each worship service. Photos will be taken in the order
of the sign-in at each session. These individual photos will be included
in your personal profile in the church database, allowing us to see your picture with your individual information. The “family” pictures taken for the church pictorial directory are already in the database; but are not tagged to your
individual record. If you are taking advantage of the online
directory which is part of the new website, then you will be able to see
pictures along with member name and address information. These online photos may be viewed only by church members in a “passcode-protected” portion of our
church website.
Congratulations to Ann Darden on the birth of her 8th great-grandchild. John Frederick (Jack) Cristman, was
born on Monday, January 18th.
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AROUND THE CHURCH
NEW WEB SITE IN USE—CHECK IT OUT!!
If you haven’t already noticed, our new Tuckahoe web site is up and running. Check it out at www.tuckahoepres.org. The new site incorporates several new, dynamic features:
An audio recording of Sunday sermons and a PDF of each Sunday’s bulletin can be found on the “Sermon” page. A gallery of pictures featuring recent events of the church is included Upcoming events are highlighted on the first page Special, important announcements are also linked on the first page For Tuckahoe members there is now a link to our on-line directory. If your personal email is captured in our church database, you can set up your own account on the web site that will allow you direct access to the database. This is password protected...you set up your own password with your email address that is on file in the database. Then you can find member names, addresses, phone numbers and email addresses directly on-line! This feature also allows you to send the church updates on your personal data such as new addresses, phone numbers, email addresses or corrections to names, etc. The most up-to-date calendar, which is constantly changing, is also on the site. We will no longer publish a calendar in the Torch, as it is out of date
immediately! Please refer to the web site for the most current calendar info!
BANNER REPAIRS NEEDED...CAN YOU HELP?
Banners are a special part of Tuckahoe’s “Worship Arts”. Several Tuckahoe members have reviewed the condition of our banners to determine what
kinds of repairs are needed; but we need assistance to complete the repairs. We will be working on the banners beginning Tuesday February 9th at
10:00am. If you are interested, but this time does not work for you, please contact Ginger Spence to find an alternate time. Sewing expertise is not
necessary—many repairs can be made with a hot glue gun. If you would be willing to lend a hand repairing the damaged banners, please contact
Ginger Spence at 804-399-0081 or by email at [email protected].
FOOD & FELLOWSHIP
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DINNER AND A MOVIE
Saturday, February 20, 2016 at 5:00 p.m., the Fellowship Committee will host a family
Dinner and a Movie Night. We will show two movies, one specifically for the kids and one for the grown ups. Dinner will be
pizza (who doesn't like pizza?) and popcorn will be available during the movie.
If you would like to join us, please call the church office (282-2860) or call Kit Crawford (346-0616) to
make reservations. We need a head count so we can make sure there is enough pizza and popcorn for everyone! We are also looking for 2 chaperons to volunteer to help with the kids so
let us know if you would like to help out with that as well. We looking forward to another fun evening!
GUESS WHO’S COMING TO DINNER
IS BACK!
Guess Who's Coming to Dinner returns on Saturday, March 12, 2016.
Details are being finalized; but, if you know you would like to HOST a group of Tuckahoe Friends (identities
unknown until dinnertime) please let Camellia Wroniewicz at [email protected] or Amy Glass at
akglass @hotmail.com know! You may choose to host from 4—8 guests. As always, no formal meals are necessary.
DON’T FORGET YOUR CHANCE
TO HOST FELLOWSHIP TIME!
The Fellowship Committee provides 52 opportunities to share fellowship with other
Tuckahoe members in Duntreath each week. Take a look at the sign-up board in the hallway between the
narthex and Duntreath and take advantage of this marvelous chance to interact with friends; make new
ones; and welcome guests. Instructions may be found in the pantry or just ask Angie Meadows or
Dianne St. John. If there is a special event or activity you would like for us to consider, please contact Dianne St. John.
FOOD & FELLOWSHIP
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SPIDERS BASKETBALL
AND TPC FELLOWSHIP
It’s basketball season! Join other members of Tuckahoe and bring your whole family to the
University of Richmond/UMass basketball game at the Robins Center on Saturday,
February 6th at 6:00 p.m. Tickets are $8.00, if we get 15 or more members to sign up. The reservation deadline is Wednesday,
February 3rd. Contact Dianne St. John for tickets.
SAVE THE DATE ~
LADIES’ TEA
Coming in April…
The Second Annual Ladies' Tea! Fun for all mothers,
daughters, grandmothers, granddaughters, aunts, nieces,
and friends!
Be on the lookout for more details to follow.
WILLIAM AND MARY CHOIR
NEEDS HOUSING
The William & Mary Choir is coming to Richmond and they need YOUR help!
The final stop on their 2016 Spring Domestic Tour will reach River Road Baptist Church (8000 River
Rd, Richmond, VA 23229) on the evening of Tuesday, March 22nd, at 7:00pm. Following the concert, the singers will need a place to stay overnight before
hopping back on the bus the next morning at 9:00am (also leaving from River Road Baptist). If you would be willing to house at least two singers for the night, they would
greatly appreciate it! All that is required is that a bed or couch is available for each singer that you “adopt,” along with a set of towels for showering and some form of
breakfast in the morning. Sign-ups will be available with Jim Cooke during
fellowship hours throughout February and March (as needed). Please direct questions and requests for more information to W&M Choir president Taylor Horst
([email protected]). Many thanks! **It is important to note that the Choir is looking for volunteers via multiple connections in the
Richmond area, and if responses are plentiful, it may be that not everyone who volunteered will be needed. You will be contacted either way as soon as they know
every singer is accounted for.**
FOOD & FELLOWSHIP
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FEBRUARY’S LINEUP FOR
WEDNESDAY NIGHT SUPPER MENUS
AND PROGRAMS
Join your church family and friends on Wednesday nights for dinner and our continued exploration of the “Worship Arts”.
Join us each Wednesday night for a scrumptious dinner beginning at 6:00 p.m. and a program from 6:30 to 7:30 p.m. Music &
Motion and Skittles will continue for children age 2 and above, and will run concurrent with the adult programming following dinner.
DATE MENU PROGRAM
February 3 Cooking Team #2 will provide a catered meal from The Grapevine restaurant. The menu is Fettuccini Alfredo, vegetarian stuffed shells, salad and dessert.
A look at the banners used during worship, the art of making them and a salute to the committee that lovingly prepared them, followed by a musical performance by Tuckahoe’s hand bell choirs.
February 10 Cooking Team #4 will prepare a loaded baked potato bar, tossed salad and pie.
ASH WEDNESDAY WORSHIP in the sanctuary.
February 17 Cooking Team #3 will prepares fajitas, rice, salad and dessert.
“Entering Lent: A Celebration of Disciplines” Sara Sommers will present a program on looking inward and outward to practice spiritual discipline.
February 24 Covered Dish Prayer Labyrinth/The Jerusalem Mile—a prayer labyrinth will be explored, explained and experienced. The labyrinth will be set up in Wilson Hall.
JOIN THE TUCKAHOE BOOK CLUB
All ages, stages and literary preferences are welcome! We meet on the last Monday of the month September – May at 7:00 p.m. in members’
homes. Join us for good conversation and fellowship. All are welcome!
DATE BOOK/AUTHOR REVIEWER HOSTESS
2/29 All the Light We Cannot See by Anthony Doerr
Kaye Keyes Mickey Mateer
3/28 The Kitchen House by Kathleen Grissom
Jackie Meyers Jean Hayes
2016 budget
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TUCKAHOE PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH— OPERATING BUDGET 2016
Administration/Personnel Committee $339,992
Staff Compensation and Benefits
Insurance
Office Equipment/Maintenance
Office Supplies/Postage
Telephone/Web/Internet
Training/Background Checks/Admin Support/Child Care
Stock Commissions/Service Charges
Financial Review
Stephen Ministry
Christian Formation Committee 15,100
Children/Youth Ministries
Curriculum/Education Supplies
Fellowship
Library/AV
DCM Cont. Ed/Special Projects
All Church Retreat/Wednesday Night Suppers
Outreach Committee 12,837
Missionary Support
Presbyterian Related Organizations (e.g. Camp Hanover)
Mission Trip
Community Ministries
Stewardship/Finance Committee 600
Contribution Envelopes & Stewardship Activities
Property Committee 91,800
Utilities
General Repair & Maintenance/Service Contracts
Supplies
Cleaning Service
Worship/Membership Division 4,488
Membership Initiatives/Publicity/Banners
Music/Guest Musicians/Pulpit Guests
Sound System/Worship Resources
Communion
Higher Courts 30,800
General Assembly, Synod, Presbytery of the James
Theological Education
TOTAL $495,617
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TUCKAHOE PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH
Tuckahoe Staff Patrick Dennis—Pastor
Mark Cain—Director, Music Ministries Sarah Cothern, Assistant Director, Music Ministries
Rebecca Goode—Director, Children’s Ministries Mary McGee—Office Administrator
Diane Prevary—Parish Associate Ginger Spence—Director, Visitation
Telephone: 282-2860 E-mail: [email protected]
OUR MISSION STATEMENT:
Called by God, to be the heart, voice, hands and feet
of Christ where the Spirit leads us.
The Torch is a monthly newsletter of Tuckahoe Presbyterian Church. Deadline is the 18th of each month. Editor-Mary McGee; email: [email protected]
TUCKAHOE PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH
7000 Park Avenue Richmond, VA 23226-3624
*RETURN SERVICE REQUESTED*