Thyat i r a P resby te r i an Church a t M i l l B r idge

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The famous German Christian martyr and author Dietrich Bonhoeffer’s classic book, Life Together, contains a lovely section on congregational singing of which I was reminded by last Sunday’s hymnsing. Bonhoeffer writes:

The prayers of the psalms and the reading of Scripture should be followed by the singing together of a hymn, this being the voice of the Church, praising, thanking, and praying.

“Sing unto the Lord a new song,” the Psalter enjoins us again and again. It is the Christ-hymn, new every morning, that the family fellowship strikes up at the beginning of the day, the hymn that is sung by the whole Church of God on earth and in heaven, and in which we are summoned to join. God has prepared for Himself one great song of praise throughout eternity, and those who enter the community of God join this song. It is the song that the “morning stars sang together and all the sons of God shouted for joy” at the creation of the world (Job 38:7). It is the victory song of the children of Israel after passing through the Red Sea, the Magnificat of Mary after the annunciation, the song of Paul and Silas in the night of prison, the song of the singers on the sea of glass after their rescue, the “song of Moses the servant of God, and the song of the Lamb” (Rev. 15:3). It is the new song of the heavenly fellowship.

In the morning of every day the Church on earth lifts up this song and in the evening it closes the day with this hymn. It is the triune God and His works that are extolled. This song has a different ring on earth from what it has in heaven. On earth it is the song of those who believe, in heaven the song of those who see. On earth it is a song expressed in fallible human terms, in heaven it is the “unspeakable words, which it is not lawful for a man to utter” (II Cor. 12:4), it is the “new song” that “no man could learn…but the hundred and forty and four thousand” (Rev. 14:3), the song to which “the harps of God” are played (Rev. 15:2).

What do we know of that new song and the harps of God? Our new song is an earthly song, a song of pilgrims and wayfarers upon whom the Word of God has dawned to light their way. Our earthly song is bound to God’s revealing Word in Jesus Christ. It is the simple song of the children of this earth who have been called to be God’s children; not ecstatic, not enraptured, but sober, grateful, reverent, addressed steadily to God’s revealed Word.

“Sing and make melody in your heart to the Lord” (Eph. 5:19). The new song is sung first in the heart. Otherwise it cannot be sung at all. The heart sings because it is overflowing with Christ. That is why all singing in the church is a spiritual performance. Surrender to the Word, incorporation in the community, great humility, and much discipline – these are the prerequisites of all singing together. Where the heart is not singing there is no melody, there is only the dreadful medley of human self-praise. Where the singing is not to the Lord, it is singing to the honor of the self or the music, and the new song becomes a song of idols.

“Speak to yourselves in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs” (Eph. 5:19). Our song on earth is speech. It is the sung Word. Why do Christians sing when they are together? The reason is, quite simply, because in singing together it is possible for them to speak and pray the same Word at the same time; in other words, because here they can unite in the Word. All devotion, all attention should be concentrated upon the Word in the hymn. The fact that we do not speak it but sing it only expresses the fact that our spoken words are inadequate to express what we want to say, that the burden of our song goes far beyond all human words. Yet we do not hum a melody; we sing words of praise to God, words of thanksgiving, confession, and prayer. Thus the music is completely the servant of the Word. It elucidates the Word in its mystery.

God’s word is indeed sometimes hard to comprehend, but music helps bring us closer to it. Thanks be to God for the music makers of the world and at Thyatira who help us know who God is and how much we are loved.

July 2019 Newsletter Volume 42, Number 7

Prayer Concerns

Please keep in your prayers the Session, Deacons, and Staff of the Church, as well as all who faithfully serve one another and our community through the ministries of the church.

Mocksville Senior Living: Mary Moon

At Home: JoAnn Kerr

• The family of Nancy Williams, who passed away on May 29, as well as James Myers and his family

• Barbara Karriker, Joyce Caldwell’s cousin, diagnosed with cancer

• Whitaker Raymer, being treated for leukemia

• Johnny Moore, being treated for a recurrence of cancer

• The Organist Search Committee

• Mike Hawkins, ongoing health issues • Fred Stamper recovering from a heart attack

• Drema Clemens’ brother, Arthur Warden

• Norma Lauder, facing health challenges

• Ted Deal

• Midwest communities affected by tornados

• Bill McLaughlin

• Edna Stamper

• Joyce and Danny Caldwell, facing health challenges

• Julie, a co-worker of Jada, diagnosed with cancer

• Mike Hawkins’ mother, Elizabeth, at Genesis

• Linda Gaylor’s mother, Barbara

• Ada Jo Sloop, serving in the Peace Corps

• Bill Bergstrom is being treated for leukemia

• Drema Clemens’ mother, Bertha Warden

• Millicent Hoffner’s brother, Joe Kerr

Liturgists: 7 - Millicent Hoffner 14 - Debbie Edwards 21 - Leigh Anne Wetmore 28 - Bill Hall Nursery Attendants: 7 - Dana Milam, Nora Dellinger 14 - Linda Rogers, Candace McKnight 21 - Melissa Kluttz, Jessica Swanson 28 - Lydia Richmond, Ben Watts

Ushers: Mike Hawkins, Captain Bill Bergstrom Jeremy Deal Steven Wetmore A.J. Waller Thank you to all our volunteers! If you would be interested in being added as a liturgist or nursery attendant please contact the church office or put a note in the offering plate.

July Schedules

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1 Sarah Waller

2 Riley Wilkie Grayson Wilkie

3 William Feimster

5 Beth Bates

6 Emory Graham

8 Buddy Erwin Flora Calderón-Steck

9 Abby Covington

10 Mitchell Seaboch Steven Wetmore

11 Keith Townsend

13 Becky Daniel Kitty Harris

16 Julie Bigsby Gerald Hargis

17 Nell Fuller

19 Trisha Belk Nora Patterson Ben Watts

20 Abigail Deal

21 Jessica Leazer

23 Cam Hall

24 Joyce Caldwell

27 Koen Franz John Parish

28 Adam Hall

29 Jay Bates Jill Townsend

30 Selena Bell

July Birthdays

THANK YOU FOR YOUR GENEROSITY We received 96% of our anticipated offerings

for the month of June. Thank you for your

continued support and helping us bring good

news to our community by staying up-to-date

with your estimated giving.

PHONE PRAYER CHAIN

If you, a family member, or friend would like to be added to our Phone Prayer Chain, please call Jim Albright at 704-279-3317. Whatever your prayer need is, finding peace of mind provides a foundation of strength to face any situation. Your request is a sacred trust and is kept confidential among our prayer list members.

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Carewear will not meet in June, July, or August. If you need materials or have any questions, please speak to Alice Sloop.

Future Books and Meeting Dates:

August 23- Handmaids Tale by Margaret Atwood

October 25- It Didn’t Start with You by Mark Wolynn

December 6- I Don't Know How She Does It by Allison Pearson

See Lydia Richmond or our Facebook group for details and questions.

Greetings!

Hope everyone is enjoying their summer vacations. Beginning Sunday, July 7, we will resume choir rehearsal on a shortened schedule. Preschoolers and rising kindergarteners will meet upstairs at 9:55am. The older kids will practice immediately after Sunday School. Rehearsals will be short as each choir will be practice one song each for Homecoming.

When September rolls around we will begin our regular schedule, and soon after begin practicing for Christmas.

Hope you all will return and be ready to sing!

Love,

Ms. Millicent

MEETING REMINDER *Be Seen *Be Connected *Be Informed

Deacons: Our next meeting is Sunday, July 7

at 9:00am.

Finance Committee: We will not have a

meeting in July.

Session: Our monthly meeting is scheduled

on Sunday, July 14 at 8:30am.

Please join us Sunday, July 28 at 8:30am for our monthly morning breakfast and fellowship. Contact Greg Hager if you have any questions.

MEN’s breakfast Food

Faith

Fellowship

On June 9th we celebrated the Sacrament

of Holy Baptism and welcomed our newest

members.

The Sacrament of Holy Baptism Skylar Grace Bell, daughter of Tyler Bell and Leah Bowers

Jessica Leazer, Candidate for baptism

Reception of New Members Matt Leazer, by Reaffirmation of Faith Bill Kluttz, by Letter of Transfer Martha Simerson, by Letter of Transfer

Sunday, August 11

Come celebrate with us at our Annual Homecoming. We will welcome Thyatirans from near and far, and feast both at the Communion Table and then at the Covered Dish meal following worship at the picnic shelter dedication.

Everyone Welcome! Invite Friends!

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Hosts for International Students Needed

CIEE (Council for International Educational Exchange) is honored to place students in CCS and CMS for the 2019-2020 SY for a year full of amazing

cross-cultural experiences. Our students are excited to be connected you amazing host families for two high school semesters. While the students will not arrive until August, we are matching them with families this month to secure their spot at school, as spaces are limited. As a reminder, they will attend the local high school closest to their host family, including the school in which you may already work. Students can take school transportation, walk, or carpool. Our students have their own medical insurance and their own spending money to cover personal expenses.

Host families come in all shapes and sizes; retired, older children and younger children, single parents, single persons, or couples with no children. Host families live in apartments and houses and students can share a room with someone of the same gender within 4 years of age. A person can choose to host for a few months or the school year. A host simply puts another plate on the table and welcomes the student as one of their own! Here are notes from some of our students:

I love laughing and everybody says that the good thing about me is that I can turn a bad situation into a good. I love to stay busy by participating in a swim club. I like to sing an acting too. This is one of my favorite activities and I'd like to join to some extracurricular activities related to that. What's more, I like drawing and painting and I think, that I'm really good at it. I love traveling and I want to visit every part of world in the future. I'm so sociable and I like to meet new people. I like to help other people and I can help them if they need that. I have

siblings, so I know how to live in a group. Also I have dog and cat and I love pets so much. Adriana, 16, Poland

l'm an optimistic and self-confidence person. Almost everything can't make me feel feared and sometimes l can face to a bad thing in a positive way. l love playing music instrument such like piano, guitar, guqin, etc. l spent time to play them everyday. Also, l love sports. l play tennis very often and l want to play baseball in America. l have a lot of friends in the places around the world, we all have a great relationship with each other. l'm a only child, we often traveled together. Xuezhi, 15, China

My name is Charles, and my friends say that I am funny, persistent and trust-worthy. I love laughing with them and make jokes. During my free time, I appreciate playing piano for the last 6 years, listening to music. Also, I enjoy playing US football, tennis, snowboarding and wakeboarding. While my family has hosted a student, I have also completed an exchange program in a host family in Chicago. I am very adaptable and open-minded. During my journey, if it was possible, I would like to join a US football or baseball team and a music band. I am looking forward to cooking French meals and sharing them with my host family. I would like to introduce them to listening to French songs. Charles, 15, France

Please help us in the search for incredible host families by considering the opportunity for yourself or passing this email along to others.

Visit www.ciee.org/host for more information on hosting, reply to me, or feel free to call me.

Thank you for the consideration and I look forward to hearing from you!

AUDRA MURRAY // CIEE Regional Director NC & SC 300 Fore Street, Portland, ME 04101 email amurray@ciee.org tel 207.553.4000 mobile 207.210.3753 web ciee.org/host/

PARENTS… The information you need for 2019-2020 classes:

• Orientation/Open House will be held on Monday, August 12 at 9:00am. Parents and students will meet teachers, review school policies and what to expect during the school year.

• First day of school is Tuesday, August 13.

• The 4 year old class is still open for enrollment. If you know someone who is interested, please have them contact the church office or view the website to obtain more information.

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Qualified Charitable Distributions (QCD) are more attractive than ever for IRA holders. Older adults who donate to charities like Thyatira and want to reduce taxes need to know that QCD can save them a lot of money. The QCD deductions can work on federal taxes for those adults over the age of 70 ½. Several church members and others are saving significant money by donating using IRA Required Minimum Distribution (RMD) funds to make withdrawals from IRAs. After age of 70 ½, you are required to take distribution funds annually from your IRA and report those withdrawals on your annual federal income tax return. The withdrawals are reported as income on your tax return. But, if you donate your RMD to an approved

charity through your IRA administrator, you do not report the IRA distribution as income on your return. As a result, your adjusted gross income, your taxable income, and your overall tax liability is reduced. QCD for those over 70 ½ allows you to exclude the withdrawal amount from your IRA as income from your tax return and instead of itemized deductions, you may qualify for the standard deduction up to $26,600 against other income. You donate to charity and enjoy tax benefits under the IRS law. If you have already taken the IRA RMD, you cannot take advantage of QCD on funds already withdrawn. In addition, if your retirement funds are in a 401(K), you may still be able to obtain tax savings by rolling over money from your 401(k) to an IRA and then donate it to charity. Remember that to qualify you must be 70 ½ years of age, you must have an IRA account and you must have your IRA account administrator send the funds to the charity. Funds cannot be passed through you to the charity. As with all financial matters, questions should be referred to your tax preparer or IRA custodian and/or advisor.

Thank you! Thyatirans have responded to the need for tables for our new picnic shelter with the same love and generosity they put into the food for our meals together!

On Homecoming Sunday, August 11, we’ll have a chance to break bread together around these tables as we officially dedicate the picnic shelter. Don’t miss the chance to break in these gifts and give thanks for those who have made them possible.

Why Get Involved in Eyeglass Recycling? The World Health Organization estimates that 120 million are visually impaired because of uncorrected refractive errors (far and near sightedness). Refractive errors can be easily diagnosed, measured and corrected with eyeglasses, contact lenses or refractive surgery. Yet, millions of people lack access to these basic services. Participation in the Lions Eyeglass Recycling Program can raise your club’s visibility and provide your fellow Lions and Leos with a team project that is both easy and rewarding. The donated eyeglasses collected by your club can help improve the quality of life for children and adults living in low and middle income communities around the world. Many will experience corrected vision for the first time, enabling them to lead productive working lives, support their families, attend school and advance their education.

You may drop off your old eyeglasses to the church office and they will be donated to Lions Club eyeglass recycling program.

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Water Can Be Good for Our Spirit and Our Health

Summer is here and everyone is ready for fun. Much of the fun of summer occurs on or in water and, along with seeking the fun, it is the responsibility of each of us to prepare to avoid the dangers.

Pools - Every parent who has a child who will be around or in water must become knowledgeable about water dangers and safety.

According to the CDC drowning is the leading cause of injury deaths in U.S. children ages 1-4 years of age. “Toddlers don’t yell or splash and they sink fast,” warns Steven Kernie, MD, a pediatric critical care physician at Children’s Center in Dallas. There are many safety suggestions on type of fencing and gates at a pool, under water alarms in pools, instructions on swimming lessons, and good habits to develop like putting away pool toys when not in use. All of these and others are important to know and follow. Above all, parents must also know their child. Young children are wonderfully inventive, fast (usually one step ahead of most adults) and often fearless. The adults in a child’s life cannot become so consumed by fear that children are not allowed to be children, but it’s important to be aware that according to statistics 69% of drownings occur when one or both parents were responsible for supervision.

Other Water Activities - In children and adolescents 5-19 years of age, drownings is the third leading cause of unintentional injury deaths.

Lakes, rivers and ponds provide a place for a wealth of “water fun,” but these are also places where following the rules of good safety such as proper use of life vest and other suggested rules can make the difference between a day of fun or tragedy.

Recent news articles have emphasized the importance of respecting the conditions that exist at a particular time. Whether it’s the riptides at the beach or swift moving water following storms, these dangerous situations remind us that being the “dare devil” may appeal, but it’s not worth a life.

The Turn Around Don’t Drown campaign is more than just a war of words. In six inches of swift moving water an adult can be knocked off his feet; a car can be pushed out of control by less than two feet of swift water. Recently, there have been summer storms with intense rain and flash flooding. This is a time to know the rules and be sensible in our behavior.

Our Carolina beaches and shark tales have gained attention. Myrtle Beach has its own page to alleviate any concern which tourists may be experiencing. They have a list of things which kill more people than sharks. Among their list of killers are cows which they say have caused twenty-five deaths and vending machines which have caused thirteen deaths. People have enjoyed their humor, but if you have a beach trip planned and are hoping for the best, but want to prepare for the worst, there are sites on the internet which approach your concern in a serious manner with logical information and suggestions.

* The Importance of knowing some general first aid and CPR cannot be exaggerated. Formal training is certainly best, but seeking information on your own can only be of benefit to you and those around you.

Water: Our Health Depends on It

Drinking fluids is crucial to staying healthy and maintaining the functions of the systems in the body, including your heart, brain, and muscles. Fluids carry nutrients to your cells, flush bacteria from your bladder and prevent constipation.

Older adults often don’t get enough fluids and risk becoming dehydrated, especially in the summer when it’s hotter and people perspire more. Many older people don’t sense thirst as much as they did when they were younger. Warning signs of dehydration include weakness, low blood pressure, dizziness, confusion or urine that is dark in color.

To ward off dehydration, some suggest that healthy people should get from 30 to 50 ounces of fluids per day. These fluids should be taken throughout the day as the kidneys may lose some of their ability to eliminate fluids as we age. It is good to drink water or juices and eat water-rich foods such as salads, fruits and vegetables at meal times and when taking medications.

It is possible to take in too much water if you have certain health conditions, such as thyroid disease or kidney, liver, or heart problems. Some medications may make you retain water so it is always best to discuss the effects of proscribed medications with your medical care provider.

Types of Water

• Tap Water - The quality of the water which comes out of your faucet can vary on whether it comes from a large public water system or a private well. Tap is the source of most drinking water and can always be tested if you have concerns.

• Spring Water - Comes from an underground water source that flows to the earth’s surface. It can have fewer contaminants and more minerals than unfiltered tap water. Some bottled water claims to be spring water.

• Distilled Water - goes through a boiling process that strips away all of its contaminants and all of its healthy minerals. There are some health concerns that come from removing all minerals from our drinking water.

• Alkaline Water - is processed through a filter that raises the pH of the water. Very little research has been done on the effects of alkaline water.

• Electrolyte water - some bottled water such as SmartWater, PureLife, and Dasani purify the water first and than add eletrolytes. The amount of additives in some of this bottled water is sometimes insignificant. Unfortunately, the bottles themselves can be a health or environmental concern.

No matter whether you buy bottled it or get it from the tap, some people just don’t like to drink water. If you are among this group, you need to search for your own way to make drinking water a part of your daily routine. Drink water: The body needs it!

Information for this article was taken from: Harvard Health, Mayo Clinic, WebMD, The Chopra Center and CDC

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Thyatira Presbyterian Church At Mill Bridge 220 White Rd. Salisbury, NC 28147-5606 RETURN SERVICE REQUESTED

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PAID PERMIT NO. 100 SALISBURY, NC

July 2019 Newsletter

Thyatira VBS 2019 is approaching fast! You will not want to miss this annual tradition of food, fellowship, and spiritual journey. This year we learn to love our neighbor as Jesus taught, through the faith-based curriculum “Who is my Neighbor?”. To show our love for our neighbors, we will collect items to be donated to Rowan Helping Ministries-West - specifications to be announced at our welcome and gathering on Friday night. We will kick off the weekend on Friday, July 12th at 5:30pm with dinner (Pizza)! At 6:30 we will gather together to learn some VBS songs and complete our 1st lesson “Love God and your Neighbor.” Lesson rotation will include story-time, creative application, and fun physical activities. On Saturday, July 13th, at 1pm, we will gather in the Fellowship Hall to rotate through lessons 2-4: “Who is my Neighbor?”, “Live Peacefully” and “Everyone is Invited.” We have a special surprise planned for the group at 4:45. (Hint: Be sure to bring a towel and change of clothes!) Beginning at 5:30, we invite ALL of our neighbors, near and far, to come and feast with us as we grill hamburgers and hot dogs and fellowship with each other in the new picnic shelter. The Fellowship Committee has graciously agreed to procure the meats and accoutrements and the Men of the Church will show off their grilling skills - to the benefit of us all! We ask that all other attendees bring a side dish or dessert to share. We will wrap up our weekend during Sunday School on July 14th at with our 4th lesson “Share with Others.” Please pre-register for this event. You can complete registration by notifying the church office or via the link https://forms.gle/zAt5sbT2yk4gLqoq6.