The Disciple Newsletter
In This Issue
February Schedules
Online Giving
Ingles Cards
Susanna Wesley Circle
Addresses
Stephen Ministry
Pastor John
Children's Ministry
Article Headline
Women's Ministry
Prayer
Celebrations
Library News
Baby Shower for Sam
Baby Shower for Hillary
Thank You
Administrative Council
Celebrate Recovery
Quick Links
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February
 Schedule:

Sunday Snacks: 
2/3-Sharon Helsher & Susan Rozmus; 2/10-John & Suzette Renfro; 2/17-Susan Rozmus; 2/24-Donna Banks & Lynn Walker

Sunday Greeters: 2/3-Garland & Mary Ann Wampler; 2/10-Jamie & Renee Ray; 2/17-Bob Drummond; 2/24-Cliff & Marcia Schoen

Scripture Readers: 2/3-Erika Tyner; 2/10-Nancy Williams; 2/17-David Cort; 2/24-Bunnie McIntosh

Youth Dinners: 2/3-Souper Bowl; 2/10-Gwen Reynolds; 2/17-Ginger Eten; 2/24-Peirce & Deena Bingham

Nursery Volunteers:
2/3-Nancy Smith & Kim Young; 2/10-Sonya Vess & Judy Riddle; 2/17-Sharon & Lynn Walker; 2/24-Barbara Bradley & Gwen Reynolds 

Altar Guild - Virginia Ray and Betsy Myers
Online Giving is
Now Available!
Higgins is offering online giving through EasyTithe!

Try it now, online or through the mobile app!
Please contact the office or send us an email if you have any questions.
NEW OFFICE HOURS AT HIGGINS

MONDAY - THURSDAY-8:30-4:00 
FRIDAY - 8:00 - 12 noon

Ingles Gift Cards!
Purchase Ingles Cards and 5% of the face value goes directly to Missions. It doesn't cost you anything extra! (If you order a $100 card, $5 will go directly to Missions and you still have $100 purchasing power). It can be used for anything at Ingles including GAS. See Stewart and Rebecca Leadbitter after Celebration service at the Welcome Desk. Sanctuary service participants please drop by the Welcome Desk before Sunday School. Thank you!  
The Susanna Wesley Circle
The Susanna Wesley Circle will meet on Tuesday, February 12, 2019 at 9:30 a.m. in the FLC.  Shirley Ann McAllister will present a program on Love.  Our Service Project for February will be to bring snack ideas for Feed-A-Child bags.  This is a wonderful way to show our love for children.  Elaine Dellinger will serve as hostess.  All ladies are welcome!   
Addresses
Some of the Higgins family may have moved, but they are still in our hearts. Send them well wishes!

College 
Gabriel Garland
101 Chestnut Street
CPO 697
Berea, KY 40404-0001

Mat Sigmon
6 Smythe Street, 3rd
 Floor
Brookline MA 02445

Raelin Reynolds
255 Eagle Rock Lane
Burnsville, NC 28714

Lizzie Bingham
458 Cow Branch Road
Green Mountain, NC 28740

Britney Stines
37 Summit Street
Burnsville, NC 28714

Matthew Bare
NCSSM Box #B357
1219 Broad Street
Durham, NC 27705
Att:  1st Hill, Room 120

Christopher Bare
1 Flycatcher Way - Apt 303
Arden, NC 28704


Mike & Mollie Lawrence
8713 SE Riverfront Terrace
Tequesta, FL 33469

Allen &  Bevo Peterson
491 Blackberry Drive
Mineral Bluff, GA 30559

New Address
Bev Hunsucker 
870 Oak Meadow Drive
Apt. 3332
Franklin, TN 37064
Cell: 828 230-1787
email:  bevbhuns@gmail.com

Sam & Ethel Nash
3066 Point Clear Drive
Tega Cay, SC 29708

J.P. Tabor
332 AEW/ESFS
Unit #61807
APO, AE 09321-1807

Low-impact Aerobics class on Monday mornings at 9:00 a.m. for older adults.  It is free!!!  Contact Teri Darnall at 208-1904 for more info
Stephen Ministry


Are you experiencing a challenging time
in your  life? 
Stephen Ministry can help!  Contact Julie
 Spit zer
at 919-302-0897 or call the
 church office.   
Men's Group 
The Thursday Morning Men's Group meets each Thursday morning at the coffee shop on Main Street from 6:30 am to 7:30 am - All men are invited to come and be part of the group. We always have a great time of  fellowship and Bible study. 

Boy Scout Troop 502
The Troop is sponsored by Higgins.  They meet each Monday from 6:30 to 8:00 PM in the white Annex Building behind the Family Life Center.  Open to all boys 11 and older. Scoutmaster, Brian Schwock.    

February 2019
 
Pastor John  
NEARER, MY GOD TO THEE
Nearer my God to Thee, Nearer to Thee! E'en though it be a cross that raiseth me; Still all my song shall be, Nearer, my God, to Thee, Nearer, my God, to Thee, Nearer to Thee!

     Sarah Fuller Flower Adams was born February 22, 1805 in Harlow, England. Her father was Benjamin Flower who was the editor of The Cambridge Intelligence.  Her mother died when Sarah was only five years old. In 1834 Sarah married William Bridges Adams, a civil engineer and inventor and went to live in London. Sarah's great hymn, Nearer, My God To Thee was submitted to her pastor William Johnson Fox in 1840 for publication in his Hymns and Anthems hymn book in 1841.
     Though like the wanderer, The Sun gone down, Darkness be over me, My rest a stone; Yet in my dreams I'd be, Nearer my God to thee, Nearer my God, to thee, Nearer to Thee !
     Few stories are as famous as the sinking of the Titanic and how the ship's band played Nearer My God, To Thee as the Titanic with 1500 passengers still on board, disappeared beneath the waves. It was also the last words of our assassinated President William McKinley. As his attending physician leaned over him, McKinley murmured, "Nearer, my God to Thee, E'en though it be a cross', has been my constant prayer."
     How do we draw nearer to God? The spiritual disciplines of worship, prayer, scripture reading and service have long been some of the best ways of drawing closer to the Lord. This month pick one of these disciplines to practice daily and reflect on the difference this practice has made in your spiritual journey.
     There let the way appear, Steps unto heaven; All that thou sendest me, In mercy given; Angels to beckon me, Nearer my God, to Thee, Nearer my God to Thee, Nearer to Thee!
                                                                                                     Grace and Peace
                                                                                                         Pastor John                                                                                             
                                                                                
Children's Ministry
Transitioning Higgins Kids to Higgins Youth
Our Kids' Ministry and Youth Ministry have really want to do something to help kids transition from Higgins Kids ministry to Higgins Youth ministry, especially for those who have only been coming to Living Inside Out.  We want to be able to spend time together as a group to help these kids get to know our Higgins Youth and Jake and Jordan Honeycutt - the Youth Leaders.
Back in the fall, we let you all know that we wanted to try to make a week of summer camp available for our rising 6th graders.   We had one donation made toward that. As soon as the new camp schedule and rates came out after Christmas we looked at Camp Tecoa, the Methodist camp located near Hendersonville. The rates for a week of camp are almost $700 per student, which is a lot.   Also, sending them to this camp would not help these kids stay connected to Higgins, which is what we really want.   So, we looked into renting facilities at Camp Tecoa for a weekend retreat, but that was also prohibitively expensive.

We finally found a much less expensive option that is not too far to travel and has fun activities for the kids to enjoy - Doe River Gorge Christian Camp in Hampton Tennessee.   We plan to take our rising 6th, 7th and 8th graders for a weekend retreat the weekend of August 16-18. The cost is only $100 per person which includes a nice cabin on the river, 4 meals and all of the lake activities all day Saturday. We will provide our own teaching over the weekend to our own youth - just what we wanted!
Many of the kids will need financial help to be able to afford this weekend. Please consider making a donation to help help us include all of our middle-schoolers attend this weekend retreat. You can make checks to Higgins and put "Middle School Retreat" in the subject line.
Youth News
                                     
Sunday, February 3, the youth are sponsoring the "Super Bowl of Caring". We will be watching the game, which kicks off at 6:30, and invite you to join us. (EVERYONE IS INVITED) Tacos and all the fixin's will be provided by the Family Life Committee. Would you consider bringing in a tray/pan of your favorite football hors d'oeuvres or finger food? If so, please see David Bush Sunday morning at the Welcome Wagon or call the church office.
We also ask you to bring canned goods for donation to Reconciliation House next Sunday, January 27th, or February 3rd. See the drop-off box at the kitchen window.
 
  • TRIP Gatlinburg TN- February 15th - 17th there has been 25 slots reserved!! let us know if you'd like to have your child attend. 
  • New Series beginning on Sunday 26th
  • T-SHIRT order going in for youth if anyone else is interested let Jake or Jordan know we'll be glad to get you one ordered the cost is $17.00
Women's Ministry
ABIDE Women's Ministry

Ladies! Please save the date of Friday, February 22, 2019 from 6:00 to 8:00 pm for the next ABIDE Women's Ministry Big Event!
Come and find out about your "Perfect Love" in Jesus, our Lord and Savior! Dinner will be provided so come and join the worship, food, fellowship, door prizes and fun! Please invite your friend or neighbor as all are welcomed! In order for us to have an accurate meal count, please RSVP on or before February 19, 2019. Let us know the total number attending by calling the church office at 828-682-2835 or by emailing Kathy Williams at elginmom2013@yahoo.com.
Prayer Ministry
Your prayers are greatly appreciated
You also must help us by prayer, so that many will give thanks on our behalf for the blessing granted us through the prayers of many. 
- 2 Corinthians 1:11
  • SHUT-IN'S: Mary Gilmour, Faye Skiff, Pete Hensley and Jerry Helsher
  • Shehan family in the passing of Pat Shehan, (Wade's mother)
  • Ken Walker, knee surgery
  • Jennifer McCourry, kidney infection and kidney stones
  • Doyce McClure, Smoky Ridge Rehabiliation
  • Honeycutt Family in the passing of Larry, (Roger's brother)
  • The Wilson family and Proffitt family in the death of David Wilson
  • Woody Cunningham, stroke while in the Ukraine
  • Deena Bingham, health issues
  • Leslie Wisch, cancer (friends of the Trimble's)
  • Marcia Schoen, facial spasms and trigeminal neuralgia
  • Jack and Betsy Myers - health issues
  • Shelly Headen (daughter of Ron & Lucy Kates) health issues
  • William Barnwell, colon cancer (Donna Bank's step-dad) 
  • Bill Riddle, health issues
  • Bobby Jack & Shirley McAllister, health issues
  • Rhonda McCall, missionary to Ukraine
  • The Kohman Family, CRU missionaries
  • Your church staff
  • Dr. John Fowler and his wife, Liz
  • Jonathan Taylor, U.S. Army (grandson of Charles & Nancy Williams)
  • J. P. Tabor, U.S. Air Force 
  • Captain John T. Bennett, U.S. Army  
  • Michael Bingham, U.S. Marine 
  • Ellis Jackson, U.S. Navy
  • FOR OUR NATION/LEADERS.
  • Our students in college and grad school
  • For children in foster care and foster parents
  • Pray for those who don't know Jesus.
  • Pray for those looking for a job/employment.
  • Pray for caregivers: Those caring for the elderly, parents, children, etc.
Prayer on the Square
February 10, 2019- Sunday from 4-5 pm across from the Nu Wray Inn. --If the weather is bad, the prayer time will be held in the Family Life Center at Higgins in the classroom next to the kitchen.
Celebrations
February Birthdays
2/01  Maximus Tabor                              2/18  Linda Sand
2/02  Kim Garland                                  2/18  Hannah Wilson 
2/03  Joyce Coons                                 2/19  William Fender
2/03  Mike Pelton                                    2/19  Denni Kay McCurry
2/03  Marilyn Scarborough                   2/19  Cheryl Schestag
2/03  Jeanne Tyner                                2/20  John Bennett
2/03  Sonya Vess                                   2/20  Traya Hollady
2/04  Celia Eckert                                   2/22  John Fowler
2/05  Braeden Tabor                               2/25  Aaron Murdock 
2/07  Jan Scott                                        2/25  Bob Plati
2/13  Cliff Schoen                                   2/26  Lowell Eckert
2/16  Olivia Grindstaff                            2/26  Thomas Heimerl
2/17  Betty Ann Young                           2/27  Jimmy Ray
2/18  Thyra Carter                                   2/27  Jeanne Styles
                         
             
February Anniversaries
2/01  Earl & Betty Ann Young
2/07  Doug & Linda Zillweger
2/09  Daniel & Emilee Pinho
2/09  Bob & Suzi Plati
2/14  Charles & Elaine Dellinger
2/14  Tim & Jane Faulkner
2/14  Richard & Sue Parker
2/18  John & Leigh Bennett
2/23  Dan & Melissa Wahlers
Library News
 
THE BLUE SWEATER - BRIDGING THE GAP BETWEEN RICH AND POOR IN AN INTERCONNECTED  WORLD                                                        
Jacqueline Novogratz gave up a career on Wall Street for a chance to change the world. Trained as an international banker and development expert, she was well suited to try a fresh approach to elevating the very poor. Her modus operandi reminded me of Rev. Bob Walters (The Last Missionary , a book also in the church library) in that she thought charities were possibly, with the best of intentions, not achieving the goal of making the poor self-sufficient but making them dependent on the charities dedicated to helping them.
     Her first effort, working through a U.S. non-profit was in Africa. Told to "see what she could come up with for women", she quickly learned that the local women she would be workin g with weren't all that excited about "the young American" coming to tell them, without really knowing them, what they should be doing. Taking a cue from that, she asked a lot of questions and learned that often foreigners would come, tell them what they thought they should be doing, get it started, and provide no follow-up. Way too often, it just didn't work. She befriended four important women to whom she had been introduced who were local and felt the end goal should be for the locals to "do the work".
It took a while but within two years, she had helped a group of women who were making a living by baking some goods each morning, then taking them to local workplaces and selling their items for the workers' morning snacks. She gradually taught them how to expand their business into a real storefront bakery, while still keeping their delivery business going.
     The bakery almost instantly changed the women's lives. With each improvement in their bakery, they were able to feed their children better, improve their home, and even begin creating a savngs account.. The bakery was quite popular and was running well until the Rawandan genocide when the whole country was pretty well decimated. The shop was destroyed and all but one of the women were killed.
     It's exciting to see what people can do for themselves with a little support of a loan and educational guidance. It is like looking into what is probably the wave of the future for giving the poor a way to become self-sufficient.
     Jacqueline is such a brilliant, determined person; it made the book exciting just to see her thought processes! She founded the Acumen Fund which has pioneered a "third way" which they call patient capital between capitalism and traditional charity, one that seeks to effect a real change in countries where the average citizen lives on less than $4 a day. This new approach regards people living on limited incomes not as passive victims but as potential customers and budding business people in their own right. For me personally, it caused me to think about studying more carefully the efficacy of places where we share our wealth. We usually know how much of the money goes directly into the projects but do we know the outcome of their efforts? Not sure I do. Check out Kiva.com for an easy way to give toward a low/no interest loan and get project feedback.
 
The Penguin Lessons: What I learned from a remarkable bird by Tom Michell
Tom Michell grew up in England and after graduating from college wanted to see life outside his local environs. He took a job in Argentina at a Boys School and his adventure began. He traveled every chance he had and on his way home from one of these times, he was walking along the coast and saw the horrendous results of an oil spill. There was a huge mound of hundreds of oil coated dead penguins. But wait! He thought he saw a movement, yes! One of them was alive! He couldn't leave it to die but what to do. He was away from his home base, spending he night at the home of a couple who were away and had offered him their place overnight. He decided to take the bird, clean it up and return it to the coast. Fun reading that part! When he returned the penguin to the beach, it followed him back to the house. Again and again. So he ended up taking it on the train with him (also very funny) and the bird was adopted by all the boys and the teaching staff. The penguin had very positive effect on many of the students. It became someone these teenagers could confide in without risk.
     Reading it makes one realize how we trivialize the intelligence and heart of our wild neighbors. This was an amazing bird, truly. And it is written by an exceptionally good writer. A very delightful book. So much so we gave copies to family members for Christmas. I guarantee you will enjoy reading this book.

Baby Shower for Sam
 
Ladies, Please join us at a baby shower honoring Sam Rannazzisi on Saturday, February 2, 2019 at 2:00 pm, held at the home of Betty Bingham, 67 Highland Hills Drive, Burnsville, NC 28714. Sam is registered at Target & Amazon under her name. Please RSVP by email to Cassie Robinson at cleadbit@gmail.com or call Deena Bingham at 828-208-2377. (Sam is the daughter of Peirce & Deena Bingham)

Baby Shower for Hillary
A B aby Shower for  Hillary McPeters  will be given on February 17th from  2-4 pm in the Family Life C enter. (Hillary is the  daugh ter of Tim & Donna Tabor)

   
Thank You
Thank the Susanna Wesley Circle for having the trim work done on the Sanctuary.  The pecan sales from the past two years paid for this work to be done.  We appreciate all involved.   There are two more cases of pecans to be sold....so please buy a bag to further help our church.  
 
Administrative Council Planning Retreat
 
The Administrative Council met on Saturday, January 26th at High Pastures for a great time of devotion, fellowship, reflecting and planning.
 
Pastor John led us in a period of devotion and prayer.
We reflected on our efforts and success in 2018
  • Jeannie Tyner discussed the activities of the SPRC and the church staff and highlighted improvement in operations and the new program staff initiated.  
  • Wanda Profit reviewed the giving and expenses for 2018 and plans for 2019.
    • Our end of year financials indicated a small deficit on $3,541.00 for the year
    • We had an in-depth discussion on designated giving and the different perceptions on the accounting of these funds. Wanda has a committee developing new methods for prioritizing the use of these funds and reporting to the congregation.
    • Peirce Bingham discussed the successes of 2018, our special relationship with Recondition House, and plans for 2019.
    • Charlie Willis reviewed the five year maintenance and capital improvement plan accomplishments in 2018 and the priorities for 2019.
    • Pastor John reflected on his first full year and the blessing of the church this past year.
We thought about our priorities for 2019 and list several opportunity and then selected two opportunities that we believed were the most important.
1. As we make Disciples for Christ we generated a number of ideas that might be combined under that term marketing: Communicating and Inviting
  • Better use of Social Media
  • Welcoming packages
  • Communication through the choir
  • 5 minute presentations on Sundays on what we are doing and opportunities for people to invest themselves.
2. Small Group Ministry
           What does it mean? How do we encourage and support?
We had a discussion on the operation of the Administrative Council in 2019
  • We will meet on the THIRD Wednesday of every month at 5:30. Beginning February 20th.
Respectfully submitted.
Russ Darnall
Chair, Administrative Council  
 
Celebrate Recovery

Celebrate Recovery at Higgins - We are in the planning stages to bring Celebrate Recovery to our Church. Come join us with this world-wide, Jesus centered recovery program for addiction. Since being launched 25 years ago at Rick Warren's Saddleback Church, millions have been able to find real recovery. At present there is no Christian outreach in Yancey County for drug and alcohol addiction. Opioid overdose is now the number 1 cause of death of people under the age of 50. Some of you have been interested in helping either as sponsors, worship support, or attendants for a service. Please reach out to me if you would like to help in any way or would just like more information. Contact Peirce Bingham at peircebingham@gmail.com or call 208-0299.