A Weekly Update of Good News from John Knox

SteepleTalk

Find out what's going on and what's coming up

in the life and ministry at John Knox Presbyterian Church.

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This Sunday's Worship

Join us this Sunday, September 22 at 10:00 AM

"The Lure of Wisdom"

Psalm 1

James 3:13-4:3, 7-8a

In person: Sanctuary

Digitally: YouTube, Facebook, or John Knox App

Click here to access the Worship Bulletin.

Liturgist: April Pierce

Audio Visual: Bobby Mock

Ushers: Bill Mathews, Austin Eckles, Steve Meggs, Charles Robertson and Jon Nelson (Head Usher)

The menu will be chicken pot pie, salad and dessert.

Reserve your meals

Your John Knox Christian Mission and Outreach Committee (CMO) wants to thank you for your generous response to the Lake Forest School Supply Drive this summer—our school partners are so grateful!

Throughout the month of September, we can consciously serve our neighbors in need through contributing items to the Greer Relief Food Choice Pantry (see below the current list of both household and food items that are in short supply). We have collection bins for Greer Relief in the outer narthex and in the church office, or you can use the Amazon Wish List link provided. While the agency welcomes any non-perishable donations, the list above highlights current urgent needs.

“For I was hungry and you gave me food, I was thirsty and you gave me drink, I was a stranger and you welcomed me.” Matthew 25: 35

If you can't donate in person, consider using the Greer Relief Amazon Wishlist

Our annual campaign to support young women in Guatemala is underway!

For several years a focus of our church’s commitment in Guatemala has been a community development initiative directed by Rob and Tara Cahill of Community Cloud Forest Conservation. The WALC Program (Women in Agroecology Leadership for Conservation) invites young women from villages surrounding Cobán to learn sustainable agricultural practices that they can take back to their families and villages. Additional learning includes health and wellness, life skills, and leadership development. In addition to the 25-day on-site training, students receive support for school attendance in the following academic year. Currently over 150 students from numerous villages participate each year.

Please join our effort to equip a generation of female leaders in northern Guatemala through the WALC program (Women in Agroecology Leadership for Conservation). Each gift of $150 supports one student's participation. You may pay by check to John Knox (memo: Guatemala), or electronically through the John Knox app. Thanks for your generosity!

Submit your hymn suggestions here

Golf for a Good Cause!

#1 Monday, September 23 - Greer Relief annual golf tournament. Get a foursome and sign-up for this Captain's Choice Tournament at Greer Golf. More information and sign up available at this link!

#2 Sunday, September 29 - Isaiah 117 is hosting a fundraiser at TopGolf. Put in a team for this 2 hour event with food and drinks, giveaways and prizes for the top teams. More information and sign up avaialble at this link!

Clerk’s Report

The Session of John Knox Presbyterian Church met on Sunday, August 18, 2024, at 6:00 PM in the Fellowship Hall for their monthly Stated Meeting. The following are a few of the items discussed:

Administrative

1. Caroline’s monthly report and our finances were reviewed. Monthly giving was down slightly, which is normal during the summer months.

2. The Session approved explicitly to pay the Pastor’s spouse’s insurance to align with the new Board of Pensions breakout.

3. The Committee is working on new definitions for Trustees and Treasurer.

Christian Education

1. The Committee reviewed their plans for Embark Sunday. Everything went well.

2. Step-Up Sunday was this morning and included new classes for the Children.

3. The Youth kicked off their year with a pool party with dinner, games, and music.

4. The third quarterly Faith and Fellowship Women’s Dinner will be on September 9.

5. They are discussing a Women’s Retreat program.

6. The Kindergarten and PDO received a DSS Expansion Grant.

Christian Mission & Outreach

1. Isaiah 117 activities are ongoing.

2. The permanent home is back on after the gift of land on the Eastside.

3. The Church will participate in the Top Golf Tournament on September 29.

4. The Habitat for Humanity “Brush with Kindness” will be on August 24.

5. There will be a winter clothes drive for Lake Forest Elementary.

6. On September 22, the Youth will provide a hot meal for Triune Mercy Center.

Evangelism

1. The new Friendship pads, maps, and fliers will be distributed in August.

2. There are encouraging updates to the pictorial directory.

3. The Committee is moving forward with the podcast initiative.

Fellowship

1. The 1^st Dinner at Capri’s will be Monday, August 19.

2. Wednesday Night will start on September 25 and run for six straight weeks, then take a three-month break and start again on March 5 for six weeks, ending on April 9.

3. They are thinking of a Church Retreat for April 6.

Nurture

1. They are updating the college student list and preparing for a fall mailing.

2. In Home Communion continues to serve and putting invitations in the Steeple Talk.

3. The Respite Committee reported that Side By Side Ministry continues to expand with four new participants this month.

Property & Operations

1. Do not forget to thank Caleb for all his work on the Kindergarten floors.

2. They will be trimming the hedges this week.

3. They have updated the Capital Projects wish list and shared it with the Session.

Rev. Justin Cazel

1. The Generosity Team met today to discuss the Endowment Funds and the Stewardship Campaign for this year.

2. The Men’s Ministry activities include the first annual Bogey Tournament and the tenth anniversary Cornhole Tournament with a hotdog dinner.

Dr. Gordon Turnbull

1. Fun with colleagues is a hallmark of the staff here.

2. Carter is active with the Youth downstairs. He will be doing his CPE at Spartanburg Regional from August through January as part of his path to ordained ministry.

3. They are planning a Spring Break Mission Trip to the Dominican Republic.

4. The staff is updating our Child, Youth, and Vulnerable Adult Protection Policy

5. Music & Worship is working on a concert series (Music for Missions).

Dick Powers

Clerk of Session