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Call Us: (620) 342-0375
Address: 802 Commercial Street,
Emporia, KS 66801
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Welcome to the Emporia Presbyterian Church | |
Faith Statement: Through the love and inspiration of Jesus Christ and each other we reach out beyond ourselves to support others, continue to grow in faith, praise God, and celebrate His gifts.
In-person worship service Downtown
802 Commercial Street, 10:45a.m.
Join us for Online Worship
Go to our EPC website:
www.emporiapresbyterianchurch.org
click on the Worship tab
or watch from our Facebook page:
https://www.facebook.com/EmporiaPresbyterianChurch/
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Sunday, September 8, 2024
Adult Bible Study & Sunday School Begins
Acolyte Training
Pizza & Pool Party
Monday, September 9, 2024
Session Meeting, 6pm, Downtown
Sunday, September 22, 2024
KIFA, Faith & Public Policy Forum
Wednesday, September 25, 2024
Fellowship Potluck, 5:30pm, West Campus
Friday, September 27-28, 2024
Annual Church Flea Market
Saturday, September 28, 2024
Stewardship Kick-Off & Lunch
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Karla Edmiston- Sep 2
Rick Cunningham - Sep 2
Susan Severin - Sep 5
Sara Chapman - Sep 6
Ann Eldridge - Sep 7
Dave Eldridge - Sep 13
Francis Noll - Sep 13
Kent Heermann - Sep 15
Elaine Karr - Sep 15
Abio Sokari - Sep 15
Brad Stewart - Sep 18
Brett Stewart - Sep 18
Ruth Fowler - Sep 19
Grace Short - Sep 19
Jeremy Hart - Sep 21
Diana Hizar - Sep 22
Bernice Evans - Sep 25
Joshua Hart - Sep 25
Taylor Moorman - Sep 25
McKenna Crosby - Sep 27
Jackie Edmiston - Sep 29
Luke Parish - Sep 29
Audrey Cunningham - Sep 30
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Bob & Jackie Edmiston - Sep 1
Jesse & Jennifer Moran - Sep 2
Don & Marilyn Kile - Sep 3
Abio & Ine Sokari - Sep 21
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Annual Church Flea Market
Our annual flea market will be at the West Campus fellowship hall on Friday, September 27 and Saturday, September 28.
If you have items to donate the building will be unlocked:
Tuesday-Fridays from 9am-3pm
Tuesday & Thursday from 7pm-8pm
Saturday from 11am-noon
Please leave items in the Choir Room, and Room 8.
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Heartland Camp 2024
by Annora Stutzman
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As always, Heartland never fails to amaze. This year, I attended the Middle School Horse Camp for the second time, and it was, somehow, even better than last year.
Heartland offers so much variety in camp programs, it’s difficult to do it justice. Every camp is unique, with different activities, themes, and fun experiences that help kids grow in their faith and closer to God.
Some activities at Heartland that every camp does include horseback riding, the target range (made up of archery, slingshots, and hatchet throwing), the ropes course (comprised of the zipline, rock wall, and challenge courses – all forty feet in the air), at least an hour of pool time each day, and worship time in the mornings and evenings.
This year at Heartland, I had one of my best experiences. Not only did I grow in my faith and make memories, I made friends, learned new things, challenged myself, and so much more.
One of the experiences I had at camp was on the 4th day of the six-day camp. In Vespers, we had walked to a brick labyrinth in the northwest corner of the camp, surrounded mostly by trees. Miss Olivia, our camp director, gave us instructions for an activity; everyone was numbered off into three groups, and everyone spread out in the labyrinth. You could sit or stand, whichever way you were comfortable, but you had to keep your eyes closed. One by one, each group was called to open their eyes, and Miss Olivia would give statements like “Tap the shoulder of someone you consider a friend,” or “Tap the shoulder of someone who’s made you smile this week”.
I was in the third and final group to go, so I sat down for a while. I don’t know the exact number of taps my shoulders got, but I was surprised to receive as many as I did. I was deeply moved, to the point of tears (happy tears, of course). One of my camp friends noticed and asked me if I was okay/needed a hug. I said yes, and what started as one hug turned into the whole of my little friend group at camp hugging each other. Another friend suggested hugging our counselors, and what started as one hug turned into a group hug of every person there. This is one of the most surreal things that’s ever happened to me in my five years going to Heartland. It’s also been one of the most eye-opening. In front of my eyes was a little miracle.
As always, thank you to both EPC and PNK for helping fund Heartland for myself and others, allowing us to have these experiences and learn so much more about ourselves and our God.
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Heartland Camp 2024
by Meredith Lang
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My name is Meredith Lang. I’m in 6th grade. I attended Highlander Hydro Camp this summer. I chose to go to this camp because I love swimming and playing in the water, especially in the summer. This was my second year attending Heartland and my first year attending Hydro Camp.
In my opinion, the three best things about camp were meeting new people, doing all the fun activities, and learning about God. I was looking forward to going to the lake on Lake Day at camp. The one thing that made me the most nervous was going on the big swing at the ropes course. The most surprising thing at camp was when we got rained on two nights in a row while cooking things over the campfire. My favorite part of camp was horseback riding. We sang so many songs at camp, and my favorite one was the truck song. I learned that God doesn't just forgive your sins, but he erases them.
I would encourage other kids to go to Heartland because they are so welcoming, and you will have a great time while learning about God. I’m planning on attending Hydro Camp again next year.
I really appreciate the financial support from EPC and the Presbytery of Northern Kansas in helping me go to camp.
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Heartland Camp 2024
by Claire Lang
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My name is Claire Lang. I am going into 4th grade. I attended Trail Blazers Camp this summer. I chose Trail Blazers because it is the only camp kids my age can go to. This was my first year attending Heartland.
My three favorite things about camp were riding horses, arts and crafts, and vespers. I was looking forward to meeting new people. The most surprising thing about camp was we were under a boil order the last 2 days. My favorite part of camp was going horseback riding. We sang so many songs, but my favorite one was Sanctuary. I learned that God loves you no matter how many times you sin.
I would encourage other kids to go to Heartland because everybody there is so friendly, and you will have a great time.
I really appreciate the financial support from EPC and the Presbytery of Northern Kansas in helping me go to camp.
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Blessing of the Backpacks | |
On August 18th we blessed backpacks and everyone headed back to school at any age and in every capacity during worship. This crew is ready. Have a great year, everybody! You are loved and prayed for by your church family. If you still need a tag (or lost yours already) contact the church office. | |
Stewardship & Finance Committee | |
Caring Connections Pledge Campaign | |
The Stewardship theme for 2024 is Caring Connections. The origin of this theme is Acts 1:4 While staying with them, he [Jesus after the resurrection but before being taken up to heaven] ordered them not to leave Jerusalem but to wait there for the promise of the Father. “This,” he said, “is what you have heard from me.
Waiting for God is what a waiting church does. While waiting, it finds life by stewarding connections. In this waiting, we don’t do nothing, bored and disconnected. We do the most important thing. We give our people a way of life that is all about this moment with each other (When Church Stops Working, pp. 55-56).
Besides supporting the work of the church, our caring connections so far this year are
· Collecting monthly the expressed needs of a community group including Logan Avenue Elementary/Riverside Elementary/Walnut Elementary/Emporia Middle school, CASA, and Bloom House
· Filling the Blessing Box in front of the West Campus
· Underwriting the youth of the church going to church camp
· Upgrading the wifi in the church to support Christian education and other programs for the congregation
· Developing lists of the most inspirational movies/TV shows/series, books, and music to share with each other
· Enjoying congregation-wide suppers the fourth Wednesday of the month since Lent
· Supporting the Presbytery of Northern Kansas, the Synod of Mid-America, and the General Assembly through our per capita assessment
We care for one another and in so doing we draw nearer to God. Draw near to God, and He will draw near to you (James 4:8).
SAVE THE DATE! The 2025 Pledge Campaign kicks off Sunday, September 29 with a covered dish lunch in the Friendship Room after worship service! Pledge packets will be distributed at this time. If you are unable to attend, your packet will be available on the table in the back of the sanctuary on Sunday, October 6.
The Session began the process of developing the 2025 budget at the August Session meeting. Committee chairs are working with their members to determine their needs to formulate a draft budget which the Session will continue to refine.
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EPC Hosts KIFA's 2024 Faith & Public Policy Forum | |
Rev. Dr. Mandy Todd will be with us in worship the morning of September 22 and the Worship Committee will be hosting KIFA’s community forum in the afternoon at West Campus. To volunteer to help the Worship Committee with set-up, tear down, snacks, or hosting, please contact Nickie Edwards. | |
PNK Education Day Approaching | |
Photos from EPC's All Church Work Day, Aug 24
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Many hands make lighter work! Thank you to everyone who lent a hand.
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The Basement Renovation Continues | |
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Our brand new northside elevator entrance door!
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Our member Lois Schrock is pictured in the Emporia Gazette Newspaper for volunteering at the Battle of the Badges Blood Drive held at Twelfth Avenue Baptist Church on July 31. | |
Pictured below: back in August, Annora Stutzman and Emily Pound participated in Emporia State University's 2024 String Camp and performed together in the combined orchestra! | |
Annual Scarf Project
Mission & Outreach will again be collecting scarves to distribute to neighbors in our community as temperatures begin to fall. Scarves can be knitted, crocheted, or made from fleece, and may range from children’s to adult sizes (36 x 6 inches to 60 x 9 inches). Collection will begin the first Sunday of October and continue all month long.
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Local Mission Assistance Fund Update |
Our Local Mission Assistance Funds are to help out locally for those in need. Funds are used primarily to pay for food vouchers and some utility bills. Thank you to those who have offered their gifts to keep the fund going.
In the month of August we disbursed $1,011.08
Currently, the Local Mission Assistance Fund balance is $2,918.59
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For the month of September we will be collecting the following items for Emporia Middle School, items include:
- Kleenex's/Tissues
- Clorox Cleaning Wipes
- Pencils
- Fidget Toys
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We encourage everyone to continue filling the Blessing Box outside of West Campus filled with nonperishable items, as great need continues in our community. | |
Information needed by
September 15th
for the October 2024 Presby News.
To submit or suggest articles, contact
Taylor Wilson, Office Assistant,
officeassistant.epc@gmail.com,
620-342-0375.
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Weekday Office Hours:
Downtown Campus
Tuesday – Friday, 9:00am-3:00pm
Office Phone: 620-342-0375
Office Email: officeassistant.epc@gmail.com
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Website: www.emporiapresbyterianchurch.org
Pastor: Rev. Phyllis Stutzman
Email: pastorphyl.epc@gmail.com
Address:
Downtown - 802 Commercial Street, Emporia KS 66801
West - 1702 W 15th Avenue, Emporia KS 66801
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Committee Members
Contact information for session elders & officers is available through the church office
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SESSION MEMBERS
Meets Second Monday of the Month Downtown at 6:00p.m., or via Zoom
Pastor Phyl, moderator
Susan Severin, clerk
Brenda Doudican
Nickie Edwards
Rhonda Gordon
Amanda Gutierrez
Karen Moorman
Lois Schrock
Brett Stewart
Ken Weaver
Church Treasurer
George Durler
MISSION AND BUILDING FUND TRUSTEES
Dean Edmiston and Don Miller, Financial Administrators.
Chair, Brett Stewart (Session);
Vice-Chair, Rhonda Gordon (Session);
Secretary, Amanda Cunningham;
Members: Art Gutierrez,
Adriane Lang, Don Miller
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STEWARDSHIP & FINANCE COMMITTEE
Chair, Ken Weaver, Rhonda Gordon, Carolyn Turney
CHRISTIAN EDUCATION AND NURTURE COMMITTEE
Co-Chairs, Amanda Gutierrez & Connie Jobe; Amanda Cunningham
PERSONNEL COMMITTEE
Chair, Brad Stewart; Kathie Buckman; Rhonda Gordon, Linda Miller
PROPERTY COMMITTEE
Co-Chairs, Amanda Gutierrez & Lois Schrock; George Durler, Brian Severin, Kathy Weaver
NOMINATING COMMITTEE
George Durler, Nickie Edwards, Sue Jones, Don Miller, Brett Stewart
WORSHIP COMMITTEE
Chair, Nickie Edwards; Karen Moorman; Margaret Davidson, Martha Shook
VISITATION COMMITTEE
Chair, Sue Jones; Kathie Buckman, Betty Campbell, Margaret Davidson, Nickie Edwards, Karen Moorman, Max & Sharon Stewart
MISSION & OUTREACH COMMITTEE
Chair, Amanda Gutierrez, Amanda Cunningham, Lois Schrock, Susan Severin
COLLEGE SCHOLARSHIP COMMITTEE
Betty Campbell, Kim Stewart, Lee Tucker
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802 Commercial St. • Emporia, KS 66801
(620) 342-0375
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