Baccdoc.org



Bon Air Christian Church (Disciples of Christ)

March 2011 Newsletter

Can you hear me now?

Bob had been out of town for over a week when I had lunch with Carol who said, “I can’t wait for him to get home.” After 39 years of marriage I thought it is so wonderful that she eagerly anticipates his arrival home and I asked, “What is it that has made your marriage work through all these years.” Her answer, “communication.” Lou and Betty were helping to fold the newsletter when a young couple came out of a meeting with me about their upcoming wedding. Lou said, “I’ve been married 66 years and I can tell you whatever you need to know.” I asked Betty, “What’s the secret to your happy marriage?” She said, “Communication.”

With any good relationship – friendship, marriage, family, work. . . Communication is what makes the difference. The other word that I heard was “tolerance.” Through the years in all relationships we learn patience and tolerance of each person’s quirks and idiosyncrasies. We practice a lot of forgiveness. Sometimes we realize what we meant to say isn’t what the other person heard.

Communication is also needed in our relationship with God. We need time to stop and allow the Word of God to fill up our lives. Being in worship on Sunday morning is one of those times we set aside to just sit and let God’s holy touch be upon our lives. There is something about those moments of quiet, moments when we hold the bread in our hands, moments when we drink of the cup of salvation – we yield our lives to God and we are fed with the bread of heaven.

If I ignore my best friend and am too busy to talk for days or weeks or months, how solid is that relationship? If we ignore God and don’t seek to grow closer in our relationship with the Holy one, how solid can the relationship be? God patiently awaits us. God seeks to break through our barriers.

As we enter this season of Lent we will have opportunities to grow closer to God. The Chain of Prayer is a great time for us to focus more deeply on our relationship with God. That time, set apart, is truly one of the most meaningful times in my whole year. I hope you will sign up.

Some folks in the past have given something up for Lent. It is important for us to remember why we do the things we do. When a person decides to give up chocolate, or TV, or swearing, or broccoli, the purpose of the “giving up” is that we are reminded of the sacrifice and love of Christ. So if giving up broccoli isn’t really a sacrifice then you have actually not practiced a Lenten discipline. Other folks take something on. Each day we decided to write a note of encouragement to someone in need, we spend time in prayer and read the Bible daily, each day in Lent we do an anonymous good deed… If the act of kindness or devotion costs us a bit of extra time or makes us feel uncomfortable, then once again we are reminded of the sacrifice of Christ. These are things we do to kneel at the cross. These are things we do to have a deeper understanding of how great Christ’s love for us truly is. As we invest in growing spiritually we will find that our hearts grow fuller and our lives richer.

- Cindy

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The Day The World Came To Town 9/11 In Gander, Newfoundland by Jim Defede is the book we will be discussing at our March 17th Book Club Meeting.

Jim Defede calls our attention to a sidelight of the events of September 11, when the town of Gander (pop. 10,000) was overwhelmed by more than 6,500 air travelers grounded when U.S. airspace was shut down. For a week the locals provided food, shelter and supplies and reassurance; "they placed their lives on hold for a group of strangers and asked nothing in return." Here the generous Newfoundlanders get due recognition.

The Confession by John Grisham is selection for the April Book Club Meeting. There is a thin line between guilt and innocence--and how quickly a person can slip, or be pushed, from one side to another.

In this bestseller John Grisham whips up another highly charged legal thriller. In 1998, a man in Texas named Travis Boyette committed a heinous crime and got away with it. Another, innocent man named Donté Drumm was convicted and given the death penalty. Years have passed and Travis walks free, while Donté is days away from execution. What if Travis has a change of heart? What if he wants to confess and give this innocent man his life back? Is it too late? Why should anyone believe him now?

Both books are available at Chesterfield County Library. The Book Club meets on the 3rd Thursday each month at 7 pm at the Church. The upcoming meeting are March 17th and April 21st. Everyone is WELCOME.

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Pastor’s Classes

Pastor’s classes will be held during the Lenten season for persons interested in joining the church.

Youth interested in baptism will discuss the meaning of Disciples of Christ ordinances (the Lord’s Supper and baptism) as well as the history and beliefs of the Disciples of Christ and our faith.

Youth classes will be Sundays after the church services.

We will also have a class for adults who are interested in joining the church by transfer or membership or baptism.

Please contact the church office if you would like to attend.

Ash Wednesday Chain of Prayer

Ash Wednesday, March 9th BACC will once again participate in the Disciples of Christ Chain of Prayer. The chain of prayer begins at 6:00 a.m. on March 9th and continues until 6:00 a.m. on March 10th. Please sign up for a half an hour of prayer time. The sign up is on the bulletin board outside the church office.

Those who pray will be in the sanctuary and an elder will be in the office throughout the vigil. It is a very meaningful and spiritually enriching time.

Camp Registrations Forms available in the church office

Camp forms have arrived and are available in the church office. Forms must be turned in to the regional office by May 15th to receive the early discount. The church will pay half of the cost of camp. Please make your half of the cost payable to the Christian Church in Virginia. Also, a completed registration forms includes a copy of your insurance card. The camp recommended for our youth is Ru’ach Camp which is July 31-August 5th.

The following camps being offered are:

• Family Retreat – all ages welcome - May 27-30

• Gap Conference – graduated 12th to age 22- June 9-13

• Nature Camp – counselors from rising 10th to graduated 12th - June 19-24

• Pneuma Camp - completed 3rd to graduated 12th June 26 – July 1

• Ru’ach Camp - completed 3rd to graduated 12th – July 31-Aug 5

• Chi Rho – grades completed 6th to completed 8th – July 10 – 15

• CYF Conference –completed 9th – 12th grades – July 17-22

• Outdoor Adventure – 6th to completed 12th – July 24-29

• AMPDD Camp –completed 6th –graduated 12th July 24-29

• New Covenant completed 1st – 4th – August 12

BACC has received the following thank you notes:

To our BACC Friends,

Thank you so much for the calls, cards and visits. It means so much to me.

- Lois Zarefoss

Dear BACC Family,

Our family would like to thank everyone for the cards, flowers, and food we received with my mom passing away recently.  We can’t express how much your support was appreciated during this difficult time.  We are fortunate to have such terrific friends and such a caring church family in our lives.  We want to especially thank Cindy and the Lenharts for making the trip down to NC for the service. Cindy’s hugs and kind words were greatly needed, and Janet was kind enough to sing at the service which was very special to all of us. 

Thanks,

Russ, Cindy, Nicole and Lauren

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The church will be holding a YARD SALE on Saturday, April 2nd from 7 am till noon. We would love for everyone to hold onto those duplicate Christmas gifts, clean out their closets and garages and bring those items on Saturday morning at 6 am before the sale starts. If you do not get up that early, you can bring the items by Thursday, March 31st from 5 pm till 7 pm or Friday, April 1st from 5 pm till 7 pm. If you really have no place to store the items than contact Andee Kirk at 330-9275 or 929-2270 and the items can be stored in the church basement. Also, Bernie McDonald has offered the services of his trailer to come pick up big items. If all our church members and friends contribute than this could be the last fund raiser needed to complete the Library renovation. Your support will be greatly

appreciated.

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Virginia Christian

Women’s Fellowship

Spring 2011 Spa Days

The Virginia Women’s Fellowship Spring Spa Days is a time of self-care, prayer and action for women. The Bible Study is “Living the Beatitudes.” In this study, Margaret Aymers invites you to consider the Beatitudes as they might have been heard when Jesus spoke them—during the time of the Roman Empire. Confessing the Beatitudes is aptly named, as we are invited at the end of each lesson to enter into a process of confession.

The cost is $15.00 and includes lunch, the program, Just Women Magazine study materials and lesson plans for the Beatitudes. Reservation and fee are needed by the regional office (Christian Church in Virginia, 1290 Enterprise Drive, Lynchburg, VA 24502) one week prior to the event to hold your place.

Spa Days being offered:

• March 26 – Luray Christian Church, Luray VA

• April 2 – Bedford Christian Church, Bedford, VA

• April 9 – Seventh Street Christian Church, Richmond, VA

• April 30 – First Christian Church, Radford VA.

• May 14 – Parkview Christian Church, Chesapeake, VA

Joy Group – Just Older Youth, March 15th at 10:30

The JOY Group will meet on March 15th, 10:30 AM at the church. There will be a covered dish luncheon and our hostesses will be Dot Bennett, Beulah Proffitt, and Jane Miller. We will be participating in a team competition so be sure to wear your “thinking caps”!!!

ARK (Adults Relating to Kids)

Facilitator Training, April 8 – 9th 2011

Chrysalis Retreat Center, Lynchburg, VA

ARK provides a fun, relaxed, confidential, small group environment in which adults can practice giving unconditional love and high self-esteem to children.

The ARK program is an educational program. ARK facilitators are not counselors and make no claim to being “experts” in parenting and teaching children. They teach the lessons and serve as catalysts of group process and discussion. Most of the learning will take place through group discussions.

The cost of the training is $120.00 (before March 25) for the first person from a congregation and $70.00 for each additional person from the same congregation. Registration includes dinner on Friday night, lunch on Saturday, a Faith Based Manual and a Facilitator’s Manual.

Registration forms are available in the church office.

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The CASUAL SERVICE at 5 pm each Saturday evening is a great alternative when Sunday services are not possible. It also is a great opportunity to invite family and friends who may have not attended church in awhile. They may enjoy a service that is not so formal and more intimate. And you and your family may find they like the service, too.

Lay Leaders Needed

Volunteering to be a Lay Leader at the early or late service on Sunday morning is another way you can serve our church. If public speaking is one of your talents or if you would like to develop that talent, please get in touch with Cassie Price. Cassie has taken on the job of scheduling our Lay Leaders. This is a huge job and she needs your help. So please contact her if you are interested. And if she contacts you, please consider serving in this way. A timely response would be appreciated.

SUCCESSFUL!

That is the only word that can be used to describe our Valentine’s Bake Sale. We raised $ 343.00 for the Library renovation.

It would not have been possible without all the BAKERS and BUYERS. And the leftovers were taken to Morningside Assisted Living off Polo Parkway. They were very appreciative to have such lovely goodies to share with the residents.

I cannot THANK YOU enough for once again showing me your support.

- Andee Kirk

Acolytes Signup

If your child is interested in serving our church as an Acolyte, the signup calendar is on the bulletin board near the church office. If you are serving as an Elder, Deacon, Greeter, Lay Leader or Worship & Wonder helper that would be a great Sunday to consider having your child serve.

Thanks to Shea, Rose and Megan McCaferty and Cameron, Cathy Law, and Carol McGowan

The Week of Compassion luncheon was delicious. We thank Shea Hollifield, who is chairing the World Outreach committee and all her helpers for providing us with the tasty minestrone soup. We give thanks for the ways we can reach out to others and make their lives better through our Week of Compassion offering. We received $859.00.

[pic] World Outreach: Global Ministries

The article below is one of a periodic series from the Global Ministries supported by the Christian Church, Disciples of Christ.

We are asked to remember in prayer mission personnel around the world. This month, please keep in your prayers: Mary and Dale Patrick – Zimbabwe; Emily Goldthwaite Fries – Israel/Palestine; Ryan Turner – India; and Coralyn and Laslo Medyesy – Hungary.

Does Anybody Really Know What Time It Is?

Who knows whether you have not come to the kingdom for such a time as this? Esther 4:14b

Everyone jokes about African time, but I think the North American concept of time is a big joke.  Have you ever noticed how often you hear the word ‘busy’ in a day? Being busy in North American culture is highly valued.  By contrast, African culture does not value being busy. If you ask someone if they are busy, they look at you strangely. Don’t even try to ask someone what time it is.  They don’t have watches.  This culture values spending time with friends and family, and helping each other. 

In North American culture, I may have had six or seven meetings a day. A typical day in Africa consists of ‘footing’ to my office and waiting until someone walks in and wants to talk to me. 

sometimes there is a meeting scheduled although it’s rare to have an appointment. 

No one has a watch, let alone a phone to call ahead. A meeting scheduled for nine generally starts at 9:30 but sometimes it gets underway at ten or even eleven. This culture values discussion and consensus building. Decision making by consensus takes time, so there is no predicting when a meeting will end. The more people that attend, the longer the meeting. 

Waiting, such as waiting in line or a “queue” is something we in North America abhor.  But it is expected in Africa.  Why hurry? We in North America never loiter, dawdle or linger around.  We are busy.  In my former life I was so busy I had to schedule a phone call with my friends. There were never enough hours in a day.  When my children were young I often missed their sporting events or dance recitals because I was busy. But here, loitering is a way to chat and connect with friends and family. (And everyone is family.)  In Africa, I loiter.  I meet a lot of people that way.  I learn about their life, their families, and their values.  Maybe we in North America have it all wrong.  Maybe the joke is on us.  Maybe we should loiter more often. 

Donald and Maryjane Westra are missionaries in Zimbabwe. Donald serves as staff to the Micro-Enterprise and Strategic Planning/Management Program at Mt. Selinda.  Maryjane serves as a health and child care consultant at Mt. Selinda

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Greeters each Sunday morning welcome our members and visitors as they enter our beautiful church. Being a Greeter is another way you can serve. For a new member, this could be a way to meet your church family. Peggye Alcoke is scheduling Greeters for this year. If you are interested, please contact Peggye and if she contacts you, please consider serving. Your smile can make a difference.

Special Thank-you

Often people in our congregation quietly serve our church in ways we never see or hear about. Arlene and Steve Blythe are among those folks and they deserve our special thanks. For many years Arlene and Steve have provided and taken care of the candles used in our sanctuary every week. If you see Arlene or Steve at church be sure to say a Thank-you in person.

Christian Women’s Fellowship

The C.W.F. is open to all women of the congregation. There are three C.W.F. groups women can choose from:

• Day Group: Meets on March 8th (second Tuesday of month) at 10:30. Beth Roane is the group leader.

• Evening Group 1: Meets on March 1st (first Tuesday of the month) at 7:00 p.m. in different members home. Kitten Whitlow is the group leader. This month’s meeting is at Becky Skowron’s home.

• Evening Group 2-The Salad Group: Meets March 15th (the 3rd Tuesday of the month) at 6:15 at the church. The Group leader brings the greens and each member brings an item to add to a tossed salad. Carol McGowan is the group leader.

Parents Morning Out – March 9th

Parents Morning Out is March 9th from 9:00 until noon in the church nursery. Please let Shirley know if you plan to drop off your child. Infants, toddlers and preschoolers are all welcome. The cost is $10.00. Please pay Shirley when picking up your children.

Fellowship of Prayer – Lenten Devotional

If you would like to purchase a Fellowship of Prayer Lenten devotional, the cost is $2.85. Contact the church office or Cindy for a copy.

Offering Reminder

As we start a new year, it is important to review how to correctly complete your offering envelopes.   On your check continue to write what funds you are contributing to.  An example would be one specific amount of the check goes to General Operating Fund and another amount goes to the Capital Campaign.  Each Sunday please take a moment to compare your check and the completed envelope to see if the amounts are the same, are written on the correct line, and add up to the total amount of the check.  

Please make the following additions to your church directory:

Rick & Marjean Bernard

8707 Brown Summit Road

Richmond, VA 23235

Home: 804-323-3760

Cell: 804-385-9574

Work:804-627-5373 marjeanb@

Rick: Cell: 804-243-6061 richardcbernard@

Peter, Dawn, & Paul Grois

1530 North Mount Bella Road

Richmond, VA 23235

Cell Phone Numbers & Emails:

Peter: 804-987-1717 PeterGrois@

Dawn: 804-901-1825 DawnGrois@

Paul: 804-405-1739 PaulGrois@

Bill Davis

3304 Springcreek Court

Midlothian, VA 23113

Telephone Numbers & Emails:

Home: 804-320-7305

Office: 804-285-3186

Cell: 804-305-7582

(No Email)

Welcome New Members

Peter and Dawn Grois moved to Richmond in 1981. Dawn is from Pittsburgh. She studies German at Grove City College and spent one year in Austria where she met Peter. She had to return to the US to finish her college education. After a one year separation, Dawn and Peter decided to get married in Austria where they stayed for about 11 years. Peter completed his college education to become a Mechanical Engineer. He was offered to start a company in Richmond for an Austrian company and accepted it. Two years after Peter and Dawn relocated from Vienna, Austria to Richmond their first son, Paul, was born. Paul was a very athletic and determined young child. Paul played in travel soccer for several years. Soccer traveling brought him to most major cities on the east coast. Erich, their second son, joined the family almost exactly two years after Paul was born. Erich went through the accelerated educational program of Chesterfield County and graduated from Maggie L. Walker Governor School for International Studies and finished the College of William and Mary with two majors. He lives and works in Washington, DC. Paul had a terrible accident in 2003. He is still recovering from his severe injury to his brain stem. From being in a coma for one week, Paul recovered to be able to walk and speak, although with some difficulties. He is attending John Tyler Community College to study Human Resources. His goal is to become a therapist one day to help others. Dawn teaches German at the Governor School — for almost twenty years. Peter decided to leave his Austrian employer after about twenty years to pursue other challenges. He started his own business in 2000 representing European machine manufacturers. He also is successfully consulting smaller companies making the step to grow and become an industrial organization. Dawn stays busy helping Paul recover from his injury. She enjoys going to movies and card games. Peter also is helping Paul recover from his injury. He likes skiing, aviation, yard work, the economy, and card

games, socializing, and chess. Paul enjoys movies, playing games, card games, and chess. They are looking for a bridge partner. It is hard to play bridge with three people. The family has noticed most Americans have difficulties pronouncing their Austrian name. It is actually very easy. Think about pronouncing: choice - Grois. The family thinks that perhaps they should change their name to Groice.

We also welcome Bill Davis to our church family. Bill lives in Midlothian, off Old Gun Road, near Robious Road. He was born in Richmond and raised in the Highland Park area of North Side. He is a widower and has 4 daughters, Melissa, Pam, Beth, and Amy. Melissa has an Engineering degree from the University of Florida and lives in Sarasota, Florida. Pam graduated from the College of William and Mary and is a CPA in New Zealand. Beth is also a CPA and a graduate of Virginia Tech. Amy teaches Computer Systems at Powhatan High School. Bill has degrees from The College of William and Mary in English and English History. He is a licensed general contractor, but is not active now. He is a realtor with Westhampton Realty. He served in the Air Force for 8 years and flew F86 Saber Jet single engine fighter planes in Vietnam. In his spare time, he enjoys tennis and racquet ball and loves reading.

And we also welcome Rick and Marjean Bernard. Rick and Marjean live in Bon Air. Marjean grew up in Midlothian and Rick moved to Chesterfield while in elementary school. They were married at BACC five years ago. They have four children; Morgan Obenchain, Hunter Obenchain, Lauren Bernard, and Ricky Bernard, Jr. Marjean is a graduate of V.C.U. and is employed as a Systems Analyst with Bon Secours Hospice. Rick graduated from James Madison University and is an Account Manager with Commtronics of Virginia. Marjean enjoys family fun, board games, and scuba diving. Rick also enjoys family fun and gardening. They have a cat, "Snowfeet."

BON AIR FRIENDS OF HABITAT UPDATE AND URGENT REQUEST

Rural Habitat affiliates like Powhatan have partnered with the USDA for subsidized low interest loans in order to provide more families in need with adequate housing. The USDA’s loans have taken some of the burden off of Habitat by providing low interest loans at the start of construction to help fund all costs.

Our Powhatan Habitat partner has selected our next family, Miss Christina Nicely and her 10 year old daughter, Cheyenne. Miss Nicely has succeeded in being approved by Habitat and the USDA for all loans. The lot has been purchased and cleared, the well is installed and all permits are in place. The plan was to begin building in the end of February.

Unfortunately due to the Federal budget issues, the USDA contacted our Powhatan partner and said that all funding is frozen until they know the impact of the budget cuts on the USDA’s programs. Powhatan Habitat does not have the money to fund all the costs of construction up front, and they are desperately trying to raise money to put this family in their home.

Although BACC and the other Bon Air churches have made pledges for 2011, it is not enough to cover the costs involved. I know that times are lean for so many these days, but if you are able, please consider dropping a donation marked specifically for Habitat in the offering plate in the next few weeks and help raise the roof for this family. Please make checks payable to Bon Air Christian Church and write on the memo line "Habitat".

Thank you for all your support!

- Dee Drezek, Church in Community

New Refrigerator and Freezer Rules

Many people use the refrigerators and freezers of this kitchen.  The refrigerators are not functional when they are filled with items that are long forgotten and then spoil or get freezer burn.  The following rules have been designed to assist us to keep our refrigerators clean and organized.

• When items are placed in the refrigerator or freezer they must be labeled with your name, the date, and the event for which they will be used.  ex. Sally Smith 3-1-11 CARITAS

• Do not put leftovers from an event into the refrigerator.  The only exception would be if you have talked to a specific person and they take responsibility to use the item in a very short period of time.  Then you label the item with your name, the date, and the person and group to which it is given for quick consumption.    ex. Sally Smith 3-1-11 given to Diane Clark for Youth Group

• Food not marked with a name and date will be removed from the refrigerator.  A notepad, permanent marker, and tape are in the top right drawer of the cabinet holding the metal silverware to assist you in marking food.

Thank you for your assistance.  If you have questions or concerns, please contact Barbara Bancroft at 204-1688.

Family Concerns:

Bud Deihl had partial knee replacement this past month.

Our sympathy is extended to Bill and Peggye Alcoke upon the death of Bill’s

brother, Dick Alcoke.

Please keep Nancy Lehan (Jim’s mother) in your prayers. She is in the hospital with pneumonia and complications from COPD.

We continue to pray for all our friends who are undergoing treatment for cancer: Marlys Stariha, Stephen Andrick, Robin Blanchard’s friend, Kenny Jannas; Kevin Stargell, Stacey Price, Susie Smith, Kevin Heath’s cousin Jennifer Blackwell; Joe Smith’s mother Glenda; Arlene Blythe’s mother, Margie Best; Brand and Debbie Inlow’s friends,Vicki and George Coleman; Frank Clark’s friend, Dave Limmer; the Ver Beeks friend, Benjamin Byers; the Burkhalter’s son-in-law, Tray Isley.

We also continue to pray for: Peggy Hill, Mary Ann Casdia’s granddaughter, Daisy Hansen and Kathy Morton’s nephew’s brother-in-law, Chris Graham who is waiting for a bone marrow transplant

We pray for Will Hansen, (Mary Ann Casdia’s (son-in-law) who is stationed in Iraq, Erik Hopp (the Ver Beeks’ nephew) who is in Afganistan and Jay Saldana (Bill & Shirley Heath’s son-in-law) who is in Pakistan.

SERVING SCHEDULE FOR MARCH 2011

March 6

Elders: Bill Heath, Lloyd Thacher

Deacons: 8:45 Cynthia Lehan (P), Joe Smith

11:00 Pete Landergan (P), Julie Coleman, Kitten Whitlow, Michael Whitlow

Worship Leaders: 8:45 Cassie Price 11:00 Jean Turlington

Acolyte: Gracie Coleman

Storyteller: Gina McKenney Helper: Jean Dowdy

March 13

Elders: Gail Macfadden, Jon Ver Beek

Deacons: 8:45 Arlene Blythe (P), Steve Blythe

11:00 Casey Kirk (P), Karson Clark, Russ Johnson, Shea Hollifield

Worship Leaders 8:45 Gerry Roppe′ 11:00 Joy Black

Acolyte: Hannah and Zachary Moon

Storyteller: Frances Atherton Helper: Deb Romig

March 20

Elders: Doug White, Sandy Collins

Deacons: 8:45 Polly White (P), Joe Smith

11:00 Kitten Whitlow (P), Michael Whitlow, Polly White, Cindy Cochran

Worship Leaders: 8:45 Sandy Collins 11:00 Mark White

Acolyte: Ben Pace

Storyteller: Ellen Moon Helper: Laura Hollis

March 27

Elders: Steve Goff, Bob McGowan

Deacons: 8:45 Joanne Hodgson (P), Duke Dale

11:00 Cindy Landergan (P), Jasmine Heath, Joe Love, Josh Vaden

Worship Leaders: 8:45 Brand Inlow 11:00 Kitten Whitlow

Acolyte: Allison and Parker Landergan

Storyteller: Pete Landergan Helper: Suzanne Dale

Offering: Bill and Peggye Alcoke

Ushers/Greeters: 8:45 Bill and Shirley Heath 11:00 Shirley Huff

(P) denotes communion preparation

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