The Pisgah Post

Pisgah Presbyterian Church Our Mission: to worship God,

Versailles, KY study the Scripture, practice the
November 2007 teachings of Jesus

Thoughts from Ground Level

(Psalm 8:4). That ancient poem’s point is that humans
seem so insignificant by comparison to the grandeur of
the night sky—and yet God cares for us.

W hen we were in California for the kid’s fall

break, we spent a day at one of my favorite
places in the world: Yosemite National Park.
We drove up there for the day with my mom. It’s less
I was asking a similar question as I looked around at
the enormity of Yosemite: Shouldn’t the beauty of a
place like Yosemite inspire us to find better pathways in
life than those which do not satisfy or cause pain and
than two hours from her house by car and as I
suffering? Should the work of the glaciers that sculpted
mentioned in my sermon last week, it’s a very special
that valley inspire us to use our talents and gifts for good
place for me and Susanne. I also remember visiting the
and productive work?
park with my parents and brothers on family vacations.
This is a good question to ask this month, and it
The cluster of glacial-carved granite mountains and
took a place like Yosemite to remind me that I need to
rock formations that surround Yosemite Valley are an
keep asking myself that question. What place(s) for you
amazingly unique landscape. As you stand in the middle
give you a new perspective on the priorities of life? What
of the valley and look upwards in every direction, you
place(s) for you lead you to give thanks? In a
can see a spectacular canvas of granite, trees,
month of giving thanks, here then are some
and sky. The beauty of the park was enhanced
things for which I am grateful…
by the fall colors of the oaks in the valley
o I am certainly grateful for a week last month
turning yellow.
with my family in California which included
I enjoyed watching Katherine and Jonah
a day in Yosemite. I am grateful that
experience the park for the first time (of many,
Katherine and Jonah were able to see a
I hope). They are suburban kids through and
place that is very special to Susanne and me,
through, and many things including the
and that I could watch them experience the
enormity of the rocks really captivated them.
park’s beauty. I am also grateful that we
We hiked to the base of Yosemite falls, a
were able to gather at my mom’s house with
waterfall which by October isn’t usually
my family and friends of my dad to
flowing—they had a dry summer, too. On the
remember him.
hike, Katherine and Jonah were awed by many
o I am grateful that as a church we are in the middle of a
things they saw along the way, and that included three
stewardship season with many opportunities to
mule deer that walked by us not really caring whether we
engage in the work of the church for another year.
were there or not. We brought home a bag full of
Of course, as your pastor I am supposed to write
California Black Oak acorns that they collected along the
things like that, but I am truly grateful that we’ve got
trail. I wonder how those will grow in the Bluegrass?
a church full of people who want to be part of a vital
The Miwok people, who once lived in the valley, would
mission and ministry.
pound those acorns into a nutritious flour. I don’t think
o My favorite moments as pastor of Pisgah Church are
the kids would be interested in doing that.
when the church is together, so I am grateful for the
On our way out of the park, we stopped to look up
church gatherings on the calendar this fall: our
at one of its most recognizable rocks, El Capitan, a 3000
Sunday morning worship services, the stewardship
foot rock formation that rises vertically from the valley
fair, the thanksgiving dinner, the worship service
floor. I wanted to take a picture of it but as I backed up
with New Union on Thanksgiving Day, the
into the meadow away from the rock, I discovered that I
Moravian Love Feast, and the Christmas programs.
couldn’t get the entire rock into the camera frame. I
I think of stewardship as our purposeful attention to
backed up some more and still the rock filled the picture.
what God has entrusted to our care. As you consider
It, along with so much else in the park, is enormous. The
your participation in the work of Pisgah Church, trust
picture I was able to get of El Capitan is almost all rock.
that your commitment will bring opportunities to do
There’s a little bit of sky at the top.
good work. I really believe God has some surprises for
My point in sharing this is that I was reminded by
us along the way.
my family’s day in Yosemite of what “big” really means.
Grace and peace, Jon
I can imagine visitors to the park come away feeling very
small compared to the landscape around them. We
certainly did. I like the way the park helps put things into
perspective.
After gazing in the night sky, the psalmist writes,
what are human beings that you are mindful of them
 2
Stewardship Fair
Sunday, November 4 at noon!
Fall brings thoughts of
Stewardship to Pisgah. Plan to
attend the Stewardship Fair. We
invite you to participate in the
annual chili cook-off. Men of
all ages are invited to participate
in a cake baking contest. There will be hot dogs, booths
and prizes. Don’t miss the fun.
See you at the Fair!!
Your Stewardship Committee: Lindsey McHatton,
Abe Fosson, Lisa Johnson and Becky Wilder
Christian Education
The Christian Education committee met October 22.
Starting in November we will be meeting on the third
Monday of each month.
On October 28, about 12 kids from preschool thru
5th grade, six adults and two middle school kids, attended
the Woodford Humane Society trip. We went to
McDonald’s for breakfast first. Then to the Humane
Society where we placed our laundry basket of dog and
cat items in the middle of a circle and said a prayer. The
kids could enter the cat rooms and play with the cats.
We visited two outdoor dog pens and then came in and
put dog toys in the empty dog cages. They let the dogs
in and the kids could watch as the dogs played with the
toys they had given them. The kids had a great time and
are already planning their next “offering” field trip
At the Stewardship Fair we are planning to set up a
table. We will have lots of pictures of our classes and
we are bringing the lighthouse upstairs for everyone to
see. There will also be a sign up sheet for committee
members for next year. Hope you will sign up. We have
a great group and would love to have you join us.
Don’t forget to come to Sunday School. There is a
spot for everyone.
Hope to see you!!
Becky Prater and Lesley Kindred
A Thank You!
Dear Pisgah Scholarship Committee and Church,
I wanted to thank everyone for awarding me with
the scholarship. Because of your help, I am able to go to
a wonderful university to learn how to use and share the
talents God has given me.
Thank you again and God bless!
Martha Prewitt
Share a Prayer TheAdvent Book of Prayers
This Advent season we are creating a book of
prayers. We are asking members to submit a mealtime
prayer and each prayer that is submitted will be devoted
to a day of Advent. At dinnertime during the season of
Advent, you will be able to say the blessing that other
church members say before dinner. This will be an
opportunity to learn some new ways of saying grace and
to connect with fellow church members. On any given
day in Advent, our whole church family will be united
around one family’s words of grace and gratitude!
Whether you want to write a prayer with specific
Advent content, submit an “old faithful” mealtime
prayer, or do both, your Worship Committee will
welcome your submissions. The final booklet will
contain the prayers we receive as well as artwork from
our members. The Worship Committee hopes that this
“share a prayer” booklet will bring comfort and good
tidings to you this Advent. Please submit these to the
office by November 18.
Peace in Christ,
The Worship Committee
Write your prayer in the box below and place it in the
offering box at church.
Mary Shepherd Circle
The Mary Shepherd Circle met October 2, 2007. We
now have Pisgah Note Cards for sale—Four Seasons
Cards and Black/White Cards of our beautiful Church.
They sell for $5.00 per package. You can see them in the
Academy Building.
We will again be hosting the
traditional Thanksgiving Feast in the
Academy Building on Sunday,
November 18, following the
11:00a.m. service. Meat will be furnished by the Circle.
Bring a dish to share and we’ll see you there!
 3
New Church Officers
On October 14, the following people were elected
by the congregation to serve as officers. They will begin
their work in January 2008.
Elders-elect: John Baston, Jennifer Chandler, Jud
Davis and Missie Wood
Deacons-elect: Chuck Craycraft, Ed Harris, Greg
Lawrence and Becky Wilder. In addition, Hannah
Kindred was elected to serve out the remainder of
Amanda Howard’s term.
Trustees-elect: Larry Jones and Bob Weldon
Moravian Lovefeast
A Spiritual Way to Begin the Season of Advent
December 2, 2007
In the Sanctuary at 7:00pm
From the Moravian Music Foundation:
The Lovefeast is a simple meal shared in a spirit of
reverence and joy that Christ is present in our lives. The
actual food and drink may vary considerably; in the
Caribbean you may drink tea, in Africa you may eat
peanuts. In America, the traditional Lovefeast consists of
a sweetened bun and coffee - but it could be a cookie
and juice as well.
The manner of serving may also vary - except that all
wait until all have been served and the Pastor has asked
the Blessing. Some congregations listen to the choir sing
hymns and anthems while they enjoy the Lovefeast meal;
in other congregations, people speak quietly with their
neighbors about their spiritual journey. For 270 years the
Lovefeast has maintained its dignity and grace, and is
used by quite a few other demoninations to celebrate
appropriate events.
Operation Christmas Child
A Simple Gift … Calling all shoe boxes!
Merry Christmas! Okay, it’s a little early for that, but
it’s not too early to start thinking of sharing our good
fortune with those who need our help. It is a
heartbreaking reality that millions of boys and girls
around the globe live in difficult circumstances and are
in desperate need of hope. These children long to know
that they are loved, and together we can help to fulfill
that need.
The Mission and Evangelism Committee invites
each member of our congregation to share the Good
News of God's love by participating in Operation
Christmas Child. Also known as the “shoe box” project,
which brings joy and hope to children around the world
through gift-filled shoe boxes. This program of
Samaritan’s Purse provides an opportunity for people of
all ages to be involved in a simple, hands-on mission
project while focusing on the true meaning of Christmas
- Jesus Christ.
We will be collecting the gift-filled shoe boxes on
Sunday, November 18. Instructional pamphlets and
prayer cards will be available at the Stewardship Fair on
November 4. Additional materials will be left in the
Academy Building until collection time. Thank you for
your participation in this important mission and we look
forward to making this the best year ever!
A note from the Administration Committee
It’s hard to believe, but it’s stewardship and
budget time again. Our committee has been hard at work
preparing Pisgah’s budget for 2008. This year we are
anticipating income based on a 2007 projected amount
with a slight, 4%, increase. Since we are committed to a
balanced budget, the Session has budgeted expenses to
match this planned income. By
the end of the year, it is
projected that our 2007 income
will be less than we had
expected it to be back in
January. We believe this is
because the “unpledged
income” was over estimated for
the year. (This amount is calculated by looking at the
amount from the previous year.) At its October meeting,
the Session limited expenses for the rest of the 2007 to
match this over estimation.
We began our 2008 budget work using realistic
2007 income amounts as a starting point. The result is
that the 2008 budget expenses will be less than 2007.
This is admittedly a conservative budget, but should
additional money come in, the Session will add items
back into the budget.
The 2008 budget will be included in the
stewardship package. There will also be a budget
presentation at the conclusion of worship on November.
11. Please see any member of the administration
committee or the Session if you have questions.
Don Schmidt
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DCE Notes
Both the Saturday Morning Men’s Bible Study and
the Thursday Night Women’s group have been using the
Max Lucado study, 3:16 The Numbers of Hope, based
on the scripture of John 3:16—“For God so loved the
world that he gave his one and only Son that whoever
believes in Him shall not perish but have eternal life.”
Lucado sums the scripture up by saying simply, “He
loves. He gave. We believe. We live.”
With stewardship season upon us, it is interesting to
note that the words “give” or “giving” are used 2,162
times in the Bible. God wants us to become like Him.
He wants us to learn to be givers, too. Scripture also
makes it clear that God is interested in the attitude of the
giver. We know that God is the source of all that we
have: our life, our abilities, our natural resources—
everything. God gave to us first—and giving allows us
to express our appreciation. Ponder Paul’s words in 2
Corinthians 8:7, “But just as you excel in everything—in
faith, in speech, in knowledge, in complete earnestness
and in your love for us—see that you also excel in this
grace of giving.” Giving is not only supplying needs but
rather overflowing in expressions of thanks to God – a
way of saying “I am grateful, God for all you have
done.”
When I first started working for the Methodist
Church in Michigan, a church member gave me a
photocopy of an article from The Gaines Street Builder. I
know nothing about this publication but I have kept and
have shared this modern day parable for 22 years. It is
titled:
Tipping and Tithing
“Now it came to pass at noon one day that an editor was a
guest of a certain rich man. The lunch was enjoyed at a popular
restaurant. The waiters were very efficient. The food was good.
Now when the end of the meal was at hand, the waiter
brought unto the host the check. And the host examined it,
frowned a bit, but made no comment.
But as we rose to depart, I observed that he laid some bills
under the edge of his plate. I know not what the denomination of
the bills were; howbeit, the waiter who stood nearby smiled happily
(which being interpreted, means the tip was satisfactory).
Now this parable entereth not into the merits or demerits of
tipping. But as I meditate on the bills that become tips throughout
our nation, I begin to think of tips and tithes. For it is now
suggested that the proverbial tip be more than the tithe, lest the
waiter turn against you.
And as I continue to think on these things, it comes unto me
that few people who go to church treat their God as well as their
waiter. For they give unto the waiter a tithe or more but unto
God they give whatever they think will get them by.
Verily, doth man fear the waiter more than he feareth God?
And doth he love God less than he love the waiter? Or does the
waiter do more for him than his God?”
Looking Ahead to December
Mark your calendars as December 16 is the date for
the PISGAH FAMILY CHRISTMAS. This year, we
would like to have all the Children as well as interested
Youth and Adults participate in the program. Truly, a
CHURCH FAMILY experience!
It is a short play titled “Christmas Windows.” It can
be done with a flexible number of cast members and
there are many speaking as well as non-speaking parts.
Each “window” will be staged individually and so this
will cut down on the amount of rehearsal time required
from each cast member. Please contact Sue by the
Thanksgiving Dinner on November 18 if you are
willing to participate in this year’s program.
Window One on Mondays--November 26 and
December 10 6:00 –7:00 pm
Window Three on Tuesdays November 27 and
December 11 6:00 –7:00 pm
Window Two on Wednesdays November 28 and
December 12 6:30 –7:00 pm
Window Four on Sunday November 9 (noon to 2:00)
and Thursday December 13 6:00 –7:00 pm
Full Cast on Friday December 14 6:00 –9:00 pm
Full Cast Run-through and Performance on
December 16 at 3:00 pm
I am also looking for people to serve as “stage
hands” and help with the sets and scenery.
Props and Costumes I know are needed at this time are:
Santa Claus Suit
Clown Costume
Small artificial Christmas tree (under 6’)
Artifical Green Garland (12-16’)
Silver or Gold Garland
Strands of minature lights (blinking and non-blinking)
Plain glass or plastic ornaments with hooks
Christmas lawn ornament (plastic or inflatable)
Cardboard Fireplace
See you in church!
Sue
The Pisgah Post is published monthly by the Pisgah
Presbyterian Church, 710 Pisgah Pike, Versailles, KY
40383. The deadline for the December 2007 issue of
the newsletter is November 19. Please submit signed
articles to the church office or email them to
office@pisgahpresbyterian.org.
 5

Happy Birthday to You in November

Snippets 1 Mary Louise Quisenberry
o On October 21, Dr. Michael Brooks took on 17 5 Sarah Cox
youth chess players from the Sayre School in a Chess 6 Frank Snipp
Simul competition. He went from board to board 8 Sandy Marting, Annie Stilz
playing each student—the student who lasted the 9 Pam Stokes
longest and won a bag of Skittles for his effort was 11 George Kadamyan
Chauncey Hill! 12 Joy Hardesty, Kathy MacLeod
o Did you see Jim Cox’s picture in The Woodford Sun 13 Emily Craycraft, Emma Mitchell, Michael Jones
last month? He received the Director Emeritus 14 Andrew Johnson
Award at the annual meeting of the Woodford 15 Linda Bisbee, Pegi Ivancevich, John O’Rear
County Farm Bureau. Congratulations Jim! 16 Becky Nelson
o Congratulations to Taylor Johnson who placed 6th 17 Wanda Rodgers, Olivia Cassidy
in her age group at the state Horseriding 18 Lesley Kindred
Competition. Her event was in Saddleseat. Taylor 20 Susan Fey
has only been taking lessons for 1 year! 21 Lee Graddy
o Sally Dunlap wanted everyone to know she received 22 Vitaly Budovsky, Steve Burrier
a phone call on October 29 from Jean Springer and 23 Asa James, David Prater
that Jean “sounded strong and happy.” She was 24 Bekah Davis
making plans to meet up with Sally and Whitney 25 Betsy Fishback
while she and her daughter, Susie, are in Florida this 26 Dorothy Davis, Campbell Graddy, Stephanie
winter. Jean’s address is: 6217 Canyon Ferry Road, Mobley
Helena, MT 59602
o For any parents who would like to have an evening And in early December…
out, Sarah Kindred wants you to know that she is 1 Carlee Miller
available for babysitting. 2 Joe Graddy, Chad Scott
Additional “Snippets” are posted on the Pisgah Fridge in 4 Beth Straub
the Academy Building 5 Jesse Smith
8 Toland Lacy, Phil Lacy
9 Sue Fosson, Judy Simpson
Please help us keep this list up to date!

Pisgah Youth Group

The middle school and high school youth groups
will be going to play laser tag and roller skating on
November 3rd. We will meet at the church at 1:00 and
then go to Champs Entertainment Complex in
Lexington. After laser tag and roller skating we will go to
Culver’s for burgers and ice cream and then return to
Pisgah at 6:00 PM. The skating cost is $6 plus $2.50 for
skate rentals. Laser tag costs $8 for a 20 minute round Join with your church family as we carry on a long
and $5 each additional round after you play the first tradition with New Union Christian Church for a
round. Dinner will be around $9 for a total of around combined Thanksgiving Day service. This year we are
$25 for the whole day. The Stewardship Fair is on meeting here at Pisgah Church. The service is at 10:30am
November 4th. We will have a bon fire on November on Thanksgiving Day.
11th. On November 25th we will be raking leaves, and
on December 30th we will have a lock-in at Pisgah.
Hannah Kindred
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Sundays at Pisgah Church

8:45a.m. Early Worship
9:45a.m. Sunday School
11:00a.m. Morning Worship

The Staff Email

Jon: pastor@pisgahpresbyterian.org
Sue: dce@pisgahpresbyterian.org
Lynn: office@pisgahpresbyterian.org

Presbyterian Web Sites:

Presbyterian Church (USA): pcusa.org
Transylvania Presbytery: transypby.org
Synod: synodoflivingwaters.org
Montreat: http://montreat.org
Presbyterians Today: pcusa.org/pcusa/today

Pisgah Church Staff

Jon Martin, Pastor
Linda Jones, Organist
Sue Henry, Director of Christian Education
Lynn Davis, Secretary
Ted Bendis, Bookkeeper
Bob Keller, Groundskeeper
Rhonda Ball, Nursery Worker

The Pisgah Post

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Versailles, KY 40383
Permit No. 192

November 2007
Pisgah Presbyterian Church
710 Pisgah Pike
Versailles, KY 40383

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Web: www.pisgahpresbyterian.org, Voice and fax: (859) 873-4161, email: office@pisgahpresbyterian.org