Greetings in The Name of Our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. To quote my
grandmother, "Things just get better and better!". GOD IS REAL!! And He is faithful!
He gave me back my son and I will continue to believe for my other two boys.
If you are hurting over lost family don’t give up! Keep loving them and wait
on The Lord.
GOD IS GOOD...ALL THE TIME!!
To speak of another promise that I am believing God for, we have our: “Building the Vision for the Glory of God,” jars. We are believing God for our own building. Jars will be collected the First Sunday of each month so that we can see how we are doing. Keep those pennies coming! I am excited about this project and the blessings that are in store for all of us.May God Bless you richly in all you do! Until next time I remain,
In His Service,
Pastor Adelle
P.S.
I would like to take this opportunity to invite you to come and celebrate with us: Unitarian Universalist Church 3051 Ironbound Road Williamsburg, VA 23187
Worship Services: Sundays at 2:00 p.m.
Bible Study: Tuesdays at 7:00 p.m.
If you need directions, please call or send an e-mail to: Reverend Adelle Barr. Telephone: 757-887-3719 email: Htableland@aol.com I look forward to seeing you there!!
by Jean Barnes
Where is our friendship we once shared? All the things that we once dared. Disappeared during a night, You suddenly decided you would take different flight?
You got sick with kidney stones I stayed at home and suddenly it was gone! All the things we once shared Now all the shelves seem so bare.
I really don't know what has happened to you I get to thinking and end up all so blue Our thoughts are way off track, Some one has to pick-up the slack.
Our conversations got so strained. It is a Saturday, looks like rain. Why haven't you called? Our friendship has just stalled.
The phone rings and I think it could be The friend that I remember as being all so free. How could a good thing turn out so wrong When what we shared was so very strong?
I, going over there, or you coming over here. Someone I began to fear Could cause me to shed a tear I did not realize it would happen to me my dear.
The friendship seems so out of touch. How could it be when I meant so much? Time may heal our wound. I'll be waiting, hoping that it happens soon!
In 1985, Rev. Tom Hirsch sensed God's leading to begin a ministry for evangelical Christians in the gay and lesbian community. He knew that God's Grace and love were no less effective because he was gay. He knew he did not need to give up the Bible or his Christian faith.
ADVANCE Christian Ministries was founded, and the church he pastored, Circle of Glory Church in Ft. Worth, Texas, sponsored the first ADVANCE conference in January of 1987. Thirty-five individuals attended from churches in Ft. Worth, Dallas and Houston.
The conference location was then moved to Houston, Texas, and came to include over thirty churches and ministries within the Christian gay community. Attendance grew to over two hundred and fifty people. Those attending represented both the diversity of worship, tradition and administrations within the Christian Church.
As ADVANCE grew, there was a desire to give the ministry back to the churches. A constitution with bylaws was developed and in October of 1996, twenty-seven churches chartered the Alliance of Christian Churches.
The Fall ADVANCE conference, church support and education, evangelism, and local and global missions continue as the work of the ACC. We publish a newsletter six times a year and are working to make sermons, literature and studies available from our conferences and affiliate ministries.
There are six retreats known as ACCTS (Alliance of Christian Churches Teaching Seminar) Weekends held regionally in the spring of each year.
The ACC is Christ-centered, biblically focused and evangelical. It is the largest Christian fellowship of its kind, with U.S. and international affiliates. It includes ministries in the gay community and the greater body of Christ. Attendance at ACC conferences and events is not limited only to members. All who desire affirming Christian fellowship are welcome. Affiliate membership is by letter of petition. Current affiliation includes forty-eight churches and para-church ministries.
The alliance is supported by the financial giving of its members and others. The outreach of the ACC is administrated by eleven standing committees assisted by an Executive Council. Three voting delegates who elect the committees and council represent each affiliate church, regardless of its size. Rev. Hirsch continues to serve the Alliance affiliates, pastors and others through the Department of Church Ministries.
This year the fall conference will be held in Williamsburg Virginia. The conference begins Wednesday, October 4th and ends Sunday October 8th. All activities are being held at the Four Points Sheraton on Route 60. Pre-registration is required for day activities. However evening services and Sunday services are available without registration. Evening services begin at 7:30 p.m. Wednesday through Saturday. Sunday services begin at 9:30 a.m. There will be tables representing each church on Friday and Saturday evenings.
Heaven's Tableland Christian Church will have a table. We will have various craft items for sale at this time. The funds raised through these sales will go toward our building fund. The Friday evening activities will also include the Parade of Banners. At this time, each church that is represented at the conference will display their church banner. Please try to attend and march with Heaven's Tableland Christian Church during this activity.
Heaven's Tableland Christian Church extends a warm welcome to The Alliance of Christian Churches and to all who attend. We hope to see you there!
(information obtained from the Alliance of Christian Churches website.)
by Pat Kopreski
I can't help but wonder why so many individuals when asked about their prayer life answer: "Oh I pray everyday" and then rush off.
Do you truly comprehend the power that is unleashed by prayer? Prayer is something to be taken seriously and we all need to discipline ourselves individually and as the Body of Christ.
"Again I tell you that if two of you on earth agree about anything you ask for, it will be done by my Father in Heaven. For where two or three come together in My Name, there I am with them." (Matt. 18:19)
In Christ's own words "if you remain in me and my Words remain in you, ask whatever you wish and it will be given you." (John 15:7)
In Luke 18:1 Jesus tells his disciples that they should always pray and never give up. Pray and never give up!! Pray and never give up!! PRAY AND NEVER GIVE UP!
Many of us wonder why our lives are upside down. Where is God in your life? Sitting on the back burner because that certain "someone" came into your life and needs more of your time and after all, church will still be there.
We at Heaven's Tableland Christian Church received knowledge that a church very near and dear to us closed its doors. I came from a church that split. We were notified of this at the end of the sermon of this. We rebuilt…on a foundation of sand…again it failed.
Heaven's Tableland Christian Church is built on solid rock, mixed with solid faith in Christ Jesus and solid prayer. Yet we can't afford to be complacent. Satan's out there just waiting for even a moment to distract us. You see, that's a victory for him.
Matthew 18:15 "I tell you the truth, whatever you bind on earth will be bound in Heaven and what you loose on earth will be loosed in Heaven. We are covered by the shed blood of our Lord and Savior Christ Jesus and in His Name we order Satan back to hell."
A final thought:
"Ask and it will be given you, Seek and you will find, Knock and the door will be opened for you. For everyone who asks receives, he who seeks finds, and to him who knock, the door will be opened."
Matthew 2:7:7
Prayer works! Let us join in prayer for our church, Pastor, congregation, for all our dreams and hopes, in praise to our Lord's Holy Name!!
Yours in Christ's Service,
Pat Kopreski
Faith is knowledge within the heart, beyond the reach of proof. Please visit our Prayer Board.
by J. A. Wallace
There is an Eye that never sleeps beneath the wing of night;
There is an Ear that never shuts, when sink the beams of light:
There is an Arm that never tires, when human strength gives way;
There is a Love that never fails, when earthly loves decay.
But there's a power which man can wield, when mortal aid is vain,
That Eye, that Arm, that Love to reach,
That listening Ear to gain.
That power is prayer which soars on High through Jesus to the throne,
And moves the Hand, which moves the world,
To bring Salvation down.
-Isaiah 30:19
Heaven's Tableland Christian Church would like to ask you to pray with us for those who are in need. Visit our new Prayer Board for needs submitted to the church for prayer. As we know
author unknown
A certain good woman one day said something that hurt her best friend of many years. She regretted it immediately, and would have done anything to have taken the words back. But they were said, impulsively, in a moment of thoughtlessness, and as close as she and her friend were, she didn't consider the effects of her words before hand. What she said hurt the friend so much that this good woman was herself hurt for the pain she caused.
In her effort to undo what she had done, she went to an older, wiser woman in the village. Explaining her situation, and asked for advice. The older woman listened patiently in an effort to determine just how sincere the younger woman was and how far she was willing to go to correct the situation. She explained that sometimes, in order to put things back in order, great efforts must be made. She then asked: "Just what would you be willing to do, to repair the harm done?" The answer was heartfelt. "Anything."
Listening to her, the older woman, sensed the younger woman's distress, and knew she must help her. She also knew she could never alleviate her pain by living her life for her, but she could teach, if the younger woman would first listen, and then learn. She knew the outcome would depend solely on the character of the younger woman.
She said, "There are two things needed to do to make amends. The first of the two is extremely difficult. Tonight, take your best feather pillows, and open a small hole in each one. Then, before the sun rises, you must put a single feather on the doorstep of each house in town. When you are through, come back to me. If you've done the first thing completely, I'll tell you the second."
The young woman hurried home to prepare for her chore, even though the pillows were very dear to her, very expensive. All night long she labored alone in the cold. She went from doorstep to doorstep, taking care not to overlook a single house. Her fingers were frozen, the wind was so sharp it caused her eyes to water, but she ran on, through the darkened streets, thankful there was something she could do to put things backs the way they once were. Finally, as the sky was getting light, she placed the last feather on the steps of the last house.
Just as the sun rose, she returned to the older woman. She was exhausted, but relieved that her efforts would be rewarded. "My pillows are empty. I placed a feather on the doorstep of each home." Now, said the wise woman, "Go back and refill your pillows. Then everything will be as it was before."
The young woman was stunned. "You know that's impossible! The wind blew away each feather as fast as I placed them on the doorsteps! You didn't say I had to get them back! If this is the second requirement, then things will never be the same." "That's true", said the older woman.
"Never forget. Each of your words is like a feather in the wind. Once spoken, no amount of effort, regardless how heartfelt or sincere, can ever return them to your mouth. Choose your words well, and guard them most of all in the presence of those you love."
…that Lauralei has gone back to school? She is studying the culinary arts. Good Luck Lauralei!
...that your contributions to this newsletter are what makes it so GREAT? Please let Jill know if you have anything that you would like to include in the newsletter. Tryn2bloom@aol.com
...that Heaven's Tableland Christian Church has a food pantry which helps those in times of trouble with meals? The food is collected by donations made by our church family. The Deacon's Pantry is available to anyone who needs it. Please contact the church office for more details.
...that Jill is still collecting aluminum to raise money for the building fund? The last collection brought us $15.04. That was 47 pounds of aluminum. I know it doesn't sound like much, but it sure adds up. Please remember that any aluminum items can be included, not just cans. Pie pans, aluminum foil, etc. Keep up the good work!
...that Heaven's Tableland Christian Church has received beautiful new hymnals? Thanks to Emmanuel Church for the donation.
...that Tabletalk is looking for advertisers? See Jill for details. Tryn2bloom@aol.com
…that Doug is a Webmaster? He has been working hard on a website for our church. It is completed and running. Please visit us at: HTCC. Thanks Doug for all your work on this project.
…that we can send you a copy of Tabletalk by e-mail? This would save on printing and postage. Contact Jill if you are interested.Tryn2bloom@aol.com
...that Heaven's Tableland Christian Church functions entirely on our tithes, gifts, and offerings? Ten percent of your earnings taken right off of the top are hardly noticed. And God will always take care of those who serve Him in faith.
…that James and Shannon tied the knot? Congratulations to both of you and may God bless your marriage.
…that we have had several new visitors lately? We would like to welcome each of you and we hope to see you again. If there is anything that we can do for you, please contact Pastor at 887-3719. We look forward to seeing you again real soon.
…that Tara is taking Spanish this year in school? She is receiving some assistance in her studies in return for her help with the English language. Good luck Tara!
…that Lauralei needs your help with the Hospitality Committee? See the hospitality book and Lauralei for details.
…that John has agreed to take over the Music Ministry? Thanks to Lauralei for her long time dedication and welcome to John and good luck.
…that Josh is in the marching band at Jamestown High School? Congratulations Josh…keep up the good work.
…Pharoah's daughter was the Bibles greatest financier? She went down to the bank of the Nile and drew out a little prophet.
…that Heaven's Tableland Christian Church had a yard sale a few weeks ago? We made over $100. Thanks to everyone who contributed.
…that October is "God's Jar" month? Bring your jars to Sunday services any time this month for collection. See Russ for details.
…that Glenda is recovering nicely after surgery? She has finally been released by her doctor to get out of the house. She can even drive now! We are all glad you are feeling better Glenda and pray for your continued progress.
…that Heaven's Tableland Christian Church has a new treasurer? Thanks Kim for taking over this very important position.
…that there are only (FILL IN THE NUMBER OF DAYS THAT YOU HAVE LEFT TO PANIC!!)_____________________ shopping days left before Christmas? You better get started!
…that November 2nd is Election Day? Please include God in your decisions about the candidates you choose.
…that Pat, Jenna, Betsy and Bobby Jo have become very crafty lately? They have been working on small craft items to help raise money for the building fund. If you have any ideas, please let them know. I'm sure they would appreciate your help.
…that the annual meeting of the Alliance of Christian Churches will be held in Williamsburg this year? See the article below for more details.
…that excuses are lies disguised as reasons? Adam gave a good one to his children when they asked why he no longer lived in the Garden of Eden. He said your mother ate us out of house & home.
…that we are having a Halloween Party on Saturday, October 28th?
Everyone is welcome! Call the church office for details. (757) 887-3719
…that you can preach a better sermon with your life than with your lips? -- Oliver Goldsmith
Below are a few questions that may test your knowledge of the Bible. Give them a shot and see how you do. No fair cheating…the answers can be found later in the newsletter.
Who was the first Priest mentioned in the Bible?
What was the second plague on Egypt?
Who was the voice crying in the wilderness?
What New Testament word means teacher?
What was the name of the camel on Noah's Ark that had no humps?
Who did Israel became?
Who did Belteshazzar became?
Who did Mara became?
Who was the first Christian Martyr?
What church was neither hot nor cold?
What kind of man was Boaz before he married?
Which servant of God was the most flagrant lawbreaker in the Bible?
What does it mean to be a good steward? God has given us everything. What are we doing with what He has given us? What does the Bible have to say about how we handle our resources?
Please look for an upcoming seminar exploring these topics and more. Let me share with you some of the basic concepts of saving money. i.e. using store brands, buying with coupons, waiting for sales, when is it wise to buy in bulk?
Being responsible with what God has given us is a pleasure to Him. Let us help each other in good stewardship. Learn how to live on a budget. I am looking forward to sharing with everyone who desires to learn a new thing. Come with the expectation that you will leave knowing how to take some stress off your financial life. I know God will bless you for taking this step.
When you see geese flying along in "V" formation, you might consider what science has discovered as to why they fly that way. As each bird flaps its wings, it creates an uplift for the bird immediately following. By flying in "V" formation, the whole flock adds at least 71 percent greater flying range than if each bird flew on its own.
People who share a common direction and sense of community can get where they're going more quickly and easily because they're traveling on the thrust of one another.
When a goose falls out of formation, it suddenly feels the drag and resistance of trying to go it alone – and quickly gets back into formation to take advantage of the lifting power of the bird in front.
If we have as much sense as a goose, we will stay in formation with those people who are headed the same way we are.
When the head goose gets tired, it rotates back in the wing and another goose flies point.
It is sensible to take turns doing demanding jobs, whether with people or with geese flying south.
Geese honk from behind to encourage those up front to keep up their speed.
What messages do we give each other when we honk from behind?
Finally – and this is important – when a goose gets sick or is wounded by gunshot, and falls out of formation, two other geese fall out with that goose and follow it down to lend help and protection. They stay with the fallen goose until it is able to fly or until it dies, and only then do they launch out on their own, or with another formation to catch up with their group.
If we have the sense of a goose, we will stand by each other like that.
On Friday, September 22, in Roanoke, Virginia, a man asked for directions to a gay bar, walked calmly into the Backstreet Café, ordered a beer, then pulled a 9-mm pistol out from his trench coat and began shooting in the crowded bar. Danny Lee Overstreet was killed and six other people were injured.
Police said the alleged gunman, Ronald Edward Gay, 53, had asked for directions to a gay bar so he could "shoot some gay people.'' Gay told investigators he was upset with people jokingly linking him to the homosexual lifestyle because of his last name.
On Saturday night, hundreds of candles flickered along Roanoke's Salem Avenue as more than 300 people gathered to express their grief--- and their determination to fight the hate that killed Danny Lee Overstreet.
"I'm not going back. I didn't come to Roanoke to hide in the closet," said the Rev. Catherine Houchins, pastor of Metropolitan Community Church of the Blue Ridge (Roanoke, VA, USA) and the on-site representative of UFMCC in Roanoke, VA. She urged the people in the tearful crowd: "Don't grieve like those with no hope."
Friday night's shootings in a Roanoke gay bar prompted waves of outrage among gays and lesbians and others across the nation.
On Sunday night, September 24, over 200 spilled out of MCC of the Blue Ridge onto the street to meet with a representative of the National Gay and Lesbian Task Force.
Rev. Troy Perry issued a statement to the press: "I extend love and prayers to the family of Danny Lee Overstreet of Roanoke, Virginia, whose life was taken by an anti-gay hate crime…. Once again we have been sadly reminded that the goals of justice and understanding in our society have not yet been fully realized."
During her sermon to her congregation this weekend, Rev. Catherine Houchins stated, "What a difference a week makes. Sunday, September 17 Roanoke's GLBT community was celebrating 'Pride in the Park 2000' with over 1500 in attendance. Five days later the headlines spoke of a man killing one and shooting six others in a local gay bar."
She reminded her congregation that there is hurt and brokenness in our world. This leads to acts of violence. "We need to come together as a community and as a community of faith and support one another at this time as never before. We need to go to the source of hope, God, and allow God to help through these times when no answers make sense. No words are sufficient...but God promises to be present for us even when there are no words."
Messages of love and support are continuing to flood into the small city of Roanoke, VA. We send our prayers to the families and friends of Danny Overstreet and those injured at the bar, as well as to the family of Ronald Gay. May the God of love be present with them in this tragic moment.
Heaven's Tableland Christian Church of Williamsburg, VA. extend our love and our Prayers to our brothers and sisters in Roanoke, VA after the tragedy that took place at the Backstreet Cafe.
We stand together with you and pledge that we will not stop pushing for anti-hate crime bills, nor will we stop pushing our senate and congress members to take a stand on human rights for our community!!
Most of all we pledge to stand with you in prayer and support. This senseless murder was not God's doing but a pure act of hatred. May God Be with you all as you pick up from here and go on.
When I was just coming out in 1979 Rev. Elder Nancy Wilson, who was then a pastor at MCC Worcester, made a powerful statement that I will NEVER forget. It was at our first gay pride march and people were throwing bottles and things at our people and we were bleeding. Someone in our group couldn't take it anymore and picked up something to throw. Rev. Wilson said, "the violence has to stop somewhere let it stop with us!" She began to sing, "Oh Freedom" and we marched arm in arm with tears running down our faces.
That, I believe, says it all. The violence has to stop somewhere, let it stop with US!!
Yours in Christ Service,
Rev. Adelle L. Barr, Pastor
Heaven's Tableland Christian Church
author unknown
When Jesus looks upon my life, What picture does He see. Does He see His own reflection, Or does He just see me.
Does He see His likeness The product of His hand. Or just another Christian Who never took a stand.
Does He see a child of God A child that He set free. Living life to honor Him Or does He just see me.
What about the other folks I meet along the way. Do I show them Jesus To brighten up their day.
When someone looks into my eyes Can they truly see? That calm and gentle peace of God That dwells inside of me.
When I reach out and shake a hand Is He right there in my grip? Can they feel that strength from God That steadies when I slip.
When folks are in my presence Do they know His Spirit's there? Can they see that He's the one Who guides me everywhere?
When other people think of me What is on their mind? Do they think of Jesus Christ So gentle and so kind?
I try to be like Jesus Every single day. Spreading love and kindness All along my way.
I'm afraid that I have failed I could not pass the test. Deep inside my heart I know I haven't done my best.
I have had to fight my flesh, Since the day that I was born. It's always causing trouble And being such a thorn.
That's why His Spirit dwells in me He's helping me to learn. In every situation, Where I need to turn.
He knew I'd never pass the test That's why He took my place. He gave His life to save my soul He suffered my disgrace.
Now I try to be like Him I must present Him well So other folks will want His gift And turn their backs on hell.
Other folks should see the joy That Christ has given me. They should want to have it too Especially since it's free.
They should begin to ask me What is it they must do. Just how it is they go about Getting Jesus too.
Then I get to tell them This wondrous gift is free It only takes a humble heart A prayer on bended knee.
Someday when I'm face to face With the Lord who set me free. Will He see His own reflection Or will He just see me?
Melchizedek
Frogs
John the Baptist
Rabbi
Humpfree
Jacob
Daniel
Naomi
Stephen
Laodicea
Ruthless
Moses, because he broke all 10 commandments at once.
Nearly twenty-five years have passed since the #1 angel of my life passed into heaven to be with our Lord. Now, I have discovered another "angel in my life"…right here on earth.
The first one was present to help me through those childhood and teenage years. I thought they were rough years for anyone to bear, but it seems I had a pretty good life compared to some of the people I have met over the years.
My angel's name was Ruth Barnes. Yes, she was related to me. She just happened to be my dear Grandma. I can remember her, but I sure wish I had known her better. She was so very much a dedicated Christian. She lived in the most southern part of North Carolina. We would pile into the old car and my dad would drive us down as often as possible. It seems like we went most every weekend. She would be in her kitchen, cooking up some type of southern dish for us and most likely a cake…made from scratch. On the radio would be some type of religious music or someone preaching. On Sunday morning, she made sure that we went to the giant Baptist Church nearby. She was the leader of the Sunday School Class and she was very good at all that she did.
I was very quiet and I remember her concern for me. But, of course, I could not tell her what was happening in my life. You know…an alcoholic in the family. Such things were never discussed. It was hush, hush! And to talk of my life style…that was impossible.
The angel that has been in the second half of my life is also a very special lady. She is not related to me. But then sometimes I wonder if she is a part of my grandmother's spirit here to help me grow in The Word. She is my Pastor…Reverand Adelle Barr. She has been such a huge inspiration in my life.
Since I have known Pastor, I have grown in my walk with the Lord. I have had my ups and I have had my downs, and she has been there to lend a listening ear. She will tell you like it is! She is honest and she is trustworthy. Sometimes her honesty can be hard to swallow, but she does it with her heart.
She has had a very rough life and the Lord has helped her to see his light and to keep her spirit up.
She will come right out and tell you that there is no reason not to be in church on Sundays. It's the day that the Lord has made for all to rejoice and come together to worship Him. No work is to be done on Sunday. So each and every Sunday, down deep inside, is that saying.
I also find myself being quiet around her, just as I did as a young girl with my grandma. Is it a coincidence or is it the honest truth that I was born to be the quiet one. It's beyond my mind to figure out. So I am trying very hard to remember that it's ok to be the quiet one. Most of the time I feel very out of place because of it. So if you ever wonder about it…just believe me it is all right and every thing will be fine.
I love my grandma and I love my Pastor. I just wanted to share some of my feelings with some of my friends. If you aren't my friend, because we haven't met yet, I want you to know all of this too. Maybe some Sunday you will remember this and show up in our loving environment at Heaven's Tableland Christian Church. Just come on by for a visit and maybe to find yourself. You may be amazed at what the Lord can and will do!
God loves you!
Jean
"For peace of mind, we need to resign as general manager of the universe." -- Larry Eisenberg