The Compass Worship Church

Prayer Walk

2011-10-10T07:53:00.000-04:00

Yesterday the Mission Team did a Prayer Walk. We began from the Garage and walked down to the graveyard. We then crossed the road and walked back up to Mountain Valley Hospice Building. It went well and was a good first activity for us. One plus is that all the Kids prayed at least once. That is BIG as like many people of an older age youth also are hesitant to pray in front of a group.

One thing you need to know is that we left a paper at each home and business letting them know we had prayed for them. My hope is that at least one person who needed a lift got one from the fact that we had prayed for them, a stranger. This is something we will do again and it is something we could also plan as a larger church activity.

Don't forget that we are collecting Canned Soup for Tri-C.

Mission Team Meets each Sunday at 6 PM in the Garage.

Mission Team Project

2011-09-29T11:00:00.001-04:00

MISSION TEAM PROJECT

Starting This Sunday the Mission Team will be collecting Items for Tri-C Christian Ministries.

A tub will be outside the entrance to the Theater Area.

This Month's Item

Canned Soup

Meetings for Sunday, September18th

2011-09-13T12:38:00.000-04:00

Youth Parent/Guardian Meeting

Sept. 18th

2 PM @ The Garage

(Ages 6th - 12th)

Please just the Grown Ups.

Bring Calendars and Schedules for School and Sports

We will be discussing Summer Camp, Fundraising, and Long Range Planning

MISSION TEAM Meeting

We begin this Sunday @ 6 PM

In The Garage

Ages: 5th - 12th Grade

Coaches: Adults of the Church

$10 needed for our Shirts

August 10th No Youth tonight

2011-08-10T14:35:00.002-04:00

I am a bit sick today and don't want to risk spreading a "bug" if it is what I have. I am putting something silly up for you to see from YouTube. It is a silly song that I aggravated the guys with at camp. Be warned, Baby Monkey Riding Backwards on a Pig is very catchy and addictive. Enjoy!

Youth bring your rocks next week and we will pick up there with what we are doing with them.

Barry Shaffner

5th Sunday is a Coming

2011-07-22T22:56:00.001-04:00

July 31st is a 5th Sunday.

One week from this Sunday we will be collecting offering as usual and that will go toward the payment of the Land Loan. The difference is that we are under $100,000 in what we owe. In fact it is just above $96,000 as to what is left owed. This 5th Sunday can be huge with your help. Look this week and see if there is something you can do without to make a larger gift. You have been reminded about bringing change, but remember that dollars are good as well.

I am not one to do these pleas in terms of give because I am giving. I have always felt it was private in what we give and to use it as a way of promoting seemed wrong to me. So, I am going against much of what I have always done in my life by sharing what I decided back in October. The only reason is that I am in a position of leadership and it is lead by example. I also want to share how easy you can give for the payment of our Land Loan. In October I decided to begin giving $1 each Sunday. At least one dollar every Sunday to the Land Loan. So far I have done that, even when I miss a Sunday I make it up the next one. In one year's time I will have given $52. Spread over Sundays it is a number that would be very hard given at one time.

We are nearing the end of the Land Loan. It is what is standing in the way of starting the Building. The plan is to pay this loan off and then take out the Building Loan and get going with the plans we have drawn up. It is close people. Can you see it? Can you see the children running up the halls? Can you see us hosting Vacation Bible School? A place to meet during the week for any number of things. It is getting close, let us keep on keeping on.

Barry Shaffner

Christian Life Pastor

Youth Yard Sale

2011-06-10T13:54:00.000-04:00

Indoor Yard Sale

Satuday

June 11th

@ The Garage

inside Carolina Street Dreamz

beside Speedy Chef

7:30 AM until 1 PM

Money for Youth Summer Camp

Rain or Shine

Youth Yard Sale

2011-05-30T23:18:00.000-04:00

Youth Yard Sale

June 11th

@ The Garage

You can drop off Items for the Sale during these times at The Garage:

Tuesday, May 31st 4 - 7:30 PM

Wednesday, June 1st 8 - 8:30 PM

Monday, June 6th 4 - 7 PM

Tuesday, June 7th 1 - 7 PM

Thursday, June 9th 1 - 7 PM

Friday, June 10th 4 - 7 PM

Request For Help

2011-05-13T13:50:00.000-04:00

Dear Christian Family,

One of my colleague's daughter's apartment complexes in Winston burned completely this week. She and her 3 children lost everything-except, amazingly, their bibles (which did not burn!). They are in need of everything. I am including their sizes. If you have any gently used items in your homes or new items you would like to donate, please bring those to church on Sunday. I will be happy to collect those to take to the family. Thank you!

1) Clothes

Danielle (mother): size 10 shoe , size 9 pants and a small shirt size

Trey: size 7 shoe, 14 boys pants/shirt

Christopher: size 6 shoe, size 12 pants and shirt

Kyley (girl): size 2 shoe, 7-8 pants and shirt

2) Apartment Items: e.g., utensils, etc.

Brandi Walker Hall

Jonesville Jubilee

2011-05-06T11:18:00.000-04:00

Tonight we have the Jonesville Jubilee. i promised the schedule Sunday and below is that item. For tonight I will be at our tent selling the Historical Pics that we have as one part of our Youth Fundraiser. Tomorrow The Youth will be adding the Rolling Raffle to that effort. A few of you have said you will be there to help also talk about The Compass Worship Church, anyone else that wishes to be there please come and hang out. Bring a Lawn Chair and be a part of this Community Event. Check out the schedule and see just what you might like to enjoy at The Jonesville Jubilee.

Barry Shaffner

Christian Life Pastor

JONESVILLE JUBILEE - BICENTENNIAL SCHEDULE

Remember to bring lawn chairs Dog Show: small, "people-friendly dogs" only, please! Name your dog's category - dogs must be managed by an adult and on leash at all times. Shoes should be worn at all times in the Park. Please supervise children when walking through the parking lots. Golf carts will be available to transport the elderly and disabled between the Park and the Senior Center. DO NOT PARK OR STAND/SIT IN THE LOWER PARK AREA after 3 pm during fireworks set-up.	Friday, May 6: 5-7 pm .... Chicken Dinner ($7/plate), dog show, free Pony rides, free games, basketball toss, football throw and softball/baseball pitch & batting Rock Wall Climb: $5/three attempts 6:30pm ... Mutt Strutt Dog Show 7 pm ....... R.G. Absher & the Grasshoppers Bluegrass Concert Sky Light by Paul Williams
Remember to bring lawn chairs Lower Park area must be cleared by 3 pm for fireworks set-up. 11am - 1 pm: Trolly Tours to the History Center & the Gwyn Museum Weather Permitting -- Sky Divers will arrive between 12 and 1 pm Bring lawn chairs for the video show and fireworks!	Saturday, May 7: 10 am - 4 pm ... Food, crafts, games continue, rock wall climb, Talent Show, trolley car rides, historic displays, sky divers, vintage cars, music, bouncy slides 10 am .... Opening Ceremonies 10:30 ..... Leon Reece, Tribute to Jonesville 11:00 ..... Roy Brown: Junteenth Preview 11:30 ..... Cinco de Mayo Tribute 1 pm ...... Yadkin Valley Talent Show 2:30 ...... Libby Haynes & Friends Concert 4:00 ....... Sr. Center exhibits, park vendors & games close for the afternoon 8:15 pm --- Video Show and FIREWORKS!!!
Located at 458 West Main Street	Sunday, May 8: 1-4 pm .... Open House at the History Center

PandaMania Coming in June!

2011-05-02T09:56:00.002-04:00

As promised Sunday Morning here is the theme and links for the Community Vacation Bible School. PandaMania is a great looking VBS with some awesome Music. The Scripture is one that we often use but overlook in terms of study, Psalm 139. I hope we can get even more involvement from our church this year in VBS. This type of material lends itself to more of our church"s talents. Anyone able to accompany me on to the next meeting can be at Elkin First Baptist at 7 PM on May 12th.

MUSIC LINK

Group VBS Link

Bible Point: God made you.

Bible Story: God creates the world. (Genesis 1) NLT

Bible Verse: “Thank you for making me so wonderfully complex!” (Psalm 139:14) NLT

Bible Point: God listens to you.

Bible Story: Elijah confronts the prophets of Baal. (1 Kings 18:16-39) NLT

Bible Verse: “You know what I am going to say even before I say it, Lord.” (Psalm 139:4) NLT

Bible Point: God watches over you.

Bible Story: Jonah tries to escape from God. (Jonah 1-3) NLT

Bible Verse: "Even in darkness I cannot hide from you." (Psalm 139:12) NLT

Bible Point: God loves you, no matter what.

Bible Story: Jesus dies and comes back to life. (Luke 23:1–24:12) NLT

Bible Verse: “Lead me along the path of everlasting life.” (Psalm 139:24) NLT

Bible Point: God gives good gifts.

Bible Story: God gives Hannah a baby. (1 Samuel 1:1–2:11) NLT

Bible Verse: “You place your hand of blessing on my head.” (Psalm 139:5) NLT

Barry Shaffner

Christian Life Pastor

CWC

Pushing Forward

2011-04-26T16:55:00.000-04:00

Philippians 3.14:

I press on towards the goal for the prize of the heavenly call of God in Christ Jesus.

Today I sit here thinking about so much that we have going on as a Church. Just for my part with the Youth & Children seems like time will catch up before I can accomplish things. We have Summer Camp that will be here before we know it and the goal of raising money so that the $193 cost for each person going is not that price. Last year we were able to have the cost be $40 total. It would be great to make that again. I want to do more for those that are younger this summer. I have that goal and just need to gather the people God has in our Church to make it happen. This week I will be attending a meeting about the Community VBS. All of these things and I feel terrible because the allergies and stuff have given me Bronchitis. It seems like there is always something that drags at me when I get busiest.

It has been said in so many commentaries that the Apostle Paul dealt with issues of health as he traveled the known world and spread the message of Christ. He apparently pushed through many times when he probably felt like stopping and just taking a nap. We live in a busy world during tough times for many people in our community. One thing that is giving me hope and helps me push on is our Church. Little by little I see people stepping up and taking more ownership of our Church. We need this so much right now.

One concern that Ministers and Pastors have to watch out for is the burning out of volunteers. Most times in most churches a handful of people do the majority of the work. After a while those people wear out, they get to a point that the things that they have to push trough buries them and they need help. I see some movement away from this for us. I also realize I have to open up and see who God is placing in front of me to become a person that helps carry the load of what I do. So many of our people have things to offer and the trick is to get the talents pulled forward.

I want to say thank you to all those that are doing things that help us grow. Whether you are coming at 9:30 AM on Sundays to pray or you are carrying a table after Worship. From the nursery to Adult Bible Study we have people that are giving. Easter Sunday was awesome in terms of the amount of food we had for people. I hope as we get the work being done to help us tell the community about who we are more of you can find your place to help be one of our Compass Points and guide others to the Love God has asked us to share.

Barry Shaffner

Christian Life Pastor

Egg Hunt now an Egg Party

2011-04-15T22:56:00.000-04:00

Not going to fight the weather. The Egg Hunt will now be a Party at the Garage. Be there at 10 AM. We will have snacks, eggs, candy, and fun.

Barry

Egg Hunt, Movie Suggestion, and More

2011-04-14T10:17:00.001-04:00

Just a Reminder, because it looks like rain Saturday, that in case of rain the Easter Egg Hunt will not be at the future Church Site. Instead we will try and have it at the Garage. Pray, because that will be interesting. We will have fun wherever we are hunting eggs.

The Youth ended April Wednesday Meetings with a trip Wednesday Night to see SOUL SURFER. It is the story of Bethany Hamilton, the young girl that lost her arm when a shark attacked her. This movie is so inspiring. It is a simple story of courage and faith that has an amazing cast. The actors really portray the type of family that is good to see. Our Youth will come back to Wednesday Meetings in May to start a 4-Week study on this story. GO SEE THIS MOVIE WHILE YOU CAN! It is at the Theater where we meet right now.

Sunday we will have Communion. Just a reminder. Then next Sunday, April 24th, we will celebrate Easter. Remember that we will have the Son Rose Service on the Land at 9:00 AM, head to the Theater for a Fellowship Breakfast and the our Easter Service.

Catching Up

2011-04-03T23:33:00.000-04:00

Apologies for the lack of Updates. Been a great deal going on and just needed to get back in the swing of posting.

Compass Happenings April 2011

Help Needed! We have a growing problem at CWC. Our Nursery is growing and the problem will be that we will not have enough people to watch over all our precious little church attendees. It is a great problem to have right now, but the need is there. We have plenty of good and gentle people in our congregation that is should be easy to rotate around and cover the new growth we have encountered. Please step up and serve in this way so we can continue the excellent nursery that has been created here at CWC. Speak with or email Brandi Hall, bwhall77@yahoo.com .

The earthquake, tsunami, and now eminent nuclear meltdown in Japan has caused a disaster beyond anything we have recently seen in the world. As a Church we are going to give monetary aid to the people of Japan by giving to The American Red Cross Relief effort. On Sunday, April 10^th we will take half of the total offering we receive and give it as a donation to help the people of Japan. Be ready that Sunday, April 10^th to give and maybe even put a little extra in your weekly giving amount. Be in prayer for Japan and the people that are rendering aid.

Have you brought in any Easter Eggs? What about candy of toy fillers? Maybe a small basket? It is time for our Children's Easter Egg Hunt on Saturday, April 16^th at 10:00 AM. We will be at the future church site like last year. There will be a silver egg and a golden egg that will bestow a special prize to whoever finds them. We just need Eggs and stuff to make sure the day is AWESOME! The tub is in the lobby, or if you are coming to Adult Bible Study drop things off at the garage. The Garage is our “In Case of Bad Weather” site.

April 24^th is Easter Sunday. We will be gathering at the stump on the future church site that Sunday morning for a Son Rose Service. It will begin at 9:00 AM. After the Son Rose Service we will gather at the Lobby of the Movie Theater for a Fellowship Snack Breakfast. A sign up sheet will be available starting Sunday the 10th for things we need. The Lobby will be open and you can drop stuff off before the Son Rose Service if you wish. We will begin at 10:30 AM to celebrate the fact our Lord Rose from the grave and conquered death.

On Wednesdays Adult Bible Study is across from the Garage and Speedy Chef in what was the old Chatham Country Store but now holds the offices for Hospice. The time is 7:00 PM and the meeting last around an hour. There are two more meetings this go around. April 6th and April 13^th. Then there will be a break before the next session.

Do you have a connection with a business or organization that could donate items for our youth to raffle at the Jonesville Jubilee? Maybe you see little items for sale that would make a cool give away item? The youth need these things and canned soft drinks plus water. Please speak with or email Barry Shaffner, barry.shaffner@gmail.com if you can help.

Well, the planned church cookbook has been delayed. We have a few recipes, but not enough to fill a cookbook. Please email compassworshipchurch@gmail.com or bring them to Barry Shaffner. We need them ASAP to get a chance to actually raise any money to help with camp this year.

Summer Camp!! We need the $30 deposit as soon as possible. We need to send a deposit in to the camp to secure our spot. Please, if you have not paid be getting those deposits in to us.

The Youth did an amazing job this year with the 30 Hour Famine. They raised a total of $876.00 for Hunger Relief, Clean Water Projects, and Education all across the Globe. Let them know how proud we are as a church for what they accomplished when you see them.

Info Update for 2/2/11

2011-02-02T13:32:00.000-05:00

There will be no Youth Meetings tonight or Thursday evening. I am sick because of adjusting to a new medicine and just can't handle it. Please keep me in your prayers.

Barry

We will be meeting and leaving at 3 PM Saturday for the WinterJam Concert in Greensboro. Remeber your $10 and money to eat while there. We have space for one extra person on the Van. Call Barry for more info. 835-3204

Please remember Wade Swaim in your prayers. Wade was involved in a motorcycle wreck and is in Baptist Hospital.

2 Timothy 2:1 - 13

2011-01-21T00:12:00.000-05:00

2 Timothy 2:1 – 13

Paul provides Timothy with four examples of Effectiveness in Ministry. Each one is a guide to how a Christian servant is to act and strive to be like to help promote the community of believers.

(1 – 2) The Teacher: Training the future generations of Christian servants. Teach foundational truths to trustworthy believers. Believers need to pass along these truths to others by an ability and willingness to teach.

Paul encourages Timothy to be strong in the grace of Christ Jesus.

(3 – 4) The Soldier: Endure soldier-like hardships of life; Timothy needed the grace Paul described. Not a focus on war or fighting, but instead a focus on the qualities of a soldier to accomplish the task commanded of them.

Spiritual Growth – given recognition for growth/accomplishments in some aspect of Christian behavior. (1 Cor. 9 – 7, Phil. 2:25)

Proper Ambition – display a soldier's ambition must be that of pleasing the commander (pleasing God).

Right Priorities – Distinguish between doing GOOD things and doing BEST things.

(5) The Athlete: Show devotion and stamina in Christian Living. Need an athlete's suffering, training, and self-discipline to develop an attitude for a good Christian life.

Self Control/Inner Preparedness/Spiritual Commitment

(6) The Farmer: A hardworking farmer can expect to receive the first fruits of their work. A Christian servant can expect the same. For the Christian it is a future reward that comes when Christ returns.

(7) Timothy is to reflect on these four images. Use them to help guide him as he walks in Christian service.

(8) Timothy is to have a laser-like focus on two features of the person and work of Jesus Christ.

1. Christ's Resurrection: Victory over death. Encouragement for believer dealing with suffering.

2. Christ “descended from David.” Jesus is the Messiah and the heir of promises God made to David.

Remembering Christ as Messiah and resurrected can inspire Christian Service.

Why do you think that this can inspire Christian Service?

(9 – 10) A Christian servant suffers to help others obtain salvation. A believer can be chained or stopped individually. God's power, message, and grace can never be chained or contained. A believer can endure knowing the works continues.

(11 – 13) Paul provides evidence to why God is Trustworthy. He uses a device of “if/then” to prove his theory of why God is Trustworthy.

If we died with Him Then we will also live with Him

If we endure Then we will also reign with Him

If we disown Him Then He will also disown us

If we are faithless Then he will remain faithful

One can always trust God. Only our turning from him denies us acceptance into his eternity. What is never denied is His faithfulness to us when we lean on Him and his grace.

1. Paul uses four images from the daily life of his culture. What lessons might we learn from each of these images?

2. What is the point of Paul's (if/then) Trustworthy saying? How might we embrace the truths it teaches?

2 Timothy 1:1 - 18

2011-01-06T13:43:00.000-05:00

The following was the notes from the start of the Older Youth Bible Study from this past Wednesday. I am sharing it because I thought it would be nice to help those wanting some help keeping up with their own study until the Grown Up Bible Study resumes this spring. These are my notes that I used to discuss the scripture with the youth.

Barry

2 Timothy

1: 1 – 18

(1 – 2)

Timothy's name means “honoring God.” He was taught scripture by his mother Eunice and grandmother Lois. He accompanied Paul on Paul's 2^nd and 3^rd missionary journeys. Timothy is seen as a young and shy man. Paul is writing to encourage Timothy to stand firm for the Gospel against menacing opponents and circumstances.

Greeting:

Grace: gracious goodness God offers undeserving sinners.

Mercy: God's help offered to the discouraged and stumbling.

Peace: state of salvation that results from the grace and mercy of God.

(3 – 5)

Sincere faith of Timothy.

(6 – 18)

“Timothy had to function in an environment of fear, heresy, and challenges to his leadership. His gift related to administration and organization rather than evangelism.”

(8 – 12)

Joy in and through suffering. Focus on verse 12.

(12 – 14)

Timothy is to live an example of Faith.

(15 – 18)

Paul shares personal sadness at betrayal and the joy of those that were his encouragement with Timothy.

Questions for Reflection

1. What are Paul's circumstances as he writes this letter? What is the basis of his gratitude?

2. What gifts of the Holy Spirit did Timothy rely on for performing special ministry? Might today's minister expect the same kind of strength and resources from the Spirit?

3. What does a “laying on of hands” signify?

4. What truths about the gospel promote a readiness to suffer?

Devotional for the Day, December 26th

2010-12-26T00:45:00.001-05:00

NO SERVICES THIS MORNING!

11Now faith is the assurance of things hoped for, the conviction of things not seen. ²Indeed, by faith^* our ancestors received approval. ³By faith we understand that the worlds were prepared by the word of God, so that what is seen was made from things that are not visible.

Hebrews 11:1 - 3 NRSV

This morning since we do not have Church Services, I hope some of you make it by the Compass Blog for this devotion. I am sharing with you one of my favorite writings to ever be written. It was a simple question from a little girl that got a reply for the ages.

Yes, Virginia, There is a Santa Claus

By Francis P. Church, first published in The New York Sun in 1897. [See The People’s Almanac, pp. 1358–9.]

We take pleasure in answering thus prominently the communication below, expressing at the same time our great gratification that its faithful author is numbered among the friends of The Sun:

Dear Editor—
I am 8 years old. Some of my little friends say there is no Santa Claus. Papa says, “If you see it in The Sun, it’s so.” Please tell me the truth, is there a Santa Claus?
Virginia O’Hanlon

Virginia, your little friends are wrong. They have been affected by the skepticism of a skeptical age. They do not believe except they see. They think that nothing can be which is not comprehensible by their little minds. All minds, Virginia, whether they be men’s or children’s, are little. In this great universe of ours, man is a mere insect, an ant, in his intellect as compared with the boundless world about him, as measured by the intelligence capable of grasping the whole of truth and knowledge.

Yes, Virginia, there is a Santa Claus. He exists as certainly as love and generosity and devotion exist, and you know that they abound and give to your life its highest beauty and joy. Alas! how dreary would be the world if there were no Santa Claus! It would be as dreary as if there were no Virginias. There would be no childlike faith then, no poetry, no romance to make tolerable this existence. We should have no enjoyment, except in sense and sight. The eternal light with which childhood fills the world would be extinguished.

Not believe in Santa Claus! You might as well not believe in fairies. You might get your papa to hire men to watch in all the chimneys on Christmas eve to catch Santa Claus, but even if you did not see Santa Claus coming down, what would that prove? Nobody sees Santa Claus, but that is no sign that there is no Santa Claus. The most real things in the world are those that neither children nor men can see. Did you ever see fairies dancing on the lawn? Of course not, but that’s no proof that they are not there. Nobody can conceive or imagine all the wonders there are unseen and unseeable in the world.

You tear apart the baby’s rattle and see what makes the noise inside, but there is a veil covering the unseen world which not the strongest man, nor even the united strength of all the strongest men that ever lived could tear apart. Only faith, poetry, love, romance, can push aside that curtain and view and picture the supernal beauty and glory beyond. Is it all real? Ah, Virginia, in all this world there is nothing else real and abiding.

No Santa Claus! Thank God! he lives and lives forever. A thousand years from now, Virginia, nay 10 times 10,000 years from now, he will continue to make glad the heart of childhood.

I like that the answer is filled with the love of imagination. It also can be said if we ask if there is a God. All the technology and science at our command can not trap God and show proof positive as to His existence. It will always be a matter of Faith and of the heart. We have to have the eye of a child to produce such faith. That innocence that believes in magic and miracles. The very trust that love will always win. As adults we many times let fear and rationality cloud that faith. Thank God that there is a faith that can believe in the things unseen. We see the results of God in our world, just as the acts of kindness in Santa's name is a form of sharing God's love. Let us carry that spirit into the new year.

The following is the rest of the story;

About the Exchange

Francis P. Church’s editorial, “Yes Virginia, There is a Santa Claus” was an immediate sensation, and went on to became one of the most famous editorials ever written. It first appeared in the The New York Sun in 1897, almost a hundred years ago, and was reprinted annually until 1949 when the paper went out of business.

Thirty-six years after her letter was printed, Virginia O’Hanlon recalled the events that prompted her letter:

“Quite naturally I believed in Santa Claus, for he had never disappointed me. But when less fortunate little boys and girls said there wasn’t any Santa Claus, I was filled with doubts. I asked my father, and he was a little evasive on the subject.

“It was a habit in our family that whenever any doubts came up as to how to pronounce a word or some question of historical fact was in doubt, we wrote to the Question and Answer column in The Sun. Father would always say, ‘If you see it in the The Sun, it’s so,’ and that settled the matter.

The Sun and find out the real truth,’ I said to father.

“He said, ‘Go ahead, Virginia. I’m sure The Sun will give you the right answer, as it always does.’ ”

And so Virginia sat down and wrote her parents’ favorite newspaper.

Her letter found its way into the hands of a veteran editor, Francis P. Church. Son of a Baptist minister, Church had covered the Civil War for The New York Times and had worked on the The New York Sun for 20 years, more recently as an anonymous editorial writer. Church, a sardonic man, had for his personal motto, “Endeavour to clear your mind of cant.” When controversial subjects had to be tackled on the editorial page, especially those dealing with theology, the assignments were usually given to Church.

Now, he had in his hands a little girl’s letter on a most controversial matter, and he was burdened with the responsibility of answering it.

“Is there a Santa Claus?” the childish scrawl in the letter asked. At once, Church knew that there was no avoiding the question. He must answer, and he must answer truthfully. And so he turned to his desk, and he began his reply which was to become one of the most memorable editorials in newspaper history.

Church married shortly after the editorial appeared. He died in April, 1906, leaving no children.

Virginia O’Hanlon went on to graduate from Hunter College with a Bachelor of Arts degree at age 21. The following year she received her Master’s from Columbia, and in 1912 she began teaching in the New York City school system, later becoming a principal. After 47 years, she retired as an educator. Throughout her life she received a steady stream of mail about her Santa Claus letter, and to each reply she attached an attractive printed copy of the Church editorial. Virginia O’Hanlon Douglas died on May 13, 1971, at the age of 81, in a nursing home in Valatie, N.Y.

+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++

Barry Shaffner

Christian Life Pastor

Services Cancelled for Dec. 26

2010-12-25T18:27:00.000-05:00

Merry Christmas!

The snow is so pretty coming down, but the Movie Theater lot is covered and the roads will be slick come the morning, so we are erring on the side of safety and canceling Sunday's Service. If possible there will be a scripture Devotion up by 11 AM here on the Church Blog. So hopefully we will see you next year.

Barry Shaffner
CLP

December 5th, Regular Times

2010-12-04T23:21:00.000-05:00

We will be having Church at the regular time. Please be careful coming to Church as the roads will be wet. Things should be OK as the Sun comes up.

ADVENT SCHEDULE

2010-11-23T11:04:00.001-05:00

The Compass Family invites you to our Advent Season of Worship. We invite you to “Come as you are!” to our Contemporary Style of Worship.

November 28^th – CWC Praise Band

December 5^th – Beyond the Blue

December 12^th – Handbells by Tammy Poindexter

December 19^th – Celebration of the Birth of Jesus

Nursery Provided – All Welcome

Luke 2:14 – “Glory to God in the highest heaven, and on earth peace among those whom he favors!” NRSV