November 2010 _web_.indd
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BEACON
St. Peter’s By-the-Sea Presbyterian Church
Vo l u m e 1 6 , I s s u e 1 1
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Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication
with thanksgiving
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let your requests be made known to God.
And the peace of which surpasses ALL comprehension,
will GUARD your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.
7 Phlippians 4:6-7
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from the [ Bridge ]
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Calendar Page 3
A New Song... Page 4
Experience St. Peter’s Page 4
Worship & Music Page 5
Student Ministries Page 6
Children Ministries Page 7
Church Life Page 7
Health Ministries Page 8
Mission Focus Page 8
By Pastor Chris Grange
With the 2010 baseball season drawing to game on, if I’m not too tired, if the surf’s not up, if it’s not a
a close, I was recently reminded of the classic beautiful day for an outing. But Christ deserves the first part of
Abbott and Costello routine “Who’s on First?” You know, our week, and we need the spiritual encouragement.
“Who’s on first, What’s on second, and I Don’t Know’s on
third.” If you’re not familiar with it, you can watch it on YouTube: Third, give God the first part of every paycheck. The Bible says
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8aehzwwD2II in Proverbs. 3:9, “Honor the Lord by giving him the first part of all
your income.” One of the ways that we show that God is first in
The title of that classic skit actually poses a very significant our life is to give him the first part of our income, right off the
question for each of us. When it comes to our lives a very top. Not after I’ve paid all the bills; not out of the leftovers.
good question to ask is,“Who’s on first?” Who has first place in
my life? Of course, for the Christian, the appropriate response Understand, giving to God isn’t going to make him love you
would be, “God’s on first. God has first place in my life.” more. But if we know the Lord, and are committed to him, we
should give him first place in our finances.
While most of us would acknowledge that in principle, I would
like to offer some practical things we can do to truly make God You know, Jesus talked about money more than any other issue.
first in our lives. He taught on money more than heaven, more than love, more
than faith, more than anything. Why? I think because he knew
For one, give God the first thoughts of each day. Psalm 5:3 says... its potential to hold the highest place in our hearts, the place
“Each morning I will look to you in heaven, and lay my requests where God should rightly reign. If God’s first in our life, he’s
before you.” I’m not saying that the first thing you have to do in going to be first in our time, and first in our checkbook.
the morning is to sit down, read your Bible, have a quiet time
and pray—although I do recommend it. Finally, give God the first consideration in every decision. Prov.
3:5-6 says, “In everything you do, put God first and he will direct
What I am saying is to make talking to God the first thing you you and crown your efforts with success.” Do you want to be
do in the morning, even before you roll out of bed. It can be successful? Then simply put God first in every area, and he will
as simple as saying, “Good morning Lord” rather than, “Good crown your efforts with success.
Lord, it’s morning.” You put him first, and everything else in
your day takes its proper place. Give God the first thought of These are just a few ways we can ensure that God is truly first
every day. in our lives. The great thing about giving God first place in
my life is that when I do, I don’t have to worry anymore. He
Second, give God the first day of every week. Acts 20:7... assumes responsibility for all my needs.
“On the first day of the week, the disciples came together.” They
came together and they worshipped. Make it a commitment Jesus said, “Do not worry saying, ‘What shall we eat...or drink...
to come to church the first day of every week for the spiritual or wear?’...Your heavenly Father knows that you need all these
encouragement, equipping and faith building we all need. things. But strive first for the Kingdom of God (put God first) and
his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well.”
Hebrews 10:25 says, “Let us not give up meeting together, as some That’s his promise. Let me encourage you, put that promise to
are in the habit of doing, but let us encourage one another.” All too the test and watch what God does in your life.
often we’ll be in church, as long as there’s not a good football
[ Page 2 ] [ November 2010 ] www.stpetershb.org
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at a glance... [ November 2010 ] 7 7
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SUNDAY MONDAY TUESDAY WEDNESDAY THURSDAY FRIDAY SATURDAY
1 2 3 4 5 6
Dr. Creasy Bible Election Day Praying Hands 8:15 College Ministry
Study 10am 7pm
Women’s Study Adult Study 9:30am
9:30am
ReNu (HS) 7pm
Worship
Comm. 5:30pm Choir 7pm
ReWind (Jr. High)
6:30 pm
7 8 9 10 11 12 13
Holy Dr. Creasy Bible Women’s Study Praying Hands 8:15 College Ministry Kids’ Night Out Dr. Creasy’s
Communion Study 10am 9:30am 7pm 6 - 9pm Praying the
Adult Study 9:30am Psalms
Blood Pressure Blood Drive 9am - 3pm
Screening 1 - 7pm Property/Fin.
10am 6:00pm
ReWind (Jr. High)
Operation 6:30 pm ReNu (HS) 7pm
Christmas Child
(Boxes due) Deacons’ Mtg. Choir 7pm
7:00pm
14 15 16 17 18 19 20
Operation Dr. Creasy Bible Women’s Study Praying Hands 8:15 College Ministry Loose Change
Christmas Child Study 10am 9:30am 7pm for Loosened
(Boxes due) ReNu (HS) 7pm Change
ReWind (Jr. High) Night of
6:30 pm Choir 7pm Amazing Grace
7pm
Session 7:00pm
Health 7:30pm
21 22 23 24 25 26 27
Congregational Women’s Study Praying Hands 8:15 Happy (Office Closed)
Meeting 9:30am Thanksgiving!
Noon Adult Study 9:30am
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(Office Closed)
Thanksgiving Choir 7pm
Food Drive
28 29 30
Growth Groups meet weekl y
Thanksgiving Dr. Creasy Bible ReWind (Jr. High) throughout the month. Call
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Food Drive Study 10am 6:30 pm the c hurc h office for f ur ther
information
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F or where two or three come together
in my name, there am I with them.”
Traditional Worship
Service 9:00am
Contemporary
Worship 10:45am
Youth Sunday School
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Matthew 18:20 9:00am
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Children’s Sunday School
9:00/10:45
7 Adult Studies
10:30am
[ November 2010 ] www.stpetershb.org [ Page 3 ]
[ A New Song... ] Sing to the LORD a new song; sing to the LORD, all
the earth.... Psalm 96:1-3
...For Contemporary Worship
On October 24, 2010, Gordon Houston embraced the position of
Worship Leader for the 10:45 a.m. Contemporary Service here at
St. Peter’s By-the-Sea. The following is an interview with our newest
�
member of the worship team:
You’ve received achievement diplomas from Wesley Institute for the Arts
You can check out tracks online from the album Lost In
FYI:
in Sydney, Australia and for an American Studies Program in Washington
the Wonder by searching for “lost in the wonder houston.”
D.C. Please tell us about your education.
I received a Bachelor’s degree from Vanguard University in History and Political Science. While working on that degree I took a
semester to intern in Washington D.C. and study foreign and domestic policy. It was one of the greatest experiences of my life, to be
involved in daily occurrences on the hill and meet with so many important political figures.
Music and leading worship had always been such an important aspect of my life I took the opportunity to go to music school at the
Wesley Institute for the Arts in Sydney, Australia. I attended Hillsong Church in Sydney. During this time God birthed in my heart
a change of direction. As a result, I came back and started as a worship leader and put law school on the back burner. I received a
Master’s degree in Leadership and Spiritual Formation from Vanguard University.
Finally I am currently enrolled in the University of West Los Angeles School of Law. I find myself embracing the two paths I always
thought my life might go, leading worship and law.
What led you to become a worship leader?
Being a worshiper has always been the one aspect of my life in which my passion has been so great it simply overflows from the
very nature of who I am. I have felt a special calling and been aware of an anointing that has been on my life to be a lead worshiper.
Consequently, I felt as though I have had something special to offer as lead worshiper, as someone who is passionate about pointing
people toward God, and I am humbled to be used in that capacity.
You also compose and record contemporary Christian music. In fact songs from your album Lost In the
Wonder were featured in Worship Leader Magazine.Tell us about the album and how it came to be.
It was born of a need in the church. At the time we were doing four services and so many people wanted to take home the songs that
had impacted their life and had meant so much to them. Half of the songs were tunes that were not original songs. The other half of
the songs were written by me [coming] out of the journey [we were on] as a church body. The album centered on the wonder and
majesty of God. I wrote a song called Lost In the Wonder** which seemed to bring that theme together perfectly. I believe there is
power behind songs written for the local church.
What would you like us to know about you and how you see your upcoming ministry here at St. Peter’s?
This is the most important question for me. First, as a worship leader I believe my job is to simply come along side and help point the
church in worship toward Christ. I may be the lead worshiper, but really we are all following Jesus Christ. Second, I would ask that
[the church] join with me as we take an authentic journey and ask ourselves what worship is, why we need to live a life of worship,
and why singing songs in a corporate setting is important. These are just a few examples of questions to think about as a community
in regard to worship. It is my great pleasure to come to St. Peter’s and worship alongside the church as we grow in Christ together.
Lastly, I have a passion, a reckless abandon for worshiping God. I hope that it will be contagious and apparent as I lead worship at St.
Peter’s.
One last question, you list your name as Gordon W. D. Houston, would you like to share what the W. D. stands for?
I have my grandfather’s name, which is Gordon Walter David Houston. My father’s name is Gordon Wesley Thomas Houston. That is
a lot of Gordon’s!
[ Page 4 ] [ November 2010 ] www.stpetershb.org
[ Experience St. Peter’s ]
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Adult Spiritual Growth Opportunities
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Teach me your way, O Lord, and I will
walk in your truth. Psalm 86:11
Growth Groups Growth Groups are small groups of people in our church family who
are meeting regularly to grow in discipleship. They meet on different
days of the week at a variety of times and locations.
DEEPER RELATIONSHIPS:
6 Growth Groups allow our members to connect with each other on a deeper, more authentic level, to know each other and be
known, to be invested in each others’ lives, and be committed to walking alongside one another in Christian fellowship.
DEEPER STUDY:
Have you ever felt like you don’t know where to go with your spiritual growth? Growth Groups are studying the Bible and using
6 a variety of supplemental materials to have fulfilling discussions where everyone is expected to jump in!
DEEPER SERVICE:
Let’s face it; serving can be uncomfortable at times. Serving with a small group of friends can be a life changing experience.
6 DEEPER PRAYER:
Groups commit to praying for one another during and outside of meetings, and a deep level of trust can be formed by doing so.
If you would like to find out how you can be part of a Growth Group contact Steve Sherrill: 714-846-6641 or ssherrill@stpetershb.org.
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SUNDAY 10:30am Ray Vander Laan’s Fire on the Mountain
Weekly Bible Studies Leader Matt Allan, Room C/D
(All studies held at SPBTS)
TUESDAY 9:30am Cynthia Heald’s Becoming a Woman Who
Loves Leader Liz Allan, Room B
WEDNESDAY 9:30am Ray Vander Laan’s Fire on the Mountain
Leader Matt Allan, Room C/D
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7 WOW!!! That word sums up how I felt when I received a basket full of cards for Pastor Appreciation Sunday
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this past month. I wish I could think of something more profound to say other than, “thank you,” but I was truly
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blessed by all of the wonderful cards and gifts I received. This is a church full of wonderful, caring people and I
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want you all to know how much your kindness and generosity means to me. THANK YOU!!! Steve Sherrill
[ Worship & Music ] Notes From the Choir Loft
Then I will praise God’s name with singing, and I will honor him with thanksgiving. Psalm 69:30
Throughout the month of November as our nation celebrates the tradition of Thanksgiving, St. Peter’s Choir will be Celebrating
Our Christian Heritage Through Music. With the unique sounds of gospel and familiar hymns, such as Old Time Religion, Down by the
Riverside and more, the choir will raise their voices in praise and thanksgiving.
The last Sunday in November begins our Advent season, a time of preparation. Come join us in worship and let the songs of the sea-
son help you prepare for the miracle of Jesus’ birth.
Coming Up in December – December 12, 2010 I Heard the Bells on Christmas Day
Choir rehearsals are Wednesday evening at 7:00PM in the Worship Center. For more information about the Music
Ministries at St. Peter’s By-the-Sea, please contact the church office at 714-846-6641 or e-mail us at info@stpeterhb.org
[ Page 5 ] [ November 2010 ] www.stpetershb.org
[ Student Ministries ] Don’t let anyone look down on you because you are
young, but set an example for the believers in speech,
in life, in love, in faith and in purity. I Timothy 4:12
Jr. High ... High School... College...
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Weekly
Programs* Loose Change to Loosen Chains
[ Tuesdays ] Join us as we launch Loose Change to Loosen Chains, a campaign to help rescue
Re W i n d (Jr. High) victims of modern day slavery. St. Peters’ students are raising funds to help emancipate
6:30 - 8:00pm these slaves through the work of International Justice Mission, a faith-based human
Adam Reyes
Student Ministries Director rights organization that rescues victims of slavery, exploitation and other forms of
[ Wednesdays ] Wk: 714.846.6641 oppression. We invite you to give your loose change or find us on the patio for more
Re N u (H.S.)
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Email:areyes@stpetershb.org information.
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7-8:30pm Website: www.stpetershb.org
Special event called AMAZING GRACE is Friday November 19,
[ Sundays ] 6:30 - 8:30pm $10 (Includes dinner/movie)
R E A L (Jr. High and H.S.)
9am
Save the Dates—Plan Ahead!
We meet every Sunday morning at 9am. Join
us for a REAL refreshing time of worship and
fellowship, as we grow together searching
God’s Word HS End of Year Knott’s Berry Farm/All Nighter (December 31-January 1)
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*Student Ministries Growth Groups are Loose Change to Loosen Chains (LC2LC) Variety Show & Dinner (February 11)
ongoing throughout the week. Please JH Mission Trip to Los Angeles w/ Center for Student Mission (April 1-3)
contact Adam for more information.
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HS Mission Trip to San Francisco w/ Center for Student Mission (April 16-20)
7 JH & HS Summer Camp (July 17-22)
Join us this winter as we explore the ideas of justice, mercy and
Camp Spotlight
humbleness. It is hard to wrap our arms around why people
experience pain, why children go hungry and how the innocent are
victims of crime. We see murderers and thieves walk the street in
freedom while others are so entangled in bondage caused by abuse,
neglect, and addictions, that they have no hope. We want to see
change but we struggle with where to start,
with where Jesus would want us to start.
Come explore and live what God says in the
book of Micah, Chapter 6, verse 8: “He
has showed you, O man, what is good. And
what does the Lord require of you? To act
justly and to love mercy and to walk
humbly with your God.”
Registration is Oct.17- Dec.19 (Dec. 5
for H.S.) Save your spot with a $100 (Jr. February 4 - 6 Jr high January 14 - 17 High school
High) or $120 (H.S.) deposit by Nov. 14. Thousand Pines Christian Conf. Center Thousand Pines Christian Conf. Center
All Forms can be found online at www.thousandpines.com www.thousandpines.com
www.stpetershb.org Cost: $200 Cost: $240
[ November 2010 ] www.stpetershb.org [ Page 6 ]
[ Children Ministries ] 7 77
He Said to them, “Let the little children come to me, and do not hinder them, for 7
the kingdom of God belongs to such as these.” Mark 10:14
Family Advent Night
It is time to get in the Christmas spirit and what better way to Kids’ Night Out!
do that than by spending time with your children listening to Our next KNO is scheduled for Nov. 12
Christmas music, drinking hot cocoa, and making some Christmas 6-9PM
crafts that your family will cherish for years to come. Join us on
Friday, December 3rd from 6-9pm; you don’t want to miss it! The evening is structured to give kids a fun,
safe place to hang out with other kids, while
Jan Harvey their parents enjoy a little time alone. The cost
Director of Children’s Ministry is $10 per child with a $25 family maximum
and includes dinner, games, crafts and a movie.
For kids 3 years old – 5th grade.
Vacation Bible School 2011
It’s never too early to start planning for next year’s VBS! We are looking for a volunteer (NO experience necessary!) willing to lead
the 2011 VBS Team. Children’s Ministries staff will work closely with this volunteer leader through every aspect of the planning, prepa-
ration and implementation of VBS 2011. This is YOUR opportunity to serve the family of St. Peter’s and the surrounding community at
the same time ... think about it, pray about it and step into leadership!
Let us not give up meeting together,
[ Church Life ] as some are in the habit of doing, but let us encourage one another—and all
the more as you see the Day approaching. Hebrews 10:25
he
B lo om i ng W h e n L east E x p e cted
Sav e t e D at ! !
e
St. Peter’s Women’s Retreat
with Stephanie Edwards
February 26-27 (2011)
h
Hilton Waterfront Beach Resort
on PCH in Huntington Beach
St. Peter’s By-The-Sea
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Ministry & Missions Budget Performance
Jan-Sept 2010 TYD Budget $ Over Budget Annual Budget
7 Total Offerings & Contributions $425,949.34 $466,716.00 ($40,766.66) $657,527.00
7 Total Expenditures $467,187.33 $496,791.00 ($29,603.67) $657,527.00
Net Income ($41,237.99) ($30,075.00) ($11,162.99)
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Total Operating Accounts (incl. reserves) $62,189.31
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Total Special Activities $23,527.58
Summary of Total Building Accounts $183,005.85
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Liquid Assests
for Sept 2010 Total Assets $268,722.74
Total Liabilities & Equity $268,722.74
[ Page 7 ] [ November 2010 ] www.stpetershb.org
the body is a temple...
[ Health Ministries ]
Do you not know that your body is a temple of the Holy Spirit, who is in you,
whom you have received from God? You are not your own; you were bought
at a price. Therefore honor God with your body. I Corinthians 6:19-20
If you lived to be ninety years old, you would most likely spend
thirty years of it sleeping. Despite this, no one is sure why we
sleep. We also do not know how sleep refreshes us and restores
our vigor. We know, however, our bodies do not rest when we sleep.
Our brain, organs and muscles are very much awake 24 hours per day.
Some people do very well with three hours of sleep and others need
ten hours to feel refreshed. Infants sleep up to eighteen hours per
day. As we get older, we require less sleep.
Among the most common reasons why people do not fall asleep
quickly when they want to are: traveling to a different time zone,
annoying noises, uncomfortable mattresses, physical ailments, pain, drug
side-effects, irregular working hours, napping during the day, worries,
H o w M u c h S l e e p i s En o ugh ?
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anxiety and depression. Some people who have trouble falling asleep
have emotional problems that can be corrected with counseling. Still
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they are observed to get a lot more than they think.
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Last Chance!! Our Blood Drive is
Tuesday, Nov. 9. It is never too late As you fall asleep, you fall into slow wave sleep, that is, your brain
to help save a life! Walk-ins are always waves slow down. You gradually drift into a quiet state resulting in a
welcome. The location is St. Peter’s decrease in your blood pressure, temperature and heart rate. About
Family Worship Center from 1-7 PM. an hour and a half later, you enter a dream phase or what is called
REM sleep. REM stands for rapid eye movement. In this dream phase,
your eyes move rapidly. Your blood pressure, pulse, and respiration
November is National Diabetes Awareness Month. Diabetes is also act erratically. In this state, your brain is as active as when you
an ever growing condition in our country, largely due to obesity, are awake.
though family history and other physical conditions contribute.
Good resources for information on diabetes are: www.diabetes. The best ways to enhance your sleeping are to avoid naps and to
org ( The American Diabetes Assoc.) and www.cdc.gov/diabetes. exercise during the day so you will be quite tired at night. Sleeping pills
may make insomnia worse in the end. Most sleeping pills will make
you miss the most restless sleep cycles and take away your dreams.
[ Mission Focus ]
You should not let anything or anyone take away your dreams!
“Inasmuch as you did it to one of the least of these my brethren,
you did it unto me.” Matthew 25:40
Submitted by Frances Pike, HM Nurse
A Time For Giving...
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Thanksgiving Food Drive 77 Child
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Operation Christmas
will be collected the first two
Sundays in November,
The Mission Outreach Team will conduct a food drive the 7th and the 14th.
for the hungry in Orange County Please donate non- Please stop by our table
perishable food on Sunday Nov. 21 and Sunday Nov. 28. All before then and pick up one
food donations will go to Beach Cities Interfaith Services, or two boxes to fill them up
one of our ministries that provides food, clothing and other with love. You will be giving
services to help needy people in Huntington Beach. a simple gift that may change
a life for eternity.
[ November 2010] www.stpetershb.org [ Page 8 ]
NON-PROFIT ORG.
S t . Pe t e r ’s B y - t h e - S e a US POSTAGE
16911 Bolsa Chica St.
Huntington Beach, CA PAID
92649 HUNTINGTON BEACH, CA
PERMIT NO. 130
S t. Peter’s By-the-Sea S unday Worship Services
Presbyterian Church
Beacon Deadline: 15th of the month. Submit all articles to elders. Elders
submit by email to info@stpetershb.org. In an emergency, materials may
The Beacon
9:00 am
16911 Bolsa Chica St. Traditional/Blended Service
Huntington Beach, CA 92649 Nursery/Childcare available
Phone 714.846.6641
FAX 714.846.5901 10:45 am
Contemporary Service
www.stpetershb.org
7
Nursery/Childcare available
77 Happy Birthday
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be dictated to the church secretary.
to the Following Members:
11/1 Margot Backman 11/14 Marilynn Tom 11/18 Toye Jessica Tong
11/3 Mary Barry 11/15 Betty Hickey 11/22 Scott Marvin
11/4 Helen Grange Robin Kadrmas 11/23 Dave Povich
Ruth Siegrist Todd Larsen 11/24 Denyce Budd
11/5 Carl Kirkconnell Merna White 11/28 Dale Dunn
11/6 Georgia Hamersky 11/16 Kathryn Ewing Katie Sherrill
11/9 Linda Hansen Ron Norick 11/30 Joyce Books
11/10 Shirley Black 11/17 Lupe Dickerson Yvette Ghaly
11/13 M’Lee Davidson Greg Shippee Jane Wilson
11/13 Ray Lockhart 11/18 Betty Gay
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