The monthly Newsletter of Tuckahoe Presbyterian Church 7000 Park Avenue Richmond, VA 23226 804-282-2860; www.tuckahoepres.org The Torch Volume 62, No. 7 December 2019/January 2020 THE HOLINESS OF A SILENT NIGHT There is perhaps no moment in worship more holy for me than the end of the Christmas Eve services. Our tradition, shared by every church I know of, is to end the service by turning out the artificial lights and with the one light of the Christ candle begin to pass the light one person to another while we sing “Silent Night.” When I came to this church I was made aware of the custom of raising our candles when we sang the first half of the final line of each verse, “Sleep in heavenly peace” and then lowering it as the notes descend and resolve with, “sleep in heavenly peace.” I don’t know how this tradition began, but I believe it was Spirit-led. The motion of lifting our hand signifies for me the connection we have with The Light, Jesus Christ, and the motion back down is an acknowledgment that the light rests in us. It is like our breath, chest rising as we inhale, falling as we exhale. An autonomic function that is constant and often taken for granted. When God became flesh and lived among us, humanity witnessed first-hand what was recorded in the Prologue of the Gospel of John “What came into existence was Life, and the Life was Light to live by. (The Message translation) God entered this rhythm of inhale, exhale, connection to the godhead “above” and the creation “below.” Jesus shed his life-light on us to illumine humankind to this autonomic function, revealing what perfect rhythm with God looks like as he lived in full awareness of what we too often take for granted. The world is often so dark. There is so much unrest, so much fear that builds when people keep their light down, afraid to lift it, to confess to God and others, “We are not the source of light and life, God is.” The Light that was coming into the world did not keep his light down. We remember this in how the three magi followed his star to the place of his birth, signifying that this light was for all people. This is captured in the festival of Epiphany (January 6), the “appearance” of God. Or, as Merriam Webster defines it, “a sudden, intuitive perception of or insight into the reality or essential meaning of something, usually initiated by some simple, homely, or commonplace occurrence or experience.” I couldn’t have said it better. It is initiated
Transcript
The monthly Newsletter of Tuckahoe Presbyterian Church 7000 Park Avenue
Richmond, VA 23226 804-282-2860; www.tuckahoepres.org
The Torch
Volume 62, No. 7 December 2019/January 2020
THE HOLINESS OF A SILENT NIGHT
There is perhaps no moment in worship more holy for me than the end of the Christmas Eve services. Our tradition, shared by every church I know of, is to end the service by turning out the
artificial lights and with the one light of the Christ candle begin to pass the light one person to another while we sing “Silent Night.”
When I came to this church I was made aware of the custom of raising our candles when we sang the first half of the final line of each verse, “Sleep in heavenly peace” and then lowering it as the notes descend and resolve with, “sleep in heavenly peace.” I don’t know
how this tradition began, but I believe it was Spirit-led. The motion of lifting our hand signifies for me the
connection we have with The Light, Jesus Christ, and the motion back down is an acknowledgment that the light rests in us. It is like our breath, chest rising as we inhale, falling as we exhale. An autonomic function
that is constant and often taken for granted.
When God became flesh and lived among us, humanity witnessed first-hand what was recorded in the Prologue of the Gospel of John
“What came into existence was Life, and the Life was Light to live by. (The Message translation) God entered this rhythm of inhale, exhale, connection to the godhead “above” and the creation
“below.” Jesus shed his life-light on us to illumine humankind to this autonomic function, revealing what perfect rhythm with God looks like as he lived in full awareness of what we
too often take for granted.
The world is often so dark. There is so much unrest, so much fear that builds when people keep their light down, afraid to lift it, to confess to God and others, “We are not the source of light and
life, God is.” The Light that was coming into the world did not keep his light down. We remember this in how the three magi followed his star to the place of his birth, signifying that
this light was for all people. This is captured in the festival of Epiphany (January 6), the “appearance” of God. Or, as Merriam Webster defines it, “a sudden, intuitive perception of or
insight into the reality or essential meaning of something, usually initiated by some simple, homely, or commonplace occurrence or experience.” I couldn’t have said it better. It is initiated
THE SEASON OF ADVENT
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by a thing as commonplace as a sleeping baby. And yet, in this homely experience, the divine initiative set in motion the plan to place humanity and God in perfect rhythm.
As the candles in worship are blown out and the artificial lights turned back on, as the holiness
of the silent night transitions into the ordinariness of the noisy day, even then the Light of Christ finds its most brilliant glow as it shines in the darkest places within and around us.
Christ is indeed the Light to live by. Christ is the one in which we find perfect peace, rest for our souls, and the joy when we more fully live within God’s will, praying that it be done on
earth as it is in heaven.
I pray this Christmastide that, as you lift your light and lower it again, you would experience more vividly the connection you have with God through Jesus Christ. I pray that,
as you lay your head down after a day of shining your light, you will indeed sleep in heavenly peace, child of God, sleep in heavenly peace.
Grace and Peace, Patrick
CHRISTMAS CANTATA
Mark your calendars for Tuckahoe’s annual Christmas Cantata to be presented on Sunday, December 15th during worship at 10 am by our Chancel Choir and accompanied by an
orchestra and narration. Our children’s choir will also have a part! This year’s cantata is “Everlasting Light—The Promise of Christmas” arranged by Lloyd Larson, Mary McDonald,
Jay Rouse and Larry Shackley. We hope you will plan to be a part of this annual celebration of music and the Word. Please invite your family, friends, and neighbors!
Following the morning service, join us in Duntreath Hall for our annual “Cookie Sunday” Reception.
In this Issue:
From the Pastor 1-2
Advent Season 3-4
Youth Ministry 5
Christian Formation 6-8
Food & Fellowship 9
Outreach 10
Around the Church 11-16
Poinsettia Order Form 17
THE SEASON OF ADVENT
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WHAT CAN’T WAIT?
We spend a lot of time waiting in this life. But what is too important to wait for? What if God had waited that first Advent? God couldn’t wait for that wonderful incarnation, God meeting us in flesh, so can we wait to share that love with others?
What If God Had Waited? By Lisle Gwynn Garrity.
What if God had waited For Mary to be wed, For Herod to relent, For a legitimate birthing bed? What if God had waited Until the powerful promoted peace, And the politicians agreed? What if God had waited For a plan with no risk of failure, For a place that felt safe and secure? What if God had waited For the anxious to find rest, For the cynic to know hope, For the brokenhearted to be whole? For the wars to cease, For the violence to end, For the fears to pass, For the weapons to be banned? What if God had waited For the earth to heal, For the laws to change, For every life to matter the same, For the addict to be freed from shame, For the refugees to not be blamed? What if God had waited Until all was calm, All was bright, For a future that might never come? What if God had waited? But God couldn’t wait. God couldn’t wait to be love known in flesh and bone— And neither should we.
THE SEASON OF ADVENT
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OTHER WAYS TO REMEMBER ADVENT TOGETHER
December 13 and 14 - A Hanover Christmas- More than “just another live nativity,” you will experience musical performances, dramatic re-enactments and fellowship with others while leisurely strolling a candlelit wooded path at Camp Hanover. If you have never participated in this event it is a wonderful event to add to your Advent Season. Contact Mary Chris Werner if you are interested in carpooling.
December 14 - Parents Night Out—hosted by the youth group from 4-7pm. Bring your kids to church for dinner and fun and you can shop or enjoy a date. This is a fundraiser for youth mission and summer trips. The cost is $5 for food and any other donation you would like to make. Invite your friends, have a Christmas outing, and support the youth!
December 15 - Cantata’s and Cookies. Come hear our amazing choir as they gift us with a cantata during worship and then experience the baking delights of your church family as we enjoy our annual “Cookie Sunday” fellowship time.
December 24, Christmas Eve Services. Come celebrate the joy of
Christmas celebrated at one or both of our Christmas Eve services this year. There will be a children’s Christmas pageant at 4:00 pm and a festive service at 7:30 p.m. with candlelight and communion. Both services will be in the sanctuary.
YOUTH MINISTRIES
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What a wonderful group of young people we have at Tuckahoe! So many of them come on Sunday evenings to learn, grow and have fun together. This fall has brought
service opportunities and chances for learning and growing together. Our winter/spring is shaping up to be full of
amazing opportunities as well. Come join us Sunday nights!
UPCOMING YOUTH GROUP EVENTS!!
Sunday, December 1 No Youth Group
Sunday, December 8 5:30 p.m. “Mall Hunt” — don’t miss this one!
Sunday, December 15 5:00 p.m. White Elephant Exchange and “Mystery Dinner”
Sunday, December 22 No Youth Group
Sunday, December 29 No Youth Group
Sunday, January 5 5:30 p.m. Life-Sized “Guess Who?”
Sunday, January 12 5:30 p.m. Monopoly Game
Sunday, January 19 5:30 p.m. Lip Sync Battle
Sunday, January 26 5:30 p.m. Last Word—Harry Potter Edition
YOUTH MISSION TRIP FUND RAISER
SUNDAY, JANUARY 12TH!
Tuckahoe members! Mark your calendars for Sunday, January 12th to have lunch after church, prepared and
served by our youth as a fundraiser for mission and summer trips. More information to come. Plan to join us!
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Christian formation
CHILDREN’S MINISTRY
Advent is here, which means so is Christmas! The children’s Christmas Pageant will be on Christmas Eve,
December 24 at 4:00 p.m. in the sanctuary. We hope you will all be able to join us!
MARK YOUR CALENDARS!
Questions? Contact Sarah Dennis at 804-282-2860 or [email protected]
BIBLE STUDIES
Tuesday Morning Prayer Group: Join us in December as we engage in a study of the Season of Advent. We will be journeying through the Advent themes of hope, peace, joy and love with conversations, study and prayer. All are welcome to join. This four week class will be lead by Pastors Sarah and Patrick Dennis and meets on Tuesday mornings at 9:30 a.m. in the church parlor. Theology on Tap: Join us in December and January for our monthly conversation about faith in this modern world. We will meet on Mondays, December 16th and January 13th at 6:00 p.m. for timely discussions about current headlines and how we can, as Christians, react faithfully and lovingly. We hope you will join us for great conversations and great drinks! Locations for each event will be in the bulletin. Men’s Bible Study: This Bible study meets weekly at noon every Monday in Room 108. Come join us, bring your lunch, and start your week refreshed and focused. Any and all are welcome to join us! Women’s Study Group: The Women’s Study Group is studying Psalms. We meet on the first Monday of each month, October thru May, at the home of Ruth Anna Langdon. Just contact Meg Packard when you see her at church or call her at 754-0602 to get a copy of the resource book. The book is $10.
Sunday, December 1 Pageant rehearsal during Sunday school (location TBA)
Sunday, December 8 Pageant rehearsal at 9:00 a.m. in the sanctuary
Sunday, December 22 Pageant rehearsal during the Sunday School hour
Tuesday, December 24 Pageant at 4:00 p.m., please arrive by 3:15.
Sunday, December 29 No children’s Sunday School.
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CHRISTIAN FORMATION
DID YOU KNOW TUCKAHOE HAS IT’S
OWN PODCAST??
Tune in each week to the Woven Word podcast to listen to Patrick and Sarah (and some guests) talk through the lectionary scripture
for the upcoming Sunday. You can listen from our website through the podcast tab or through Apple podcasts, Google
podcast, Spotify or Stitcher. Contact Sarah with any questions ([email protected]).
JANUARY PARENTS’ NIGHT OUT
Time to recover from the holidays! Mark your calendar for January’s Parents’ Night Out on Friday, January 10th. Drop off the kiddos for dinner, games and a movie while you take
a moment to wind down after the busy season!
TUCKAHOE WOMEN’S
RETREAT
FEBRUARY 20—23, 2020
This year we are planning a winter retreat for the women of Tuckahoe from
Thursday, February 20—Sunday, February 23rd and be held at the oceanfront home of
Mary McGee in Holden Beach, North Carolina. The planning for the retreat has begun and full details will be announced soon;
but, please mark your calendars and plan to attend, if you are able! The cost for the retreat will be $160.00, including meals.
Anne Beane and Mary McGee, in conjunction with Sarah Dennis and Diane Prevary, are working on the retreat details and logistics and will have
more information in December. There will be room for 18 women (or more, if you can sleep on an air mattress!)
If you have questions about the retreat, ask Mary or Anne and if you want to
register for the event, please make your check payable to Tuckahoe Presbyterian Church and write “2020 Women’s Retreat” in the memo line.
You may not know it, but Tuckahoe has started a MOPs group. Mothers of Preschoolers (MOP’s) is an international organization that seeks to connect women
with each other and with faith. In an effort to try to reach out to the community, Tuckahoe launched our first MOPs group in September. We have 8 moms, and
around 13 littles ones under the age of 4 currently part of our group and it is still growing!
We meet twice a month, the first and the third Tuesday, from 9:30-11:30. There
are snacks and coffee, we have some conversation, a speaker and most importantly: connection. The women are finding relationships, comradery and encouragement on this journey of parenthood. And the children love to come! Last meeting, one of the littles walked around all morning at his house talking
about how he was happy because he gets to play with the trains at MOPs.
Our topics for the year include: mindfulness, organization, recycling, raising readers, understanding finances, date night ideas, how to involve kids in service,
and more!
The national theme of MOP’s this year is Have More Fun! We are indeed having more fun and would like to invite you to be a part of it. You might not be the demographic to attend, but we need you in other ways.
You can volunteer to help with childcare, you can offer to make a snack for the moms, you can donate to help offset the cost of childcare, and you can pray for
us. Pray that other Moms find our MOP’s group and that the women who attend feel lifted in spirit by the generosity of Tuckahoe.
FOOD & FELLOWSHIP
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WEDNESDAY NIGHTS
DECEMBER and
JANUARY
Join us for our mid-week meals and programming in December and
January at 6:00 p.m. in Duntreath Hall. We will begin an Advent study in
December and later in January we will start a study of Enneagrams. The Enneagram is a powerful tool for personal and
collective transformation. Stemming from the Greek words ennea (nine) and grammos (a written symbol), the nine-pointed Enneagram symbol represents nine distinct strategies
for relating to the self, others and the world. Come...be a part of the conversation!
DATE MENU PROGRAM
December 4 Cooking Team 2 will treat us to a catered meal from The Grapevine Restaurant—fettuccini alfredo with or without chicken, salad, bread and dessert
Part 1 of our 3-week Advent study.
December 11 Cooking Team 3 is preparing a traditional English Christmas meal
of roast, potatoes and vegetables, Yorkshire pudding and dessert
Part 2 of our 3–week Advent study.
December 18 Pot Luck—The Fellowship Commit-tee will provide pizza. Please bring
a side or dessert!
The conclusion of the Advent study.
January 8 Cooking Team 1 brings back “Pizza Extravaganza” night—come enjoy
specialty pizzas, salad and desserts
Our Annual White Elephant Gift Exchange!
OUTREACH
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ANGEL TREE PROJECT
Tuckahoe has sponsored the Ministry of Prison Fellowship's "Angel Tree" project for many years. To continue our
participation, this year we're sponsoring 30 children who will each receive two gifts (one toy and one clothing item). This
project helps incarcerated men and women stay connected to their children during the holiday season by allowing them to
provide Christmas presents to their children who live in metro Richmond. These presents are a tangible reminder that their parent loves them even though they can't be
with them for Christmas. We need your help in purchasing and wrapping gifts (approximately $20-$25 each). You can choose to purchase one or more gifts. Please
note that the items have been specifically chosen by the parent, so rest assured they'll be appropriate and appreciated. We also need assistance with delivering the gifts to
the children the week before Christmas. The Angel Tree will be in the Fellowship Hall on November 24th and December 1st.
Please pick your angel(s) from the tree and return your gift(s) no later than December 8th. Be sure to write down your information to let us know which gift
you're sponsoring. Please contact Melissa Mascher at 804-357-8307 or at [email protected] with
any questions or to sign-up to help. Thank you in advance for making a difference!
MARK THOSE CALENDARS!
UPCOMING OUTREACH EVENTS...
As you are setting up your 2020 calendars, stay on the look out for several of Tuckahoe’s most popular Outreach events.
ProjectHomes’ Ramp Build is February 29. Tuckahoe will send a team of 8 to projectHomes to build ramps. These wooden ramps are built indoors during the
winter, and then put in place during the warmer weather. Without the ramps, homeowners are unable to get in and out of their homes.
Nancy Millsaps ([email protected]) will be coordinating this event. Rise against Hunger is scheduled for March 21. It’s never too early to sign up or donate to this event. Plan to join in the controlled chaos of this fun event, and help
send 15,000 meals to people needing this food!
THANKSGIVING BOX THANK YOU
Thank you to everyone who contributed to HEARTH's Thanksgiving Box program this year. Tuckahoe contributed 20 boxes!
It is heart-warming to know that you have directly impacted so many of our neighbors in Henrico county during
this holiday season! Thanks again for your support and a special thanks to our delivery team!
POINSETTIAS! Every Christmas the congregation and friends of Tuckahoe are invited to contribute a red or white poinsettia, in memory or in honor of someone, to
decorate the sanctuary for Christmas. An order form can be found on page 17 of this Torch and will be in the bulletin, office and on the web site.
Please place your order by Sunday, December 15th so the flower committee can decorate the sanctuary for Christmas Sunday and Christmas Eve services. The cost
for a red or white poinsettia is the same as last year, $14 each.
SIGN UP TO HOST AFTER WORSHIP
FELLOWSHIP FOR 2020
Look for the new 2020 Calendar on the wall in the hallway between the Narthex and Duntreath to sign up to host our Sunday Fellowship Time. Grab some friends, your Sunday School class, book group, committee members, or family, and
sign up to host our traditional fellowship time after worship. It’s easy...you can keep it simple or make it as fancy as you like. There are instructions on what to do on our
web site under the tab “News and Resources”.
SIGN UP TO GIVE FLOWERS FOR
SUNDAY WORSHIP The beauty of God’s creation is mirrored in the gorgeous flower arrangements that grace our Chancel each Sunday morning at
worship. You can contribute to this important part of the worship experience by donating flowers on any Sunday. This gesture can be in memory of loved ones, in honor of someone
special in your life or simply to the Glory of God. There is a Flower Calendar for 2020 in the Resource Center for you to sign up to
donate flowers. The flower committee takes care of purchasing and arranging the flowers each Sunday. An average contribution is $35—45 per Sunday.
Please feel free to call the church office at 282-2860 if you have any questions
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AROUND THE CHURCH
WITH GRATEFUL
HEARTS!
ESTATE GIFTS TO
BENEFIT TUCKAHOE
It is with very grateful hearts that we wish to acknowledge two generous gifts to the church left to us in the estates of
two long-time members, Patty Withrow and Al Honkala. Patty’s gift was an
undesignated gift to the church. Al’s gift was designated for the General
Endowment Fund. Both gifts have been deposited into the
appropriate accounts with our investment firm, Charles Schwab, and are
being managed by our Investment Advisory Committee.
These two gifts are wonderful examples
of how you can include Tuckahoe in your long-range and estate planning. You
may, of course, designate your gifts to be used in any way that furthers the work of
Tuckahoe and speaks to your heart. Please contact Patrick Dennis to discuss
how you and your family might consider Tuckahoe in your estate planning!
Thank you! Thank you! Thank you! At the end of October, 2019 members of
our congregation and guests have provided $414,110.09 in envelope
contributions toward the operating budget figure of $492.850.00. (84.02%). It is our hope that we will be able to
meet the budgeted envelope contribution figure by the end of the
fiscal year (12/31/19). Additionally, Tuckahoe has received
$1,621.14 in loose offering, $7,276.84 for the use of our facilities, and $1,871.94 in
interest. Our CentsAbility program has received $795.09. Sixty per cent of this monthly offering is forwarded to the Presbytery
of the James for use in their hunger programs in Central Virginia and Haiti.
The remainder of the contributions underwrites the cost associated with our
lunch program for Liberation Family Services.
Finally, our church received $484 for the Peace/Global Witness Offering.
On behalf of the Stewardship & Finance Committee and other session
committees, I would like to express our gratitude for your continued generosity.
.
Richard A. Mateer, Church Treasurer
Remember to complete your 2019 pledge and make any additional
donations to the mission and ministry of Tuckahoe by
December 31, 2019.
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AROUND THE CHURCH
TPC BOOK CLUB 2020
Avid reader? Please join our Tuckahoe Book Club throughout the year for a chance to gather and
discuss this year’s book selections. All are welcome! We meet on the last Monday of the month at 7:00
p.m. in various members’ homes. *Note the date change in May for Memorial Day.
DATE BOOK/AUTHOR REVIEWER HOSTESS
1/27 The Wife Between Us By Greer Hendricks and Sarah Pekkanen
Kaye Keyes Jean Hayes
2/24 Rules of Civility By Amor Towles
Mickey Mateer Martha Campbell
3/30 Lilac Girls By Martha Hall Kelly
Pat Miller Becky Theuer
4/27 Educated By Tara Westover
Byrd Latham Camellia Wroniewicz
5/18* Eleanor Oliphant By Gail Honeyman
Martha Burgess Terry Brady
9/28 Americas First Daughter By Stephanie Dray and Laura Kamole
Ruth Anna Langdon Kaye Keyes
CHURCH OFFICE HOLIDAY HOURS
The church office will be closed Wednesday, December 24—Wednesday, January 1. Office hours will resume on Thursday, January 2, 2020.
WITH SYMPATHY
Our Christian sympathies are extended to Charlotte Syare on the death of her step-son, David Sayre, on October 10, 2019. Our Christian sympathies are also extended to Pat and Terry Brady on the death of Pat’s brother, Fred Brady, on Friday, November 15, 2019 in Georgia.
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AROUND THE CHURCH
CHRISTMAS CHORAL CONCERT &
“COOKIE SUNDAY” Mark your calendars for Sunday, December 15 at 10:00
a.m. when the Chancel Choir of Tuckahoe, accompanied by an orchestra and narration, will
present a Christmas choral performance of “Everlasting Light” in our sanctuary.
Plan to bring your whole family to prepare your hearts for the Christmas season! The fellowship time following
the Cantata will be our annual “Cookie Sunday”!
UPCOMING EVENTS AT CAMP HANOVER
COMMON CHORDS - Thursday, November 21, 7-10 pm Common Chords is Camp Hanover's monthly music fellowship. Sit back and enjoy the acoustic sounds of bluegrass and gospel or grab your guitar (or fiddle, bass, mandolin, banjo or whatever you play) and join in! Common Chords is a free event and refreshments will be provided. Donations are always appreciated!
YOUTH DAY—Sunday, December 1, 2-4 pm
Join us for a time of fellowship and worship for middle and high school youth, along with their leaders. Individuals and youth groups welcome, but we ask you to bring adequate adult supervision along. There is no charge for this event! To rsvp, contact Colleen Earp at [email protected], or 804-779-2811.
WINTER CAMP - Saturday, December 28 - Monday, December 30
Winter Camp is an opportunity for campers to have the Camp Hanover experience during a different season. Youth currently in grades 5 through 12
AND FRIENDS Dick Mateer writes: I have no plans to be in the hospital any time soon. Twice is enough. My recovery was made far easier by the cards and visits from friends, tasty food and beautiful flowers. Thank you, TPC, for all you did for me. Our neighbors, Ed and Ellen Hardy write: Please accept our thanks to acknowledge how special it is to our Duntreath Community to have your church as such a caring and sharing neighbor. Blessings, Ed and Ellen Hardy The Virginia Terrier Club writes: The Virginia Terrier Club wishes to thank you for allowing us to use your facility for our monthly meetings. Please accept this donation as a way of thanking you. We will no longer need your facility as our members are older and fewer and cannot meet at night. Thank you!
A NEW GRANDSON!
Congratulations to Jim and Jeanne Webster who welcomed their newest grandson, Atticus Joseph
Sturman, on November 7th. Atticus was born to their older daughter, Kelly and her husband Palmer.
BEHOLD, WE ARE DOING SOMETHING NEW!
At Tuckahoe we are consistently striving to improve our communication so that everyone is both informed and inspired. Over the course of the past several years, we
have ramped up our communication with you through expanded bulletin announcements, weekly emails, special event postcards, social media posts, an
interactive website, etc. The purpose has been to inform you in more timely and direct ways of opportunities to serve and fellowship. Because of this, we have seen increasingly
less need for a traditional “newsletter”. What we have sensed is a desire for more inspiration pieces that reflect on how our faith informs and inspires how we live. For
that reason, and because it’s a new year, we are excited to announce we are doing something new. Beginning with the February/March edition, The Torch will be changing
formats to be predominantly inspiration pieces contributed by staff, elders, and other members of the church. The new masthead will read:
The Torch “Inspiration to Light Your Way”
We have prayerfully made these changes and are confident they will function to uplift our congregation in their daily lives. As part of this change, we will also be changing our
bulletin layout to have more graphics and the Friday e-mails to have more linkable announcements which will allow us to update them as needed and present a more
dynamic and up-to-date display of what is happening in the life of our church. We hope you find that these changes help to light your way’
The Tuckahoe Staff
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AROUND THE CHURCH
UPDATES FROM WARINNER FAMILY SCHOLARSHIP
RECIPIENTS
Our TPC Scholarship recipients recently sent the following updates. These women are making it happen, for sure! Please keep them in your prayers as they finish their fall semes-
ter and be on the lookout for them at church over the holidays to take the opportunity to chat with them.
From Corinne Burch at Berklee School of Music, Boston, MA: Hope all is going well at Tuckahoe. Thanks for reaching out, thank you to the scholarship for its continued support in my college adventure. This semester has been full of hands-on music therapy experiences. I have the
privilege of serving as parliamentarian on New England's Regional board of student music therapists - honoring my Presbyterian roots by enforcing Robert's Rules in various committees and many
meetings. The board recently held the region's 20th annual student-run conference, where I got to attend many presentations and lead our closing drum circle. As for class, one of my weekly highlights is writing songs with English Language Learners every Wednesday morning! Thank you for all your
support on my Bostonian adventure!
From Laura Anderson at VCU: I am wrapping up my second semester of my second year of the entry level occupational therapy doctorate program at VCU – only one more semester of classroom learning before moving onto our clinical third year! This semester, I have enjoyed learning more in
depth about the role of occupational therapy for adults with complex neurological deficits, children in schools, and developing programs for those with significant mental illness. My favorite part of this
past semester was my fieldwork experience on a spinal cord injury unit in the hospital because I got to work hands-on with patients and I learned so much!
From Bailey Kane at University of the Sciences, Philadelphia, PA: Hey TPC! I am thoroughly enjoying my first semester here in Philadelphia! My professors and classes are
challenging, yet extremely interesting, which helps to keep me motivated. As you may remember, I am in the 6-year Pharmacy Program here at the University of the Sciences, and one of my most valuable
classes I am taking right now is called “Pharmacy Orientation.” My professor for this class is Edward Foote, also Dean of the Philadelphia College of Pharmacy, and he has been an amazing resource into
what this profession holds. Since being here, I have only gotten more excited for my future. I am ecstatic about all the career opportunities that will be available to me after these 6 years!
From Claire Galvin at William and Mary: It’s hard to believe that I’m in the process of com-pleting my last year at William & Mary; the time has really flown by! This semester, I’m taking my final class to complete my sociology major—a research-based class on environmental justice. In the
spring, I’ll finish my environmental policy major by taking a hands-on class on agriculture and sustainability, a fan-favorite among past students in my program. At the beginning of December, I will be done with my position as the Panhellenic Vice President of Recruitment, which involved me facilitating sorority recruitment on campus this past fall. I am also still working at Ulta Beauty, where I got a small promotion over the summer! My plan is to apply to the Masters of Nonprofit Studies program at the University of Richmond, so fingers crossed I’ll be home next school year.
I’m incredibly grateful for the opportunities I’ve had thanks to the Warinner Family Scholarship and the support of this church, and I can’t wait to see everyone while I’m home for
Christmas!
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TUCKAHOE PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH
Tuckahoe Staff Patrick Dennis, Pastor
Sarah Dennis, Covenant Pastor Hal Breitenberg, Parish Associate Diane Prevary, Parish Associate Martin Pinckney, Seminary Intern
Mark Cain, Director of Music Ministries Sarah Cothern, Assistant Director of Music Ministries
Mary McGee, Financial Administrator Cori Williams, Office Administrator
