The Pet Blessing Ceremony is to be held this Sunday, October 4 at 10:00 AM in
the courtyard of SAPC.  A pet nursery will be available if you attend the 11:00
service and want to bring your pet.
Please transport cats in carriers.  Keep small dogs in your arms or a small
carrier if needed.  All dogs should have collars and leashes.
Please bring a picture of your pet if you cannot bring your pet, if your pet is
aggressive, or if your pet has died.  Please invite your friends and their pets
to come also.

Thanks,

Ginny Dodd

Pet Blessing Ceremony to be held THIS SUNDAY, October 4 at 10:00AM in the
courtyard at SAPC.  A pet nursery will be available if you attend the 11:00 AM
service and want to bring your pet.
Please transport cats in carriers if possible.  All dogs should have collars and
leashes.  Small dogs should be held in the owners arms if needed.
Please bring pictures of your pet if you cannot bring your pet, it is deceased,
or if your pet is aggressive.  Please invite your friends and their pets to come
also.

Thanks for your help,

Ginny Dodd

Hello,

This email message is a notification to let you know that
a file has been uploaded to the Files area of the SeigleAvenuePresbyterian
group.

   File        : /Peace_day_Flier.doc
   Uploaded by : seigleavenue <seigleavenue@...>
   Description : PEACE DAY FLIER

You can access this file at the URL:
http://groups.yahoo.com/group/SeigleAvenuePresbyterian/files/Peace_day_Flier.doc

To learn more about file sharing for your group, please visit:
http://help.yahoo.com/l/us/yahoo/groups/original/general.htmlfiles

Regards,

seigleavenue <seigleavenue@...>

Monday September 21, 2009
12pm-1pm
St. Peter's Episcopal Church
At N. Tryon & 7th St.
Charlotte, NC
(free parking in Transamerica building across 7th St.)

Speakers Include:
Ned Sergew, Keynote
Chair of the Board of Directors of International House
Rev. Nancy Ennis; Dr. Atash Sabet; Peter Pampillonio; Niurys Antomarchy

Music by:
Interfaith Music Committee and Children from First Ward Elementary
Trinity Episcopal School
First Presbyterian Handbell Choir

For more information call 704-332-7746 or visit:
www.meckmin.org or www.internationaldayof peace.org


Simply the Absence of war is not peace.
Anam Prem

S.A.P.C. LEADERSHIP/MEMBERSHIP,

Church Administrator will be out of the office on July 6, 2009 and will return
on July 7, 2009.

For urgent matters, I can reached "Electronically."

Have a Happy Holiday Weekend to all!


Brent Jenkins,
Church Administrator/Treasurer

Wednesday, July 1st Adult Bible Study has been canceled due to an unforeseen
emergency.

Bible Study will resume next Wednesday as regularly scheduled.

Please pray for Ann MacKay, Douglas MacKay's mother, as she is undergoing hip
surgery today.

Church Office Closed


The Seigle Avenue Presbyterian Church office will be CLOSED on Monday,May 25th,
in observance of Memorial Day.

Regular office hours will resume on Tuesday, May 26th.

Have a pleasant holiday.

Seigle Family,

We're sorry to announce that Bible Study & Intercessory Prayer, Wednesday Night
May 13, 2009 is canceled.

Wednesday Night Bible Study  and Intercessory Prayer will resume on June 3,
2009.

6/03/09 Intercessory Prayer 6:00-7:00pm
6/03/09 Bible Study 7:00-8:30 pm

Adult Bible study will be held TONIGHT, March 22, from 7pm - 8:30pm in the
Library.

Seigle Avenue Presbyterian church continues to hold up Taye Cairnes and her family in our prayers.  Her father, Allen Cairnes had his surgery yesterday and is home today, but the stress of her brother Wade's recent death is wearing on the entire family.  We encourage everyone to remember her and her family in each of your prayers throughout this trying time.

Our thoughts and prayers are with Dr. Chuck Williamson (Philadelphia PC) after his mother, Virginia Williamson, passed away last night. 

The funeral is scheduled for tomorrow, April 15, 2009 at 3:00pmin the chapel at Davidson College Presbyterian Church.  A reception will follow in the church parlor.


In Christ's Service,

Jennifer Kroitor

Administrative Assistant/Communications

Presbytery of Charlotte

5700 Executive Center Drive

Suite 200

Charlotte, NC 28212

704-535-9999/800-926-1537, Ext. 200

jennifer.kroitor@...

This Sunday, April 12th, we will have our monthly fellowship meal. 

Fellowship meals are held at Siegle Avenue on the second Sunday of every month, directly following worship. 

Please consider yourself most welcome to stay and enjoy a meal with us!

The Church office will be  CLOSED from Friday, April 10th through Monday, April 13th in observance of the Easter Holiday. 

 The office will re-open on  its regular schedule on Tuesday, April 14th.

Seigle Avenue Presbyterian Church mourns the loss of Mr. Wade Cairnes.

Wade Cairnes passed from this life last night in Houston, Texas.  Wade was the
beloved brother of our church member Taye Cairnes.

Please remember the Cairnes Family in your prayers. Our deepest
sympathies go out to the Cairnes Family and our thoughts and
prayers are with you.

Condolences may be sent to:
c/o Mr. Allen Cairnes
2220 Bering #31
Houston, TX 77057

More details are forthcoming.

The 5 Most Overlooked Tax Deductions

Al Lewis
March 11, 2009  1 Comment


   In order to minimize your tax bill and maximize your tax refund, you need to
make sure to take advantage of every deduction and credit you're entitled to. To
make this a little easier for you, we've highlighted 5 deductions that most
taxpayers are entitled to take, but often overlook when filing their tax
returns.

State Sales Tax This deduction is especially important for those who live in
states that don't have a state income tax, but in certain cases, can also work
to the benefit of taxpayers who are required to pay state income tax. Either
way, you must choose between deducting state and local income taxes, or state
and local sales taxes.

If you made a large purchase such as a car, boat, airplane, RV or home building
materials, you get to add the state sales tax you paid to the amount shown in
IRS tables for your state. The IRS has a calculator on its web site to help you
figure the deduction, which varies by your state and income level. If you use
tax preparation software, or an online tax preparation service, they will
usually be able to calculate this for you.

Out-of-Pocket Charitable Contributions You can write off out-of-pocket costs
incurred while helping charitable organizations. Some examples are ingredients
purchased to prepare a meal for a church or a nonprofit organization's soup
kitchen, or the cost of stamps bought for your school's fundraiser. Also, if you
drove your car for charitable purposes, you can deduct 14 cents per mile.

Child Care Credit It's easy to overlook a portion of the child-care credit if
you pay your child-care bills through a reimbursement account at work. Only
$5,000 of such expenses can be paid through a tax favored reimbursement account,
but up to $6,000 for the care of two or more children can qualify for the
credit. So, if you run the maximum through a plan at work, but spend even more
for work related childcare, you can claim the credit on an additional $1,000.

State Taxes Paid Last April If you owed tax when you filed your 2007 state tax
return, remember to include that amount with your state tax deduction on your
2008 return, along with state income taxes withheld from your paychecks or paid
in quarterly estimated payments.

Property Tax Deduction for Non-Itemizers Normally, to write off property taxes,
you must itemize your deductions. But for 2008, homeowners who claim the
standard deduction can also use property taxes to lower their income tax bill.
If you don't itemize, you can increase your standard deduction by $500 if you're
single, or $1,000 if you're married, to account for property taxes you paid on
your home in '08.

About the Author
These 5 deductions are just a few of many potential ways to increase your tax
refund. For more overlooked deductions and other tax saving ideas, visit Income
Taxes 101.

Popular IRS Credits and Deductions you Might be Missing

Roni Deutch
March 11, 2009


   When it comes time to prepare your tax returns, there are so many credits and
deductions to consider that it can be easy to forget a few. To quickly solve
this problem, you could hire a tax professional, but even so, it is always a
good idea to know exactly what you qualify for.

Child and Dependent Care Be sure to check if you apply for a child-care credit.
If you have kids then you know that childcare is not cheap, and child care
credits are a great way to offset the costs. Even with reimbursement programs
you may still qualify, but this credit is a little tricky so be sure to research
it before you include it on your return.

Job Hunting With job losses at an all-time high, there is a lot of job searching
going on in this country. What you may not know is that the expenses for job
searching are actually tax deductible. You can also deduct moving expenses if
you have to move more then 50 miles for a job.

Insurance Premiums Everyone with a health insurance premium gets a deduction.
However, self-employed individuals who are not covered by an employee plan get
to deduct 100% of their health insurance premiums.

Donations to Charity Most people know when you donate money to a charity or
non-profit organization for charity it is tax deductible. But did you know that
other, non-cash donations are tax deductible as well? Indeed, anything from toy
drives to goodwill donations are tax deductible--just keep the receipt.

Tax Preparation Expenses Ironically, one of the most commonly missed deductions
is for the fees and costs of filing your taxes. This includes e-filing,
software, and even professional tax preparation fees. However, you can only
deduct last year's expenses, so make sure to save any receipts you get now for
next year's tax return.

Casualty Deductions If hurricane Katrina or the Southern California fires
affected you, you may qualify for a casualty deduction. In fact, any one who has
been affected by any fire, hurricane, or serious flood may qualify. Check the
IRS website for more details.

Qualifying Home Office Deductions If you have a home office that you use as your
primary office, you can get a reduction. This is an especially useful deduction
for those trying to get their business off the ground and should not be
overlooked.

Business Travel Expenses There are multiple tax deduction possibilities for
business travel. If you have a vehicle that you use primarily for business
purposes, you may be able to deduct gasoline costs to and from business
ventures. Other vehicle expenses may also be deductible as well. In addition to
driving deductions, you may also be able to deduct expenses for other types of
transportation and lodging when doing business.

State Sales Tax You can deduct income taxes or state sales tax, depending on
where you live. People who live in states that do not impose income taxes
benefit from the sales tax deduction the most. While those living in states that
do impose income taxes usually benefit more from the income tax deduction.

About the Author
The Roni Deutch Tax Center is one of the nation's hottest income tax franchise

A Deeper Look at Tax Issues for Domestic Partners and Same Sex Couples

Roni Deutch
March 30, 2009


   As Benjamin Franklin famously said, "nothing in this world is sure but death
and taxes". Unfortunately, this is more than true for domestic parents and
same-sex couples all across the country. What many people do not realize is that
there are significant tax disadvantages for non-married couples that nearly all
gay couples face every year. Even though dozens of states and over 50% of
Fortune 500 companies offer domestic couple benefits, the federal government
does not offer any.

Civil Marriages vs. Legal Documents

To understand the importance of tax equality, I think it is first important to
understand the common misconceptions surrounding same-sex couples and taxes. You
have probably heard before that civil marriages and same-sex marriage are not
even necessary, that you can have any lawyer draw up the necessary documents.
However, this is false. While it is true you can have a power of attorney
appointed for certain asset-sharing and finances, it does not assure your
partner access to your full wealth like a marriage would. Additionally, we all
know lawyer fees are not cheap. In fact, it can cost a same sex couple thousands
of dollars in legal fees to get similar financial rights as those awarded by a
marriage. While a marriage license on the other hand, usually costs under about
$50.

Taxes for Same-Sex Couples with Children

Perhaps the biggest tax inequality concerning the LGBT community affects couples
who have children. Since the federal government does not recognize same sex
marriages, couples who have children, or adopt, do not always qualify for the
benefits most married couples would. Due to this large disadvantage, many
same-sex couples with children can only take advantage of tax benefits for
single parents.

Can Gay Marriage Save the Economy?

According to studies the U.S. gay community spends a whopping $174 billion
annually within the country, and just imagine how high that number would be if
those couples were allowed to wed. With that much money being spent you would
think the federal government would want a piece of the pie. Although the US
economy may not be saved by gay marriage's legalization, it could certainly
help.

Social Security Tax Disadvantage

The LGBT community, like everyone else, must pay their social security taxes
every tax season. The difference is, no matter how many years they have been
with their partner, they cannot take spousal benefits or survivors' benefits.
Reports from the census 2000 found "when a gay, lesbian, or bisexual senior
dies, his or her surviving partner faces a financial loss that can amount to
tens of thousands of dollars."

LGBT Real Estate Taxes

Another financial difficulty same sex couples face has to do with the transfer
or property between one another. An article by the Advocate Online found that
"when someone puts his or her same-sex partner on the title to a home, it often
constitutes a transfer of 50% of the value of the home -- as if the two were
strangers -- and is taxed accordingly. Different-sex married couples do not pay
this tax. Inheritance taxes apply when a taxpayer dies and leaves assets to
another person. Different-sex spouses receive a complete exemption from such
inheritance taxes, but same-sex partners do not. Because thresholds for state
inheritance taxes are much lower than the federal threshold, inheriting the
couple's common home (or even the half of it that belonged to the deceased
partner) can trigger inheritance tax."

About the Author
The Tax Lady Roni Deutch and her law firm Roni Lynn Deutch, A Professional Tax
Corporation have been helping taxpayers across the nation find IRS tax relief
for over seventeen years.

The SAPC secretary, Vera Jolene Greene, has a new email address.  If you need to reach her via email, please use the following:

SAPCOffice@...
Thanks a lot.

"The Fast That I Choose"

Adult Sunday school class begins every Sunday morning at 9:30am.  The title of the current class, "The Fast That I Choose," comes from

Isaiah 58:6-7:

"Is not this the fast that I choose: to loose the bonds of injustice, to undo the thongs of the yoke, to let the oppressed go free, and to

break every yoke?  Is it not to share your bread with the hungry, and to  bring the homeless poor into your house; when you see the naked, to cover them, and not to hide yourself from your own kin?"

In this study, we explore the questions of hunger, justice, and mercy from a biblical perspective.  This study is designed to strengthen your faith and understanding, but also to challenge you to live out your faith in concrete ways, recognizing that the Lord requires us to worship Him in deed, as well as heart and mind.

Come join us this week, and for the next 10 weeks, in this challenging and engaging in-depth study into hunger! 

A special collection will take place during every class, to be distributed to a hunger mission of the class's choice at the end of the twelve weeks.

"GREEN JOBS FOR AMERICA"--- CHARLOTTE SUMMIT

Hosted by Charlotte's MoveOn Council

                             DATE:                 SATURDAY, MARCH 28^TH 2009

                             TIME:                 5 - 7pm (Doors open 4:30)

                             LOCATION:       SEIGLE PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH

                                                          600 SEIGLE AVENUE

                                                          CHARLOTTE, NC

                             Guest Speakers:

                             Sue Myrick – Congresswoman – 9^th District

                             Jennifer Roberts – Chair – Board of County Commissioners

                             Anthony Foxx – Charlotte city Council Member

                             Keith Ratliff – Dir. Outreach CPCC Center for Sustainability

We all know that green jobs for America is an essential national issue – this meeting is an opportunity to make it a local – Charlotte issue.

Please do all that you can to attend this important summit – the more people who attend – the bigger the difference we make.

Businesses and people committed to Green Jobs and Clean Energy for Charlotte and the surrounding communities are asked to attend.

We will have a Science Fair type atmosphere with people and businesses showcasing their products and services followed by break-out sessions to discuss how to empower our economy through green jobs and clean energy.

Local Businesses Attending so far:   Sencera Solar Panels,

                                                          Appleblossom Cellulose Insulation,

                                                          The Sierra Club,

                                                          The Clean Air Coalition,

                                                          Mecklenburg Recycling and others

There will be a pot luck dinner at the close of the event. Please bring something.

For more information call Bill Carter 704-219-9574 cell   

Sign-up by using this link: http://pol.moveon.org/event/poweruplaunch/92573

There will be a brief congregational meeting following worship this Sunday, March 29th.  Please plan to stay for ten or fifteen minutes after service.

"The Fast That I Choose"

Adult Sunday school class begins every Sunday morning at 9:30am.  The title of the current class, "The Fast That I Choose," comes from

Isaiah 58:6-7:

"Is not this the fast that I choose: to loose the bonds of injustice, to undo the thongs of the yoke, to let the oppressed go free, and to

break every yoke?  Is it not to share your bread with the hungry, and to  bring the homeless poor into your house; when you see the naked, to cover them, and not to hide yourself from your own kin?"

In this study, we explore the questions of hunger, justice, and mercy from a biblical perspective.  This study is designed to strengthen your faith and understanding, but also to challenge you to live out your faith in concrete ways, recognizing that the Lord requires us to worship Him in deed, as well as heart and mind.

Come join us this week, and for the next 10 weeks, in this challenging and engaging in-depth study into hunger! 

A special collection will take place during every class, to be distributed to a hunger mission of the class's choice at the end of the twelve weeks.

"GREEN JOBS FOR AMERICA"--- CHARLOTTE SUMMIT

Hosted by Charlotte's MoveOn Council

                             DATE:                 SATURDAY, MARCH 28^TH 2009

                             TIME:                 5 - 7pm (Doors open 4:30)

                             LOCATION:       SEIGLE PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH

                                                          600 SEIGLE AVENUE

                                                          CHARLOTTE, NC

                             Guest Speakers:

                             Sue Myrick – Congresswoman – 9^th District

                             Jennifer Roberts – Chair – Board of County Commissioners

                             Anthony Foxx – Charlotte city Council Member

                             Keith Ratliff – Dir. Outreach CPCC Center for Sustainability

We all know that green jobs for America is an essential national issue – this meeting is an opportunity to make it a local – Charlotte issue.

Please do all that you can to attend this important summit – the more people who attend – the bigger the difference we make.

Businesses and people committed to Green Jobs and Clean Energy for Charlotte and the surrounding communities are asked to attend.

We will have a Science Fair type atmosphere with people and businesses showcasing their products and services followed by break-out sessions to discuss how to empower our economy through green jobs and clean energy.

Local Businesses Attending so far:   Sencera Solar Panels,

                                                          Appleblossom Cellulose Insulation,

                                                          The Sierra Club,

                                                          The Clean Air Coalition,

                                                          Mecklenburg Recycling and others

There will be a pot luck dinner at the close of the event. Please bring something.

For more information call Bill Carter 704-219-9574 cell   

Sign-up by using this link: http://pol.moveon.org/event/poweruplaunch/92573

There will be a graveside service for Mr. David Harris, father of Melissa Harris, on

March 19, 2009 at 1:00pm

The service will be held at:

Salisbury National Cemetery

501 Statesville Blvd.

Salisbury, NC 28144

Worship Leader Training

TONIGHT,  March  17, 2009 from 5:30 pm-7:30 pm, The Worship ministry will provide a class entitled "Leading Worship: Standing before the people of God with Power"  If you stand before the people of God in worship, this class is for you!!!This class will achieve the following goals:

1.     Prepare you to lead worship through the spoken word of liturgy and prayers

2.     Instruct you in the proper language  and usage of it so that the people are lifted towards God.

3.     Understand the flow of worship and how you manage it so that moves in the rhythm of the Holy Spirit.

4.     Provide you with exercises and practices that will hone the skills you already have.

5.     Frame worship from a historical and theological paradigm so that you will understand completely your role in leading in worship.

6.     How to make an announcement that people will hear AND REMEMBER!

AND MUCH MUCH MORE!!!

Even if you are a current leader in worship will ask you to attend, as this training is imperative for our continued growth. 

Ms. Linda Hoover will begin rehearsing the "SEIGLE CHORALE", TONIGHT, Monday night March 16, 2009 at 7:00 pm (following prayer). If you are a singer, or would like to be a part of this NEW musical expression, please join Ms. Hoover this Monday night at 7:00 pm.  Ms. Hoover has a wealth of experience in singing, playing, and directing choirs.

Please come and join the New "SEIGLE CHORALE"

TONIGHT, Monday March 16 at 7:00 p.m.

Seigle Family,

The Seigle Striders invite you to come and work out with us in the Hope Building
this Saturday.  We will be doing the P90X video and getting strong and healthy. 
A nutritious lunch will follw.

Come out and get in shape with us!

Seigle Avenue Presbyterian Church joins with Melissa Harris in mourning the loss
of her beloved father, David Harris.  Mr. Harris passed away yesterday, Sunday,
March 8th.
Further information will be posted as soon as it is made available.