The Rev. Dr. John G. Hamilton. The Light Still Shines. December 2012 Volume 55 Issue 12 Monthly Newsletter

Transcription

1 December 2012 Volume 55 Issue 12 Monthly Newsletter Sunday Morning Worship 8:15 & 10:45 am Senior Pastor The Rev. Dr. John G. Hamilton The Light Still Shines Inside this issue Pastor 1 Associate Pastor 2 Youth Director 3 Music Director 4 Christmas 5 Worship at Bethany 6 Christmas Eve Calendar 7 Finance Information 8 Flower Orders Annual Brunch On Line Giving 9 Our Military Golden Oldies 10 Year of the Bible New Members Class 11 Communion / Baptism Birthdays More Christmas Items 12 A Voice for Malawi 13 Presbyterian Women 14 Stewardship 15 Receptionists SCRIP It is hard to believe- my first Advent and Christmas as an ordained pastor was thirty- five years ago. Thirty five years ago! I was only three years old. O.K., maybe I was a little older, but not much. So young, so inexperienced, so uncertain and pretty naïve. I was ministering in Polk, Pennsylvania, just two hours north of here. I was single, living in a manse provided by the church. Believe me, it was Spartan, a bachelor pad with a small TV, some living room furniture, and a kitchen table for my sandwiches, takeout meals, and my study books and notes. In the entrance hall was the one sign of the season, a three foot Christmas tree perched on my phone desk by the front door. It was both an exciting and scary time for me as a new pastor. Scary was I up to it? Exciting its Advent and Christmas, and I m a pastor right smack in the middle of announcing the good news of Jesus! In fact, my first sermon of the season was the announcement of the prophet Isaiah, The people who have walked in darkness have seen a great light on them the light has shined. I remember sitting at the kitchen table late Saturday afternoon, nervously trying to figure out what I was going to say to my two congregations the next day excited about the message, scared because I still did not know what it was. I do not recall what I said, but it must have been something about the light of the savior shining on us and in our world. The next three weeks I spoke of the shepherds and angels, the wise men and the guiding star, the virgin named Mary and her faithful husband, Joseph. The two churches combined for a Christmas cantata, families led the Advent Candlelighting; we held parties for the children. And, oh yes, I had hospital calls, a funeral or two, mediated conflicts, walked with folks through financial or marital or emotional difficulties or all of them at once. In other words, the Christmas season was full of real life, only lots more of it. And Christmas Eve? Incredible, spectacular, worship services brimming with love and joy and light, the light of the Savior. Then on Christmas morning I collapsed. Exhaustion. Physical, emotional, spiritual. It was exhilarating and draining, thrilling and frustrating, glorious and grueling. I remember coming back to my house one evening after the Christmas season. It was night, the house was dark, except for one light or set of lights. There at the front hall of the manse by the front door was my small and humble Christmas tree- all lit up, glowing gloriously to greet me. Christmas 1977 was over, but not the light and not The Light of the world. Continued on page 3 Respite Care 16

2 Page 2 From your Associate Pastor... Rev. Robbie Ytterberg Christmas is for the Foolish Recently, I received a wonderful Thanksgiving note from my nephew, Jack. It is brief so I will share it in its entirety: Dear Uncle Robbie- Thank you for showing me the way and light to Jesus. When I saw you becoming a pastor, I liked that joke you said, I also liked the person who was making you a pastor said a joke before you were afisialy a pastor. And I m righting this because number 1 it s a religion homework assignment and, number 2 I wanted to tell you how thankful I am for showing me the light and path to Jesus. Can t wait to CELEBRAT THANKSGIVING with you! Love, Jack The assignment for school was to identify someone who gives a good example and shows you how to follow Jesus. As I read this note, of course I was honored that my nephew identified me but I couldn t help to wonder how did he see Jesus in me? Was it a word of hope spoken at a time of need or a hug offered in sadness or a moving sermon or did he observe some act of self-giving service? Nope, it was none of these things; Jack saw Jesus in jokes, goofiness and silliness. It reminded me of Paul s declaration about himself and the other followers of Jesus, We are fools for Christ (1 Cor. 4:10) and God chose the foolish things of the world to shame the wise (1:27). You and I were not chosen to show the love of Christ by putting on images of perfection or because we have our lives all put together. Instead, we are called to be fools for Christ; to live those lives that the world calls silly and to take those risks that the world calls foolish. What will it look like for you this Advent and Christmas season to be a fool for Christ? Perhaps it is taking the bold step to invite a neighbor or co-worker to come worship with you. Maybe it is praying for those family, friends, and others in your life who do not know Jesus. Or possibly even taking the risk to ask someone what Christmas means for them and sharing about the arrival of Jesus, not just his birth in that manger so long ago but his arrival in your life and what that has meant for you. Many visitors will come through the doors of Bethany during the next weeks, perhaps you can risk that awkward and foolish conversation with someone new in order to genuinely show them the hospitality of Jesus. Or the even more awkward conversation of reintroducing yourself to someone you know by face but can t remember their name; just to show them that they are important to you and to the Lord. However God may be leading you to be a fool for Christ this Advent season remember that he is always with you and be encouraged by the words of that great theologian, Charlie Chaplin, Failure is unimportant. It takes courage to make a fool of yourself. Peace in Christ, Robbie Ytterberg

3 Page 3 Rev. Hamilton continued: As you and I begin this season of Advent and Christmas, please make sure you give your time and attentiveness to the message of God coming to be with us in his Son and our Savior Jesus Christ. Be with your church family for worship each Sunday. Invite friends and family to the Cantata and the Christmas Pageant, and invite them to a service on Christmas Eve. Do more than exchange gifts with the usual folks, give gifts of time and attention and money to the least and the lost and the lonely. Trust in Jesus, love like Jesus, grow in Jesus, and bring others to Jesus. Focus your gaze on the Light. After all these years the Light still shines. See you on Sunday, John Hamilton Matt Fricker, Youth Director Bethany Youth Group Hello Everyone, Well advent season is upon us and what a wonderful time it is. The advent season is the time before Christmas that we have to focus on the coming of Christ. For all you nerds out there the word advent comes from the Latin word adventus, which means arrival. From the early church in the 4 th century Advent has always been connected to the arrival of Jesus the messiah. It has also been a time to focus on the arrival of Christ again, when he returns. In recognition of these things the church has always observed advent as a season of repentance and dedication to prayer. In getting back to our roots we are offering the advent prayer challenge. The challenge is to improve your prayer life by being very intentional about praying. We will be handing out pocket sized notebooks with instructions on how you may want to organize your prayers. The hope is that every day you will write down a few names in your book. Write down names of people that you meet throughout the day, as well as family and friends. As the day goes by simply pray for the people you write down. It does not have to be all at once, in fact as your list grows as the days go on you might find it burdensome to pray for all the people at once. However, I think that you will find that by praying throughout the day extremely rewarding. You will also find that when you are looking for people to pray for that God will open different ways for you to spread the love of Christ! There are many variations to doing this so do not feel restricted to what I have talked about. All I ask is that you take the challenge this advent season. I will be in the Welcome Center with the pocket notebooks so please get one and join me in dedicating ourselves to prayer this advent season. While you re at it feel free to pray for the tall and handsome youth director, we all know he needs it! Peace in Christ, Matt Fricker From the Youth Group

4 Page 4 Musical Notes by John Henninger December Worship As we get ready to observe and celebrate the seasons of Advent and Christmas, I thought it would be good to give a survey of worship through December here: December 2 First Sunday of Advent. Communion Sermon: The Ultimate Christmas Tree December 9 Second Sunday of Advent. 8:15 Sermon: Mary, the Power of a Servant s Heart Cantata selections. 10:45 Cantata with full orchestra presented Shout the Good News by Lloyd Larson December 16 Third Sunday of Advent. Sermon: The Shepherds: Not Just Another Day at the Office Children singing and Bethany Ringers at 10:45 December 16 Children s Christmas Pageant December 23 3:30 pm Dude You Hear What I Hear 4:20 Dinner for all in the Great Room Fourth Sunday of Advent Sermon: The Wisdom of the Wise Men There will be three services on Christmas Eve, Monday, December 24: 6:00 pm A message for all led by Matt Fricker and the Youth of the Church 8:00 pm Candlelight service of lessons and carols with music By the Bethany Choir and brass quartet 10:00 pm Candlelight service of lessons and carols with The Sacrament of Communion. A meditative Service with soloists. Rev. John does a Glimpses of Grace message most weeks to the church. Those who are receiving their newsletter by will receive this message. If you receive your newsletter by mail and would like to receive the Glimpses of Grace contact Janet at or marlett@bethanypresby.org You can still receive your newsletter by mail.

5 Page 5 Christmas Pageant and Dinner will be held Sunday, December 16 at 3:30 p.m. with dinner to follow. Mark your calendars now and plan to attend the pageant and/or dinner. Please contact Peggy Nicholson (musicatbethany@yahoo.com) if you are interested in helping with costumes, set design and choreography. The Church Offices will be closed December 25 & 26. from the Staff Sunday, December 9 at the 10:45 service Shout the Good News by Lloyd Larson is the cantata that will be presented by the Bethany Choir and full orchestra. A full complement of winds, brass, strings and percussion will accompany the Choir in this work that features some familiar tunes as well as newly composed music. Presbyterian Women save the date...saturday, December 1 st it s the annual PW Christmas gathering. This year will be a little different; we will be having the gathering at 11:00 am. That s right, its brunch, and so plan on joining us to kick off the Christmas season the Presbyterian Women way. We will have live entertainment and our silent auction. This year we again will be looking to have gift baskets for the auction. If you have any questions, please contact Caroline B Some December Highlights: Saturday, December 1 - PW Christmas Silent Auction at 11:00 a.m. Sunday, December 2-1st Sunday of Advent, Communion Sunday, December - Christmas Party for Food Bank Kids at 1:00 p.m. Friday, December 7- Serving dinner at House of Manna at 5:45 p.m.. Sunday, December 9 - Men s Brunch following both services Sunday, December 9 - Choir Cantata at 10:45. Sunday, December 15 - Southwood Boys Home Christmas Party Saturday, December 15 - Red Hats Christmas Party at 11:00 a.m. Sunday, December 16 - Children s Pageant at 3:30 p.m. Sunday, December 16 - Family Night Dinner to follow What a great way to share the joys of Christmas.

6 Page 6 W O R S H I P A T B E T H A N Y 8 : 1 5 A N D 1 0 : 4 5 A. M. Sunday, December 2: First Sunday of Advent Communion The Ultimate Christmas Tree - Matthew 1:1-17 Rev. John Hamilton preaching Sunday, December 9: 8:15 Service Mary the Power of a Servant s Heart - Luke 1:26-38 Rev. John Hamilton preaching 10:45 Service Advent-Christmas Cantata Sunday, December 16: The Shepherd s: Not Just Another day at the Office Luke 2:10-20 Rev, John Hamilton preaching Sunday, December 23: The Wisdom of the Wise Men - Matthew 2:1-12 Rev, John Hamilton preaching Come and join us! Remember to keep the Sabbath. Christmas Eve, December 24 6:00 p.m. a Family Service will be held with Youth Director Matt Fricker leading the service. 8:00 and 10:00 p.m. Candlelight Services. Nursery available only at the 8:00 p.m. service. Plan to join us on this most Holy Night. The sanctuary will be decorated and the Deacons will have the Luminary lit to light the way Exercise daily. Walk with the Lord. NO Sunday School December 23rd. Plan to worship with us at 8:15 a.m. or 10:45 a.m. Sunday School classes are held at 9:30 a.m. for all ages. Why not join us. 8:15 Worship Hour Child care for infants up to 5 year olds is available in the Nursery with adult supervision. The Cry Room at the back of the Sanctuary (near the usher s table) on the pulpit side with windows and a speaker so that you can see and hear the service. 10:45 Worship Hour We rely on each family taking a turn several times throughout the year. Child care for Infants up to 2 years of age in the Nursery located in the Welcome Center. Sign-up with Jenny Smith, coordinator. Children two, three and four years of age can be dropped off before the service in Room #149. Sign-up with Jennifer Wallis or Jane Vennum, coordinators. Worship and Wonder is for children 4 years old through Second Grade. This multi-sensory worship designed for children is located in the Worship Center, Room #144. The children leave the Sanctuary following the Children s Message for a time of interactive worship. Sign up with Debby Hayes, coordinator. Parents are asked to pick up their children after the Service has concluded.

7 DECEMBER 2012 SUNDAY MONDAY TUESDAY WEDNESDAY THURSDAY FRIDAY SATURDAY November 25 7:00 AM Family Promise leaves Bethany 8:15 AM Worship 9:30 AM Sunday School 10:45 AM Worship 12:00 PM Cantata Rehearsal 12:00 PM Holzworth Baptism Luncheon November 26 John Henninger - out Tim - Vac November 27 Tim - Vac 9:00 AM Tuesday Morning Quilters 9:15 AM Rev. John, Tim, Kim, Janet & Bill Meet 5:00 PM Hanging of the Greens 7:30 PM Senior High Bible Study November 28 Tim - Vac 7:00 PM Adult Choir Rehearsal 7:00 PM Boy Scouts 8:30 PM Bethany Ringers November 29 Tim - Vac 9:00 AM MOPS 9:15 AM Quilting 6:30 PM Book of Daniel for Women 6:30 PM Christmas Pageant Practice 6:30 PM Girl Scout Troop :30 PM Lou Nowasielski's Bible Study 7:00 PM Dartball 8:00 PM Adult Basketball November 30 Senior High Laurelville Retreat (2 - vans) Tim - Vac 9:30 AM Book of Daniel for Women 1 Senior High Laurelville Retreat (2 - vans) 8:30 AM PW Bible Study 11:00 AM PW Christmas Gathering 2 Advent Senior High Laurelville Retreat (2 - vans) 8:15 AM Worship 9:30 AM Sunday School 10:45 AM Worship 12:30 PM Membership Team Christmas Party 1:00 PM Food Bank Kids Christmas Party 6:00 PM Junior High Youth 3 6:30 PM Christmas Pageant Practice 7:00 PM Dartball Captain's Meeting 6:30 PM Session meets with the Deacons 4 9:00 AM Tuesday Morning Quilters 9:15 AM Rev. John, Rev. Robbie & John Henninger meet 7:30 PM Senior High Bible Study :00 AM Fellowship of Prayer 5:00 PM Upward Evaluation 7:00 PM Adult Choir Rehearsal 7:00 PM Boy Scouts 7:00 PM Boy Scouts Leaders Meeting 8:30 PM Bethany Ringers 9:15 AM Quilting 1:00 PM Pgh. Presbytery at Bethel UP 5:00 PM Upward Evaluation 6:30 PM Christmas Pageant Practice 6:30 PM Lou Nowasielski's Bible Study 7:00 PM Dartball 8:00 PM Adult Basketball 7 9:30 AM Book of Daniel for Women 5:45 PM Mission Team Service Project to House of Manna - (1 van) 8 9:00 AM Upward Evaluation 10:00 AM Cantata Rehearsal 10:00 AM Saturday Knitters 9 Cantata at 10:45 Junior High Youth Service Project (2 - vans) Senior High Christmas Party After both services Christmas Brunch 8:15 AM Worship 9:30 AM Sunday School 10:45 AM Worship 11:00 AM Baby Shower (Melanie Bedner) 16 8:15 AM Worship 9:30 AM Sunday School 10:45 AM Worship 3:30 PM Christmas Pageant with Family Night Dinner to follow 10 Newsletter Articles Due 7:00 PM Session Teams :00 AM Tuesday Morning Quilters 11:30 AM Staff Meeting & Planning Luncheon 6:30 PM Book of Daniel for Women 6:30 PM Christmas Pageant Practice 7:30 PM Senior High Bible Study 18 9:00 AM Tuesday Morning Quilters 9:15 AM Rev. John, Rev. Robbie, Matt Fricker meet 12 6:30 PM Christmas Pageant Practice 7:00 PM Adult Choir Rehearsal 7:00 PM Boy Scouts 7:00 PM Boy Scouts Board of Review 8:30 PM Bethany Ringers 19 6:00 PM Choir Christmas Party 7:00 PM Adult Choir Rehearsal 7:00 PM Boy Scouts 13 9:00 AM MOPS 9:15 AM Quilting 10:30 AM Golden Oldies Gathering 12:00 PM Golden Oldies Lunch 6:30 PM Christmas Pageant Practice 6:30 PM Girl Scout Troop :30 PM Lou Nowasielski's Bible Study 7:00 PM Dartball 7:00 PM MOMSnext 20 9:00 AM MOPS 9:15 AM Quilting 6:30 PM Lou Nowasielski's Bible Study 7:00 PM Dartball 8:00 PM Adult Basketball :30 AM Food 9:30 AM Book Bank of Daniel for 8:30 AM Women Christmas 11:00 AM Pageant Dress Barber Institute Rehearsal Christmas Party 9:30 AM PW (tentative) Bible Study 12:00 PM Men's 11:00 AM Red Luncheon at Hats Kings 11:00 AM Southwood Boys Home Christmas Party 21 First Day of Winter 9:30 AM Book of Daniel for Women 22 10:00 AM Saturday Knitters 12:00 PM Southwood Employee Christmas Party (tentative) 23 8:15 AM Worship 9:30 AM NO Sunday School 10:45 AM Worship 30 Rev. John off 8:15 AM Worship 9:30 AM Sunday School 10:45 AM Worship 24 Christmas Eve Worship 6:00, 8:00 & 10:00 PM Janet vac Tim - vac Bill out 31 Janet vac Rev. John off Tim - Vac Upward Late Registration Ends 25 Christmas Day Office Closed January 1 New Year's Day Offices Closed 26 Office Closed January 2 NO Adult Choir Rehearsal NO Bethany Ringers 27 Janet vac Rev. John off Tim - vac January 3 6:30 PM Girl Scout Troop :00 PM Dartball 7:00 PM MOMSnext Rev. John off Janet vac Rev. John off Tim - vac 12:00 PM Men's Luncheon at Kings January 4 January 5 Calendar subject to change.

8 Page 8 The check s in the mail As the end of the year approaches, please keep in mind that all contributions for 2012 must be received at the church no later than December 31, IRS general rules state that a check placed in the church offering plate in January 2013 cannot be recorded as a 2012 contribution, even if the check has been dated The only exception to this rule would be for contributions that are mailed and postmarked in These contributions would be deductible in 2012 even though the contributions were not received until If you have any questions please call Kim McCann, Financial Accountant, at Kim is generally in the office Tuesday, Thursday and Friday from 8:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. Annual Advent Brunch December 9, 2012 If anyone serves, he should do it with the strength God provides, so that in all things God may be praised through Jesus Christ. 1 Peter 4:11 (NIV) The Men s Ministry Team will be serving the Annual Advent Brunch after both services on Sunday, December 9, 2012 in the Great Room. If you missed our chili this Fall, you won t want to miss our ever expanding brunch menu. Also, the Team is looking for men to help in the set-up, preparing, serving and clean-up for the Brunch. If you can help, please contact Dennis Biearman (dbiearman@yahoo.com). What better way to bring praise to God than serving others in His name. All proceeds go to the continued development of the men s ministry at Bethany Church. Church offering envelopes for 2013 will be mailed to you each month. If you are not receiving envelopes and want them please call Janet at Flower orders are now being taken for Flowers can be purchased at $25 a vase, $50 for 2 vases or a centerpiece for $35. These flowers come from Shop N Save. If more than one person wants flowers on the same day they must come from the same florists. Please call Janet to confirm your order or to place an order at or marlett@bethanypresby.org Per Capita for 2013 $26.00 per member PLEASE NOTE: Bethany will be continuing to redirect the General Assembly portion to Presbyterian missionaries chosen by our Mission Team and Session. An envelope will be available with your January 2013 envelopes that should arrive the end of December. Luke 2:1-20

9 Page 9 Online Option Provides Benefits for you, and for the Church The Bethany Stewardship Team is encouraging you to consider electronic contributions in While the online giving option has always been available to those who participate in electronic bill pay through their financial institutions, this option never previously publicized or promoted. Here are some of the reasons why you might want to consider electronic giving: Convenience. No more searching for your offering envelopes and checkbook on Sunday mornings. No more writing out checks during the children s sermon. Reduced recordkeeping burden. No more need to keep track of your record of giving and to factor in catch up Sundays when you miss services. Eliminate the Fourth Quarter True Up. We ve all been there. We receive our 3rd Quarter Statement of Giving and we have some catching up to do during the time of year when holiday bills begin to mount. If only we had kept current during the course of the year, we wouldn t be in this bind. Cost Savings. You probably don t think about this much, but writing checks isn t free for most of us. In fact check orders run about 25 cents per check. If you are writing out weekly checks to Bethany, that s $13.00 in checks per year. Interested? Learn more by checking out the Bethany Web Site and click on the Electronic Giving Options link at the top of the page. Below are the names of those (known to us) involved in the armed services/reserves Michael Avery Robin Aylor Heather Ayres Beattie Mark Becker Anthony Benini Bill Blosser Charles Buzzatto Mark Cameron Aaron Cox Douglas Crabb Michael Daniels Jeff David Nicole David Stephen Doyle Justin Driskill Ryan Duffy Brian Ellis Kyle Ely Jason Fulmer Phil Gertz Joshua Griffin Joel harr Karen Weber Harr Chris Harrison Michael Hayes Tim Heath Dion Julian Rich Kearns William N. Kennedy Krystina Litton Ryan Kelsey Richard Lawrence Justin Mack Michael Matthews Kelli Mitchell David Morgan Ian Murch Michael McFerron Thomas Olsen John Petkovich Joey Puharic Matt Read Scott Reese John J. Ross Beatriz Sachek Nicholas Sachek Kyle Schaffer David Semgrad Ryan Squires Scott Squires Linden St. Clair Evan Steckle Ben Stern, Jr. Stanley Taylor Paul Trusiak Scott Vokum Matt Weber Samuel Wilson Please let us know if you have anyone that you wish to add to the list.

10 Page 10 Bethany s Golden Oldies A happening Place Where has the year gone? As children we waited impatiently for birthdays and Christmas to come. Now when we should have time to enjoy each day everything seems to be happening so fast. Gathering each month for faith, fellowship, friendship, fun and some food has become a special time to enjoy the many friendships we have made through Bethany and Golden Oldies. As I walk around Fellowship Hall and listen to the conversations at each table, I know God is at work when we meet each month. Golden Oldies has become a place where everyone can take a little time to enjoy the day and each other. What a blessing! In keeping with the by-laws of our organization, the nominating committee met and presented the slate for officers for the next two years. Once again, Margie Smith, Dolly Rastetter, and Shirley Petrillo and I will be overseeing your meetings. Dolly McCrae, Carrie Emerson and Joy Heaps are also on our board as directors. If there is anyone else who would like to step up to be included on this board, PLEASE let me know. We meet at noon on the first Wednesday of each month. Also helpers to serve and clean up are needed during the meetings. This is your organization and the more you can do to be involved helps everyone. We will meet again on Thursday, December 13 th at noon. Our luncheon is being catered by Peter s Place. Stuffed pork chops have been ordered. Reservations are a must. Cost $5 per meal. Please call me ( ) or call the church ( ) to reserve your meal. Come, enjoy the fellowship of friends, listen to some beautiful music, have a great meal and prepare for the celebration of the birth of our Lord, Jesus Christ. Blessing to all, Judy Gardner The Year of the Bible 59 and Counting! We have 59 folks signed up so far to participate in the Year of the Bible, to begin on Jan. 1, 2013! What a blessing! As a way of encouraging others to take this journey with us, and to energize those already on board, following is an excerpt from a printed note pasted to the inside front cover of a King James Bible and discovered in an office at the Consolidated Rail Corp. regional headquarters in Green Tree about twenty-five years ago THE WORD OF GOD This book contains the Mind of God; the State of Man; the Way of Salvation; and the Happiness of Believers. Its doctrines are holy; its stories are true. Read it to be wise; believe it to be safe; and practice it to be holy. It contains Food to support you, and Comfort to cheer you. It is the traveler s Map; the pilgrim s Staff; the pilot s Compass; the soldier s sword; and the Christian s Charter. Here paradise is restored; Heaven opened. Christ is its grand object; our Good its design; and the Glory of God its end. It should fill the memory, rule the heart, and guide the feet. It is a mine of wealth, a river of pleasure. It is given you in life, will be opened at the judgment, and remembered forever. It involves the highest responsibility (and) will reward the laborer. (Presented by the Penna. R.R. Dep t./young Men s Christian Association of Pittsburgh) What part or parts of the above statement caught your eye or caused you to think about God s Word and its importance and relevance to you? Are there any travelers, pilgrims, pilots, soldiers, and/or Christians at Bethany? Is anyone looking for the way of salvation, happiness, wisdom, comfort, or guidance? We hope that you will prayerfully consider coming with us as we read through the Bible, God s Word, in Signups will continue into December either after each Sunday service or by calling the church office at and leaving your name, phone number, and address. Spiritual Leadings of Christmas O God, as we celebrate another birthday of the Child of Bethlehem, may we be one with all Thy children. Grant to us, Lord, we beseech Thee, the spirit of childhood, of simplicity, of trustfulness, and of love. Be Thou born anew within us this day, O Christ. Come Thou into our affections, our minds and our wills. Possess us utterly, we beseech Thee. Remind us that Thy coming makes Christmas, and that in Thy birth is the secret of our joys. Make us responsive to the spiritual leadings of the day, and at last bring Thou us into Thy heavenly Kingdom. Amen.

11 Page 11 NEW MEMBERS CLASS If you are a visitor interested in joining, or would like more information, please fill out one of the red pew cards and place it in the offering plate or call the Church Office at We would love to have you join the family at Bethany. Next class: Watch for date Communion dates for 2013: January 13 Children wanting to receive Communion must first talk with the pastors. Call the pastor to make an appointment. Baptism date for 2013: Please Remember, the deadline for the newsletter is the 15th of each month. D E C E M B E R B I R T H D A Y S 12/01 Cindy Cox 12/01 Devin Underwood 12/02 Joyce Bartolomeo 12/02 Julia Pappert 12/02 John Borra 12/02 Landon Smith 12/03 Reilley Barish 12/04 Louella Campbell 12/05 Sheri Jackson 12/05 Kristen Grossi 12/06 Richard Rothermund 12/06 Thelma Cimarolli 12/06 Karen Harkins 12/06 Donna Carman 12/06 Tera Brickner 12/06 Daniel Berton 12/06 Laurel Glass 12/07 Fred Ayres 12/07 Makenzie Wolfe 12/08 Benjamin Strain 12/08 Dawn Salerno 12/08 Michael Vennum 12/08 Stephanie Boehmer 12/08 David Warrick 12/08 Molly Malone 12/09 Betty Woodward 12/09 John Ley 12/09 Barbara Rahr 12/10 Jim Boyd 12/10 Halie Pattison 12/10 Kelli Pattison 12/10 Anna Scalise 12/11 Emma Danziger 12/11 Betty Boykin 12/12 Varvara Golias 12/13 Rosemarie Thielet 12/13 Laurie Butt 12/13 Sandy Bellas 12/13 Gavin Kelly 1214 Alice Sherwin 12/14 Karl Salavini 12/14 Max DiPietro 12/14 Douglas Bovard 12/15 Karalee Nelson 12/15 Johnathan Bovard 12/15 Malayna Rogers 12/15 Morgan Kohler 12/16 John Mazzolla 12/16 Deborah Ayres 12/16 Robert Bellas 12/16 Nicholas Szost 12/17 Beckie Harbison 12/17 Bridget Schneider 12/17 Ronin Colvin 12/20 Marion Grafe 12/10 Kelly Wilhelm 12/21 Ruth Gabelhart 12/21 Julie Rahr 12/21 Michael Talerico 12/21 Nikolas Krieg 12/22 Haley Anderson 12/23 Lois Lewis 12/23 James Myers 12/23 Robert Loebig 12/23 Lane Ramage 12/24 Earl Swanson 12/25 Bernard Kramer 12/25 Lynette Copeland 12/26 Rosemarie Brown 12/26 Christopher Kountz 12/26 Lucia Scrima 12/26 Gwendolyn Williams 12/27 Betty Durocher 12/27 Jack O Brien 12/27 Pamela Petrow 12/27 Monica Pearce 12/28 Harry Stefanski 12/28 Tory McKee 12/28 Briana Fries 12/29 Pauline Oyler 12/29 Brian Quinn 12/29 Caitlyn Rastetter 12/30 Thomas willhite 12/30 Lynne Suchoza 12/30 Cheryl Smith 12/30 Lori Calgaro 12/30 Gary Casciola 12/30 Bonnie Eichler 12/30 Shannon Brendel 12/30 Tyler Nicholson 12/31 Charles Edwards 12/31 Kris Sabin 12/31 Timothy Gray 12/31 Sofia Gastgeb

12 Page 12 At the annual Congregational meeting held today, Sunday, November 18, 2012 the following were elected to serve: For a 3 year term as Elder (Class of 2015) Joe Brickner Eric Gregory Terry Kohlmyer Ruth Doyle Lorrie Just Lou Nowasielski Mike Segeleon For a 1 year term as Elder (Class of 2013) to replace Tara Krieger John (JR) Evans For a 3 year term as Deacon (Class of 2015) Melanie Bedner Nikki O Brien Thomas Willhite Thomas Hayes Judy Vietmeier Dan Wolfe Auditors 2013 Anita Myers Dennis Farrer 2014 Michele Ley Ed Van Eman 2015 Cathy Schulz Ralph Wolstoncroft Light Up Night in Bridgeville will be held Friday, December 7th from 6:30 to 8:30 at Triangle Park on Station Street. To place your order for a Christmas Poinsettia please call Lynne Suchoza at no later than December 14th or fill out a form in the bulletin on December 9th and 16th. They can be Do you have a favorite cookie that you enjoy baking and sharing with others? Would you like to have a nice variety of cookies to share with family and friends over the holiday? If you answered YES to either of the above, please join us for the Annual Bethany Cookie Exchange sponsored by the Presbyterian Women and taking place on Sunday, December 16 th! You will be asked to sign-up to bake 6 dozen of the same cookies and you get to take home 5 dozen of different cookies. The extra cookies will be divided among the church staff (who very much appreciates getting them!). For more information or to sign-up, contact Julie at or Carolyn at OR look for the sign up Please consider being a good steward of our environment and church finances by choosing to receive this newsletter on line. Simply call or marlett@bethanypresby.org to say YES to receiving future copies on line! FROM THE STAFF Share the joys of Christmas with those outside the walls of Bethany: Christmas Party for the boys at Southwood Gifts for Southwood Boys Angel Tree for children of the Food Bank Gifts for residents at Broadmore Thanks: to all who filled shoe boxes for the Samaritan s Purse/Operation Christmas Child, those who supported the recent blanket appeal for Church World Service, helped with the Community Thanksgiving Dinner and The Family Promise. Program.

13 Page 13 A Voice for Malawi, Africa written by Lisa Jo Colwell Opportunity. Therefore, as we have opportunity, let us do good to all people, especially those who belong to the family of believers. Galatians 6:10 in the New International Version of the Holy Bible The drought in Africa was even worse than the drought in America. Africa has fewer resources to recover. They lost their staple crop of corn (maize). The prediction from Malawi s President and Rev. Kay Day is that two million people will experience starvation from right now, through at least April or May of It is called the hunger season. Please pray for Joyce and Wilson, our Malawian family that shared life with us at Bethany this past September Please pray for our sister church of Kawiya, the Church of Central Africa Presbyterian (C.C.A.P.), all of Malawi, and all of Africa as a whole. This is a heart breaking subject. It is fair to say that we at Bethany do not know the vivid horrors of starvation. It is difficult for any person to estimate facts that they cannot firsthand understand. This is not our fault. It is not because we do not want to be helpful in some way. We do. Now we have this awareness of the hunger season which is one large, ugly fact. What will you and I personally do with this awareness? Before you and I do anything, it is most important to pray and ask the Holy Spirit for His guidance. Each of us has an assignment in the church body. If your assignment is to fund this cause, you will know it. Be open as to how God is speaking to you, and how you are to participate. If you do have a desire on your heart to help out financially, write your check out to Bethany Presbyterian Church with Malawi in the memo line. Bethany will have more to say about this in the way of a famine relief effort called a- MAIZE-ing Grace. You can find out much more about this at which is connected with our Pittsburgh Presbytery. Please do become aware of information about this famine relief and prevention effort which you will hear more about at Bethany. Listen for a-maize-ing Grace information from the pulpit, and please pray for our African family, and where you may fit into this maze of intricate concern. Please do your personal best to help in the goal of this segment toward a solution.

14 Page 14 Hello Ladies of Bethany here is our upcoming schedule for Presbyterian Women and we hope you are excited about it as we are. Please try and take some time for yourself to spend with your sisters in Christ and join us for these exciting activities. Saturday, December 1, 11:00am Christmas Gathering Saturday, March 30, 2013, 9:00am - Lenten Brunch March 22/23, 2013, Women s Laurelville Mennonite Center For every performer, there's a key role and a key moment. And for Anita Gutschick, both came in For years, she had been performing character sketches of Biblical women. After one performance, a woman in the audience came up to her and said, "I really need to thank you." After a moment's silence, the woman added, "I'm Lot's Wife." The woman's husband had recently died of cancer, she explained, and Anita's performance of Lot's Wife now helped her summon the faith to look toward the future. During another performance, this one of the Sinful Woman, a member of the audience began sobbing audibly. Since then, Anita has performed Women of the Bible over 750 times (and counting!) in 31 states and the District of Columbia at small and large churches, women's retreats and conferences, youth groups, family events, even a birthday party! Come visit with Anita. Saturday, April 20, 2013, 9:00am - Spring Gathering PWPP Mission Matters/River of Hope Rev. Dr. Sheldon Sorge, Rev. Dr. John Hamilton and Rev. Melany Hamilton Saturday, May 4, 2013, 8:00am-2:00pm - Rummage Sale Setup, Friday, May 3, 2013 All day Tuesday, May 14, 2013, 7:00pm - Spring Gathering Saturday, June 8, 2013, 4:00-7:00pm - Strawberry Festival For more information please call the church or Barb Crawford@ Remember our PW quilters who quilt every Thursday at 9:30, our Knitters who meet Thursdays at 12:00 and the 2nd & 4th Saturday at 10:00 and our Bible Study that generally meets the 2nd & 4th Saturday at 9:00 a.m. We are studying the Book of Revelation with Peggy Wolstoncroft as our leader. All women are welcome to take part.

15 Page Stewardship Campaign: There is Still Work to Do! The 2012 Stewardship Campaign is drawing to a close. Throughout the course of the campaign, we heard compelling testimony from members and non-members alike who have been deeply touched by the many outreach programs that Bethany is able to support thanks to your generous contributions. We learned much about the vines and the branches and God s desire for each of us to bear much fruit, as we are continually pruned to grow and flourish under his care. On November 11th, we celebrated Dedication Sunday and placed our Estimate of Giving Cards in the harvest basket as a public expression of our commitment to The Lord. While this was an important milestone in the campaign, our work is not yet done. As of Dedication Sunday, we had received fewer Estimate of Giving Cards than expected given our experience in recent years. While this causes us some concern, the campaign committee is confident that with the appropriate follow up, we can effectively close the gap. Your Help is needed! If you have not yet returned your card, please prayerfully consider the fruit that God is pruning you to bear and complete and return your card at your earliest convenience. With your help, and with the guidance and direction of our Lord and Savior, we can close the books on a successful campaign in Yours in Christ, The 2012 Stewardship Team Jim Myers, Eric Gregory, Mark Wolstoncroft, Emily Brady, Alice Sherwin, Dennis Farrer Christmas is a time of giving and we need your help (not your money). Do you like to talk on the phone, greet people, meet new people, work with a great staff? Then we are looking for you to help as a receptionist sub to fill in when our regulars are off. The pay is priceless but the work is so rewarding. We are in need of someone to help out at the receptionist desk Thursday mornings, from 9:00 to 12:30 for the remainder of the year. If you can help, it would be greatly appreciated. If you would like to be put on the sub list contact Janet at Need Scrip? Stop at the Welcome Center after worship or at the office during the week and purchase a card(s) for Home Depot, KMart, Wal-Mart, Lowes, Target, and many more cards are available. How about going out to eat after a busy day we have cards available for several restaurants. We even have cards for BP and Sunoco for vacation trips. You can also purchase Giant Eagle and Shop n Save cards. With the holidays fast approaching have you considered purchasing Scrip cards for you holiday meals? Purchas a scrip card for that hard to buy person or persons? Or a scrip card for a restaurant for that special person. Check out the list of cards we can get for you. If we don't have a card in stock you can also purchase a scrip card for Giant Eagle or Shop & Save, then purchase a gift card from the grocery store and receive fuel perks from the store. This is the easiest fundraiser you will ever participate in because it doesn't cost you anymore than you already spend. Thank you for supporting the mission work of the church through this program.

16 B E T H A N Y P R E S B Y T E R I A N C H U R C H 740 Washington Avenue Bridgeville, PA Non-Profit Org. U.S. Postage Paid Bridgeville, PA Permit #38 Phone: office@bethanypresby.org Dated Material Return Service Requested Bethany Church s Mission To trust in Jesus...love like Jesus...grow in Jesus...bring others to Jesus. R E S P I T E C A R E In this day and age of working and scattered families there should be someone you and your family can turn to for help when family is not available. You can turn to your church family. We can cook a meal, shop, drive or just visit for a few hours to give your family or caregiver a break. We re not a permanent or long term solution but we can help. We are a compassionate, dependable and responsible group and we will be sensitive to your needs. Let us help you recover and remain independent for as long as possible. We cannot take the place of your family, but we can put their minds at ease knowing that you are being assisted and are safe, independent and happy. For more information, or questions about how we can help please call Margie Smith at or Beckie Price at Please join us as often as you can for worship and other activities and events. Call the Church Office at or visit the website at