Page 2 December The Germans made the first artificial Christmas trees out of dyed goose feathers.

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Page 1 December 2016 December 2016... so goes that very familiar Christmas song from way back, but how true it is right now at St. Giles.

filled with the sights and sounds of Christmas.

and begin to prepare our hearts for the Christ who came to us as God s precious gift of salvation over 2,000 years ago.

1 Page 1 December 2016 December so goes that very familiar Christmas song from way back, but how true it is right now at St. Giles. Even before Thanksgiving Day, many of you were part of a crew of men and women who worked very hard after our morning worship service on Sunday, November 20, transforming our sanctuary into a place filled with the sights and sounds of Christmas. This last Sunday we began the Season of Advent, lighting the first candle during our worship service, recognizing that this is that very special time of the Christian year when we expectantly wait and begin to prepare our hearts for the Christ who came to us as God s precious gift of salvation over 2,000 years ago. It is also a time when we recognize the importance of being watchful and waiting, prepared for the day and hour when Christ shall come again. There are, as well, so many other sights, sounds and activities that are indicators that Christmas is coming, as this Sunday, Dec. 4 there will be an Angel Tree set up for children in our community. Following worship the women of our church will be hosting a table for the Fourth Annual Christmas Tea, which promises to feature some of St Giles finest cooking and baked goods. Then on Sunday, Dec. 11, there will be a Cookie Palooza during our fellowship time. Extra cookies will be shared with our friends and neighbors at Haven Hospice. Yes, lots of opportunities this blessed time of the year to give to others in need, to fellowship and to be part of something bigger than ourselves, as St Giles will be presenting the Live Nativity on Saturday and Sunday evening, December 17 and 18 from 6:30-8:00 pm. This is projected to be an outreach to our community, telling the story of Christmas through a narration and live presentation of Jesus birth. We will also be welcoming foreign college students into the homes of some of our St. Giles members, as well as welcoming and hosting them at our church for a Christmas International House Welcoming Dinner on Sunday, December 18 at 5:00 pm. Lastly, we will conclude this most wonderful time of the year with our traditional Christmas Eve Services, the Children s Christmas Family Service at 7:00 pm and the Candlelight Service at 11:00 pm. It does look a lot like Christmas and I am looking forward to what God will do throughout this Season of Advent and Christmas here at St Giles.

Page 2 December 2016 1. Christmas is a contraction of Christ s Mass, which is derived from the Old English Cristes mæsse.

The Germans made the first artificial Christmas trees out of dyed goose feathers. 3. Most of Santa s reindeer have male-sounding names.

2 Page 2 December Christmas is a contraction of Christ s Mass, which is derived from the Old English Cristes mæsse. The letter X in Greek is the first letter of Christ, and Xmas has been used as an abbreviation for Christmas since the mid 1500s. (So, it s OK to substitute the x into Xmas!) 2. The Germans made the first artificial Christmas trees out of dyed goose feathers. 3. Most of Santa s reindeer have male-sounding names. However, male reindeers shed their antlers around Christmas, so the reindeer pulling Santa s sleigh are likely not male. 4. In A.D. 350, Pope Julius I, proclaimed December 25 the official celebration date for the birthday of Christ. 5. In Poland, spiders or spider webs are common Christmas tree decorations because; according to legend, a spider wove a blanket for Baby Jesus. 6. Alabama was the first state in the United States to officially recognize Christmas in Oklahoma was the last in 1907 Christmas wasn t declared an official holiday in the U. S. until June 26, Mistletoe is from the Anglo-Saxon word misteltan, which means little dung twig because the plant spreads though bird droppings. 8. Santa Claus is based on a real person, St. Nikolas of Myra, who lived during the fourth century. Born in Patara (in modern-day Turkey), he is the world s most popular non-biblical saint. 9. Christmas stockings allegedly evolved from three sisters who were too poor to afford a marriage dowry and were, therefore, doomed to a life of ill repute. They were saved, however, when the wealthy Bishop Saint Nicholas of Smyrna crept down their chimney and generously filled their stockings with gold coins. 10. It is estimated that the single White Christmas by Irving Berlin is the best selling single of all time, with over 100 million sales worldwide. 11. The first person to decorate a Christmas tree was reportedly the Protestant reformer Martin Luther, w ho w as so moved by the beauty of the stars shining between the branches of a fir tree, he brought home an evergreen tree and decorated it with candles to share with his children. 12. Christmas accounts for approximately 1/6 of all annual sales; during the Christmas season, nearly 28 sets of LEGO are sold EVERY SECOND.

Page 3 December 2016 Join us in celebrating the Birth of our Savior! St. Giles will be presenting a Live Nativity on Saturday, December 17th and Sunday, December 18th from 6:30 pm 8:00 pm.

3 Page 3 December 2016 Join us in celebrating the Birth of our Savior! St. Giles will be presenting a Live Nativity on Saturday, December 17th and Sunday, December 18th from 6:30 pm 8:00 pm. Please invite your friends, family and neighbors to come and enjoy the beautiful Christmas hymns and melodies while reliving the Christmas story through a brief narrative. The entire event will take place on the church grounds, surrounded by luminaries. Hot Chocolate will be served on the breezeway. We are still looking for volunteers to help with lighting, sound, costumes, set up and take down. We also need cast members. Please contact David Foster if you can help with this important event! Luke 2: Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; he is the Messiah, the Lord. 12 This will be a sign to you: You will find a baby wrapped in cloths and lying in a manger. 13 Suddenly a great company of the heavenly host appeared with the angel, praising God and saying, 14 Glory to God in the highest heaven, and on earth peace to those on whom his favor rests.

.. "above thy deep and dreamless sleep" (2 words) 10. Song Title of the best selling single of all time (2 words) 11.

4 Answers on Page 13 Page 4 December 2016 ACROSS 1. Star of wonder, star of might, star with"... this (3 words) 3. Good King Wenceslas looked here (3 words) 4. These "Merry Gentlemen" were looking for tidings of this (2 words) 6. In 2nd verse of "Silent Night", these "pray at the sight" 9. These "go by"... "above thy deep and dreamless sleep" (2 words) 10. Song Title of the best selling single of all time (2 words) 11. Where you would be "rockin' around the Christmas tree" (3 words) DOWN 2. Beach Boys Christmas Song Title (3 words) 3. Let it snow" when you have this (2 words) 5. Type of sleigh in "Deck the Halls" (3 words) 7. Unlikely duet that sang Little Drummer Boy/Peace on Earth (3 words) 8. What Spike Jones wanted for Christmas (3 words)

Page 5 December 2016 December Birthdays FIRST NAME LAST NAME Birthday Ada Grieve 12/1 June Chandler 12/6 Alice Schroeder 12/7 John Tomkovitch 12/20 Michael Matheny 12/27 Sylvia Wilson 12/29 David

December s flower is the narcissus, which symbolizes rebirth and respect.

5 Page 5 December 2016 December Birthdays FIRST NAME LAST NAME Birthday Ada Grieve 12/1 June Chandler 12/6 Alice Schroeder 12/7 John Tomkovitch 12/20 Michael Matheny 12/27 Sylvia Wilson 12/29 David Todd 12/30 Cheryl McDavitt 12/31 The birthstone of December is the turquoise, which represents prosperity, success, and good fortune. December s flower is the narcissus, which symbolizes rebirth and respect. Celebrity birthdays in December include : Woody Allen (12/1), Lucy Liu (12/2), Walt Disney (12/5), Larry Bird (12/7,) Frank Sinatra (12/12), Bob Barker (12/12), Taylor Swift (12/13), Jamie Foxx (12/13), Vanessa Hudgens (12/25), Ludwig van Beethoven (12/16), Samuel L. Jackson (12/21), Sir Isaac Newton (12/25) and comic book icon, Stan Lee (12/28). Date DECEMBER HOLIDAYS Observance 1 World AIDS Awareness Day If your name is NOT on the list, THEN WE DO NOT HAVE YOUR BIRTHDAY IN OUR RECORDS! To make sure we include your birthday on the list, just click on this link: Here s My Birthday and let us know the birthdays of all of your family who attend St. Giles. Want to share your anniversary also? Are you celebrating a banner year of something significant? (50th Wedding Anniversary, 10 year anniversary with the church, etc.?) We ll publish that too! Tell us about it! 3 Advent Begins 7 Pearl Harbor Day 8 Feast of the Immaculate Conception 10 Human Rights Day 11 International Children s Day 21 Winter Solstice-the shortest day of the year 24 Chanukah 25 Christmas 26 St. Stephen s Day 31 New Year s Eve

6 Page 6 December HOLIDAY ACTIVITIES AROUND ST. GILES Angel Tree for Children Gifts must be back at the tree by, Sunday. December 18 th 4th Annual Christmas Tea Come and enjoy tea and baked goods in the Fellowship Hall Sunday, December 4th following worship Cookie Palooza Bring 2 dozen of your favorite cookies and join us in the Fellowship Hall on Sunday, December 11th following worship Clothes Closet, Volunteers Needed Saturday, December 17 th, 9:00 a.m. until noon Sign up outside the Fellowship Hall Live Nativity Saturday December 17 th and Sunday December 18th In grassed area on Fox Ridge Road next to Fellowship Hall Open to the community 6:30 pm to 8 pm Christmas Cantata Sunday, December 18th during 10:00 worship service Christmas International House Welcoming Dinner Sunday, December 18 th, at 5:00 PM Foreign College students that cannot go to their home country for the holidays will stay in St. Giles family homes for two weeks. So far this year we are sponsoring 9 students from 4 different countries attending 5 different universities in the US. Please come to our covered dish welcome dinner to welcome our students. Some of them will prepare dishes from their countries. Covered dishes are welcomed and needed - please join us for the fun! Christmas Eve Services 7:00 p.m. Children s Christmas Program/Family Service 11:00 p.m. Candlelight Service Note: Our regular Upcoming Events Page will return next month.

Page 7 December 2016 On Saturday, November 19th, eleven church members worked at the Clothes Closet from 9:00 am

The ladies worked the front desks registering the clients, sorted bags of donated clothing while the men worked in

A total of nine food orders were filled which included 28 family members.

Karen Bridges, Al Peter, Ray Carignan, and David Foster.

Church members of St Giles work the third Saturday of each month and more volunteers are encouraged and welcome to

Just knowing that you have helped a needy family with food, clothing and household items, will fill your heart with

7 Page 7 December 2016 On Saturday, November 19th, eleven church members worked at the Clothes Closet from 9:00 am until noon. The ladies worked the front desks registering the clients, sorted bags of donated clothing while the men worked in the food bank filling the food orders, and stocked the shelves with donated bags of food during the morning. A total of nine food orders were filled which included 28 family members. Church members included Verna Riley, Karen Tidball, Madeline Budihas, Carole Sanders, Regina Manning, Chris Baker, Karen Bridges, Al Peter, Ray Carignan, and David Foster. Bill Fleming showed up with his grandson for their first time. Church members of St Giles work the third Saturday of each month and more volunteers are encouraged and welcome to join us. Just knowing that you have helped a needy family with food, clothing and household items, will fill your heart with warmth, love, and a real feeling of accomplishment. You d think from the picture on the left that these folks were just hanging around, enjoying some time together and getting absolutely nothing done. But you d be WRONG! Check out the fruit (pun intended) of their labors. They managed to assemble and distribute 44 food baskets so those in need in our community could enjoy a nice Thanksgiving holiday dinner! WAY TO GO! Note to David Foster and Bill Fleming Thank you for providing info and photos YOU ROCK TOO!

Whether it be acting, directing, working the ticket window, concessions, or working behind the scenes, we have many church members that do it all.

8 Page 8 December 2016 The OP Community Theater Connection St. Giles has a number of members that are closely associated with the community theater located on Moody Road, adjacent to the Clay County Humane Society. Whether it be acting, directing, working the ticket window, concessions, or working behind the scenes, we have many church members that do it all. In this issue we want to feature Carter Cheatum, who just finished a leading part in the comedy play, "Unnecessary Farce," in which he plays the head of security. He first developed an interest in theater back in high school where he performed in several plays and was the lead actor in a short play at state contest in which they received a superior rating. Carter has performed at St. Giles in several children's plays; and is widely known as "the puppet man", where he leads the children in the sermon in the sack several times a month. Carter's involvement with the theater began back in the 70's when he and Irene drove from Hilliard to see Brenda Cohn perform in the play "You're A Good Man Charlie Brown." Over the years they would attend a play occasionally, and about seven years ago they purchased season tickets which included five shows in a season package. Finally, Carter got the itch to act at the community theater in 2011, where he auditioned for "Arsenic And Old Lace", which was one of his favorite movies. He landed a minor role as a cop. In 2012, he tried out for "Carousel" and received another minor role acting with a puppet (oh, what a surprise!) Since then Carter has played significant roles as a policeman, detectives, a professor and a reporter in the following plays: "3 Murders and it's only Monday" (2012), "Breaking Legs" (2013), "The Philadelphia Story", (2014), "Run For Your Wives" (2016), and "Unnecessary Farce" (2016). Carter says that acting is hard work, but great fun. He tries to limit himself to one play per season (September to June), and looks forward to many more acting performances in the future. Cast from Unnecessary Farce If you have not attended a play at the theater before, you will have more opportunities as the next play is "Bye Bye Birdie", January 13 - February 5; followed by "The Glass Menagerie", March 24 -April 9; and then "Legally Blonde" June 9 -July 2. "Act well your part; there all the honor lies. (Alexander Pope) Article submitted by David Foster. (Thank you, David!)

Page 9 December 2016 Military Appreciation Day Revisited St. Giles honored all veterans on Sunday, November 6th, during our second annual Military Appreciation Day.

Giles, we love our veterans and a display of artifacts was laid out highlighting information from all wars since WWI.

Individual pictures were taken with the service flags and will be given out to those who had them taken in early December.

9 Page 9 December 2016 Military Appreciation Day Revisited St. Giles honored all veterans on Sunday, November 6th, during our second annual Military Appreciation Day. The 10:00 service began with the recognition of all veterans present by asking them to stand while each of the service branches individual songs were played, following the National Anthem. At St. Giles, we love our veterans and a display of artifacts was laid out highlighting information from all wars since WWI. Many, many people brought pictures of loved ones who served or whom are currently serving as well as a fascinating assortment of paraphernalia used during their service. Individual pictures were taken with the service flags and will be given out to those who had them taken in early December. In the meantime, you can see many of these photos in our Photo Album this month. A film highlighting all branches of the service with patriotic background music is available for free. Just sent us a note here - stgilesweb@comcast.net and let us know you are interested. We will be happy to provide you with a copy. Thank you to all who participated by contributing their time and effort, food, military photos, stories and memories.

Page 10 December 2016 10 New Year s Eve Traditions Around the World! 1. New York City Watch the Ball Drop. The first New York City celebration happened in 1904.

You just might find your soul mate or, at the very least, have an amorous year if you wear red underwear on New Year s Eve.

10 Page 10 December New Year s Eve Traditions Around the World! 1. New York City Watch the Ball Drop. The first New York City celebration happened in Last year s ball was illuminated with 32,256 LED lights and is made up of 2,688 Waterford crystals. 2. Latin America - Different colors of undergarments ensure different types of luck for the new year. You just might find your soul mate or, at the very least, have an amorous year if you wear red underwear on New Year s Eve. In Colombia, yellow underwear guarantees happiness and peace; and in Puerto Rico, white will bring you fertility and health. So if you re traveling to any of these places, pack accordingly. 3. Brazil Offer White Flowers to the Goddess of the Living Ocean. On New Year s Eve, thousands gather, many wearing white, at Copacabana beach in Rio de Janeiro to offer white flowers and other gifts to Yemania, the Afro-Brazilian queen of the sea. It is believed that she will bring energy and strength. Many toss their gifts into the sea, some on makeshift boats, hoping the goddess will grant their new year wishes. 4. Spain Eat 12 White Grapes. In Spain, folks eat 12 w hite grapes as the clock strikes midnight, one for each month of the new year. Chimes are broadcast on TV, which help with grape consumption. 5. Chile Eat Lentils at Midnight. In Chili, folks eat lentils w hen the clock strikes midnight. It is supposed to usher in a prosperous new year. 6. Russia Celebrate Around a New Year s Tree. In Russia, New Year s Eve is bigger than Christmas. Russia has a New Year s tree and there s a big celebration with fireworks and live music every year in Red Square. The Russian Santa, Ded Moroz, and his granddaughter Snegurochka come on New Year s Eve, leaving presents for children to open on New Year s Day. 7. Ecuador Burn a Scarecrow. In Ecuador, a scarecrow represents all the negativity of the previous year. Therefore, burning it at midnight is a cleansing thing. The idea is that positive energy and good luck will follow. 8. Ireland Bang Bread Against the Wall. In Ireland, folks bang bread against the walls and doors of the house to chase out the bad luck and bad spirits away in the new year and invite the good spirits in. 9. South Africa Chuck Old Furniture out the Window. In the 1990s, people in the Johannesburg neighborhood of South Africa began chucking old furniture out their windows and off their balconies on New Year s Eve. But in the last few years, police cracked down on the dangerous tradition (a small refrigerator once struck someone in the head) and the flying furniture ceased. Police still monitor the streets for furniture offenders. 10. Germany Take a Cold Plunge. In Konstanz, Germany, folks jump into 6 -degree Celsius water in Lake Constance. (That s 43 degrees Fahrenheit just a tad above freezing!) They ve been doing it for 42 years. And they even carry torches.

Page 11 December 2016 See you next Sunday! It s been a wonderful 17 years and I cherish every minute of it. The members at St. Giles have become like family to me.

If you haven t heard yet, my last day working as your Administrator will be January 13th.

11 Page 11 December 2016 See you next Sunday! It s been a wonderful 17 years and I cherish every minute of it. The members at St. Giles have become like family to me. During my time in the church office I had the opportunity to get to know you and I will miss the talks that I shared with so many. If you haven t heard yet, my last day working as your Administrator will be January 13th. I am so proud to have had the opportunity to work at a church that reaches out into the community and really makes a difference. I am glad I was a part of the many missions that were accomplished. I look forward to continuing to help with these missions. I will no longer be seen in the church office, but you will not miss me because I plan to be a very active member of St. Giles. So there s no goodbyes here but only see you next Sunday! All women are encouraged to attend one of the circle groups. We meet each month for bible study and fellowship. For more information please contact the church office. Esther Circle 2nd Monday at 10:00 a.m. Priscilla Circle 1st Tuesday at 7:30 p.m. St. Giles is hiring a Full-Time Office Manager! Primary responsibilities include a variety of office and administrative functions for the church including office services and support, accounting, facilities management, handling official church records and purchasing. If you are interested and want to see the full job description, please apply at ideastaffing.com under the Applicants tab! Rebekah Circle 2nd Friday at 7:30 p.m. Please note for the month of December only.. The Priscilla Circle will meet on the 1st Monday, which is December 5th at 7:30 p.m.

12 Page 12 December 2016

13 Crossword Answers Page 13 December 2016 ACROSS 1. Star of wonder, star of might, star with"... this (3 words) 3. Good King Wenceslas looked here (3 words) 4. These "Merry Gentlemen" were looking for tidings of this (2 words) 6. In 2nd verse of "Silent Night", these "pray at the sight" 9. These "go by"... "above thy deep and dreamless sleep" (2 words) 10. Song Title of the best selling single of all time (2 words) 11. Where you would be "rockin' around the Christmas tree" (3 words) DOWN 2. Beach Boys Christmas Song Title (3 words) 3. Let it snow" when you have this (2 words) 5. Type of sleigh in "Deck the Halls" (3 words) 7. Unlikely duet that sang Little Drummer Boy/Peace on Earth (3 words) 8. What Spike Jones wanted for Christmas (3 words)

Time to crank it back up after the New Year!

from the 70 s and 80 s If you have an idea or theme you d

14 Page 14 December 2016 Hey! Is anyone out there missing Team Trivia? Time to crank it back up after the New Year! We ve had a request to do a trivia event featuring songs from the 70 s and 80 s If you have an idea or theme you d like to suggest for Team Trivia, please send an to us at stgilesweb@comcast.net. (You can just click on the link to auto-send your ideas). Also, even if you don t have an idea, tell us: How often would like to have Team Trivia night?

Each year more than 3 billion Christmas cards are sent in the U.S. alone.[7] All the gifts in the Twelve Days of Christmas would equal 364 gifts.

Each year more than 3 billion Christmas cards are sent in the U.S. alone.[7] All the gifts in the Twelve Days of Christmas would equal 364 gifts. Norwegian scientists have hypothesized that Rudolph s red nose is probably the result of a parasitic infection of his respiratory system.[8] The Germans made the first artificial Christmas trees out of