The Churchmouse. Message to Us from Pastor James. December 1, First Presbyterian Church

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1 The Churchmouse First Presbyterian Church Message to Us from Pastor James As hard as it is for me to believe that we are already in December, I am excited that the Christmas season is upon us. I love the reason for the season and I love all of the programs and ministries that the season produces. This year will be no different here at First Presbyterian Church. It will be busy and it will be fun, but most of all we will celebrate the entry of our Savior into this world through the fantastic story of Joseph, Mary, and Bethlehem. I encourage you, as I do every year, to identify someone to bring with you to one of the church events. There is something for everyone. If you know people with children, bring them to the family Christmas party on Friday night, December 9 th. Do you know someone who likes music? Bring them to the Candlelight Christmas Concert on Sunday afternoon, December 4 th, or the traditional service on Sunday, December 18 th, of Lessons and Carols. Do they like to serve? Then invite them to help us at our church when we pass out gifts for Operation Christmas on Saturday I love the reason for the season and I love all of the programs and ministries that the season produces. morning, December 17 th. Since Christmas is on a Sunday, you might find someone interested in attending worship. We are only going to have one service. It will be at 11 a.m. and will be in the Sanctuary. The experience will be more casual than usual, though not so casual that you should wear your pajamas! We are going to have fun and celebrate the day. The biggest event of the Christmas season is Christmas Eve worship. We will have the traditional candlelight services in the Sanctuary at 7 p.m. and 11 p.m. I am excited about the changes in store for the contemporary, family-oriented service. We are moving that service to the Jeffords Center. Because that service has grown each year, we need to have two services, which will be at 3:30 p.m. and 5 p.m. Moving to the Jeffords Center will allow for more room and better technology to support the recreation the kids do each year of the nativity scene. In between those services, there will be a Christmas Eve version of the Community Feast in the Student Center. A Community Feast means there will be food, fun, and community. Also, inbetween the services there will be a petting zoo. Who knows, maybe an animal might show up in one of the family services. It will be a great Christmas season at FPC. I hope it is equally good at whatever your address may be. We need the annual renewal of (Continued on p. 2) December 1, 2016 Inside this issue: Joys of Christmas 2 Christmas Card Exchange Events Calendar 3 Operation Christmas 3 First Kids 4 SOF 4 Congregational Meeting Church News 6 Boomers on the Go Giving 6 Church News 7 Birthday 8 Youth Insert Special points of interest: Angel Tree Family Christmas Party Candlelight Concert Children s Musical Christmas Eve Services Pancake Breakfast 5

2 Opportunities to Share the Joys of Christmas Family Christmas Card Exchange Time Is Here! Planning to send Christmas cards to your FPC family this year? Why not utilize the FPC Family Christmas Card Exchange sponsored by Student Ministry? You may mail your cards in the large green mailbox located in the Narthex for $.25 a piece. Cards will be collected Now through December 4. In order to ensure delivery we will not be able to accept cards for mailing after December 4. Please remember to include the family s first and last names on the envelope. POINSETTIA ORDERS ========== Christmas Memories Dinner Purchase poinsettias through December 4 in honor or in memory of a loved one. The cost is $10 for each plant. Please make check payable to FPC at the time of order. Envelopes are located at the Information Table. ========== First Presbyterian Women gathered on Friday, November 18 for an evening of fun, food and fellowship. The individual table-themes created by 29 hostesses were amazing. Thank you to everyone who made this night happen. Also, thanks to the great men of FPC who served us. (Continued from p. 1) hope that the Christmas story offers. Don t let that get lost in the business of the season. Merry Christmas! James Harper ================================================= FAMILY CHRISTMAS PARTY Invite your friends and families and join us on Friday, December 9 at 6:30 p.m., Jeffords Center. There will be two short Christmas movies shown. There will be cookies and hot chocolate, and an opportunity for kids to meet Santa! ========== CHRISTMAS ANGEL TREE Share your Christmas with a child in need. You re invited to select an angel of your choice from the Angel Tree in the Narthex. A list of requested gifts is available to help you choose the right Angel. Take the beige Angel with description of child and their information. Please place gift in a black trash bag and attach the Beige Angel tag on the outside of the bag. Write your name and contact number on the back of the Yellow Angel and leave it on the tree. Gifts are to be under the tree by Thursday, December 1. Christmas Memories.. Page 2 The Churchmouse

3 Mark your Calendar for these Christmas Events Advent Begins, Sunday, November 27 and continues through December 18 Candlelight Christmas Concert, Sunday, December 4, 3 p.m., Sanctuary Family Christmas Party, Friday, December 9, 6:30 p.m., Jeffords Center Children s Christmas Musical, We Three Spies, Wednesday, December 14, 7 p.m., Jeffords Center. Lessons and Carols, Sunday Services, December 18. Golden Bells of Atlanta Concert, Monday, December 19, 7:30 p.m., Sanctuary Christmas Eve Services 3:30 p.m. & 5 p.m. Familycentered services with focus on the Nativity story featuring our First Kids ministry students, Jeffords Center.* 7:00 p.m. Candlelight Communion Service with Handbells and Choir*, Sanctuary. *(Nursery provided for infants & toddlers) 11:00 p.m. Candlelight Communion Service with Harp and Choir. (No Nursery Provided) November 27 marks the first Sunday of Advent this year. Deepen your ADVENT experience this season utilizing one of the booklets available for daily reflection in the Narthex or Jeffords Center. From Heaven to Manger features family prayers and activities for the whole family to anticipate the true meaning of the season. Hope Peace Light features reflections, insight, Scripture and prayers on popular Christian apologist C. S. Lewis writings. Your Christmas preparations will be enriched using one of these special tools this season as you await Christ s coming. Operation Christmas.Pastor Andrew Operation Christmas began last year when dozens of churches, the Douglas County School system and local businesses, in partnership with Faith In Action, collected and distributed gifts to all of the kids on the Free & Reduced meal program in the Douglas County School System. This effort amounted to over gifts being collected and 60% of these were distributed from various locations. We collected over 500 gifts for 12-year-old boys and girls. We will be a part of this event again this year. The date for Operation Christmas this year is Saturday, December 17. There will be two shifts for handing out gifts: 7:30 to 10 a.m. and 10 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Signup sheets will be available in Missions Hall to choose a time to work. Once Faith In Action has determined how many kids need to be served, they will allocate a particular number of recipients based on geography, instead of age. Once we have this information, we will publish the details through our This Weeks Focus , Facebook, Church Website and Sunday bulletin inserts. FPC needs include: 1. People to help organize and potentially collect gifts prior to distribution day. 2. People to distribute gifts, cookies, cider and invitations to our Christmas Eve services. Twenty people at each of the two shifts would be idea. 3. It is likely we will need to collect some gifts, but not to the extent that we did last year. Have a blessed Advent & Christmas Season! The Churchmouse Page 3

4 Children Happenings this Season Elementary Christmas Celebration Sunday, December 11, 2:30-4:30 p.m. All elementary FIRST KIDS (Grades 1-5) are invited to attend our Christmas Celebration on Sunday, December 11, from 2:30-4:30 PM. Join us for a fun afternoon of games, crafts (reindeer races ), food and fun you ll want to be here! Bring a friend! We ll gather and dismiss from Room 105 of the lower CE building. Children attending musical practice on this same day are invited to join us immediately after practice concludes. Family-Friendly Christmas Eve Worship Times 3:30 and 5 P.M. SERVICES This year we will have TWO family friendly Christmas Eve worship services held in the Jeffords Center in which our children will participate in creating the nativity scene. TWO times the parts are available for kids to participate this year with volunteers needed from ELEMENTARY First Kids in Grades 1-3 for either 3:30 or 5:00 p.m. with an added bonus for kids in K5 to join in participation during the 3:30 service. We ll even have a petting zoo and family feast goodies between services. Parts available for both services include: *Grades 1-2: *Grade 3: angels and shepherds Mary, Joseph, wise men, angels or shepherds *3:30 only K5 children may join in as shepherds, angels or animals READERS are needed at both services from children in Grades 4 or 5. Attendance is required by all participants at a one hour rehearsal in the Jeffords Center on Friday, December 23 (3:30 participants meet at 9:00 AM and 5:00 participants meet at 10:00 AM.) A parent or adult must remain during this rehearsal. Contact Judy Derringer ( or judy@fpcdouglasville.org) to participate; parts are limited. Costumes are provided. Page 4 The Churchmouse

5 Grow, Serve, Fellowship Breakfast and Congregational Meeting Sunday, January 22 9:30 a.m. Wednesday Night First Kids pack Samaritan Boxes as they learn about serving. For the past several years, a special highlight during the month of November includes packing Samaritan Boxes for children around the world. Cards are decorated with a special message of love and placed alongside assorted toys, school supplies and hygiene items. Boxes are gathered and prayed over knowing God will bless the efforts of a few to touch lives for eternity. All members should plan to attend this morning together. We will gather (children included) for a breakfast buffet in the Parlor and Chapel, and at 10:00 a.m. we will meet in the Sanctuary to vote on the Elder nominations and hear stories of God s faithfulness in our community over the course of the year.. Our normal Church worship services will follow at 10:45 and 11:00 a.m....christmas Memories Parents of Children Ages Infants through Kindergarteners Please remember to sign your child IN and OUT of the nursery or preschool classroom every time you leave him or her in our care. We always need to maintain an accurate list of children in each classroom. Children may only be picked up by their parents unless you have made arrangements in advance with our staff to have someone else pick up your child. Thank you for your help! The Churchmouse Page 5

6 Stars and Prayers: It was right about this time 15 years ago I was driving back to Tallahassee from Gainesville late one night after watching the Gators beat the Noles down in "The Swamp in a college football rivalry. I knew there was going to be a meteor shower in the sky that night and I was ready for the show. Sure enough, on that two hour drive, I was able to count around 35 falling stars while driving that dark interstate - streaks of celestial wonder zooming by over and over again. Stepping outside of the marvel of witnessing multiple occasions of something usually reserved for the most spontaneous and unexpected, you could mull deep questions like, "Where did it go?" or, "Where did it come from?" or, "How massively OLD was that rock that just crashed in to our atmosphere?" But even more so, I remember thinking how refreshing it was to not feel compelled to "make a wish on a star," because I already knew personally the One who made those stars. In the Psalms, we read: The heavens were made by the word of the Lord, and all the stars, by the breath of His mouth (Psalms 33:6 HCSB). Wow, I love that picture! I hope that the Revived series planted deep roots in your heart that will nurture a daily yearning and hunger for the Lord s presence in your life. As we enter this Advent season, my hope and prayer is that when we sing and hear about the Star of Bethlehem, we are shrouded in the peace, hope, joy, and love of a Star-Breathing God who is not a wish-fairy, but a holy, perfect, infinite and loving Savior who crashed in to our atmosphere to give us life, and to give it abundantly. This year, may you know the merriest Christmas yet! In the Light, Andrew Huggins, Director of Contemporary Worship & Community Evangelism From Michelle Huey My parents, Norma and Joe Huey were charter members of your church. Joe passed away in 2009 and Norma passed away October 22. She spent the last 3 years of her life in the Haralson County Nursing Home....She received cards from her Sunday School class...and would have me read every name signed on those cards. Each card my mother received brought joy to her heart. While going through her meager possessions, I found those cards...carefully tied up with a piece of ribbon. Never doubt the importance of reaching out to someone who may feel forgotten. From my heart, thank you to those who took time to reach out to my mother. From Barbara Aaron Thank you to everyone who had a part in Jess s funeral. He would have been very happy. Can never thank you enough. In Christian Love. We extend our deepest sympathies to: Jason Rakestraw and family in the passing of his aunt. Randy Rider and family in the passing of their daughter-in-law. THE FLOWER CALENDAR NOTEBOOK The 2017 Flower Calendar is available to sign up to place flowers in the Sanctuary or Jeffords Center on Sunday mornings. Please print name of person(s) being remembered or honored and their special occasion. Be sure to include your name or who you wish the flowers to be from. Cost is $35 or more for larger, custom arrangements. Contact Lois Robertson early in the week to order and arrange payment at Boomers on the Go! C l a s s i c o n N o b l e Friday, December 9 Payment of $25 is Your Registration USE ENVELOPES FOR YOUR PAYMENT FOUND ON THE INFORMATION TABLE. Larry Gatlin Milltown Saturday, February 4, 2017 Cost: $38 Payment due by January 4, 2017 Your payment is your registration. Use envelopes for your payment. Year-end gift giving If you are considering year-end gifts to the Church, please be aware that for your gift to count in 2016, contributions for tax purposes must be delivered in A check deposited in the offering in January, 2017 cannot be deducted in 2016, even if it is backdated to The one exception is checks that are mailed and postmarked in 2016 are deductible in 2016, even if not received until New Year s Eve is the beginning of a new year to be thankful for life. Love your family and friends; be thankful for the year you had and be thankful for the upcoming year. January 7, 9 a.m. Help needed to un-decorate the church. Hope to see you there! Page 6 The Churchmouse

7 Other Church News... FRIDAY The Church Office closed Friday, December 23 and Monday, December 26 CHURCH OFFICE HOURS MON.-THUR., 7:30 AM 5:00 PM FRIDAY, 7:30 AM-1:00 PM DEADLINE for articles for the January Churchmouse is Wednesday, December 14, Noon CHURCH OFFICE CLOSED December 30, & January 2, 2017 FEBRUARY 10, 2017 First Presbyterian Church of Douglasville is proud to be an official host church for Night to Shine, sponsored by the Tim Tebow Foundation. Night to Shine is an unforgettable prom night experience, centered on God's love, for people with special needs, ages 14 and up, that will take place at more than 300 churches around the world simultaneously on February 10, Volunteers are needed. To volunteer, please go to our Website fpcdouglasville.org. For questions please contact Stephanie Ford at or Lynn Murray at Night to Shine Prom Attire Drive January 3- January 10 Night to Shine is asking for gently used Prom Attire for both young men and women. The attire must be in good condition. All sizes are needed. Attire includes dresses, jewelry, shoes, dress pants, shirts, ties, bowties, men's shoes, etc. Please note all items will not be returned. For questions, please contact Topsy Donation site Bride s Room Are you feeling pressure right now? Is it affecting your health, your attitude, or your relationships with your family and friends? Would you like to have someone to talk to, just to help you get through the next month or two? Our Stephen Ministers can help. If you or someone you know is under stress and pressure and would like to talk to a Stephen Minister, please contact one of our Stephen Leaders. STEPHEN LEADERS: Nancy Williams Lessie Smith Linnea Osborne Wishing you the gift of faith, the blessing of hope and the peace of His love at Christmas and Always! From Your Staff at FPCD James, Andrew D., Sarah, Judy, Tommy-Lee, Sharon, Andrew H. Karen, Deborah, Susan, Lonnie, Brenda & Felicia No Committee meetings in December ************************ Session meeting, Monday, December 12, p.m., Conference Room The Churchmouse Page 7

8 Happy Birthday, Jesus! Auto Non-Profit Organization U.S. Postage Paid Permit No. 14 Douglasville, GA Address Service Requested First Presbyterian Church 9190 Campbellton Road Douglasville, Georgia Phone: Fax: This is a Stephen Ministry Church Place Mailing Label Here Website: Merry Christmas! DECEMBER BIRTHDAYS 2016 Ryan Dapkus 1 Josh Preston 1 Cora Bryant 3 Sharon Schillinger 3 Madeline Gibbs 4 Vic Macias 8 Linda Armour 9 Charlotte Hoel 9 Will Rice 9 Nathaniel Waits 10 Bryce Robinson 17 Ava Leeth 17 Gloria Harracksingh 18 David Brooks 19 Joseph Guger 19 Malakai Bryson 28 Jerry Broadaway 29 Alicia Schillinger 29 Charles Mfortow 29 Benjamin Jeffers 29 Emily McDonald 4 Reid Wingate 10 Caleb Murray 19 Raymond Boyd 30 Brad Ascar 5 Charlie Branson 11 Beverly Benton 20 Jill Bonner 5 Samantha Shipp 11 Courtney Dinning 20 Ronin Trantham 5 Ann Sherrill 6 Darryl Baxter 6 Lane Brooks 6 Fran Moir 7 Cheryl Ireland 7 Leah Robinson 7 Tom Hamilton 12 Cathy York 13 Amanda Roberts 13 Judy Wallace 14 Ed Chapman 14 Daniel Morris 14 Bryce Benton 14 Eric Preston 15 Barbara Aaron 21 Jeremiah Hurkmans 21 Paul Obese 22 Mary Leonard 23 Tracy Sutton 23 Bob Suber 24 Tom Coughlin 24 Carol Baird 25 Nic York 7 Frances Hammond 16 Hugh Boyd, Jr. 26 Christopher Breed 7 Rex Shelnut 17 Jennie Preston 26