Grapevine. Pastor's Desk. Inside this issue:

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1 Grapevine Pastor's Desk Brothers and Sisters in Christ, The winter has given us the first icy blast. There is a pristine beauty with that first winter snow before the car exhausts and footprints mark up the roads and yards. From the window in a warm house, it truly is like a wonderland. But then there is a quick reality check when that cutting wind whips around as you step out the door. I am reminded that there are many who do not have the luxury of that warmth. I pray for them and know that many of my friends and family do work hard to help those who have need. I am blessed with a congregation that provides hot meals and help wherever they can. Christ commanded that we love our neighbors and I see evidence of that all around me here at Fredericktown First Presbyterian. We will begin a 4-week Advent Bible Study on Tuesday 2 nd at 6:30PM. Our study will use a resource entitled The Bright Star of Bethlehem In this study, we will learn how Jesus, the Bright Star of Bethlehem, serves as the Star of Creation, the Star of Hope, the Star of Unity and the Star of Joy for us. Study and discussion questions, prayers and reflections help students see that the Light of the Christ Child can brighten even the darkest corners of our lives, as it brightened the lives of those in the dark streets of Bethlehem that first Christmas. Please join us for one or more of these sessions. If we run out of books, we ll just share. Bring a friend; the more the merrier! The session has decided to enter into the New Beginnings program to look at the church and its mission in the community. Every congregant will be asked to provide input and assistance in this important process. Mark your calendars for February 9 th through the 13 th. One evening, in that week, the congregation of the church will be asked to come to a meeting to share thoughts, ideas, hopes, and dreams for the future. Everyone will have a voice! November 23 rd, we celebrated with the family and friends of Blair McKenna Levering as that beautiful child was baptized. We will be blessed again on 7 th with the baptism of Matilda Lucille Sulzer. Jesus said Let the little children come and they are. Thanks be to God. Let us enter the Advent season with all of the same hope shared by the people of God so many years ago as they awaited the King of Kings, Jesus Christ. Peace and Grace, Pastor Christine Burns Inside this issue: Motivation and Bulletin Board 2 Cook s Corner and Just for Fun Notices 4 Calendar 5 Church Leadership and Birthdays Care & Concern and Advent Bible Study Questions Answered & Interchurch Blair McKenna Levering 9 Pastor Christine s Commissioning Knox Co. Cantata, Library, and Fredericktown Christmas Walk 11

2 Page 2 Motivation and Bulletin Board Bulletin Board If you have something that you would like the whole congregation to know, send it in and we ll put it on the Grapevine Bulletin Board! Dave Thomson is offering guitar, keyboard, and bass lessons. Inside/outside painting. Free Estimates. (740)

3 Page 3 Cook's Corner NOTE: This recipe is from Vitamix, but any 64 oz. blender will work. Just for Fun A woman had just returned to her home from an evening of church services, when she was startled by an intruder. She caught the man in the act of robbing her home of its valuables and yelled, 'Stop! Acts 2:38!' (Repent and be baptized, in the name of Jesus Christ, so that your sins may be forgiven.) The burglar stopped in his tracks. The woman calmly called the police and explained what she had done. As the officer cuffed the man to take him in, he asked the burglar, 'Why did you just stand there? All the old lady did was yell a scripture to you.' 'Scripture?' replied the burglar. 'She said she had an axe and two 38's! The Fasting & Prayer Conference includes meals. Scouts are saving aluminum cans, bottles and other items to be recycled Proceeds will be used to cripple children. The sermon this morning: 'Jesus Walks on the Water. The sermon tonight: Searching for Jesus.' Ladies, don't forget the rummage sale. It's a chance to get rid of those things not worth keeping around the house. Bring your husbands. A bean supper will be held on Tuesday evening in the church hall. Music will follow. Miss Charlene Mason sang 'I will not pass this way again,' giving obvious pleasure to the congregation. For those of you who have children and don't know it, we have a nursery downstairs. Next Thursday there will be try-outs for the choir. They need all the help they can get. Irving Benson and Jessie Carter were married on October 24 in the church. So ends a friendship that began in their school days

4 Page 4 Notices Monthly Fund Raising Luncheon Session Meeting The monthly Fund Raising Luncheon will be on Hiatus until further notice. Thank You! Finance Operating expenses - $10,584 Operating income - $10,991 Mortgage- $882,503 Adult Choir 17th 6:00pm Art Dremann s Home Men s Ministry The Men s Breakfast is the 2nd 8am each month in Fellowship Hall. Come out and join in for breakfast and fellowship. The next breakfast will be 13th Practice will 11:15 on Dec. 7th, 14th and 21st. Come join us! Presbyterian Women Please plan on joining us on Dec. 1:30pm at the church for our new Bible Study, Reconciling Paul: A Contemporary Study of 2 Corinthians. All women of the church are welcome to join us. Any questions, please contact Marilyn Klapproth or Barbara Hall Church Website Come visit our website and browse around. This link will take you to June 1st sermon. nloadsupdate,46 Youth Program Dec. 3, 10, and 17 6:30-7:30pm Come and join the bible study and fun! Adult Sunday School Join us at 9am - 9:45 am for Sunday School. Chime Choir It s time to start getting our Chime Choir put together for the holidays. Would you like to join us? You do not need to know how to read music but want to play and enjoy the beautiful music. Practice started November 9am and continue thru 21st. Not too late to join in the fun!! Please contact Pam Gillett (614) if would like to join or you have any questions.

5 Page 5 Mon Dec 1 7am - 8am Get-Up & Go - AA Meeting Tue Dec 2 6:30pm Advent Bible Study - The Bright Star of Bethlehem - Adult Sunday School Classroom Wed Dec 3 6:30-7:30pm Youth Bible Study Fri Dec 5 7am - 8am Get-Up & Go - AA Meeting Sun Dec 7 9am - 9:45am Adult Sunday School 10am 11:15am Sunday Worship Service - Pastor Christine Burns - Baptism of Matilda Lucille Sulzer and Communion Adult Choir Rehearsal Mon Dec 8 7am - 8am Get-Up & Go - AA Meeting Tues Dec 9 Session Info Due 1:30pm 6:30pm Presbyterian Women Advent Bible Study - The Bright Star of Bethlehem - Adult Sunday School Classroom 7-9pm Tuesday Night Quilt Group Wed Dec 10 6:30-7:30pm Youth Bible Study Thu Dec 11 11:30am J.O.Y. Club - Allison s - Mt. Vernon Fri Dec 12 7am - 8am Get-Up & Go - AA Meeting Sat Dec 13 8am Men s Breakfast - Fellowship Hall Sun Dec 14 9am - 9:45am Adult Sunday School 10am 11:15am Sunday Worship Service - Pastor Christine Burns Adult Choir Rehearsal Mon Dec 15 7am - 8am Get-Up & Go - AA Meeting Tue Dec 16 6:30pm Advent Bible Study - The Bright Star of Bethlehem - Adult Sunday School Classroom Wed Dec 17 6:30-7:30pm Youth Bible Study 6:00pm Session Meeting - Art Dremann s Home Fri Dec 19 7am - 8am Get-Up & Go - AA Meeting Sat Dec 20 9:30-11:30am Threads of Devotion Sun Dec 21 9am - 9:45am Adult Sunday School 10am 11:15am Sunday Worship Service - Pastor Christine Burns Adult Choir Rehearsal Mon Dec 22 7am - 8am Get-Up & Go - AA Meeting Tue Dec 23 6:30pm Advent Bible Study - The Bright Star of Bethlehem - Adult Sunday School Classroom 7-9pm Tuesday Night Quilt Group Wed Dec 24 6:30-7:30pm Youth Bible Study - Cancelled due to Holiday 7:30pm Christmas Eve Service Thu Dec 25 Fri Dec 26 Happy Birthday Jesus! Office Closed Sun Dec 28 9am - 9:45am Adult Sunday School 10am Sunday Worship Service - Pastor Christine Burns Mon Dec 29 7am - 8am Get-Up & Go - AA Meeting Wed Dec 31 6:30-7:30pm Youth Bible Study - Cancelled due to Holiday

6 Page 6 Church Leadership and Birthdays THE SESSION Moderator - Clerk of Session - Art Dremann Class of Class of Class of Jim Barber (2) Amy Bings (2) Steve Bouton (2) Cindy Bouton (1) Bill Cordle (1) Nathan Cordle (1) Judy Cordle (1) Susan Cunningham (1) Barbara Hall (1) THE DEACONS Chair - Judy Cordle Secretary - Ruth Smith Class of Class of Class of David Mullin (2) Pete Handwerk (1) Judy Barber (1) Irene Swaim (2) Ruth Smith (2) Marilyn Mullin (1) Jenny Tharp (1) Bruce Gregg (2) Our Church Leadership Pastor Christine Burns (740) Office Manager Dee Simon (740) Children/Youth/Teen Coordinator Eden Rine (740) Financial Treasurer Harriet Newell (740) Benevolence Treasurer Judy Cordle (740) Choir Leader/Pianist Lynn Jurkowitz (740) Chime Choir Leader Pam Gillett (740) Praise Team Leader Roger Hartwell (419) Song Leader Roger Hartwell (419) Sound Technician Bob Campbell (740) Prayer Chain Marilyn Klapproth (740) /7 Autumn Laymon 12/23 Mike Burch 12/15 Tracie Cordle 12/24 Mary Jo Levering 12/18 Dee Simon 12/25 Jesus 12/20 JB Levering 12/30 Grace Laymon

7 Page 7 Care and Concern OUR CONGREGATION : IN NURSING CARE COUNTRY COURT 1076 Coshocton Av. Mount Vernon, OH Paul Jurkowitz Sun Rise of Worthington 6525 High St. Worthington, OH Don Tugend - Room 219 Mary Tugend - Room 210 MEMBERS IN MILITARY SERVICE Micah Dodd Mike Higgins Jeff Hollifield Nathan Misencik AT HOME Charles Gregg Joan Sharp Four Week Advent Bible Study We will begin a 4-week Advent Bible Study on Tuesday 2 nd at 6:30PM. Our study will use a resource entitled The Bright Star of Bethlehem In this study, we will learn how Jesus, the Bright Star of Bethlehem, serves as the Star of Creation, the Star of Hope, the Star of Unity and the Star of Joy for us. Study and discussion questions, prayers and reflections help students see that the Light of the Christ Child can brighten even the darkest corners of our lives, as it brightened the lives of those in the dark streets of Bethlehem that first Christmas. Please join us for one or more of these sessions. If we run out of books, we ll just share. Bring a friend; the more the merrier!

8 Page 8 Why was David so emotionally up and down? Psalm 13:1 5 Within five verses David moves from spiritual despair to hope, from gut-wrenching, internal wrestlings to complete trust and from deep sorrow to rejoicing. What causes these dramatic turnabouts? One explanation may be that David s psalms are simply snapshots of his feelings. As he gradually worked through issues, he returned to his confidence in God. But it may have happened more slowly than it would appear from reading the compressed account in these few verses. Another explanation may be that David knew how to express feelings and faith simultaneously. Perhaps David revealed his emotions on one level while on another level he told what he actually believed. Interchurch The following is a list items needed in the food pantry which are not typically offered through the Mid Ohio Food Bank. Canned Vegetables: Canned Fruit: Pasta: Health & Beauty: Mixed vegetables Mixed fruit Macaroni Shower gel Spinach Pears Noodles Body lotion Lima beans Pineapple Shampoo Beets Cherry pie filling Toothpaste Carrots Apple pie filling Deodorant Hearty soups (chunky style) Boxed items: Hamburger Helper Tuna Helper Chicken Helper Stove Top Stuffing Misc. items Quart & gallon Ziploc bags 13 gal trash bags Paper towels Black 30(ish) gallon trash bags Sweet potatoes Pie Crusts Turn the Tide/Tree of Sharing Tree of Sharing/Congregational Select-a-Name gift collection is Sunday, 14th. Please choose your recipients from the tree in the parlor and write down on the sheet the name that you have chosen. Please keep your spending to approximately $35 per person as this will ensure fairness to all families and do not worry if every request is not filled. Also families are aware that gifts are only guaranteed to children 16 years and younger. Adults will be purchased for at the discretion of the sponsor. Please DO NOT WRAP, but place in a gift bag or box and identify all packages with the Family # and recipient s name. Gift Distribution - Thursday Dec. 18th First Presbyterian Church, Fellowship Hall, 17 S. Main St. Time: 10am - 2pm

9 Page 9 Welcome November 23 rd, we celebrated with family and friends the baptism of Blair McKenna Levering as she was welcomed as our newest member. Blair McKenna Levering April 1, :16 am 8.0 lbs Dublin Methodist Hospital Proud Parents: J.B. and Trish Levering Paternal Grandparents: Jeff and Teresa Levering Deana Latham Maternal Grandparents: Phil and Sue Cunningham Paternal Great Grandparents: Joan Levering Buford and Alice Latham Maternal Great Grandparents: Sam and Margaret Cunningham

10 Page 10 Fredericktown First Presbyterian Church...welcomed their newly-commissioned Ruling Elder Christine Burns as their Transitional Pastor on Sunday, October 26. The Commission members surrounding and supporting Christine were: Jeannie Harsh, Rick Hays, Don Hilkerbaumer, Chris Martin-Piper, Cindy Bouton, Greg Dudash, Cathy Hill, Charlie Smith, Art Dremann, Roger Hartwell and Clint Walker. Pastor Christine began her ministry at Fredericktown on October 1st after serving as the Commissioned Ruling Elder for the McArthur Presbyterian/Episcopalian ministry in McArthur. "If you change the way you look at things, the things you look at change.... Dr. Wayne Dyer

11 Page 11 Knox County Cantata Choir The Knox County Cantata Choir will present the Mystery and the Majesty by Joseph M. Martin at the Memorial Theater, 117 E. High St., Mt. Vernon, OH on Friday, 19th - 7:30pm Saturday, 20th - 3pm Please contact Irene (740) for tickets. Tickets are $6 each. Come out and enjoy a beautiful evening of psalms! Fredericktown Christmas Walk The Fredericktown Christmas Walk is Sunday, Dec. 7th. Plan on attending worship service, staying for lunch, and supporting our community. We will be serving Soup, Sandwiches, Cookies and Hot Chocolate. Church Library Do you like to read? Do you like books? We are in need of a library volunteer. This requires very little time, any help would be appreciated. Please contact Marilyn Klapproth or Pam Gillett for details.

12 First Presbyterian Church 17 S. Main Street Fredericktown, OH Phone: