Come Now, O Prince of Peace

Transcription

1 December 2018 The Loveletter Sharing the Love and Joy of Christ Come Now, O Prince of Peace The central miracle asserted by Christians is the Incarnation. They say that God became Man. Every other miracle prepares for this, or exhibits this, or results from this. Just as every natural event is the manifestation at a particular place and moment of Nature s total character, so every particular Christian miracle manifests at a particular place and moment the character and significance of the Incarnation. There is no question in Christianity of arbitrary interferences just scattered about. It relates not a series of disconnected raids on Nature but the various steps of a strategically coherent invasion an invasion which intends complete conquest and occupation. - from Miracles C.S. Lewis Never lose the sense of wonder of the Christmas story. God saves and rules by sending a baby, not an army or navy, not a potentate or emperor, but a baby. The story of the Incarnation has to be of God, because no human logic or rational could have devised such a plan for the salvation of the world. Never lose the sense of anticipation. We will all get excited with our children and grandchildren when it comes to opening presents on Christmas Day. On more than one occasion, I watched in dismay as our boys, when they were very small, seemed more infatuated with the boxes and wrappings, than the gifts Monnie had so carefully picked out. It was a reality check about what was really important. The anticipation Advent brings is of course on a much deeper level. The great Christmas hymns speak of it. Come Thou Long-Expected Jesus, born to set thy people free The People Who Walked in Darkness, awaken to see a great light O Come, O Come, Emmanuel Lift Up Your Heads, Ye Mighty Gates; behold the King of glory waits Savior of the Nations, Come Telling the old, old story, must never get old. We must never lose the wonder, the anticipation, the excitement that a Savor has come and set us free. I pray this Christmas will be a blessed time for you and your families. I am grateful for the opportunity to serve here with you. Blessings, Mike

2 Advent 2018 Thursday, December 6 Annual Cartersville Christmas Parade Church doors will be open and Pam will play Christmas carols from 5:30-6:30 pm Sunday, December 16 9:00 am and 11:00 am Sanctuary The combined music ministry will present Evangelists and Canticles A service of readings from four evangelists surrounded by four canticles 10:00 am Upper Room Enjoy hot cider and cookies and then at 10:15 am listen to the Voices of Bronze, Chapel Bells and the combined children s Choirs as we continue to celebrate Christ s birth December 24 Christmas Eve Worship 5:00 pm Worship centers on our youngest members and their families and will be in the Sanctuary

3 Evangelists & Canticles Reading and hearing the biblical narratives of the preparation for, and then the actual birth of Christ, seems counter-cultural these days. Our commercial establishments have been celebrating an instant Christmas since the day after Halloween, in which there s no prepare the way of the Lord, there s no waiting and working for Christ s kingdom when there s no Advent. Our seasonal carols tend to surround Christ s birth with the coziness of See amid the winter s snow, even though that is an unlikely occurrence in Bethlehem. The well-known Christmas lullaby suggests no crying he makes (which if it wasn t so silly, you d think it was a denial of Christ s humanity). Our Christmas cards and creche scenes typically confuse or conflate the appearance of the shepherds with the appearance of the Magi, as does the First Noel. And few recall the slaughter of innocent Bethlehem baby boys amidst our Christmas meals and gift exchanges. In sharp contrast to these phenomena, the biblical story of awaiting Christ s birth and the actual birth narratives by the New Testament evangelists are sober, objective, and without sentimentality. We hear of the preparation for the birth of John the Baptizer, upon which his father Zechariah bursts into song. We encounter Mary and Elizabeth both with surprising and blossoming pregnancies, whose meeting produces Mary s great hymn, My soul magnifies the Lord. The simple birth statement by Dr. Luke says she gave birth to her first-born son, but the angel s choir announces the event with glory to God and peace on earth whose echo we still hear today. Matthew tells of Herod s plan to kill the infant Jesus, as does John in his Revelation in which the devilish dragon tries to snatch the new-born child. Simeon sings of a light for the Gentiles and Israelites, while John sets forth the Word became flesh. So on December 16, you are invited to hear the Scripture passages from four evangelists, surrounded by four canticles, and to join in the hymns and carols of Advent and Christmas. But we can t forget that Christ s being born as a human was an emptying of himself which ultimately led to his humiliating death and beyond that to his exaltation!!

4 From the Session The Session met on November 20, 2018 for its regular Stated Meeting. Following are the highlights from that meeting: 1. Scott Panter reported that three FPC surplus vehicles have been sold for $9, Rich Gaffoglio reported that Preschool enrollment is currently at 103 students. 3. Mary Gilreath reported that the Exchange Club Christmas Parade is 12/6/2018. Mike and Monnie will host an Open House on 12/7/2018 for church officers, staff, and their spouses. 4. Perry Rentz and Nancy Kelly reported that Christmas Eve Services will be at 5:00, 7:00, and 9:00 PM. A 'Service of Light and Hope' will be 12/12/2018 and a 'Service of Lessons and Carols' will be 12/16/ Brad Hughes requested more hands-on assistance by FPC at Hickory Log. 6. Craig Clark presented an 'Interior and Exterior Signage Policy' which was approved. 7. Randy Thompson presented a positive financial report through 10/31/2018 and cautiously believes that FPC is on track to finish 2018 in the black without drawing on our Line of Credit. 8. Rich Gaffoglio reported that the Personnel Committee in 2019 will begin monthly meetings that will engage all staff including our Reinhardt students and nursery helpers. 9. Mike Anderson, Jean Gilliland, and Phil Bridges attended the 11/3/2018 Presbytery Meeting at Ray-Thomas Memorial Presbyterian Church. Presbyterian Women Morning Circle Christmas Party is December 3 rd at 10:00 am at the home of Faye Johnson, 30 Latimer Lane, Cassville. Come join us for lunch and a white elephant gift exchange. Please RSVP to Faye at fbj30@comcast.net The Evening Circle will meet at the Gilreath home, 120 Maple Drive, on Monday, December 3. Mary will be hostess for the Christmas covered dish dinner at 6:30pm. Join us for dinner at 5:30pm in the Fellowship Hall followed by programs at 6:15pm for all ages. Donation based dinner, suggested donation adults $10, seniors $7, children 10 & under $5, children under 3 eat free, and the family maximum is $28. December 5th menu is pulled pork, potato salad, bbq beans, pickles, white bread/buns December 12th menu is lemon pepper smoked chicken, potato salad, stew, pickles, white bread December programs December 5 - Inter-generational Advent Journey December 12 - Service of Light and Hope December 19 & 26 - No dinner/program Christmas Holidays Ladies Night Out (formerly Moms Night Out) Thursday, December 13 El Charro Mexican Restaurant 6:30pm-8:30pm All women of the congregation are welcome! Our table is open to all. If you would like to participate in an optional gift exchange, bring one wrapped gift in the $5-$10 range. Please contact Renee at renee@cartersvillepres.org by December 11 if you will need nursery care at the church.

5 December First Presbyterian Pre-School Co Directors Lindsay Scoggins and Beth Weathersby December Calendar The Nutcracker ~ Grand Theater Nov. 30 Pre-School and Kindergarten Christmas Parties ~ Friday, Dec. 21 School closed ~ Weeks of Dec. 24 and 31 Teacher Workday ~ Monday, January 7 School Reopens ~ Tuesday, January 8 Sing Around the Tree Friday, December 21 9:00 A.M. You are invited to join us for the Pre-school s annual Sing Around the Tree in the Fellowship Hall at 9:00. Our adorable Three-Year-Old, Pre- K, and Kindergarten students will be singing and performing all things Christmas.

6 December 2018 Please remember to bring the gift for your HOC Angel to the church office or the HOC office by Dec. 10th. This gives Santa time to check the list twice (or 3 or 4 times!) to be sure every boy and girl has something special to open on Christmas day. The kindergarten- 2nd grade will sing around the tree and receive their gifts on Dec. 17th, while 3rd- 5th graders will celebrate on Dec. 20th. Please join us for this celebration of love and sharing made possible by your donations. Both programs begin at 4:00pm. Booth Museum tours and Art activities begin this month! The children are always excited to visit the Booth Museum and look forward to creating their own masterpieces through their outreach program. You can view student artwork during The Kid s Cowboy UP exhibit going on all this month in The Borderlands Gallery. Chapel Focus for Decemember HOC Inclement Weather Policy Dec. 6 Christmas Parade- No ASP Dec Bring Angel gifts to church office or HOC office Dec. 17 and 20th Christmas Celebration 4:00 in the Fellowship Hall Dec. 21-Jan. 7 - Holidays Hands of Christ follows the inclement weather procedures for Cartersville City Schools. If schools close or dismiss early due to potentially dangerous weather, afterschool will also close. If school is in session the full day our students will be brought to afterschool and a decision about dismissal will be made according to the safety of road conditions.

7 FPC Children & Youth What we ve been up to! By Allyson Ireland Berry College Team-Building Event: On Sunday October 21 st, the youth participated in a team-building event hosted by Berry College s BOLD program. We spent the evening playing fun games that helped us get to know one another and work on our leadership and team skills. We are so grateful to the parents who set up this event for us, the BOLD team for leading us, and the chaperones for the evening who made sure everything went smoothly. We are excited to work together with our newfound cooperative skills! Church BBQ: On Sunday October 21 st, the church held its annual church barbecue at Dellinger Park. The youth had so much fun interacting with members of our church from all generations. We enjoyed having fellowship with adults, and we had so much fun playing with the children. We look forward to interactions with the congregation so that we can grow closer to Christ and each other. FAB Wednesday Lunches: Several of the high school youth who attend Cartersville High School get to leave school early on Wednesdays. Every other Wednesday, these youth meet for lunch and to help Ms. Renee plan events or help in other ways. The high school youth love getting this free time. We are so glad that we get to spend it with each other and help our church too! December Schedule Sunday, 2 nd No evening activities Tuesday, 4th Youth Friendship Table 5:45pm Wednesday, 5 th Dinner & Advent Activities 5:30pm Thursday, 6 th Cartersville Parade 6pm Sunday, 9 th Youth & 345 present The Littles Christmas Party! 4pm-6:30pm Wednesday, 12 th Dinner & Activities 5:30pm Saturday, 15th Parent s Night Out 4:30pm to 8:30pm Sunday, 16 th Inter-generational Caroling 3pm Fellowship Hall Wednesday, 19 th No activities Sunday, 23 rd One Service-11am No Sunday School or Evening Activities Monday, 24th Christmas Eve Services 5pm, 7pm and 9pm Sunday, 30 th One Service-11am No Sunday School or Evening Activities

8 The Loveletter December 2018 December Birthdays 5 Pam Schilling 5 Laurie McAfee 7 Ken Thornton 7 Andy Johnson 9 Suzanne Collins 10 Joe Noble 10 Alan Barnes 10 Marion Panter 11 Winnie Trotter 12 Nona Smith 12 Jennifer Nebergall 12 Gillian Bergman 13 Bonnie Floyd 13 Joyce Smith 15 Happy Adams 15 Kathy Farnon 15 Logan Davis 15 Anne Tatum Johnson 18 Harry Treadway 18 Molly Mendenhall 18 Terry Lavender 19 Cheryl Harris 19 Carson McAlexander 20 Floy White 20 Emma James 20 Owen Pruitt 21 Christine Greene 21 Anna Rentz 23 Wilma Cameron 25 Laura Layne 26 Rick Richardson 28 Mary Cullens 28 Lisa Neal 28 Alyson Atwell 28 Allyson Ireland 29 Jean Ivie 29 Faye Johnson 30 Molly Collins In December We Pray for Our Church: Staff: Renee Shields, Keith Gamble (ASP), Rhonda Gilliam (ASP), Beth Weathersby (Preschool), Rebekah Beaver (Preschool) Officers: Mary Gilreath (Session), Courtney Meckley (Diaconate) Ministries: Hospitality Ministry Families: December 1-7: Jennifer Tasker, Andrew Tate, J.B and Dianne Tate, Debra Tatum, Lauren Tatum December 8-14: Kathy Thomas, Ed Thomasson, Randy and Jackie Thompson, Ken and Sandra Thornton, Gerry Thrasher December 15-21: Ben Tilley, Daniel Tilley, Lynne Tilley, David Tilley, Mike and Cindy Tobin (Derek, Adam, Corey) December 22-30: Harry Treadaway, Grant and Carrie Trotter (Vivian, Winnie), Kyle and Jamie Lee Tucker, Bob and Teresa Unser, Dane Vaughan

9 First Presbyterian Church 183 West Main Street Cartersville, GA Contact Mike Anderson, pastor Pam Radford, director of music Robert Reed, director of contemporary music Brady Payne, children s choir director brady@cartersvillepres.org Becky Ferguson, secretary becky@cartersvillepres.org Angie Hood, receptionist angie@cartersvillepres.org Beth Weathersby, preschool co-director beth@cartersvillepres.org Lindsay Scoggins, preschool co-director lindsay@cartersvillepres.org Jean Dudley, after school program director jean@cartersvillepres.org Araceli Munoz, after school program araceli@cartersvillepres.org Renee Shields, director of children & youth renee@cartersvillepres.org Brice Green, children & youth intern December Calendar December 3 10:00am - PW Morning Circle Christmas Party at home of Faye Johnson 6:30pm - PW Evening Circle Christmas Party at Gilreath Home December 4 6:30pm - Properties Committee Meeting December 5 6:15pm - Inter-generational Advent Journey December 6 5:30pm - Christmas Carols in Sanctuary 6:00pm - Cartersville Christmas Parade December 7 1:00pm - Bridge Group December 9 4:30pm - Children s Christmas Party December 12 6:15pm - Service of Light & Hope December 13 6:15pm - Hospitality Committee Meeting 6:30pm - Ladies Night El Charro December 16 10:00am - Christmas Extravaganza Stocking Stuffing before and after Extravaganza 3:00pm - Inter-generational Caroling December 17 4:00pm - ASP Christmas Celebration K-2nd 5:30pm - Stewardship & Finance Meeting December 18 6:15pm - Worship Committee Meeting 6:30pm - Mission Committee Meeting 7:00pm - Session Meeting December 20 4:00pm - ASP Christmas Celebration 3rd-5th December 21 9:00am - Preschool Sing Around the Tree December 23 11:00am - One Combined Worship in Sanctuary December 24 5:00pm - Children s Christmas Eve Worship 7:00pm - Candlelight Service of Lessons & Carols 9:00pm - Candlelight Service of Nine Lessons & Carols December 30 11:00am - One Combined Worship in Sanctuary Holiday Schedule FPC Preschool & Hands of Christ ASP Holidays 12/24/18-1/7/19 FPC Church Office Holidays - Dec. 25, 26, 27 & Dec Jan. 1