The Spire. December 2018 & January The Spire Content

Size: px

Start display at page:

Download "The Spire. December 2018 & January The Spire Content"

Marcus Hensley
5 years ago
Views:

The Spire December 2018 & January 2019 First Presbyterian Church 169 W. College Street P.O. Box 446 Waynesburg, PA 15370 Phone: 724-627-6006 Fax: 724-852-2502 firstpreswbg.com wbgprsby@windstream.

Helpers & Birthdays Page 6: Crossroads Youth Ministry Page 7: Financial Update Insert Calendar 2018 has been an eventful year in our lives: Karen retired from full-time teaching; we celebrated our 40

1 The Spire December 2018 & January 2019 First Presbyterian Church 169 W. College Street P.O. Box 446 Waynesburg, PA Phone: Fax: firstpreswbg.com Facebook: First Presbyterian Church of Waynesburg The Spire Content Page 1: From the Pastor Page 2: Discipleship & Fellowship Page 3: Music & Children's Ministry Page 4: Mission Corner Page 5: Helpers & Birthdays Page 6: Crossroads Youth Ministry Page 7: Financial Update Insert Calendar 2018 has been an eventful year in our lives: Karen retired from full-time teaching; we celebrated our 40 th wedding anniversary; the congregation graced us with a summer sabbatical; and if that were not enough, our first and second daughters became pregnant. Our first-born, Cara, had our granddaughter, Lucy, on October 6. Lucy was born six weeks early, and remains hospitalized as of today (November 30). We are grateful for all the prayer and support given them and us as we continue to navigate her recovery. We, and Cara and Geoff, are all looking forward to the day when Lucy comes home. Our second daughter, Rachel, is due December 1; so far all is well, and we look forward to being with her and Bob as they welcome their little girl into the world. They currently live in Georgia, and Karen and I anticipate a trip there Christmas. Thinking about these granddaughters has made me more aware than ever of the paradox of infancy babies are at once weak and powerful. On the one hand, our Lucy and her soon to be born cousin are utterly helpless. They can t eat or drink, fend or care for themselves. Every one of their needs has to be met by another, as they live so dependently on us. And yet, at the very same time, their coming has the power to change everything. Schedules adjust and plans shift family dynamics are thrown into flux... parents and siblings jump at every whimper and cry rooms get rearranged,...budgets are thrown out the window. That paradox of weakness and power is most fully realized when we consider the reality of the incarnation of Jesus Christ, as we celebrate Advent and Christmas this month. Scripture is filled with the praise that mystery brings as John marvels at the reality of God becoming flesh and living among us John 1:14 and Paul wonders at the humility of Jesus (Philippians 2:5-11), forsaking glory and becoming like a servant. St. Augustine proclaimed that paradox like this: Maker of the sun, He is made under the sun.... In [the Father] He remains, From [His mother] He goes forth. Creator of heaven and earth, He was born on earth under heaven. Unspeakably wise, He is wisely speechless; filling the world, He lies in a manger; Ruler of the stars, He nurses at His mother s bosom. He is both great in the nature of God, and small in the form of a servant, but so that His greatness is not diminished by His smallness, nor His smallness overwhelmed by His greatness. This Advent season, we will be reflecting on God s power in weakness as we consider each of the names of Jesus foretold by the prophet Isaiah: For to us a child is born, to us a son is given, and the government will be on his shoulders. And he will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace. (9:6). His names reveal to us his character and purpose, bringing hope to us and through us to our world. I look forward to gathering with you as we celebrate the birth of the Savior! See you Sunday! Bill Christmas Eve Candlelight services will be held 7:00 PM & 11 PM Please plan to join us as we celebrate and worship the Lord Jesus.

Discipleship & Fellowship by Becky Juliano Discipleship Hour: January 20 Behold Your God with Tim Fox Our Discipleship Hour provides great opportunities to meet and interact with other people in the

If you have any questions, contact Becky Juliano (bjuliano@ccojubilee.org, 518-788-8768).

We ll slow down to learn and experience a few spiritual practices that can keep us focused on God and the birth of Christ in this season.

Please note, there will be no Discipleship Hour groups meeting on December 30th. Groups will resume on January 6th.

2 Discipleship & Fellowship by Becky Juliano Discipleship Hour: January 20 Behold Your God with Tim Fox Our Discipleship Hour provides great opportunities to meet and interact with other people in the congregation while growing in our faith. Our Discipleship hour begins at 9:00 AM on Sunday mornings. Please check out the opportunities below. If you have any questions, contact Becky Juliano ). Discipleship Hour: An Advent Journey with Becky Juliano Join us on Sunday mornings at 9 AM in December as we journey toward Christmas together. We ll slow down to learn and experience a few spiritual practices that can keep us focused on God and the birth of Christ in this season. The ways we engage with God during this time and throughout the week will bring richness to our experience of Christmas this year. Please note, there will be no Discipleship Hour groups meeting on December 30th. Groups will resume on January 6th. Contact Becky Juliano for more No Discipleship Hour: December 30 Discipleship Hour: January 6 Introduction to the Enneagram with Chaley Knight Have you longed to be the person God has created you to be? Have you struggled to maintain your identity in Christ amidst other expectations of you? The Enneagram offers you an introspective look into your personality as well as language to help you grow into your personality as well as language to help you grow into the healthiest version of yourself. Discipleship Hour: January 13 Life in Pakistan with Nicky Stock Join us Sunday morning to hear more about Nicki Stock s ministry in Pakistan. She has done incredible work in a very challenging country. Come hear her stories and ask you questions! Explore the character of God through the lens of scripture and the witness of the church. Behold Your God is a profound 12-week study of God s character. Each study features a historical profile of a man or woman of God (John Knox, John Newton, Hudson Taylor, Ann Judson) and focuses on a single aspect of God s character. This group will meet during the Discipleship Hour on Sunday mornings at 9 AM starting on January 20th. 12/5: Chipotle 12/12: Best of Wed. Nights 12/19: POTLUCK Children s Program to follow 12/26 NO Dinner 1/2: NO Dinner Spaghetti Lunch On January 20 th we will be having a church lunch immediately following worship. This lunch is sponsored by the Waynesburg University students attending the Jubilee Conference in February. Everyone is invited to come and enjoy a great meal! Donations will be accepted (but they are not necessary). All donations received for this lunch will go towards offsetting the cost for students to attend the conference. The Jubilee Conference is sponsored by the CCO and is all about living faithfully in every area of life. It s a gathering of thousands of college students learning how to worship God with their whole lives. This year s theme, Transform Everything will challenge students in live radically for the Kingdom. Wednesday Night Dinners You can take the night off from cooking & enjoy a delicious meal & fellowship. $3/Person $2/Child $1/ University Students $10/Family Max The meal will be served at 5:30 PM. 1/9: NO Dinner 1/16:White Chicken Chili & Loaded Potato Soup 1/23: Burger Night 1/30: Create-Your-Own Chicken Salad

Music & Children s Ministry by Tomē Custer To truly show our gratitude for all the God has given us, we need to reach out to and serve

For the Consecration Sunday luncheon, the children made 120 (yes, one-hundred-andtwenty) silverware holders as a service project for others

It was amazing to see how that one afternoon of working together made them feel proud of themselves and like they were truly an important

Children s Christmas Program 2018 Children's Christmas Program Wednesday, December 19 th 5:30 PM dinner that night will be a pot luck meal.

..Special Join us as our children present two original plays. Come laugh, and think about what Christmas really means to all of us.

3 Music & Children s Ministry by Tomē Custer To truly show our gratitude for all the God has given us, we need to reach out to and serve others. For the Consecration Sunday luncheon, the children made 120 (yes, one-hundred-andtwenty) silverware holders as a service project for others to enjoy. It was amazing to see how that one afternoon of working together made them feel proud of themselves and like they were truly an important part of the FPC family. Children s Christmas Program 2018 Children's Christmas Program Wednesday, December 19 th 5:30 PM dinner that night will be a pot luck meal. Please bring a dish to share. 6:45 PM Program Not (Just) a Shepherd & A Very Special Christmas...Special Join us as our children present two original plays. Come laugh, and think about what Christmas really means to all of us. Celebrate the birth of Jesus. Schedule of Events for Kids Sundays 9:00 AM Discipleship Hour 10:00 AM Youth Choir (will resume 1/6) 11:45 AM 12:15 PM Youth Handbell Choir (will resume 1/6) Wednesdays 3:15-5:30 PM Pathways (will resume 1/9) Christmas Play Wednesday December 19, 2018 Praise Band Drummer Wanted! The FPC Praise Team is in search of a back-up drummer or two to join us on Sunday mornings. We are looking for someone with experience. Rehearsal is Sunday at 9:00 AM, 1-2 Sundays a month. If interested, please contact Tomē Custer, tomelodies@gmail.com

Mission Corner International Missions Faith Promise Giving

of you who support Faith Promise Giving.

Faith Promise giving is used solely for missions.

Decide the amount you want to give to the general budget and the

Then write a check to the church and ear mark it per your request.

The Mission Team: Kathie Bortz, Tiffany Gardone, Carolyn

Ministries Jefferson, PA Greater Waynesburg Christian Outreach

4 Mission Corner International Missions Faith Promise Giving (missions) by Kathie Bortz Local Missions We are grateful to all of you who support Faith Promise Giving. None of our general budget goes toward missions. Faith Promise giving is used solely for missions. I am grateful to report we are current in our giving toward all our mission projects. Please continue to give toward Faith Promise (missions) before December 15. Question: How do I support Faith Promise Giving (missions)? Decide the amount you want to give to the general budget and the amount you want to give to missions. Then write a check to the church and ear mark it per your request. Ex:$100 General and Faith Promise (missions) $50. The Mission Team: Kathie Bortz, Tiffany Gardone, Carolyn Sondericker, Beth Zeth Houses 4 Haiti Local Children's Bible Ministries Jefferson, PA Greater Waynesburg Christian Outreach West Waynesburg, PA Crisis Pregnancy Center Waynesburg Greene County. Habitat for Humanity Jefferson, PA Pine Springs Camp, Jennerstown, PA Equip International George and Lisa Foose Marion, NC International Christian Missions in Many Lands Colin & Mary Crow France & Madagascar Interserve Paul and Pat Stock and Nicky Stock Pakistan Caribbean Youth Network Dan & Kelly Weightman Bahamas Bethany International Maddy Cerra Indonesia Houses-4-Haiti Haiti

5 Happy birthday to you! Helpers 12/01 Vickie Wagner 12/02 Frank Pazzynski 12/03 Rhea Kijowski 12/05 Mark Allison 12/06 Jan Brunell Louis Giachetti 12/07 Gabriel McConville 12/08 Katherine Jane Toothman 12/17 Elinor Baily Ruth C. Mitchell 12/19 Sophie Batchelder 12/20 Caleb Boyd Blair Brianna Davenport Heather Pioch 12/21 Betty Zackal 12/24 Tami B. Ribar Miriam A. Wentzel Frederick K. Zeth 12/25 Norma Jean Harper 12/26 Jessica Sumpter Isaiah Edwards Vinay 12/27 John C. Rice 12/28 David F. Pollock 12/29 George Nader Bernie Vensel 12/30 Ryan Thorn 12/31 Jack Fudala Donna D. Waine Pray for these dear ones Connie Teagarden Ruth Mitchell Marie Simmons Mary Louise John Rice Bill Thomas Joan Huffman Sue Cowell Elva Dee Wilson Alice Teagarden Tiffany Gardone 01/03 Brian Scott Dukate 01/04 Andrew Baur 01/05 Matthew Gene Fox 01/06 Cari L. Baily 01/09 Alyssa Hook 01/12 Beatrice Hook 01/14 Emily Marie Swidler 01/16 Matt Blair 01/16 Rachel Chang Zhi Calvario 01/17 Heidi Lynne Blair Becky Ann Juliano Ainsley Phllips 01/18 Chaley Knight 01/20 Erin Erjavek Brad Wentzel 01/21 Alissa Joy Pettit 01/22 J.D. David Barrett Elva Dee Wilson 01/24 Hayden Jo Heethuis 01/25 Skylar Ann Braga Lauren Theresa Fox 01/26 Glenell Agnolutto Bailey Noelle Fudala Nancy Moore 01/27 Nicholas Taylor Fox Nancy C. Oldham 01/31 Thomas E. Andrews Melissa Cramer Sally C. Maxwell Pray for those in service Casey Parsons Jason Cowart Edward Wagner Jake Wilson Brandon Brown Daniel Calvario David Calcek Drew McConville Ryan McGrath Peter Coote Arthur Zeth Nursery Helpers December 2 Leo Christner 9 Ben Maxwell 16 Ethan Maxwell 21 Rachel Calvario 28 Grace Kalsey Nursery Helpers January 6 Brianna Pettit 13 Eleanor Cerra 20 Elliott Wentzel 27 Eliza Baily Ushers December Steve King Rex McCracken Ross Kalsey Mark McCullough Bobby Fox Lisa Schroyer Ushers January Jeff McCracken Bill Hook Ben R. McCracken David Baily Eliza Baily We rejoice in the birth of Emilie Triano November 13, 2018, the daughter of of Julia & Jim Triano Sympathy of the congregation is extended to the family of Mary Louise Rice. Mary Louise passed away on November 9, 2018 A memorial gift has been received in memory of Mary Louise from Karl & Janice Baily.

Crossroads Youth Ministry I was recently asked to think of a tagline for Crossroads... Disney is The happiest place on earth Paris is The city of love Wal-Mart is Save money. Live better.

As I think back at all of the moments we had this year moments filled with laughter and silliness, moments of deep friendship and conversation, moments where we stepped out of our comfort zones at a

In spite of all of our differences, what brings us together is one name: Jesus.

6 Crossroads Youth Ministry I was recently asked to think of a tagline for Crossroads... Disney is The happiest place on earth Paris is The city of love Wal-Mart is Save money. Live better. What is Crossroads? As I think back at all of the moments we had this year moments filled with laughter and silliness, moments of deep friendship and conversation, moments where we stepped out of our comfort zones at a retreat or mission trip and made incredible memories, and moments where we just met up week after week to be together, no matter what it becomes clear that Crossroads is so much more than youth group. In spite of all of our differences, what brings us together is one name: Jesus. by Juan Gallo It doesn t matter how well you know him or if you don t know him at all, because when you come here you will meet him. You will encounter him in our music, our message, and our discussion; but most of all you will come face to face with Him in the smiles of every single person at Crossroads. Whether it s a college student sacrificing hours of their weekend to serve or a parent passing through to drop off a snack, an adult leader greeting you at the door or meeting up with you at 7 AM to walk through life with you, or a student from your school standing by your side to play a game. Jesus is in every smile, and smiles are plentiful at Crossroads. Thank you to all who make Crossroads an amazing place to be. We can t wait to show you what s in store in 2019! Crossroads is, " Where we meet Jesus. Upcoming Dates: December 16: Christmas Party! December 23: No Crossroads December 30: No Crossroads January 16: Returns!!! Follow us: Insta: crossroadsyouthwbg Fb: crossroadswaynesburg fpccrossroads@gmail.com Call/text:

7 Stewardship Money is both a test and a trust from God, however most people fail to realize it. God uses finances to teach us to trust him (money is the greatest test of all for many people). The question asked: Is the way you manage your money preventing God from doing more in your life? Financial stewardship is a fundamental part of our personal spiritual relationship with Christ - One of those exceptional times when the giver is the principle beneficiary of the gift. All that is required is obedience to trust in God s promises when giving. Each one must do as he has made up his mind, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver. And God is able to provide you with every blessing in abundance, so that you may always have enough of everything and provide in abundance for every good work (II Cor: 9:7-8 RSV) Our church annually budgets over $335,000 to meet operating expense and $33,500 in support of missions. Nearly 75% of the money is for the staffing we have been blessed with. As session develops a spending plan for 2019 it will focus on a balanced budget. This means whatever you faithfully give to God s work will be the key factor in having funds to complete our church s mission. This is a healthy financial discipline requiring each person to take ownership, to do his and her part, to meet the daily needs of our church. Actual Budget 10/31/ by Ben McCracken Actual Missions 2018 Christian Missions - Crow $2,000 Interserve - Nicky Stock $2,000 Interserve - Paul & Pat Stock $2,000 Caribbean Youth Network $2,000 Equip International $2,000 Christian Bible Ministeries CBM 2,500 Habitat for Humanity - Greene 1,850 Pine Springs Camp 2,150 CBM - Todd & Carla Witter 2,000 CCO 400 Waynesburg Christian Outreach 1,800 Crisis Pregnancy Center 1,800 Jubilee - WU 1,229 Bethany Inter'l - Maddy Cerra 1,000 Houses for Haiti 7,659 Dominican Republic Items 356 Resurrection Power - Washington Presby Samaritan's Purse Wycliffe Bible Translators Washington City Mission JAARS Fellowship of Christian Athletes Corner Cupboard Food Bank total expense $32,744 Transfer to Dominican Republic Mission $1,375 Transfer to Mission Designated Fund $800 Pledged Giving 26,194 CCO - designated 404 Balance ,325 total $34,923 Balance $4 Staff $187,226 $245,441 Property 45,356 47,000 Christian Ed 10,678 18,900 Evangelism 575 2,000 Fellowship 1,712 2,600 W & S 1,772 2,500 Office 8,333 12,500 Deacons 2,000 total expense $255,652 $332,941 Giving 224, ,200 Investments 42,240 59,875 Other 1,378 1,210 total income $268,553 $333,285 Mission Corner In January, 2019, we will be hearing from several of the missionaries that we ve supported for many years. December 30-Maddy Cerra serving in Indonesia January 13 -Nicky Stock serving in Pakistan January 20-Colin & Maureen Crow serving in France and Madagascar Surplus $12,901 $344

8 Sun Mon Tue Wed Thu Fri Sat Every Sunday 9:00 AM Discipleship Hour 9:00 AM Praise Team 10:00 AM Youth Choir 10:30 AM Worship 11:15 AM Youth Handbell 5:00 8:00 PM Crossroads 2 9:00 AM ADVENT class begins Communion 12:30 PM Pathways Leadership 9 12:30 PM Single Ladies LIFE Group 16 12:30 PM Pathways Leadership 23 12:30 PM Single Ladies 30 Missionary Maddy Cerra speaking 3 4 6:30 PM Stewardship 6:30 PM Property 7:00 PM Session :00 PM & 11:00 PM Christmas Eve Candlelight Services Christmas Day 5 5:30 PM Wed. Night Dinner 12 5:30 PM Wed. Night Dinner 19 5:30 PM Pot Luck Dinner 6:45 PM Children s Christmas Program 26 1:00 PM Mission Team :00 PM Good Neighbor Dinner 1 9:00 Deacons Assemble Christmas Baskets 29 December 2018

9 Sun Mon Tue Wed Thu Fri Sat Every Sunday 9:00 AM Discipleship Hour 9:00 AM Praise Team 10:00 AM Youth Choir 10:30 AM Worship 11:15 AM Youth Handbell 6 9:00 AM Intro to Enneagram Communion 12:30 PM Pathways Leadership 13 9:00 AM Nicky Stock Missionary to Pakistan 12:30 PM Single Ladies LIFE Group 20 9:00 AM Behold Your God Colin & Maureen Crow Missionaries to France 12:00 Spaghetti Lunch 12:00 Deacons 27 12:30 PM Single Ladies :30 PM Stewardship 6:30 PM Property 7:00 PM Session :30 PM Wed. Night Dinner 23 5:30 PM Wed. Night Dinner 30 5:30 PM Wed. Night Dinner 6:30 PM Mission Team Mission Trip to the DR :00 PM Good Neighbor Dinner Mission Trip to the DR 26 January

10 First Presbyterian Church 169 West College St., P.O. Box 446 Waynesburg, PA RETURN SERVICE REQUESTED The mission of ECO is to BUILD flourishing CHURCHES that make disciples of JESUS CHRIST Bill Sukolsky Pastor Becky Juliano Director of Discipleship & Ministry Sara Christner, Harrison Scott Pianists Nelson Fox Organist Ben R. McCracken Treasurer Shelley McCracken Financial Clerk Juan Gallo Director of Student Ministries Tome Custer Director of Music & Children s Ministries tomelodies@gmail.com Maribeth Coote Administrative Assistant wbgprsby@windstream.net Patrecia Baily Financial Secretary Vicki Cline Custodian

The Spire. September The Spire Content

The Spire. September The Spire Content The Spire September 2018 L.I.F.E. groups are committed to: Learning God s Word together Interacting with God Fellowship with one another Extending ourselves to others First Presbyterian Church 169 W. College