web: fpcesc.org Advent 2012

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1 819 1 st Ave. South, Escanaba, MI Phone Fax office.fpcesc@gmail.com web: fpcesc.org The church expresses its gratitude to God for the person of Mary E. Dube, and its sympathy and Christian love to her friends on her passing October 22 nd MEMBERS AND FRIENDS WITH SPECIAL NEEDS Bill Pearl; Judy Papineau; Diane Franson; Audie Giller; Marie DeHaan. Praising God for Joan Murray s recovery and strengthening. THE CONGREGATION AT HOME Lenore Hall; Elveda Hansen; David and Alicemae Laakso; Virginia Eagleson, Bill Mather; Mary Lou Baker, Barbara Haines, Helen Sprague and Elizabeth Zuehlke; Lois McGovern; Elvera Segorski; Marilyn McGinnis; Betty Schlosser; Hazel Killmar.

2 The Presbyterian Voice From the Pastor Knock Knock. Who s there? I think I know what you are thinking. Soon it will be Advent, and soon after that it will be Christmas, and finally I get something. Aren t you thinking that? I get some time away from my hard labor. I get some time in peace with my family. Yes, you are thinking that; these are highly prized. We get to enjoy some meals, we get to enjoy some time around the fireplace, we get to enjoy some things on cable television, we get to enjoy some time just being together. Uh-huh. It s not that you are selfish, or that I think you are selfish. (My thoughts are often those as well.) It s not that I don t think you deserve these things. You deserve these fine things, and more. It s just that God came to earth, that s what Christmas is about. It s just that God came to earth as a poor person, and intentionally so. It s just that the shape of God s life on earth began in a forced journey away from home, and ended without company. It s just that the holy family were refugees at first, as they fled the not-infrequently insane and vicious political power (same kind of political power that persists today). It s just that Jesus stands at the door, knocking (Revelation 3:20). Christians have it tough. Christmas to us means so much more than Walmart and Butterball. Now you know, beloved, who stands at the door, knocking. It isn t your immediate family. They just come on in, don t they. Who stands at the door, knocking. It is someone from the whole rest of the world, apart from them. Won t you let him in? The scriptures are numerous which suggest one of the reasons God came to earth as a person is so we could be able to recognize Christ in each other (persons). The beggar, the refugee, the blind, the lame. Trust me, this is not the end-times Jesus speaking about the end-times who told John of Patmos to tell the church at Laodicea that I am standing at the door, knocking. No, this is the Jesus of today who wants us to recognize him in the anyone who stands at the door, knocking. Who does so because he needs something. Bread. Safety. Companionship. A warm hearth. Reconciliation. Because we ve grown apart, you know. Even extended family, let alone neighbors, can grow apart. But one will come, knocking, and what he is mostly hoping for is your heart. Listen! I am standing at the door, knocking; if you hear my voice and open the door, I will come in to you and eat with you, and you with me. ~ Revelation 3:20 He s not going to bust in, beloved. You do have to open the door to him. And if it starts to look like there might be fewer knocks at your door this Christmas than you know is right, it is time to page 2

3 The Presbyterian Voice drop some cards in the mail or make a few phone calls. You do get something this Christmas quite a lot. You can have everything this Christmas. As your pastor I want you to have it all, you know. Christians have it tough because of Christmas. But they are blessed; they know rich blessings because of Christmas. So, may the thresholds of your home be richly crossed this holiday season by those who first knocked. I wish I could be there to see each and every one of your smiles and welcomes. But just knowing that you are following the idea here brings me joy. Imagine, Christ in your very home. Knock Knock. With you in Advent mission and Advent joy, Scott p.s. The White family will be looking hard this year at Christmas gifts (gifts to Christ) for Syrian refuges. Here are a couple links to peruse and for finding an agency of choice: (see page 7) And here is the Presbyterian Disaster Assistance response page for the East Coast hurricane. Calendar November 25 th Congregational meeting to elect deacons and elders, following service 26 th 7:30 p.m. Worship Committee Meeting ~ Library December 2 nd 1 st Sunday of Advent Pledge Dedication in service Church-Wide Hanging of the Greens following service; light lunch served 1:30 p.m. Bay De Noc Choral Society Concert (Bethany Lutheran) 2:00 p.m. Deacons and Pastor offer the service at Bishop Noa 3 rd 10:00 a.m. PWO Board Meeting ~ Library 8 th PWO Cookie Sale 9 th 2 nd Sunday of Advent 3:00 p.m. FPC Advent/Christmas Concert page 3

4 The Presbyterian Voice 16 th 3 rd Sunday of Advent 7:00 p.m. Festival of Choirs at St. Joseph and St. Patrick Church 17 th 7:00 p.m. Deacon s Meeting ~ Library 20 th 7:00 p.m. Session Meeting ~ Library 23 rd Children s Christmas Presentation in service 24 th 7:00 p.m. Christmas Eve Candlelight service 30 th Church School in recess Recurring Events Sundays 9:00 a.m. Church School 9:00 a.m. Sanctuary Choir rehearsal 10:30 a.m. Worship 5:00 p.m. Adult Bible Study ~ church school room 24 Wednesdays 7:00 p.m. Beginning Bells rehearsal 7:45 p.m. First Bells rehearsal Christian Education Church School News We d like to update you on the events of our church school this fall. The basis of our curriculum has been the same outline of Bible study as used in worship. (Units topics are underlined throughout) We ve looked at the beauty of creation through student taken digital pictures after breakfast in the park. The reality of evil in the world focused on good behaviors vs. bad behaviors that kids their age encounter. We had some fun role playing that Sunday. We raised a joyful noise singing Father Abraham when studying God chose a people. From the words of the song, I am one of them and so are you we realized that we are God s chosen people. The angels climbing up and down Jacob s ladder was our example of God made covenant with his people. The God gave instruction unit focused on Moses, Mt. Sinai, and the kids learning the 10 commandments. God gave Land had some delightful moments for the teachers... The perspective of the students was interesting as we constructed a time line showing that events in the Bible move slowly. The idea that 500 year passed since God chose the people (Abraham and descendents) and they entered the Promised Land was almost too much to imagine. And they surely didn t want to be the Israelites wandering around in a desert for 40 years getting to the Promised Land. One interesting student comment: The Israelites must have had a lot to learn (or were slow learners) if it took that long for God to think they were ready to have a land. We opened and sampled a pomegranate, one of the foods promised in the new land. Ours was rather bitter and they hoped the fresh ones in the land of Canaan were sweeter. We deviated from the adult worship schedule and chose the book of Ruth to understand how faithfulness leads to blessing. Still to come is unfaithfulness leads to woe. The page 4

5 The Presbyterian Voice word woe alone will generate some interesting talk. From the old testament scriptures we have tried to give the students an understanding of God s plan and how that plan and story does still include them and apply to us today... After all, this is the greatest story to teach and to learn. Notes CHRISTMAS PROGRAM: During December we will be working on what might be the Strangest Christmas Program Ever. Our church school students and teachers are excited. For success, we need all students with us (9:00 a.m.) each Sunday in December. The program will be part of the worship service on Sunday, December 23. CHURCH SCHOOL RECESS: No Church school on November 25 (Thanksgiving vacation) and December 30 (Christmas vacation). Priscilla Green Nursery Cleanup/Reorg/Restocking 2012: It Is Done! Members of session enjoy the peace of it... Congregational Care and Membership Welcome New Member / Directory Update Sara Penegor S. 8th Street Escanaba, MI College Care Packages We have made a list of the following college students who will be in receipt of a package: Patrick Baird, Becky Bender, Kaylee Cossette, Jake DeBrock, Alex DeHaan, Tom Doran, Dan Klim, Jack Klim, Jacob Koish, Josh Hall, Katie Manning, Austin Martin, Reid Rahoi, Tom Richards, Jordan Tianen, & Tory Wood. page 5

6 The Presbyterian Voice We ask that the parents of these students confirm the college that their son or daughter is attending and if possible, submit an address. Please call the church office with this information at A list of care package items will be posted in the kitchen serving window along with a box to place your donations of products. Packages will be ready for pickup by Christmas Eve. Finance Funding Ministry Campaign 2012 for the Year 2013 How blessed we were to hear a number of messages November 11 th in service and afterward as this year s Funding Ministry campaign began by you, the members and friends of First Presbyterian Church. Pledge Dedication Sunday is the 1 st Sunday of Advent, the beginning of the new Christian Year, December 2 nd. Please pray over your financial commitment to the church in the year ahead. We the people fund the mission and ministry of First Presbyterian Church. Mackinac Presbytery FPC pulled off another successful hosting of a meeting of Mackinac Presbytery! This on Saturday October 27 th. Representatives of the 41 churches in the presbytery came. Special recognitions go to Ann Wood, Miriam White, and the Sanctuary Choir for the music, to the Board of Deacons for support of the communion liturgies, to Jo Kemink, Janet Hall, and Kathy Christianson for special and lengthy service in the kitchen, and to John Klim for the photography. A proper church sanctuary. Still about the best thing there is that humans can make. page 6

7 The Presbyterian Voice Mission and Outreach FPC served the Saturday lunch at the Escanaba Salvation Army on November 3 rd. Your general operating fund contributions to FPC at work! Though it was a large team, special thanks go to Lorie Landis and Linda Peterson, and members of the FPC Youth Group. Nominating Committee Your nominating committee is comprised of: Elizabeth Wilson, Kathy Christianson, Alex DeHaan, Sally Briggs, Paul DeHaan, Jeff Beggs, and Scott White, ex officio. This Sunday it will nominate to the congregation for Elders to serve on the Session: Paul DeHaan (2nd Term), Barb Bennett, and Jill Martin. And for Deacons to serve on the Board of Deacons: April Durow (2nd Term), Margaret DeHaan, Sally Briggs, and Carol Varvil. Paul DeHaan, co-chair Personnel Committee A note from Chuck Briggs Dear Friends and Members, Thank you for the kind departing words so many of you have expressed to me over the last couple weeks. I have so much enjoyed serving you as Treasurer these last 8 and a half years. I don't get a chance to do much bookkeeping with my day job at Riverside Auto Group, so I enjoyed paying bills and processing payroll and reconciling accounts and completing budgets, etc. for the Church. During my tenure I was able to witness a small congregation complete some VERY large financial commitments. When I started we owed Wells Fargo approximately $275,000 for the building improvements done in the late '90s. This was fully paid in Also when I started, a campaign to refurbish the stained glass windows was in full swing. We were able to satisfy that commitment by 2006 to the tune of around $50,000. In addition to this, the congregation has been looking ahead. We have established a Reserve Maintenance Fund that now has roughly $30,000 in order to fund future maintenance and improvements to our beautiful building. You made my job much easier by being steadfast in your commitment to fund our ministry. I rarely was short on funds to satisfy payroll or accounts payable. And if I was short on funds we were able to borrow from ourselves through our other funds rather than having to go to outside sources. page 7

8 The Presbyterian Voice Also enjoyable to me during my tenure was the relationship with the other FPC staff, especially the Head of Staff and Pastor, Scott White. Scott's organizational and communication skills were SO helpful in so many ways to me as Treasurer. The Congregation is fortunate to have not only a caring, prayerful, thoughtful Pastor, but also a man who understands the business side of the church. Now I leave the books in the capable hands of Roxanne Rahoi. The transition has gone smoothly. You will be well served. Thank you for your trust in me all of these years. Sincerely, Chuck Briggs A note from Roxanne Rahoi Hi everyone! I am just taking a moment to say thanks, for giving me the opportunity to serve this church as your new Treasurer. But, I first want to give praise to Chuck Briggs for his professionalism in handling the bookkeeping/accounting position as FPC Treasurer. To me, he has performed exceptional work over the past 8 years and I applaud him for all that he has done. As for me, most of you know that I have been a life-long member of First Presbyterian Church and that Rod and I have 3 grown adult children. My education background includes a bachelor s degree in business majoring in management and marketing. For the past 8 years I have focused on the financial part of business by being a Tax Professional for H & R Block and an Office Administrator/Bookkeeper for profit and nonprofit organizations. I have worked with the bookkeeping/accounting system that Chuck has established with this church, Quickbooks, for the past 7 years and I am also educated in accounting principles and business mathematics. I am eager to serve and am thankful for being given this opportunity. If you should have any questions for me please feel free to contact me at roxanne.fpcesc@gmailcom. Blessings to all of you! I am a Christian When I say that I am a Christian, I am not shouting that I am clean living. I m whispering I was lost but now I m found and forgiven. When I say I am a Christian, I don t speak of this with pride, I m confessing that I stumble and need Christ to be my guide. When I say I am a Christian, I m not trying to be strong. I m professing that I m weak and need His strength to carry on. When I say I am a Christian, I m not bragging of success. I m admitting I have failed and need God to clean my mess. When I say I am a Christian, I m not claiming to be page 8

9 The Presbyterian Voice perfect. My flaws are far too visible, but God believes I am worth it. When I say I am a Christian, I still feel the sting of pain. I have my share of heartaches, so I call upon His name. When I say I m a Christian, I m not holier than thou. I m just a simple sinner who received God s good grace, somehow! Author Unknown, but thought it was worth printing Peace, Jodi Presbyterian Women s Organization Update from the Ladies In October we hosted the Presbytery meeting. Kathy Christianson and her crew of five provided snacks and goodies which were very well received. Scott appreciated it so much he awarded each worker a beautiful framed picture taken of them. At the November meeting of the board it was voted to donate $500 to Presbyterian Disaster Relief to help the victims of Hurricane Sandy on the east coast. December 8 is Cookie Sale time. Last year we found a demand for decorated sugar cookies. Apparently they seem more like Christmas. We will be calling to remind folks we appreciate cookies and more cookies. Set up will be Friday at 10 am and cookies may be brought in that morning or Saturday by 9 am. The sale opens at 10 am. Fancy containers are not necessary as we will be putting a variety of cookies on plates. Joy Kuivinen feels the ladies like to go out to lunch and is making arrangements with the Stone House for December 13 at noon. Reservations must be made with the office. Just a reminder, Hannah Circle does not meet in December. Have a wonderful holiday season. Please enjoy this recipe by Rita Badham Sweet Potato Casserole: by Rita Badham 3 cups sweet potatoes, cooked and mashed 1 cup sugar - or less 1/2 cup evaporated milk 2 eggs 1/3 cup butter pinch of salt Combine ingredients until smooth and pour into 2 quart casserole dish. Crunchy Topping: 1/3 cup butter 1/4 cup corn flakes 1/3 cup flour 1 cup brown sugar - or less Mix ingredients together Spread topping over casserole and bake uncovered at 350 degree for minutes page 9

10 The Presbyterian Voice Worship Commission Reminder: Keep your Sunday Morning Volunteer Ministries documentation handy! It is all newly updated. Acolytes December 2 nd Brooke and D.J. Landis 9 th Abbi Lark & Cassidy Magnuson 16 th Kyra Magnuson & Alyssa Lark Liturgists December 2 nd Jim Moore 9 th Mo curry Youth Group Inspirational Christian Calendars for the year of 2013 will be for sale. They make a perfect Christmas gift. The cost will be $6.50 and the proceeds will be used for mission outreach in the community. We will be selling the calendars for the month of December, quantities are limited. On behalf of the FPC youth group, we would like to thank everyone for their generous support of our Compassion International Bake Sale held October 7 th after worship. We were able to raise $ as a graduation gift to give to Margaret who lives in Uganda, Africa, our sponsor child for the past 13 years. It will be our farewell gift to her as she will no longer be in the Compassion International program. We would like to thank the people who provided products to bake with and baked goods to sell. For the parents and students who came Saturday to craft together so many delicious items. Finally, those who worked or purchased our finished products. The parents and students did a wonderful job but we need to send a special thank you to Kyra Magnuson who crafted hand-maid bookmarks and was our baker and dishwasher, Maggie DeHaan for diligently working on her (from scratch) red velvet cakes, Alex DeHaan's "homerun" bundt cake and Lorie and Brooke Landis for their hard work on cooking crusts and creating a delicious looking key lime pie. To everyone, God Bless you for being so giving. Your Friends in Christ, Maggie and Roxanne Sorry that we don t have a photo of Margaret handy. We love her and pray all God s blessings upon her. However, here is a Compassion International video about another Margaret in Uganda. It is so worth seeing, and explains why the FPC Youth Group has been passionate for Compassion International through the years: page 10

11 Happy Birthday December 2 Andy Wellman 4 Warren Lee 7 Molly Beggs, Marc Tall 8 Lynn Magnuson 9 Maggie DeHaan 11 Max Martin, Marti Meyer 12 Dan Klim, Jessica Koish, Bill Mather 16 Bryan Bender, Elliot White 18 Bob Van Dyke 19 Audrey Curry 23 Carol Marenger 24 Heidi Robitaille 28 Jim Moore 29 D.J. Landis The Presbyterian Voice January 2 Ron Magnuson 3 Barb Bennett 4 Bob Meyer, Ruth Dubbelde 5 Ethelyn Garrard 6 Reid Rahoi 7 Dave Briggs 13 Roy Kemink, Jacob Koish 17 Hal Martin 19 George Semmens, Jeff Beggs 21 Brooke Landis 23 Jack Klim 30 Lou Nolan 31 Roxanne Rahoi Being a Christian is like being a Pumpkin A lady recently her asked her co-worker what it was like to be a Christian. The lady replied, It s like being a pumpkin. God picks you from the patch, brings you in, and washes all the dirt off you. Then he cuts the top off and scoops out all the yucky stuff. He removes most of the seeds of doubt, hate, greed, etc., then he carves you a new smiling face and puts his light inside of you to shine for all the world to see. This message was passed on to me from another pumpkin that was picked from the patch. Share this with others including those who may still be in the pumpkin patch. page 11

12 First Presbyterian Church st Ave. So. Escanaba, MI ADDRESS SERVICE REQUESTED The Presbyterian Voice First Presbyterian Church Rev. Scott M. White, Pastor Ms. Julie Lang, Sexton Mrs. Roxanne Rahoi, Treasurer Ms. Taylor Thompson, Childcare Director Mrs. Jodi Tianen, Secretary Mrs. Miriam White, Organist Mrs. Ann Wood, Music Director