First Presbyterian Church PresbyNews. December, 2018 January, 2019

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First Presbyterian Church PresbyNews December, 2018 January, 2019 The season of Advent is here and Christ s Church collectively looks forward again to the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ.

It has had a dual, if ambivalent, connotation for centuries pointing to the Second Coming of Christ while also commemorating the birth of Jesus.

1 First Presbyterian Church PresbyNews December, 2018 January, 2019 The season of Advent is here and Christ s Church collectively looks forward again to the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ. The term Advent is based on a Latin word that means coming. It has had a dual, if ambivalent, connotation for centuries pointing to the Second Coming of Christ while also commemorating the birth of Jesus. Either way, Advent is a time of expectation; a time of looking forward to God s bringing a new dawn and new reality to Creation for all God s people. May your Advent and Christmas be blessed and enlightened by the Spirit of God who surrounds and upholds us in every season! On Sunday, December 2, Rev. Gavin Meek, NHP, will bring the message and Tripp Brogdon will be in the pulpit on December 9 th and 23 rd. We will be blessed with music on December 16 th as the Choir performs the Christmas Cantata, The Advent of Hope, The Birth of Peace by Robert Lau and Stephen Andrews. On December 30 th we will enjoy singing in the sanctuary as Randy & Sara Marie Jewart lead our Worship in a service of carols and reflections.

2 Chrismons and their meanings Chrismons are Christmas decorations of Christian symbols. They help Christians remember that Christmas is the celebration of Jesus's birthday. They are often used on Christmas trees in churches and Christians homes. They were first made by Frances Kipps Spencer at the Ascension Lutheran Church in Danville, Virginia, USA. Chrismon is a combination of Christ and monogram, (meaning symbol). It is traditional that Christian groups make their own Chrismons. This tradition has spread throughout the Christian world. Chrismons are traditionally colored white and gold. White is the liturgical (or Church) color for Christmas and symbolizes that Jesus was pure and perfect. Gold symbolizes His Majesty and Glory. Below are some Chrismon symbols and what they represent to Christians. The Cross symbolizes that Christians believe Jesus Christ died for everyone on a Cross. The Irish or Celtic Cross is a normal cross with a circle in the middle to symbolize eternity. The Triumphant Cross represents the earth with the cross on top. It symbolizes Jesus is triumphant over anything we can face in the world. The Jerusalem Cross was worn by the crusaders going to Jerusalem, in the Middle Ages. It can symbolize the Four Gospels in the Bible, the spread of the Gospel to the four corners of the earth or the five wounds of Jesus when he died on the cross. The Eastern Cross is used by many Eastern or Orthodox Churches. The Furca or Upsilon Cross comes from the Greek letter Y. It is also called The Thieves' Cross from the two robbers who were crucified on each side of Jesus. It also symbolizes the choice between good and evil.

3 The Anchor Cross reminds Christians that Jesus is the anchor of their faith. IHS are the first three letters of 'Jesus' in Greek, this has been used to represent Jesus from the third century. From the Middle Ages, they also were used in the Latin phrase "Jesus Hominum Salvator" which means "Jesus, Savior of men". The Fish is one of the oldest Christian symbols. The letters from the Greek word for fish (ichthus), stand for Jesus (I), Christ (X), God (Q), Son (Y), Savior (S). Some of Jesus' disciples were fishermen. Alpha and Omega are the first and the last letters of the Greek alphabet. Used together, they symbolize that Christians believe Jesus is the beginning and end of all things. The Chi-Rho looks like a 'P' with an 'X' on top of it. These two letters are the first two letters of the Greek word 'Christos' which means Christ. The Star of David, sometimes called the Star of Creation, is a symbol that Jesus was a Jew and a descendant of King David. A Five-Pointed Star represents the five wounds of Jesus on the cross. The Nativity Star is the symbol of the Star of Bethlehem or Epiphany, when the Wiseman visited Jesus. An Eight-Pointed Star represents baptism and regeneration.

4 The Crown is the symbol that Jesus is King. It shows that Christians believe Jesus is ruler over heaven and the earth. The Shepherd's Crook or Staff remembers that Jesus sometimes called himself a shepherd. It can also represent the shepherds who were the first people told about the birth of Jesus. Both symbols represent the Christian 'Trinity' of God, Jesus and the Holy Spirit The Scroll represents the Bible. The Dove is the symbol of peace and the Holy Spirit. It is shown pointing down to represent the Holy Spirit that appeared as a Dove when Jesus was baptized. The Candle represents that Christians believe Jesus is the Light of the World. The Shell is a symbol for baptism. It reminds Christians of the water in which they were baptized. It is also a sign of Pilgrimage, as Pilgrims to the Holy Land would use a shell as a drinking vessel.

5 The Cup or Chalice is a symbol of the Mass, Eucharist or Communion. It also represents God's forgiveness. The Angel reminds Christians of the angels who told the shepherds about the birth of Jesus Babe / Manger represents Jesus as a baby at Christmas. The Lamb is a symbol for Jesus who is sometimes called 'The Lamb of God'. The Butterfly is a symbol for transformation and the immortal soul. The Heart is a symbol of love and reminds Christians that God is love. The White Rose is a symbol for purity and can represent Mary.

PRESCHOOL/ELEMENTARY TEACHING SCHEDULE FOR DECEMBER 2018 AND JANUARY 2019 December December 2 nd

Katherine Folger/Charlene Tillman Sadie Smith/Karen Tillman Tom Hammer/Heather Tucker Douglas

Beck/Jean Page Watson Laura Katherine Folger/Charlene Tillman Sadie Smith/Karen Tillman Tom

th Wednesday, December 19 th Wednesday, December 26 th January Wednesday, January 2 nd Wednesday,

6 PRESCHOOL/ELEMENTARY TEACHING SCHEDULE FOR DECEMBER 2018 AND JANUARY 2019 December December 2 nd December 9 th December 16 th December 23 rd December 30 th Kelli Beck/Jean Page Watson Laura Katherine Folger/Charlene Tillman Sadie Smith/Karen Tillman Tom Hammer/Heather Tucker Douglas Anderson/Mary Jane Evans January January 6 th January 13 th January 20 th January 27 th Kelli Beck/Jean Page Watson Laura Katherine Folger/Charlene Tillman Sadie Smith/Karen Tillman Tom Hammer/Heather Tucker FUN PROGRAM SCHEDULE December Wednesday, December 5 th Wednesday, December 12 th Wednesday, December 19 th Wednesday, December 26 th January Wednesday, January 2 nd Wednesday, January 9 th Wednesday, January 16 th Wednesday, January 23 rd Wednesday, January 30 th 3 pm 3 pm 3 pm No Meeting No Meeting 3 pm 3 pm 3 pm 3 pm

YOUTH SCHEDULE FOR DECEMBER & JANUARY December 2 nd 6:00 pm December 9 th 6:00 pm December 16 th 6:00 pm We will do some type of Christmas Gathering - TBA December 23 rd No Meeting December 30 th No

from Joseph. We may not be part of a story that will be remembered for all time, but like Joseph, we encounter circumstance that we d never choose for ourselves.

7 YOUTH SCHEDULE FOR DECEMBER & JANUARY December 2 nd 6:00 pm December 9 th 6:00 pm December 16 th 6:00 pm We will do some type of Christmas Gathering - TBA December 23 rd No Meeting December 30 th No Meeting January 6 th January 13 th January 20 th January 27 th 6:00 pm 6:00 pm 6:00 pm 6:00 pm FELLOWSHIP CLASS ADVENT STUDY FAITHFUL: CHRISTMAS THROUGH THE EYES OF JOSEPH We re not that different from Joseph. We may not be part of a story that will be remembered for all time, but like Joseph, we encounter circumstance that we d never choose for ourselves. At time, it can be tempting just to walk away, but Joseph provides us a great example of humbly obeying God even when we don t understand, faithfully moving forward in the strength that God provides. The topics for the study are: 1. A Carpenter Named Joseph 2. Whose Child Is This? 3. Raising A Child Not Your Own 4. The Journey to Bethlehem 5. The Rest of the Story Plan to join the Fellowship Class as they begin their Advent Study on Sunday, December 2 nd.

PARLOR CLASS TO BEGIN THEIR ADVENT STUDY SUNDAY DECEMBER 9, 2018 Plan to join the Parlor Class on Sunday December 9 th as they begin their Advent Study: Not a Silent Night by Adam Hamilton.

Imagine the pain she felt at the crucifixion, her pride as Jesus ministry grew, and her unrestrained joy when she looked into his tiny face that fateful night in the stable.

8 PARLOR CLASS TO BEGIN THEIR ADVENT STUDY SUNDAY DECEMBER 9, 2018 Plan to join the Parlor Class on Sunday December 9 th as they begin their Advent Study: Not a Silent Night by Adam Hamilton. The class will experience Advent and Christmas with the one who knew Jesus more intimately than anyone else his mother, Mary. Imagine the pain she felt at the crucifixion, her pride as Jesus ministry grew, and her unrestrained joy when she looked into his tiny face that fateful night in the stable. The study will help us witness the life of Jesus from Mary s unique perspective, starting at the very end and traveling back in time to the very beginning the night of Christ s birth. The topics for study are: 1. Beginning with the End 2. The Piercing of Mary s Soul 3. Amazed, Astounded, and Astonished 4. Mary, Full of Grace 5. It was not a Silent Night We hope you will take this wonderful opportunity to join this wonderful group of people as they study what it must have been like for Mary. Thank you for your wonderful participation in Samaritan s Purse Shoe Boxes for children. We received 85 boxes from FPC members. A total of 1,563 boxes were collected from this area FPC members are volunteering at a Habitat s Brush-in-Kindness Project on Saturday, December 1st, and Saturday, December 8 th. We will be replacing a metal roof, fixing siding and painting for Jackie Ellerbe Shannon at 106 Agerton St. in Cheraw. Please meet at the job site at 8:30 am. No tools are needed. Also, if you plan to participate, please fill out the sign-up sheet in front of the Church's office

9 The Benefit of Building Families Program Earlier in this year, Carisa Gerald, Thornwell Building Families Specialist received a referral for a family, one of several, made up of a grandmother and two minor children. The focus of the referral was a 10-year-old male child, who was exhibiting impulsive behavior seeking attention. He was also having trouble accepting responsibility for his behavior, not accepting consequences, and anger outburst. During her 14 weeks of intensive services, Carisa engaged the children in therapeutic activities focus on accepting no, accepting consequences, following directions, avoiding power struggles, problem solving, and stopping and thinking before acting. She also instructed the grandmother on how to give effective praise and consequences, motivating, correcting, preventing actions, and communicating effectively. Due to the families increased communicating skills, utilizing the training they had received, the child s behavior and the family s overall interactions with one another improved. There is less bickering, not as many power struggles, better acceptance of responsibility for actions, and improved communication. There is also less frustration and more calm discipline with less attention on negative behavior and more on positive behavior. In September the family entered Aftercare Services. Carisa will continue monthly contact with the family, monitoring their progress, and providing additional services as needed. Join us in celebrating this family s graduation. It is the first of many as First Presbyterian Church and Thornwell partner for the betterment of the Cheraw community.

Prayer List Members: Gerry Rogers Jack Baker Anne Bryan Dee Pierce Relatives/Friends: Rebie Harrison (Sue Cutchin s mother) Bhree Barrett (Louise Carpenter s great niece) Rose Via (Tammy Joyce s

10 Prayer List Members: Gerry Rogers Jack Baker Anne Bryan Dee Pierce Relatives/Friends: Rebie Harrison (Sue Cutchin s mother) Bhree Barrett (Louise Carpenter s great niece) Rose Via (Tammy Joyce s mother ) Cheryl Goldsberry (Shirley Brock s daughter) Gracyn Sprouse (Shirley Brock s niece) Nancy Ingram Walters (Sloan Baker s sister) Fred Goddard (Craig Goddard s father) Sammy Boan (friend of Jean Page Watson) Evelyn Petros (Jean Page Watson s aunt) John Pruitt (Libby Pierce s brother) Gene Brymer (Gina Goddard s father) Robert Gantt (friend of Betty Davis) Hope Griggs (friend of Tracie Phillips) Vern Winburn (Randy Jewart s friend) David Perdue (Jennifer Tillman s father) Wayne Dickson (Louise Carpenter s son-in-law) Welbourne White (son of Betty Davis) Community: Chris Thrailkill Nursing Home Residents (Away): Residents at Presbyterian Communities: Artha Sompayrac (Summerville) B. J. Moore (Summerville) Other: Mid-East Conflict & Victims December 2 Becky Childers 9 Emily Beck 16 Maylen Harris 23 Sadie Smith 30 Shelley Morgan Fellowship Building Setup Groups or committees that require a special set-up for activities in the Fellowship Building are asked to make their request through the church office

If you are not on the calling or e-mail list for At Ease and would like to be notified of our meetings, please call Beth Witherspoon 843-537-5354 or e-mail: bethandjoewitherspoon@gmail.com.

11 Don t Forget December 4 AT EASE 12:00 NOON HAND AND FOOT 9:30 a.m. If you are not on the calling or list for At Ease and would like to be notified of our meetings, please call Beth Witherspoon or bethandjoewitherspoon@gmail.com. If you are interested in learning to play Hand and Foot, a card game (easy but lots of fun) let Beth know and come on. No preparation needed. Come and bring a friend, but be sure to sign up! The Giving Ministry Team News Donations can be made on-line through the use of Realm. It can be accessed through the new church website cherawfpc.org under Giving or onrealm.org. The Giving Ministry Team would like to remind you the Stewardship Campaign will again take place during the month of January. The campaign will kick-off on January 6 th, 2019 and end on January 27 th with Commitment Sunday and a celebration lunch. Our theme for this year is.. December 2-Jackson Tucker 5-Betty Davis, Jim Conn 8-Ashley Driggers 11- Catharine Evans 12-Jacob Goddard 14-Libby Pierce 15-Duward Angle 16-Bill Laney, Bobby Rogers 17-Bennie Moore, Jackie Pierce 19-Mary Gulledge 21-Gail Ingram 22-Christie McLeod, Parker Pierce 23-Jordan Smith 30-Bobbie Jones First Friday Concert Series - 12:00 12:30 p.m. in the sanctuary of First Presbyterian Church, 213 W. Home Ave., Hartsville, S.C. Friday, December 7, Penny Roges,flute and January 4, Epiphany Organ Concert, Tim Smoak - concerts are free and open to public

At First Presbyterian Church The First Presbyterian Church has four scholarships available for young people: The William Manning Malloy Memorial Scholarship is available to the most qualified high

members of the church seeking advanced education. Loans are to be repaid upon graduation. Applications are available in the church office for these funds.

12 At First Presbyterian Church The First Presbyterian Church has four scholarships available for young people: The William Manning Malloy Memorial Scholarship is available to the most qualified high school senior living within a five mile radius of Cheraw; The Edwin Malloy Memorial Scholarship is available to anyone seeking higher education opportunities living within a five mile radius of Cheraw; The D. W. Moore, Jr. Memorial Scholarship Fund is available to students seeking a degree in the field of music; The Matheson-Bohannon-Poston Trust Fund the purpose of the trust is to provide educational loans to help members of the church seeking advanced education. Loans are to be repaid upon graduation. Applications are available in the church office for these funds. Scholarship applications are also downloadable as pdf files from the Church s website. The deadline for returning scholarship applications is March 1, Please make sure your letter of Reference is placed in a sealed envelope and attached to your application. Loan applications may be made at any time. If you have any questions, please contact Kim Brabham or the church office. We will hold our Christmas Eve/Candle Lighting Service on Monday, December 24 th at 5:30 p.m. Please join us for this service Church Office Schedule for Christmas/ New Year s The Church office will be closed from December 21 st until January 2 nd for Christmas and New Year s. We will also be closed on Monday, January 21 st for Martin Luther King Jr. Day White Christmas/Covered Dish Please join us on December 12 th for our annual White Christmas covered dish. We will enjoy a delicious dinner beginning at 6:00 p.m. You are asked to bring your favorite dish along with a monetary donation for the benefit of Pee Dee Coalition. A Visit from Santa is rumored!! Please pick up poinsettias from the sanctuary after the Christmas Eve Service.

Christmas Joy Offering Sunday, December 16, 2018 During this season, we hear the good news of great joy that was proclaimed to the shepherds and transformed their fear to joy.

Our hope is that the love of God made known to us as the child of Bethlehem will be a reality in our lives and in the world.

The Assistance program of the Board of Pensions receives the other half of the offering and uses it to assist pastors, missionaries, and church workers in special need.

This is a very special tree, for it offers you the opportunity to share the true spirit of Christmas the Spirit of Giving with other members of our Church family in a very meaningful way.

the Presbyterian s Board of Pension and Racial Ethnic Presbyterian Schools.

13 Christmas Joy Offering Sunday, December 16, 2018 During this season, we hear the good news of great joy that was proclaimed to the shepherds and transformed their fear to joy. We live with the anticipation that once again the spirit of Christmas will be born in our hearts. Our hope is that the love of God made known to us as the child of Bethlehem will be a reality in our lives and in the world. One way in which the PC (USA) shares this is through the Christmas Joy Offering. One half of this supports Presbyterian related ethnic schools and colleges. The Assistance program of the Board of Pensions receives the other half of the offering and uses it to assist pastors, missionaries, and church workers in special need. Giving The Spirit of In the Narthex of our Church hangs a large green Christmas tree. This is a very special tree, for it offers you the opportunity to share the true spirit of Christmas the Spirit of Giving with other members of our Church family in a very meaningful way. By making a donation to the Christmas Joy Special Offering, in lieu of sending Christmas cards to Church friends, you will be wishing them a joyous holiday season while providing financial support to the Presbyterian s Board of Pension and Racial Ethnic Presbyterian Schools. A monetary donation to First Presbyterian Church (marked Joy Tree) will place an ornament on this tree with your family s name on it. What a good way to share your Good Tidings of Great Joy, Peace on Earth and Goodwill to others. DECEMBER Calendar of Events 2 9:30 a.m. Coffee/Fellowship 11:00 a.m. Worship 6:00 p.m. Youth 3 8:30 a.m. MMO 4 12:00 p.m. At Ease 1:00 p.m. At Ease Committee 4:30 p.m. PWCT 5 8:30 a.m. MMO 3:00 p.m. Fun Program 6:00 p.m. Adult Choir 9 9:30 a.m. Coffee/Fellowship 11:00 a.m. Worship 6:00 p.m. Youth 10 8:30 a.m. MMO 11 10:00 a.m. Circle 1 4:30 p.m. Circle :30 a.m. MMO 3:00 p.m. Fun Program 6:00 p.m. White Christmas 7:00 p.m. Adult Choir 13 5:30 p.m. Session 16 9:30 a.m. Coffee/Fellowship 11:00 a.m. Cantata 6:00 p.m. Youth 17 8:30 a.m. MMO 19 8:30 a.m. MMO 3:00 p.m. Fun Program 6:00 p.m. Adult Choir 23 9:30 a.m. Coffee/Fellowship 11:00 a.m. Worship 24 5:30 p.m. Christmas Eve Service 30 9:30 a.m. Coffee/Fellowship 11:00 a.m. Worship in Fellowship

With sympathy January, 2019 Calendar of Events 1 Office Closed 2 4:30 p.m. PWCT 6:00 p.m. Adult Choir 6 9:30 a.m. Coffee/Fellowship 11:00 a.m. Worship 6:00 p.m. Youth 7 8:30 a.m. MMO 8 10:00 a.m. Circle 1 4:00 p.

14 With sympathy January, 2019 Calendar of Events 1 Office Closed 2 4:30 p.m. PWCT 6:00 p.m. Adult Choir 6 9:30 a.m. Coffee/Fellowship 11:00 a.m. Worship 6:00 p.m. Youth 7 8:30 a.m. MMO 8 10:00 a.m. Circle 1 4:00 p.m. Circle 2 5:30 p.m. CE 9 8:30 a.m. MMO 3:00 p.m. Fun Program 6:00 p.m. Adult Choir 13 9:30 a.m. Coffee/Fellowship 11:00 a.m. Worship 6:00 p.m. Youth 16 8:30 a.m. MMO 3:00 p.m. Fun Program 6030 p.m. Adult Choir 17 5:30 p.m. Session 20 9:30 a.m. Coffee/Fellowship 11:00 a.m. Worship 6:00 p.m. Youth 21 Office Closed 23 8:30 a.m. MMO 3:00 p.m. Fun Program 6:00 p.m. Adult Choir 27 9:30 a.m. Coffee/Fellowship 11:00 a.m. Worship 12:00 p.m. Celebration Luncheon 6:00 p.m. Youth 28 8:30 a.m. MMO 30 8:30 a.m. MMO 3:00 p.m. Fun Program 6:00 p.m. Adult Choir Brian Brown and his family upon the death of his mother, Mary Virginia Teddy Brown from Cloverport, KY. She died on October 19, Fred Harris in the death of his aunt, Ethel Ann Laney Streater. She is also the motherin-law to Ina Coggeshall s son, Berryman Edwards Coggeshall (Julie Streater) Furr Grading and Paving will begin repaving the parking area and driveways on Wednesday, November 28 th. Please use the lower driveway on Market St. and park in the lower parking lot. Use caution during this time of repaving Presbyterian Disaster Relief Give-share financially Act-get involved Pray-always the best response Go to pda.pcusa.org to learn more about how you can help.

First Presbyterian Church PresbyNews. February, 2018

First Presbyterian Church PresbyNews February, 2018 From the Pastor s Desk Dear Friends, We have made it through January with its cold & snow followed by sunny and warm days. Unfortunately, the uncertain