First Presbyterian Church First Edition published bi-weekly for the members and friends of the church

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1 First Presbyterian Church First Edition published bi-weekly for the members and friends of the church My Dear Friends, There is a moment shared in the Gospel of Luke that speaks a world about this season we call Chr istmas. Mary is visited in Luke s Gospel by the Angel Gabriel, who announces to her the stupendous, incredible news that she will conceive and bear a son, and that you shall call his name Jesus. The news is stupendous to Mary because she is betrothed, but not yet married and she is identified by Luke as a virgin. Shortly thereafter, very much in a fix, Mary leaves her home to visit her kinswoman, Elizabeth, who though she is now quite old, has also conceived and will bear a son. We can think of all kinds of reasons why Mary and her family thought it best for her to leave town and to visit with her older cousin, Elizabeth. Then Luke tells us, And Mary remained with her about three months and returned to her home. Mary wanted to be home for what was to happen to her on what we now call Christmas. Christmas and home, it seems, from the very start, belong together! There is something still about Christmas that awakens in our souls a longing for home. College students and many young adults still return home for Christmas, until they reach the point where they realize they must establish their own homes. And those of us who are older never approach the Christmas season without returning to a place in our childhood that we will always think of when we think of home. For me, it will always be 325 New York Street, a place where the same stocking that will hang on our Nashville mantle hung over the fireplace in the very heart of our home. And yet, in another sense, Christmas evokes in us an even deeper and more profound longing for home. Fred December 10, 2014 Volume 29, No. 23 Buechner says that home for most of us is a specific place, a picture of a particular dwelling from our past. For Buechner, it was his grandmother s home near Pittsburgh. But home is also a longing and a yearning placed within our souls that nothing in this world or this life can ever fully satisfy. Christmas speaks to this deeper sense of home as well. For it tells that ageless story of how God made a home here on earth with us. The Church calls this the Incarnation, and in the Nicene Creed we still affirm that for us, and for our salvation, he came down from heaven, and was incarnate by the Holy Spirit and the Virgin Mary and became truly human. In other words, Christmas celebrates the time when God made a home with us, and forever changed human history. We mark time itself by this birth, and ever since, Christmas awakens in us our deepest longings for home, longings that this world and this life, for all its beauty and wonder, can never fully meet. Hebrews talks about living by faith and then finally says, For people who speak thus make it clear that they are seeking a homeland. If they had been thinking of that land from which they had gone out, they would have had opportunity to return. But as it is, they desired a better country, that is, a heavenly one. Therefore God is not ashamed to be called their God, for God has prepared for them a city. My prayer is that you will find your way home for Christmas. For Mary and Joseph, that home was far from Nazareth, in a stable in Bethlehem. What made Bethlehem home was the baby, Jesus. Wherever Jesus is born into our lives, we are, in the truest sense of the word, home. With Love and Prayers,

2 The Mission of First Presbyterian Church, Nashville To know Christ, to make Him known and to exhibit His love through worship, education and service. Sympathy The First Presbyterian Church family extends prayers and sympathy to the following during their time of loss. Jim & Donna Robers on the death of Jim s mother, Rita V. Robers, who died on November 30. Sympathy to Drew & Heather Robers, Brad & Courtney Robers, Chandler Robers, Annie and Grace Robers. Austin & Kelly McMullen on the death of Austin s grandfather, Milton Lenoy McMullen, who died on December 1. Sympathy to Reagan & Mary Austin McMullen. If any member of the church desires the Christian support of a Stephen Minister, contact Sandra Randleman ( ). The Sacrament of Baptism In the presence of family, the congregation of First Presbyterian Church and God, the following persons claimed God s covenant promise through the Sacrament of Baptism. Marion & Adam Floyd presented their son, James Franklin Floyd, for baptism on November 23. Assisting Elder was Phil Martin. Tayler & James Webb, IV, presented their daughter, Abigail Gudeman Webb, for baptism on November 26. Assisting Elder was Jimmy Webb. Holiday Office Hours December 24: Office closed at noon. December 25-26: Office closed. January 1: Office closed. Schedule of Events Sunday, December 14 Third Sunday of Advent: Services at 8:30 & 11:00 A.M. in the Sanctuary and 10:55 A.M. in the Enrichment Center. Blue Christmas: A Service of Hope: 12:15 P.M. in Stanford Chapel. Sanctuary/Youth Choirs in Concert: 4:00 P.M. in the Sanctuary. The Five-Thirty: 5:30 P.M. in The Gathering Place, Not Your Average Christmas Pageant with Ashley Higgins. Wednesday, December 17 Advent Breakfast: Speaker is Bill Caruso. Thursday, December 18 First Friends Christmas Luncheon/Program: 12:00 P.M. in Courtenay Hall. College Christmas Party: 6:30-8:30 P.M. at the home of William & Grey Reames (412 Ellendale Avenue). Sunday, December 21 Fourth Sunday of Advent: Services: 8:00, 9:30 & 11:00 A.M. in the Sanctuary. There will be no SS classes. The Christmas Joy Offering is at all services. The Five-Thirty: 5:30 P.M. in The Gathering Place, Hope You Find Your Dad with Anna Wheeler. December 24 Christmas Eve Family Service: 5:00 P.M. in Sanctuary. Service of Lessons & Carols: 8:00 & 11:00 P.M. in the Sanctuary. THIRD SUNDAY OF ADVENT DECEMBER 14, 2014 FOURTH SUNDAY OF ADVENT DECEMBER 21, 2014 SUNDAY DECEMBER 28, 2015 SUNDAY JANUARY 4, 2015 Sermon What s in a Name? Everlasting Father Scripture Readings Isaiah 9:2-7 Matthew 1:18-25 Sermon What s in a Name? Prince of Peace Scripture Readings Isaiah 9:2-7 Luke 20:1-20 Sermon The Fullness of Time Scripture Readings Galatians 4:4-9 Luke 2:25-39 Adam DeVries Associate Sermon Beginning and Beginning Again Scripture Readings Jeremiah 31:7-14 John 1:1-18

3 Daily Devotions for Advent Henri Nouwen, one of the most popular spiritual writers of the last century, makes a wonderful Advent companion. He understood our sense of incompleteness and yearning so well, and he gave it an articulate voice. As one who struggled with waiting yet sought his Savior over a lifetime, Henri Nouwen offers insights that add depth and self-discovery to our spiritual journey as we await the birth of the Christ Child. This booklet is a must for all those longing for a closer relationship with Jesus, the One who is to come. Copies of this Advent booklet are available in the literature areas of the church. Final Weekend to Return Gifts for Foster Children The Department of Human Services will soon distribute gifts to children living with foster families during the Christmas season. FPC members are a vital part of making this Christmas special to more than 100 children and youth with Davidson County families. We ask that all gift items be returned by Sunday, December 14. Return to the Christmas tree in Courtenay Hall or to the cargo van that will be parked in front of the church office doors that morning. Remember to attach child s ID number to your gift bag(s) or to the item itself if it won t fit into a bag. Contact Sue Fort White ( or suefortwhite@ourkidscenter.com) with any questions. Join Our Weekly Prayer Group You are invited to join a prayer group meeting in the Matt Hill Prayer Room (near The Gathering Place) on Wednesday evenings from 6:00 until 6:30 P.M. for a time of offering prayers for our church. For more information, contact Sheila Akin (spakin@aol.com). First Friends Celebrates Christmas Thursday, December 18, 12:00 P.M., Courtenay Hall, Christmas Luncheon/Program: First Friends Celebrates Christmas Some of our own entertainers will help us celebrate the holiday at this special luncheon. Our own Larry Gates will perform a first-person monologue, Joseph, the Carpenter. Larry, a retired investment broker, is continuing his passion of acting, which started when he was a student at Austin Peay University. He writes, I think acting has played a very important part in my life. I guess, with all the heart difficulties, I could have given up. But I feel that God had another reason for allowing me to continue to live. Another of our own entertainers, Rex Gardner, will perform a classical piano composition for us. Rex s career was with the Veterans Administration. He studied piano as a teenager and with Ralph Berkowitz (former dean of Tanglewood) for two years, but it was not until retirement that he began my life s true love with the piano. He is devoting these years to developing my ability to the maximum within my reach. He now plays in competitions regularly. What a model for the rest of us! The third act will consist of our own musical staff here at church. Dr. Raphael Bundage, Director of Sanctuary Choir, is joining us, bringing with him our Assistant for Worship and Music and Star Soloist in her own right, Daphne Garey, and Church Organist, Nick Bergin. This trio will be performing special Christmas music. The menu will be beef tenderloin, two sides, soup, salad bar, dessert and drink: $8. RSVP by Monday, December 15. Make all reservations with Rachel Gresham ( or hospitalitycenter@fpcnashville.org). June Ramsey Class Sunday, December 14, professional musician Eugene Haffner will give us the history and circumstances surrounding our familiar Christmas carols and lead us in singing them. June Ramsey Class meets at 9:45 A.M. in the living room of the Cheek House. Everyone is welcome Winter Inquirers Class Would you like to know about the Presbyterian faith? Would you like to know more about First Presbyterian Church, Nashville? Are you considering church membership? Would you like to learn about how to become involved in the life of FPC? An Inquirers Class will be held on February 1, 8, 15, 22 and March 1, during the Sunday School hour (9:45-10:45 A.M.) in the Session Room (MW-203 on the 2nd floor of the Ministry Wing). If you are interested in uniting with FPC as members or wish to learn more about the history and mission of FPC, you are invited to attend. Registration is not necessary. For more information, contact ( ) or Sandra Randleman ( ).

4 Philip Yancey Study Headlines Winter Wednesdays Why does the church stir up such negative feelings? Philip Yancey has been asking this question all his life, a question more relevant now than ever. Research shows that in a twenty-year span starting in the mid-nineties, favorable opinions of Christians have plummeted drastically. And opinions of evangelicals have taken even deeper dives. Yet people everywhere still thirst for grace. How can Christians present truly Good News amid the changing landscapes of our time? How can we communicate faith in an appealing way to future generations? Option One: Winter Wednesdays kick off on January 14, with the headlining study being Philip Yancey s new book, Vanishing Grace: What Ever Happened to the Good News? Yancey is editorat-large of Christianity Today and winner of ECPA Book of the Year awards for What s So Amazing About Grace? and The Jesus I Never Knew. Senior and Associate Stuart Gordon will lead discussions based on the book. Option Two: Associate Sandra Randleman will begin her study of Falling Upward: A Spirituality for the Two Halves of Life, a twoterm study that will continue in the spring. In Falling Upward, Richard Rohr explores how the heartbreaks, disappointments and losses of life are actually potential stepping stones to spiritual growth and maturity and ultimately, joy. Some kind of falling down is an opportunity to move upward and discover a foundation for ongoing spiritual growth. Rohr affirms that only those who have fallen, failed or gone down are the ones who understand up. Exercise Two classes, including Boot Camp: For those who prefer to exercise their bodies, there are two options. Executive Sam Cooper will teach yoga, and personal trainer/recreation Department employee Brigid Hynes will lead a boot camp for interested participants! Dinner costs $8 for adults and $4 for children (3-12), with a $22 maximum for families. The service line in Courtenay Hall will open at 5:00 P.M., with the lectures following at 6:00 P.M. You are encouraged to let us know that you ll be attending, in one of two ways: call the church Hospitality Center ( ) or visit our website (fpcnashville.org/congregation/wednesday-nights/). Lunchtime Fellowship and Study Locations across Nashville In David and Goliath, Malcolm Gladwell challenges how we think about obstacles and disadvantages, offering a new interpretation of what it means to be discriminated against, or cope with a disability, or lose a parent, or attend a mediocre school, or suffer from any number of other apparent setbacks. You re invited to join a group for lunchtime fellowship and study led by Associate Stuart Gordon. Beginning January 14, groups will discuss Malcolm Gladwell s latest book, David and Goliath. Christopher Chabris of the Wall Street Journal says, David and Goliath readers will travel with colorful characters who overcame great difficulties and learn fascinating facts about the Battle of Britain, cancer medicine and the struggle for civil rights, to name just a few topics upon which Mr. Gladwell s wide-ranging narrative touches. This is an entertaining book. Your Faith at Work groups meet on Mondays in Maryland Farms at the Cushman-Wakefield Building; on Wednesdays in Green Hills at the Freeman-Webb Building; and on Fridays at the Fifth/Third Building. Contact Stuart Gordon ( or sgordon@fpcnashville.org) for more information. Serve the Homeless on Our Campus or Offsite Sign up on the bulletin board in Courtenay Hall. Openings for all roles exist most weeks through March Information sheets on the bulletin board describe the volunteer needs. Contact Patricia Heim in the Missions Office ( or pheim@fpcnashville.org) with questions. Contact Mary Earthman ( or mearthman@bellsouth.net) to select an open date to provide dinner for residents at the shelter: February 2, April 6, June 1, August 3, October 5 or December 7. This is an ideal service project for a family or group of families to share.

5 A Celebration 200 Years in the Making Hymns and words of praise filled the air at the downtown Nashville site of First Presbyterian Church s founding. Two congregations bound by a common heritage gathered on a Sunday afternoon in November to give thanks to God for 200 years of ministry and to seek His blessing for the future. While First Church of Nashville had been ministering to Christians in the frontier state capital for twenty years, church leaders formally chartered the church in November 1814, and our congregation has continued to worship without ceasing since then. Despite local, national and world events that challenged those who came before us, First Church survived and prospered, giving us much to be thankful for, which is precisely what members of the Downtown Presbyterian Church and First Presbyterian Church did. preached, choirs from both churches filled the corner of Church Street and Fifth with joyful song, a full congregation celebrated the Sacrament of the Lord s Supper and all left with an appreciation for the past, gratitude for the day 200 years in the making and an eagerness to realize God s plan for our future ministry. It is a wonderful opportunity for Presbyterians to gather before God to give thanks for His faithfulness to us, said following the worship service. God is faithful. And as God was with us through all of our yesterdays, looking back, we can confirm that God will be with us through all of our tomorrows.

6 Our five and six year olds are part of the Love class. This fall they have been studying the Bible stories in Genesis and learning about Abraham s big family. During Advent, they have learned that Jesus is part of Abraham s big family too. Five and six year olds love to explore and create. This fall, they built a city in the desert with blocks, used clay and other art materials to imagine Joseph s dreams and created dream ice cream as they learned how Joseph could interpret the Pharaoh s dreams. As part of their Milestone Reaching Out Together, they will meet many new people throughout the year in what we call Guest Visits. New friendships between members of our church and the children come from these visits to the classroom. Meet the Teachers of the Love Class: Our Love class is guided in their Bible study, worship and exploring the Bible story by a gifted set of leaders who have many years of teaching experience in Sunday School and beyond. Their goal is to let each child know they are loved by God and by the people of this church. Our Love class leaders are helping the children see each other as unique children of God! Stephanie Hastings Catherine Martin Lauren Ross Emmett Russell Gina Russell

7 Faith Guides, Faith Gives Christmas Joy Offering Presbyterian congregations have long expressed their Christian love for others, especially for those who serve the Church, through the Christmas Joy Offering (CJO). For some churches, however, the significance of this Offering may not be as apparent as that of many other ministries closer to home. This Offering will be received at FPC during all services on Sunday, December 21. Specially marked Offering envelopes for this gift will be available in every bulletin while children may return their collection boxes to the marked baskets in the narthex. Funds collected from this Offering are divided equally between the Assistance Program of the Board of Pensions, which distributes financial assistance to eligible church workers and their families, and racial ethnic schools and colleges of the PC(USA). The fact is, PC(USA) pastors and other church workers sometimes face extraordinary personal challenges with accompanying financial burdens. Rarely are these challenges expected, and they can wipe out a lifetime of savings just when these special people are most vulnerable. For these PC(USA) church workers, the help provided by the Assistance Program, made possible by the CJO, is a blessing. Some grant recipients have likened it to God s grace in action and the peace of Christ. Your faithful support of the CJO is critical to the Assistance Program being able to carry out its ministry. As we celebrate the good news of great joy this Christmas season that a Savior has been born unto us may our gifts bear joyful witness to God s uncontainable love. Please use the specially marked Offering envelopes in the December 21 bulletin or include a notation on the memo line of your check to designate your gift for this purpose. All donations payable to FPC will appear on member year-end contribution statements if received by December 31. Mission Trip Scholarship Assistance is available to FPC members for all FPC-sponsored trips by contacting Sandra ( or srandleman@fpcnashville.org). China/Taiwan 2015 Date: Summer/Fall Cost: Deposit & trip cost being developed. Brief Details: Exploratory relational trip to visit Rev. John McCall in Taiwan and other Presbyterian mission partners in region; group size depends on trip dates. Contact Missions ( or adultmissions@fpcnashville.org) if you wish to be a potential participant. Praying the Psalms of Lament as We Seek Healing You are invited to participate in a grief support group offered by Dr. Sandra Randleman that combines prayer with a study of the psalms of lament. The group will meet on Sunday mornings for four weeks beginning January 4, from 9:00-10:30 A.M., in the Memorial Library (Room MW- 224). If you have family members, friends or neighbors who you think would benefit from this group, please invite them to join us. Questions? Contact Sandra ( or srandleman@fpcnashville.org). Christmastime at the Bookstore BookMarks has beautiful Legacy Christmas CDs for $15 each. The proceeds benefit Living Waters for the World and Presbyterian Women s Birthday Offering (at the national level). We also have advent calendars, gift bags, new books and lots of jewelry and crosses for gifts. Christmas Camp 2014 December 22-23, :45 A.M. to 3:00 P.M. Early care at 7:30 A.M. - $10 per child/per day. Late care until 6:00 P.M. - $15 per child/per day. Register at fpcnashville.org/congregation/registergive/registration/.

8 4815 Franklin Pike Nashville, TN Youth Happenings December 14, Sunday School All In!: Grades 7-12 will meet in The Gathering Place at 9:40 and then learn about hunger in our community and how Second Harvest Food Bank is working to alleviate it. It will be an All In not to miss! December 21: Morning Worship Services at 8:00, 9:30 and 11:00. No Sunday School. NONPROFIT ORG U S POSTAGE P A I D NASHVILLE, TN PERMIT NO. 27 Dated church material Please deliver by December 13, 2014 December 28, Sunday School: Grades 7-12 will meet in The Gathering Place at 9:40 A.M. and then meet for Sunday School. Trip Registrations: Sign up today! 12th Passion Conference: January 2-4 with Scott Hearon (shearon@fpcnashville.org). 7th/8th Ski Trip: January with Brandon VanPernis (bvanpernis@fpcnashville.org). 9th Ski Trip to NC: January with Ashley Higgins (ahiggins@fpcnashville.org). 11th Gulf Shores Trip: February 27-March 1 with Scott Hearon (shearon@fpcnashville.org). Please let us know if you have changes to your contact information. We don t want you to miss any communication from the church! changes to youth@fpcnashville.org. First Presbyterian Church 4815 Franklin Pike Nashville, Tennessee facebook.com/fpcnashville s Sam Cooper Executive Adam DeVries Associate to Youth & Their Families Mark DeVries Associate for New Ministries Stuart Gordon Associate for Discipleship Keith Gunter Associate for New Church Development Sandra Randleman Associate for Congregational Care & Missions Program Staff Raphael Bundage Director of Music Brenda Geise Older Adult Ministry Coordinator Letitia Green Director of Recreation Patricia Heim Missions Coordinator Susan Kirby Worship Coordinator Michelle Mangum Director of Communications Deb O Brien Director of Children s Ministry Administration Ginny Barber Administrative Assistant Cindy Bozman Finance Manager Lynn Elliott Executive Assistant Karen Fitts Nursery Coordinator Zonia Nunley Property Manager Kim Rogers Food Service Schools Jennifer Hinote Head of School, Oak Hill School Brenda Lutz Director, FPC Early Preschool sunday evening worship at fpc The Gathering 5:3O p.m.