Meeting House News. First Presbyterian Church On the Square 2A North Hanover Street Carlisle, Pennsylvania 17013

Transcription

1 Meeting House News First Presbyterian Church On the Square 2A North Hanover Street Carlisle, Pennsylvania Rev. Dr. Rebecca L. Kiser, Interim Minister Debby Madden, Director of Educational Ministry Arthur Thompson, Organist Susan Shuey, Choir Director Jack Sprecher, Sexton Avis Allen, Administrative Secretary Church Administrative Office Hours: M, W, F, 9AM-2PM Phone (717) Rev. Kiser Debby Madden Website

2 December 2013 In This Issue Pastor s Corner 2 December Birthdays 2 Worship Highlights - Dec. 3 Christmas Eve 4 Advent Devotionals 4 Your Elders/Deacons 4 Advent Walking Tour 5 Advent Wreath - Symbolism 5 Per Capita 5 Year-End Giving 5 During the Interim Time 6 History of Red Kettles 7 Local Music 7 December Calendar 8 Poinsettias Order Form 9 Prayer at First Church 9 Updates to Directory 9 Soup Mix for Sale Envelopes 9 December Birthdays 2 Avis Allen 4 Janet Clark Dave Landis 5 Zella Smith 6 Charlie Adams 9 Arlene Guerriero 15 Kathy Yeager 16 Allison Whitman 17 Barb Crum Tommy Dennison Richard Tritt 19 Lois Lloyd David McPherson 20 Danielle Weiser Sarah Anne Martin 22 Andrea McPherson 23 Kit Johnston 25 Elizabeth Martin 27 Sam Whitman 28 Jake Hofferica Caroline Alleman 29 Bill Gottlieb The Messiah is Coming! Page 2 Believers from way back have lived in this hope and promise of the coming Messiah. God will be worshipped by all. Justice will be done. We will be free from slavery, free from domination, free from war, free to live on our own land and live to eat olives from our own trees. Not only will there be no more human war, but even the animals will live peacefully together. God s name will be known and God s law written in our hearts. Relationships will be right. People won t die early in life. No one will be hungry. Scriptures are full of the hopes and visions of our faith ancestors for God to make things right, for creation to be completed, and all to give praise to its Maker. Titles for the one who will do this are bestowed in advance Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Prince of Peace. What is your hope of a perfect world when God s will is done on earth as it is in heaven? Isaiah is among that rare number of prophets that paints a different picture of the Messiah full of sorrows, acquainted with grief, God s Servant whose face is hard to look on because of suffering; yet this is who relieves us of our sins. This describes Jesus more than the expectation of a literal victor who scatters enemies and conquers all those against God. Jesus victory over evil is more of a spiritual conquering, an inner fight with what the Bible calls principalities and powers just as literal and true, just not militarily and outward as was usually pictured. The coming of the Messiah, celebrated in Advent, begins with the baby Jesus in Bethlehem, but doesn t end there. The point is both NOT the little child, and also IS the little child: let me put it this way it s not really about a cute baby, but about who that child is, what that child means, and what that child will do. This text from Benjamin Britten s Ceremony of Carols captures these intertwined levels: This little child, so few days old, is come to rifle Satan s fold. All hell doth at his presence quake, though he on earth with cold doth shake. For in this weak, unarmed wise, the gates of hell he will surprise. The lectionary Scriptures for this season of the church year deal with all the levels of our longing for and celebration of the coming (advent) of the Messiah, the Christ of God. End times, the peaceable kingdom, the day of the Lord, judgment, the reign of Christ all these elements of the Messiah s coming will be present. The baby Jesus is the surprising and unexpected way God begins all this. So while it s right to think of Advent as celebrating the birth of Christ, it s at the same time celebrating the end of things as we know them and God setting the world right. It s less about getting the house prepared and more about getting that inner house prepared. It s less about giving presents and more about the gift God gives to us. It s less about treasured customs and more about treasure in heaven. It s less about the family getting together and more about the family of God being redeemed and all people seeing God. It s not just getting ready for Christmas in a holidayseason way, it s getting ready for Christ in an end-of-the-world-as-weknow-it way. It s in this sense that we say, The Messiah is coming soon! And so in this spirit, I wish for us all a blessed Advent and Christmas, Pastor Becky

3 P a g e 3 Worship Highlights - December December 1 (Advent 1) 9:30 AM: Education hour; classes for all. Adults & youth study Dickens A Christmas Carol (Rev. Kiser) 10:45 AM: Worship, with Communion. After worship: Luncheon, Hanging of the Greens (with children s activities), and a closing vesper. December 8 (Advent 2) 9:30 AM: Education hour; classes for all. Adults & youth study Dickens A Christmas Carol (Rev. Kiser) 10:45 AM: Worship. After worship: Fellowship time. December 15 (Advent 3) 9:30 AM: Education hour; classes for all. Adults & youth study Dickens A Christmas Carol (Rev. Kiser) 10:45 AM: Worship. Presentation of Peace Rose. After worship: Fellowship time. The Prayer Community meets. December 22 (Advent 4) 9:30 AM: Education hour; classes for all. Adults & youth study Dickens A Christmas Carol; during this hour, children/youth hold a birthday party for Jesus! 10:45 AM: Worship. On this Bell Sunday bring your favorite bell to ring during the final verse of the last hymn. Fellowship Time includes a birthday cake for Jesus. December 29 (1st Sunday After Christmas) No Church School or Fellowship Time! 10:45 AM: Worship is an informal service of carols, lessons and prayers. January 5 (Epiphany of the Lord) 9:30 AM: Education hour; classes for all. Rev. Kiser teaches Confirmation Class. 10:45 AM: Worship with Communion. After worship: Fellowship time.

4 P a g e 4 In the Life of the Church Christmas Eve at First Church 5 PM: Children & Families Service in the sanctuary. This service involves children in special ways as the Christmas Story is told. The theme is The Bright Star of Bethlehem. 6 PM: A simple meal follows the Families service and precedes the Candlelight service. Come to the Gathering Room to share in a meal of soup, bread & dessert. 8 PM: Candlelight Service, with Communion. This service is filled with music, carols, scripture, prayers and proclamation, as well as traditional candle-lighting to close the clip and save the above ADVENT DEVOTIONALS ADULTS: A devotional booklet titled Elements of Advent by Ron Glusenkamp has been purchased for your use during Advent. Each day, using this booklet, you can explore a different element of Advent which connects us to Christmas and bonds us to Christ. Examples are, The Element of Readiness, The Element of Promises. To enhance your devotional experience, audio versions of songs mentioned in the booklet are available online (for 99 cents). Let these devotions stir a positive reaction in your hearts as you prepare for Christ. (Available to you on Nov. 24th.) CHILDREN/YOUTH: A child s Advent devotional titled, A Bright Star in Bethlehem, is also offered. This devotional (which includes stickers!) will be distributed on Dec. 1st during the special children s activities as part of Hanging the Greens after worship. Children will discover the true Light shining from Bethlehem this Advent season as they/you read these devotions every day, then add a glowing star sticker to the Advent stand-up centerpiece. Be sure to place the Bethlehem centerpiece in a spot where the whole family can share the excitement too. Your Church Officers Are.... ELDERS Class of 2014: Ann Gottlieb, Kay Hock, Brad Martin, JJ Patterson, Deborah Sweaney Class of 2015: Megan Crum, Lynne Hofferica, Bruce Mulvey, Sylvia Thompson, Jarl Uilkema Class of 2016: Laura Crim, Michael Gogoj, Joe Shane, Charles Thompson, Richard Tritt DEACONS Class of 2014: Rachel Bailey, Steve Elsier, Lynda Mann, Peggy McKeehen Class of 2015: Barbara Allen, Mary Jane Blosser, Candy Gulotta, Tracy Sommers Class of 2016: Ellen Darr, Clare Hamm, Sharon Miller, Kathy Mulvey

5 P a g e 5 FREE ADVENT WALKING TOUR On Saturday, December 7th, 1:30-3:30PM, you are invited to participate in an Advent Walking Tour of these historic Carlisle churches: -- First Evangelical Lutheran -- St. John s Episcopal -- First Presbyterian -- First United Church of Christ. The tour begins/ends at First United Church of Christ (N. Pitt Street), where there is parking in the back. On the tour, learn about these church s: -- Advent and Christmas traditions -- Stained Glass, History & Architecture -- Hymns & Carols In addition, you ll receive a free tote bag, free water bottles and free refreshments (at UCC). All venues are handicapped-accessible, and transportation is available for those who need it. Please sign up in Fellowship Hall. Come step into the spirit of the Season!.... and More SYMBOLISM OF THE ADVENT WREATH EVERGREENS.are an ancient symbol of immortality, life and growth, and of the everlasting love of God. CIRCLE.is a symbol of the eternity of God, who is, was and always will be. LIGHT.is the symbol of God s presence. FOUR PURPLE CANDLES represent: -- Creation -- Hope -- Unity -- Joy Each candle represents one week of Advent, and will be lighted accordingly (this year by grandparents and their grandchildren). By the fourth Sunday, all four candles will be lighted. On Christmas Eve, the wreath will have a white candle in the center. It stands for purity and joy. Known as the Christ Candle, it represents Christ s birth. Have a blessed Advent Season! If you wish to know how much your 2013 pledge amount was, and/or how much you ve paid towards it to date, simply call the church office ( ) to get the info giving must be received at the church by Dec. 29 in order to be credited for 2013 tax purposes. A year-end statement for your use in preparing taxes will be mailed to you the first week of January. PER CAPITA UPDATE Q: What is per capita? A: Every church is apportioned a share of the expenses of the presbytery, the synod, and the General Assembly for ecclesiastical purposes. The apportionment is based on church membership. It is a regular expense payable by each church. In 2013, the per capita amount is $22.82 per member. The Session asks each of us to be personally responsible for our own per capita. This is in addition to our pledge. You may make a check payable to First Presbyterian Church (marked per capita ) anytime until Dec. 29. A blue per capita envelope was in your offering envelope box, and there are extras in the pew racks for your use. Thank you for your prayerful consideration of this payment. END-OF OF-YEAR GIVING Dear Members and Friends: Since the last Sunday of the year is so close to the end of the year, all gifts for 2013 must be received by Sunday, Dec. 29 in order to be deposited and credited for 2013 income tax purposes. Any gifts received after that date will count for Meanwhile, perhaps this past year has brought unexpected gains and an opportunity to consider an additional year-end contribution which will benefit this year s mission and ministry (for example, organ repairs, church cemetery upkeep, etc.) Your generosity through 2013 is appreciated as we continue to serve our Lord through this congregation. Thank you, Your Finance Committee

6 P a g e 6 What Happens During the Interim Time? -- Part 1 Obviously everyone is curious about this interim time in our congregation, and wondering what is happening! This is the first of a series of articles I ll write in newsletters to keep communications open and keep us all informed and up-to-date on the process and progress of this period. All are welcome to ask questions any time. (Quotes are all from A Change of Pastors by Loren B. Mead, Alban Institute, although similar quotes could have come from any number of resources.) The Intentional Interim took form in the early 1970s, as denominational leaders and those who studied congregations realized that more was needed than just someone to hold the fort between installed pastors. They also noticed that pastorates were, in general, growing shorter; after conflicted situations as well as after longer, more stable pastorates. The time between turns out to be a great time for reassessing, hearing new ideas and assisting the congregation to take ownership of their own ministry, and thus prepare the way for a good ministry result. The Alban Institute, which has studied many aspects of congregational life and growth through consultants and various programs, pointed out that, Yes, it s important to find a good pastor the best the congregation can find. But it s even more important to find one in such a way that the pastor and congregation increase in their ability to achieve a live connection in the years ahead. (p.15) During this time between pastors, there was opportunity for congregations to take certain actions that would foster the best possibility of an authentic ministry arising in the new pastorate. Trained Interim Ministers arose as a specialty. It was especially important, they discovered, for an Interim Pastor to follow a long pastorate, say years or more. The point is that there are special problems that occur when a pastor has been around a long time for instance, grief issues are often more complex. (p. 70) And there were often negative feelings towards any next person who, say, leads worship differently or has some other small but surprising ways. The interim pastor gives the people a chance to adjust to new leadership in little things nobody seems to think about, as well as larger things. (p. 25) Some experienced church leaders note that following a long pastorate the next pastor IS an interim, whether intentionally or unintentionally. An Interim Pastor can not only maintain the worship life and ministry of a congregation, but is also trained to recognize and address certain tasks and steps that seem to be consistent among churches between pastors. Here are the accepted steps of an interim period: (1) the pastor leaves; (2) a path forward is chosen, like hiring an Interim who jumps in and gets to know the congregation quickly; (3) a selfstudy or mission study is done to lead the congregation to a new understanding of itself and its community; (4) the actual search for a new pastor begins; (5) decisions and negotiations with the selected candidate are made; (6) a new pastor arrives; and (7) their ministry begins. While moving through these steps or procedures, several processes are taking place in the members: (A) they are grieving the loss and coming to terms with the overall church history; (B) they are discovering a new identity and a new sense of mission; (C) leadership is arising and changing; (D) interaction with the denomination increases; and (E) readiness for a new ministry with a new pastor is established. So, where are we at right now at First Presbyterian Church? As far as the procedures, we have said a formal goodbye to Rev. Black (1), and secured me as the Interim Pastor (2), and I have been interviewing church officers, staff and others to get a sense of the congregation and to hear stories of the church. I ve attended many group meetings and am learning names. I ve been learning how the office operates and how people interact. In terms of the tasks, we have felt our discomfort and grief (and maybe even some anger) at having a new person in the pulpit. We have begun to encounter my style of leadership in worship and meetings, which, although I have kept many things the same, has to be different simply because there s a different person in the pulpit! (A) An administrative need discerned by the Session and myself is the need to gather policies, job descriptions and other details about the functioning of the church into a central place. Since the new Form of Government requires us to have a Manual of Operations anyway, this is a good way to do both, and have the materials ready for the new called pastor. Another need expressed by the Session was for more Officer training, which will take place when people s schedules settle down in the New Year. (continued on next page, right side)

7 P a g e 7 In the Community The History of The Salvation Army s Red Kettles In 1891, Salvation Army Captain Joseph McFee was distraught because so many poor individuals in San Francisco were going hungry. During the holiday season, he resolved to provide a free Christmas dinner for the destitute and poverty-stricken. He only had one major hurdle to overcome - funding. As he pondered the issue, his thoughts drifted back to his sailor days in Liverpool, England. He remembered how at Stage Landing, where the boats came in, there was a large iron kettle called Simpson s Pot into which passers-by tossed a coin or two to help the poor. The next day McFee placed a similar pot at the Oakland Ferry Landing. Beside the pot, he placed a sign that read, Keep the Pot Boiling. He soon had enough money to see that 1,000 needy people were properly fed at Christmas. Six years later, the kettle idea had spread from coast to coast. That year, the combined effort nationwide resulted in 150,000 Christmas dinners for the needy. In 1901, kettle contributions in NYC provided funds for the first mammoth sit-down dinner in Madison Square Garden, a custom that continued for many years. Today in the U.S., The Salvation Army assists more than 4-1/2 million people during the Thanksgiving and Christmas time periods. Captain McFee s kettle idea launched a tradition that has spread not only throughout the U.S., but all across the world. Kettles are now used in such distant lands as Korea, Japan, Chile and many European countries. Everywhere, public contributions to Salvation Army kettles enable the organization to continue its year-round efforts at helping those who might otherwise be forgotten. Our Deacons and Friends will be ringing the kettle bells on Saturday, December 14th, outside the Bon-Ton entrance to the Point Plaza Mall. Stop by! Local Music of Note! A Messiah Sing-Along will be held this year at Carlisle United Methodist Church (CUMC). You can be a part of a large massed choir. There are no advance rehearsals. You re invited to join in singing all the great familiar choruses. Kenneth Houser is director; Brian Rotz is organist. Date/ Time: Sunday, Dec. 8, 7:00--8:15 PM; Place: CUMC sanctuary (45 S. West St.) ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ The Eaken Piano Trio will present a concert to benefit Project SHARE on Friday, Dec. 13, at 7 PM, at St. John s Episcopal Church. Nell s Shurfine Community Rewards Program In the coming weeks, we will renew our church s group membership in this program. Based on the group s spending, Nell s returns money to the church that is used by Deacons for various mission work. If you re not a member, but wish to join, contact the church office. THE INTERIM TIME (continued from the previous page) -- Rev. Black was well-loved and the years of his leadership have left a congregation that is stable and healthy. However, it is wise of us to heed the words of the experts and take our time in these adjustments and changes. We are approaching Mead s Step 3, which is the self-study, which will be discussed more in the January newsletter. I hope seeing some of these steps written out helps lessen any anxiety we might feel about the interim period. It will happen we will call an Installed Pastor. And in moving through these recognized steps, we will be giving our best effort towards making the ongoing mission and ministry of our congregation insightful and strong. Continue to pray for me and all the congregational leaders, for our vision for mission, and for our process of discernment. Pastor Becky

8 December 2013 Sun Mon Tue Wed Thu Fri Sat 1 - ADVENT 1 10:45: Worship Communion Prayer Partners Fellowship time 2 7 PM: Deacons PM: Choir 5 7 PM: Book Club Planning Meeting ADVENT :45: Worship; Fellowship time 7 PM: Space for God A.M. - Hospice Tree of Light set up (church yard) 7 PM: Session 10AM-3PM: Fell. Hall & kitchen in use 7 PM: Choir 7:30 AM: Men s Breakfast (Walnut Bottom Diner) 7 PM: Tree of Light reception Deacons/Friends ring kettle bells at Bon-Ton entrance to Plaza Mall 15 - ADVENT 3 10:45: Worship Peace Rose Fellowship time Prayer Comm. 6 PM: Piano Recitals 16 2 PM: Faith Circle (notice change of date) PM: Choir Deadline for items for January MH News ADVENT 4 10:45: Worship Bell Sunday Fellowship Time 24 5 PM: Children & Families Service 6 PM: Simple Meal 8 PM: Candlelight Service 25 HE IS BORN! EPIPHANY SUNDAY 10:45: Worship Fellowship Time First Night Carlisle (First Church is a venue.) 1 Epiphany of the Lord Sunday is January 5th. Worship includes Communion that day. Please plan to start the new year by worshipping at First Church!

9 P a g e Clip CHRISTMAS POINSETTIAS ORDER FORM Poinsettias are being offered for your purchase this Christmas season! If you wish to buy one/more to adorn the sanctuary, please provide the information below and return this form to either Mrs. Joan Line, 2070 Ritner Highway, Carlisle, PA 17015; or the church office by Dec. 8. Cost is $9.00. Make checks payable to Flower Fund, First Presbyterian Church. Flowers will be available on Dec. 15th. IN MEMORY OF: IN HONOR OF: BY: Check which of the following is/are applicable: I will pick up my poinsettia(s) after the Christmas Eve service. I will leave the poinsettia(s) to be given to a shut-in. I am willing to deliver a poinsettia to a shut-in (Delivery date is Sunday, Dec. 15th) Clip PRAYER OPPORTUNIES AT FIRST CHURCH First Presbyterian has a robust Prayer Community led by Christian Educator Debby Madden. While Debby usually leads the group, a majority of the work is done by its members. The community meets once a month in a conference room on the second floor (elevator-accessible). The purpose is to promote the idea of praying not only in the sanctuary. They share joys and concerns and keep a notebook on those who are prayed for. The space is prepared with a small prayer setting of either a table with cloth and candles, or water, stones, etc., to enhance the tone of the gatherings. Between meetings, prayer concerns are disseminated to group members by or phone. First Presbyterian also has an inter-generational prayer time before Church School begins. A brief prayer bulletin is used. The small group sings a song, shares joys, concerns, and thanksgiving, and has a children s prayer. This prayer time brings many age groups together to pray. Won t you come pray with us in 2014? Church Directory If you have corrections, additions, or updates for the Our Church Family directory, please provide them to the church office in the next weeks, as a new directory is planned for January. This is a twice-yearly product. Soup Time! The Presbyterian Women have placed French Market Bean Soup Mix on the counter in Fellowship Hall for your purchase. These packets make great gifts! Why not take the chill off a cold winter s day while supporting our Presbyterian Women? Thanks! 2014 Offering Envelopes Your 2014 offering envelopes will be available in the coming weeks. They will be placed in Fellowship Hall for your pick-up. If you do not currently use envelopes, but wish to, call the church office ( ).