MESSENGER THE. January 2015

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1 THE January 2015 MESSENGER "For the vision is yet for the appointed time; it hastens toward the goal and it will not fail. Though it tarries, wait for it; For it will certainly come, it will not delay." Habakkuk 2:3 Our faith is more than our work or action, indeed, faith is a gift from God and not our own doing. Even so, our work and action can be a resource to nurture our faith and to revive our joy in living. The beginning of a New Year is an excellent time to spend some time checking the oil of our lamps, and making sure there is enough in our living for our faith to burn strongly. If you are thinking about making a New Year s resolution, why not make one that will challenge you to grow more faithful in a particular arena of your daily life? Here are a few thought starters: How is your financial life? Are you working to eliminate debt? Are you a faithful steward of your resources? How is your spiritual life? Are you giving yourself a lift by spending time in God s word each day, by gathering in community for worship, by finding places to serve? Are you doubting your doubts and are you taking action because of your convictions? How is your health? Are you paying attention to what you need to do to be fit? Is your lifestyle what even you consider to be ideal? Do you have a sense of growing a deeper connection between who you are and who you believe God calls you to be? How are your relationships---do you need a little more fire or a little less? Is your love a deep commitment beyond your emotions? How is your intellectual life---are you thinking new thoughts and pursuing them? What s on your to read list? Setting unrealistic goals, or too many can befuddle our efforts to grow---but choosing ONE promise to make yourself can breathe life into our living. Asking God for help with the goal- --and even better, to set that goal with God can feed our souls unexpectedly, joyfully. Lots of folks don t make New Year s resolutions because of too many of last year s broken intentions. Yet, no goal made also promises a disappointing outcome. Take a risk. Set a goal to grow in spirit this year. A blessed New Year to you and yours, Pastor Suzan

2 Page 2, THE MESSENGER, January 2015 A brief review of the first eleven months of Revenue continues to be a bit under budget, as total revenue is $827,000 compared to budget of $844,000. Over 92% of revenue, or $768,000, represents vital support from the congregation. On the expense side, total general fund disbursements are $850,000 compared to budget of $868,000. Although unusual weather pushed utility expense about $7,000 over budget, we continue to manage controllable expenses efficiently. A late reminder about 2014 pledges - even though we have crossed the line into 2015, we will be accepting payments on 2014 pledges for the next few weeks. If applicable, please complete your pledge today. Although a bit of a bumpy ride, as we write this in mid-december the stock market has done fairly well in The Dow Jones Industrial Average began the year at 16,577 and is currently (December 20) at 17,805, a 7.4% gain. Looking longer term, over the past five years the market is up about 70% - as a result, many investors have significant unrealized capital gains. The opportunity to donate appreciated stocks continues - the church receives the current value of the stock and the investor receives the full amount as a charitable deduction, but the appreciation is not subject to capital gains tax. This opportunity for a tax-advantaged donation could be used to complete a 2014 pledge, to apply to a 2015 pledge, or just as extra support for our church programs, in our building, in our community, and beyond. As always, individual considerations vary, and we urge you to discuss your plans with your financial advisor or accountant. Please check out our new and improved website. It is really very impressive! In addition to useful church information, just click on Give Today to complete your 2015 pledge and to manage your FPCD financial support.

3 Page 3, THE MESSENGER, January 2015 Mission...With Hearts & Hands for Others The Mission Council and Lake County Services thank everyone who participated in our Angel Tree Gift Program this year. Forty-five families in need received gifts of clothes and toys. The love of Christ could be seen in the gifts that were given. Angel Tree Christmas Joy Giving everything and everyone a second chance How do you create a nurturing environment that fosters the move from homelessness to employment? How do you turn a dingy flower shop into an attractive, inviting resale shop? You step out in faith and, with the grace of God, take it one step at a time. Our Forward in Faith mission funding of $10,000 has helped Lakeview Employment Group accomplish turning a tired store front into Redo, a shop that employs youth experiencing homelessness so that they can develop the job skills and work history that enables them to find full employment. Before How our Forward in Faith funding was used: --Plumbing installation to provide a bathroom and a washer and dryer hookup --Electrical rewiring of ceiling lights, outlets, and general update of wiring --wall removal, drywall, and rebuild of backroom area to create a dressing room --signage for the front of the building --removal of old ceiling, build-out of clothing racks After

4 Page 4, THE MESSENGER, January 2015 Junior High Ministries Food Pantry Delivery Friday Night Cookie Baking Looking Ahead Stronghold Retreat April Stronghold Castle is the destination for this popular junior high retreat! Junior High youth gather for fun, faith and fellowship! Watch for online registration coming soon! Check out the First Presbyterian website at firstpresdf.org for updates and registrations!

5 Page 5, THE MESSENGER, January 2015 Senior High Ministries Senior High families hosted the dinner portion of the Advent Workshop on November 30th. It was a terrific night of fellowship and faith with delicious food and caroling. Senior High Ski Trip February Join us for our annual ski trip! We ll return to Wilderness Lodge in the Wisconsin Dells for this faith-filled, activitypacked trip. Some of the activities available are down-hill skiing, tubing, bowling, and a water park. Each evening there will be fellowship time. Registration is open and can be found on the church website. Please register now if your son/daughter would like to attend this fun weekend of fellowship! About 35 Senior High youth and returning college-age Senior High graduates gathered for the annual Turkey Bowl football game and luncheon on November 29th. Many thanks to the Whitley and Tometz families for preparing the meal for the hungry players! Care notes and packages were sent to 30 of our senior high graduates who are currently in college to help remind them that they are in our thoughts. We are in the final stages of registration/flight arrangement for the summer mission trip. Please sign up immediately if your son/ daughter plans to attend. Check out the First Presbyterian website at firstpresdf.org for updates and registrations!

6 Page 6, THE MESSENGER, January 2015 Women s Deerfield First Presbyterian A place for Presbyterian women to connect 2014 PW MISSIONS Many and special thanks to everyone who helped support our mission partners in 2014; both with monetary contributions and specific items for each campaign. ChildServ Night Ministry A Safe Place Nuestro Center Lake View Academy Casa Central Winchester House JOIN THE CHANCEL CHOIR The start of 2015 would be a great time to join the Chancel Choir. We would love to welcome you! Chancel Choir rehearsals are on Wednesday evenings from 7:30-9:00. The Chancel Choir sings for the 9:45 service during the year. If you have been thinking about joining the Chancel Choir this is the time to do it. Our first rehearsal of 2015 will be on Wednesday night January 7. We hope to see you there. PSALMFEST II Martin Tel will be coming back to First Presbyterian Church to lead Psalmfest II on Sunday January 18. The Chancel Choir will be working with Dr. Tel for this event. We would love to have you sing with us. We will be rehearsing for this special service on Wednesday nights January 7, January 14 and on Saturday morning January 17. Wednesday night rehearsals will be from 7:30-8:30 and the Saturday morning rehearsal will begin at 9:30am. Please consider joining us. If you would like more information please contact Mike Nelson. SAVE THE DATE! Fellowship and Congregational Care Committee is sponsoring a progressive dinner on Saturday, January 24. We are looking for helpers and hosts. The evening will start with appetizers at church and then on to dinner at a member s home. For answers to your questions, contact Christy Wiscomb, cwiscomb@aol.com.

7 Page 7, THE MESSENGER, January 2015 Our Network of Caring OUR CHRISTIAN SYMPATHY IS EXTENDED TO Arlo and Judy Straight in the death of Arlo s brother, Elwin, on December 19. Monday Communion Service Our next Brief Monday Communion will be the 1st Monday, January 5, at 1:00 in the Chapel. Please call the church office if you need a ride. To report hospitalization, prayer requests or pastoral care needs, contact Pastor Alisa at or asecrest@firstpresdf.org Please pray for: Suzan Hawkinson, Suzan s brother-in-law, Vance; Judy Adamson, Margaret Hezner, Peggy Milligan, Florence Norwesh, Mary Lou Rain, John Wilcox, Elaine Werth, Carrie Rudd, Christy Markle, John Wesley Thom Cunningham s sister, Brenda; Suzanne Brady s granddaughter, Kirsten; Jessie Coe s father; Ruthann Showerman s brother, Brian; Ken Wenzgen s sister; Margie Voll, A CONGREGATIONAL MEETING has been called at 10:45 a.m. on January 4 in the Great Sanctuary for the purpose of electing officers to fill remaining vacancies. THE 2015 FLOWER CALENDAR is on the wall in the West Hallway. Please sign up for your special date(s) to donate flowers for our Sunday worship. BOWLING ANYONE? If you are interested in joining other members in the church for some fellowship at the Deerfield Brunswick Bowling Alley on Tuesday nights at 7:00 p.m., please contact Nancy Raymond at ray7mond32@comcast.net or if you do not have access to . The cost would be $10 per week and would run weeks. We are hoping to start in February if we get enough interest so let her know ASAP.

8 Page 8, THE MESSENGER, January 2015 Children s Ministry Thank you to everyone who helped make the 2014 Christmas Pageant a great success! Director, Trisha Egbers, Youth Choir Director, Nick Filipowski, the cast, parents, volunteers and attendees all contributed to a truly memorable pageant. A Christmas Carol Dickens and Beyond Join on Tuesday evenings, fireside in the Mary Martha Lounge, to enjoy portions of the great Dickens tale and good discussion about the song of the Gospel that sounds above us in all the world, especially in this season. Led by Pastor Hawkinson, this small group discussion class is movie clip, Bible Study and sharing. December 2, 9 and 16 7:00 p.m. Check out the First Presbyterian website at firstpresdf.org for updates and registrations!

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