Advent and Christmas at Valley

Transcription

1 Valley Community Presbyterian Church December 2014 Sundays at Valley Spiritual Disciplines Adult Education Class, 9:00 a.m. Early Coffee in Library, 9:30 a.m. Worship, 10:00 a.m. Valley Kids Sunday Funday, 10:20 a.m. Nursery Care, 9:45 to 11:15 a.m. Coffee Fellowship, 11:00 a.m. Sunday 6:08 Worship, 6:08 p.m. December 7 Second Sunday of Advent Communion, 10:00 a.m. Advent Fair, 11:15 a.m. 14 Third Sunday of Advent Tiny Bethlehem, 10:00 a.m. Session Meeting with New Members, 11:15 a.m. 21 Fourth Sunday of Advent Christmas Joy Offering Cents-Ability Offering Dining for Women, 11:30 a.m. Sunday 6:08 Communion 24 Christmas Eve Children s Tableau, 6:00 p.m. Cookies and Carols, 7:00 p.m. Candlelight Worship, 8:00 p.m. 25 Christmas Day 28 First Sunday after Christmas January 4 Epiphany Sunday Communion, 10:00 a.m. Advent and Christmas at Valley Advent means coming. It s the first season of the Christian year where we wait with great anticipation for the coming of Christ. It s a season of Holy waiting: waiting for God s peace to come to earth waiting for the light of Christ to shine waiting for the shepherds, the angels, and the Christ child. We light the Advent candles, one more each week, as we watch for the light of Christ. We sing Advent hymns as we wait for the Christmas hymns to begin. We hear the prophets words of warning and of promise and the stories leading up to Jesus birth from the gospel of Luke. We wonder and marvel with the shepherds and hear the angels announcement with great joy. We journey to Bethlehem in our hearts and minds, waiting for the birth of the Christ child. And then we celebrate Christmas: the birth of Jesus, God-with-us, Emmanuel! December 7 Advent Fair The second candle of Advent is lit. After worship, all are invited to Davis Hall for the Advent Fair. Start the season with wreath making, children s crafts, fellowship and treats. Participate with Fellowship making wreaths for the church doors. December 14 Tiny Bethlehem The third candle of Advent is lit. Valley s choirs present the beautiful Tiny Bethlehem during the 10:00 a.m. worship. This dramatic presentation is a joyous annual tradition. Graceful movement and lovely choral music will provide a perfect message to lead us into the season of Christmas. December 21 The fourth candle of Advent is lit. Christmas Joy Offering is received. December 24 - Christmas Eve 6:00 p.m. Worship features the Children s Nativity Tableau. If K-5th grade children would like to participate, contact the church office by December 14. 7:00 p.m. Carols and cookies in Davis Hall/Gym 8:00 p.m. Candlelight Worship and Communion with the Chancel Choir December 28 Christmas celebration continues through Epiphany Sunday, January 4. Awakening Souls, Sharing Joy, Serving God in Christ - TRANSFORMING LIVES

2 Pastor s Column But the angel said to them, Do not be afraid; for see I am bringing you good news of great joy for all the people (Luke 2:10, NRSV) After seeing a commercial for a national discount store in mid-november claiming to offer More Ways to Christmas Joy, I began thinking about Christmas Joy. What is it? Where do we find it? Is it true, as the commercial implies, that buying lots of big toys and expensive electronics will give us Christmas Joy? Christmas Joy is very real; it is theological, spiritual, and mysterious. Each Advent, we take some time about four weeks to prepare for Christmas and the Joy it brings. In our watching and wondering, we are expectantly waiting not just for anything, but for the great joy that comes with Christmas. Christmas Joy is the incredible feeling we have when we realize (again) that God chose to come to earth in human form to live among us, to show us the way, the truth, and the life, to save us. God is with us, Emmanuel, God-with-us. Christmas Joy is about God s greatest gift to us: Jesus God s presence among us, God s promise to teach us and lead us, God s assurance that we are loved and forgiven, God s desire for us to be filled with joy instead of fear. There is great joy in this news! Even in this magical time of year when there are dazzling lights, catchy tunes, yummy treats, and festive gatherings we recognize there are people who live each day without joy. And yet, the angels message to the shepherds, bringing good news of great joy, is indeed for all the people: to you is born this day in the city of David a Savior, who is the Messiah, the Lord. (Luke 2:11, NRSV) And so in this season of preparation and waiting, we prepare to share this good news of great joy in all the ways we can. Joy is shared when we love our neighbors as ourselves, when we give to someone in need, when we invite someone in to our home, our church, our life. We find opportunities to share the gifts and resources we have and to tell the story of God s greatest gift. There are many opportunities at Valley to share in this excitement-building time of Advent, as we prepare together for the joy that is to come. All are invited, all are welcome! The Advent Fair on December 7 will help us to think about preparing for Christmas Joy as we journey through the season remembering the shepherds, angels, star, and manger; there will be opportunities for all ages to create, sing, feast, and share. You may also want to pick up an Advent Candle Litany booklet with ideas and ways to observe the Advent season at home. Our Sanctuary will be decorated with signs of the season: the Advent wreath and candles, trees with Chrismons (symbols that remind us of Jesus), greenery and poinsettias. Both 10:00 a.m. and 6:08 p.m. worship will offer opportunities to reflect on the signs and themes of the season: Hope, Peace, Joy, and Love. During 10:00 a.m. worship on December 14, we will hear and see the Christmas story in Tiny Bethlehem. We will sing songs of wonder, preparation, and joy. THE MESSENGER VALLEY COMMUNITY PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH 8060 SW BRENTWOOD ST. PORTLAND, OR FAX mail@valleycommunity.org PASTORS BEN PAROULEK AND REBECCA CHANCELLOR NEWSLETTER STAFF: SHIRLEY HERCHER AND ANGELA GRAHAM PLEASE SUBMIT ARTICLES VIA BY DECEMBER 15 FOR THE JANUARY ISSUE: messenger@valleycommunity.org There will be many opportunities for sharing the joy of the season with others: gifts for children through Luke Dorf, gifts and food for a family in need through Salvation Army, and gifts made to the Christmas Joy Offering on Sunday, December 21. So Christmas Joy does have something to do with gifts, but it is less about the giant pile of beautifully wrapped gifts we buy for family and friends and more about the gifts money cannot buy: Hope, Peace, Joy, and Love. It is about the greatest gift: the gift we celebrate each Christmas Day, the birth of a baby in a manger, the one who came to save the people and teach us how to love. May we continue to learn from Jesus each and every day, may we love and serve our neighbors, and may we share this good news of great joy! Peace to each of you, THE NEWSLETTER STAFF RETAINS PERMISSION TO MODIFY SUBMISSIONS FOR CLARITY, SPACE, CONTENT AND STYLE. Page 2 Valley Messenger December 2014

3 Christmas Joy Offering The Christmas Joy Offering is received during worship on Sunday, December 21. This is one of four special offerings designated by our national church. The funds received provide financial assistance to current and former church workers and their families, or they go to help deserving students of all racial and ethnic backgrounds to achieve their dreams through Presbyterian-related education. For more information, please read the bulletin inserts during December and consider giving generously. Advent Fair December 7 Join in the fun and fellowship that is Valley s Annual Advent Fair. This year it is on Sunday, December 7 in Davis Hall/gym right after 10:00 a.m. worship until 2:00 p.m. This activity has been ongoing for longer than most of us can recall and is anticipated every year. There will be crafts for all ages, greens for wreath making, music, and food. Pizza is again being provided. What to bring: Your extended family, friends and neighbors. Gloves and clippers for wreath making. If you have wreath rings from past years you might bring those as well. We will have rings and bows for sale. A plate of cookies to share or bring food items for the food pantry or Project BACK. Get into the holiday spirit by attending Valley s Advent Fair. See you there! New Pictorial Directory Coming Soon! Plans are being made to work with Lifetouch photographers for a new church pictorial directory to be published this spring. Look at your calendars now and reserve some time during the week of February 3-7, 2015, for your pictures to be taken. Each person or family participating will receive a free 8x10 photo and a copy of the new church directory. There is no obligation to buy additional photos, although it is possible to purchase more. You will soon receive more information about the sign-up process. Your participation will ensure that we have a complete new directory of all who are part of Valley! Pastoral Associates Commissioned at Valley The Rev. Chuck Falconer and The Rev. Jenny Pratt. New Beginnings Valley Session is meeting Saturday, December 6 to start a discernment process and discussions about how to use the information gathered during the New Beginnings small group meetings. You ve read about some of the information coming out of the groups in the letter mailed to the congregation prior to Thanksgiving. If you didn t receive one, call Angie in the Church office. If you have questions about the information contact Paige Unangst. Session will have more to share as they make plans for the future. On Sunday, November 2 during 10:00 a.m. worship, we commissioned The Rev. Chuck Falconer and The Rev. Jenny Pratt to serve as Pastoral Associates at Valley. As ordained Teaching Elders, Chuck and Jenny are members of the Presbytery of the Cascades (and therefore cannot be listed as members on our church rolls). The role of Pastoral Associate signifies Jenny s and Chuck s active participation in the life and ministry of our congregation. Chuck and Jenny affirmed their willingness to serve in this role and agreed to serve with God s help. The congregation in worship also confirmed the call of God to Chuck and Jenny, and we pledged to support and encourage them in this role. December 2014 Valley Messenger Page 3

4 Stewardship Report The number of pledges and the pledged giving continues to increase slowly from week to week. By the first week of November, 130 pledges had been received and 115 members had not yet returned a pledge card with their intended giving for The church office sent out an correspondence to 70 of those members that had known addresses. On November 17, reminder letters were sent to those members who hadn t responded by that date. We are working hard to make sure that every member has had a chance to respond to this campaign. Our goal is to have a budget for 2015 ready for approval by the end of December. We are hoping that all members will respond to this pledge drive. Don Sowers, Stewardship Elder Gamble Library News Have you visited your church library recently? We have many books about Christmas for children, youth, and adults. Just look for the green Christmas sticker on the spine. We are also gathering a good collection of educational DVDs from The Great Courses that can be checked out. The Library Book Group holds its combined November/ December meeting in the Fireside Room on Friday, December 5 at 10:00 a.m. The book for discussion is Light Between Oceans, by M. L. Stedman. All are welcome to join in the lively discussion and fellowship. Remember to bring your own coffee. Dining for Women meets December 21 New Cents-Ability Banks We ve noticed that some of our Cents-Ability banks are getting a bit worn. The Valley Kids want to help! The children are preparing brand new Cents-Ability Offering Banks to store your coins each month, and they will gift them to you on December 21. Be sure and pick one up from the Sanctuary Narthex after Worship. All Cents-Ability donations, collected on the third Sunday of each month, benefit Presbyterian Hunger Programs and Valley's own local partnerships to combat hunger in our community. Pocket change goes a big way for feeding the hungry, and the children s homemade banks will help remind you of the ongoing need. Thank you for participating. Dining for Women learns about Women s Microfinance Initiative in Uganda at its December meeting. You are invited to join Valley s Dining for Women chapter on Sunday, December 21 at 11:30 a.m. for potluck lunch in the Fireside Room. The Women s Microfinance Initiative s mission is to establish village-level loan hubs administered by local women, to provide capital, training and support to rural women in the lowest income brackets in East Africa so that they can engage in income producing activities. By gaining this credit history and training they become eligible to transition to regulate commercial banking. This program called Transitions to Independence will provide loans to 320 women in the two year cycle. Repaid loans will then be lent to another group of 320 women. The indirect impact is estimated to be at least 2300 villagers including immediate family, extended family, business suppliers and potential employees. Join us for a hearty potluck lunch and learn about yet another interesting and worthy nonprofit that Dining for Women is helping as we change the world, one meal at a time. Questions? Contact Ruthann Marquis. Thank you for sending your check for $28.00 for the 2015 Per Capita (for wider church expenses) for each Valley member. For more information about what per capita is, and how it helps, go to: oga.pcusa.org/percapita Page 4 Valley Messenger December 2014

5 Children s Ministry Save the date! VBS (Vacation Bible School) will be July 13-17, December Kids Events 2 RSVP deadline for Kids Night Out (Laurel@valleycommunity.org) 5 Kids Night Out/Kids Craft Mart, 5:30-9:00 p.m. 7 2nd Sunday of Advent; Sunday Funday (Giving Thanks, Part 1); Advent Fair, following 10:00 a.m. Worship 13 Tiny Bethlehem Rehearsal 14 3rd Sunday of Advent; Tiny Bethlehem (kids in Worship; no Sunday Funday) 19 RSVP deadline for Kids Day Off (Laurel@valleycommunity.org) 21 4th Sunday of Advent; Sunday Funday (Giving Thanks, Part 2) 22 Kids Day Off, 10:00-2:00 p.m.; RSVP to Laurel Cluthe 24 Children s Tableau on Christmas Eve, 6:00 p.m; Cookies and Carols, 7:00 p.m.; Christmas Eve Candlelight Service, 8:00 p.m. Christmas Eve Nativity Tableau All children in Kindergarten-5th grade are invited to participate in the Nativity Tableau on Christmas Eve. The Nativity Tableau is a simple yet memorable opportunity for kids to dress in costumes and form the nativity scene on the chancel. One practice will be held Wednesday, December 17, from 5:00-6:00 p.m. in the Sanctuary, under the direction of Amy Rheingans. Contact Amy at amy@valleycommunity.org to let her know your child will be participating. All children are welcome, including friends, neighbors, and relatives. Parents are requested to stay at the rehearsal if possible, to help with the costuming. An Advent Gift for You By now, each and every Valley Kid and Valley Christian Preschool student should have received an Advent Calendar as a gift from our church. Children and their families have an opportunity to follow along daily in anticipation of Jesus birth. What a blessing to share together! Please pray for our children and preschool as we come together to celebrate and learn about Advent. If you see a child or parent of a child on Sunday or during the week, ask them if they ve been adding star stickers to their Advent calendar each day. Let s all share the love of Christ in this awe-filled season! New Director for Cherub Choir We are pleased to introduce Valley s new Cherub Choir Director, Lizz Brown. Lizz has a BFA in theatre from Wayne State University. In her professional life, she works extensively in drama and musical theater. Lizz has been active in arts education in Portland for almost 10 years. She has also choreographed Valley s Tiny Bethlehem pageant for the past four years. She and her husband Paul, along with their son Duncan, have been attending Valley since the spring of Both Lizz and Paul are frequent volunteers in the children s Sunday school program. Lizz is also on the Christian Nurture for Children Committee. We are blessed to have such an active church participant take on the job of teaching music to our Cherubs. Please welcome Lizz in her new role at Valley. Kids Night Out, Day Off We have two opportunities for children aged 3-11 to spend super fun time here at church, parent-free: Kids Night Out on December 5 from 5:30-9:00 p.m. and Kids Day Off on December 22 from 10:00 a.m.-2:00 p.m. The children will learn giving by making homemade gifts for their loved ones each of these days. We ll also show a Christmas movie, eat together and play lots of games. Join in the fun with us! Kids Night Out: RSVP by December 2 to Laurel Cluthe; cost is $10 and dinner is included. Kids Day Off: RSVP by December 19 to Laurel Cluthe at Laurel@valleycommunity.org; cost is $10 and lunch is included. Friends are always welcome. Join in the fun! December 2014 Valley Messenger Page 5

6 Youth Ministry December Youth Events 3 MS LIFE 7:00-8:30 p.m. at Youth House (doors open at 6:30 p.m. for drop-off, games and free-time) 3 Confirmation Class 7:00-8:30 p.m. in Room 16 5 Volunteer Opportunity at Kids Night Out, 5:00-9:30 p.m. (any block of time); sign-up with Laurel 10 HS FAMILY 7:00-8:30 p.m. at Youth House (doors open at 6:30 p.m. for drop-off, games and free-time) 13 Youth assemble cookie trays for 12/14 Cookie Exchange Fundraiser (for Youth Mission) from Noon- 2:00 p.m.; pizza lunch provided. 14 Youth sell at Cookie Exchange Fundraiser, 9:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m. 17 Youth Christmas Party (MS & HS), 6:00-8:30 p.m., Location TBA 24 Christmas Eve at Valley 6:00 p.m. Children s Nativity Tableau (all are welcome); 7:00 p.m. Cookies and Carols; 8:00 p.m. Candlelight Worship The Heart of Youth Ministry A small number of dedicated adults in our church family are rarely given awards or accolades for their holy work. They are our Youth Advisors, the team that has committed time, energy, and (valuable and rare) free evenings to nurture our 6th-12th grade youth. The Christian Nurture for Youth Committee and other church leaders see great importance in these who walk alongside our youth. This year, Shannon Blair, Trent Sele, and John Whitehurst advise on Wednesday nights and on Middle School retreats, while Jenny Pratt and Karen Yakymi are co-leading the High School Bible study and summer mission trip. Our recently retired advisors, Jim and Karen Sandberg, are our SCRIP fundraiser coordinators. From the bottom of our hearts, we thank you seven for your care and love for God s amazing Valley Youth! Christmas Cookies are Coming to Town! Young Adult Holiday Dinner Calling all Valley Youth House alumni! Come join us for our annual Christmas dinner on Tuesday, December 23, 6:30-8:30 p.m. at the Valley Youth House. Bring yourself; bring a friend; visit with old friends; make some new ones--your Valley family misses you! Questions? Contact Laurel Cluthe. Youth Christmas Party at the Mall December 17 This year, our Youth Christmas Parties will be combined and in a bustling place. Instead of cider and white elephant gift exchange in a church member s home, we will be hunting and hot cocoa-ing at the mall. It s a Scavenger Hunt on Wednesday, December 17 from 6:00-8:30 p.m. at Washington Square Mall! And we need your help. If you are interested (adults or families with children of any age) in participating in the scavenger hunt as human clues or checkpoints, please contact Laurel Cluthe. We will need strategically placed people (costumes optional) to help our youth as they hunt for clues during this Christmas celebration. We promise excitement and hot cocoa for your participation. Join us in the fun! Summer Mission Trips Middle School Mission Trip Smith River, California with Sierra Service Project August 2-7, 2015 High School Mission Trip Nicaragua with Seeds of Learning June 17-26, 2015 Check out the Valley Youth blog for details: or contact Laurel Cluthe, Children s and Youth Minister Homemade cookies will be arriving at Valley Church just in time for the holidays. We hope you are able join in on our youth cookie exchange fundraiser (for Youth Mission) on December 14 following Tiny Bethlehem. There are several ways to participate in this event: bake, taste, and buy. If you want to join in on the cookie tasting contest (with a variety of awards being given) please bring in two batches of cookies (72 or so) and we will have samples out for the congregation to taste on December 14. Lastly, join us in the gym following worship on December 14 and take home a lovely plate of Christmas cookies for a suggested donation of $15/small tray and $25/large tray. Presales will begin November 30. All proceeds will benefit the high school mission trip to Nicaragua in June The youth will be preparing cookie trays on December 13 from 12:00-2:00 p.m. and have them all wrapped up and ready to take home and enjoy on December 14. Donated cookies can be dropped off in the kitchen the week of December 7. Please be sure to mark them for youth cookie exchange fundraiser. Please also mark cookies if they are gluten-free or if they contain nuts so that we can keep track as we divide them up and share with the congregation. Page 6 Valley Messenger December 2014

7 Valley Scrapbook Scottish dancers along with their teacher and piper accompanist entertained during Mission Market. A banner of loved ones hung in the sanctuary for All Saints Sunday. The McCleans helped people find their family crests and tartans after the Kirkin o the Tartan service. Right: The procession after worship on Kirkin o the Tartan Sunday included the pastors, a piper, Scottish dancers, and the Chancel Choir. December 2014 Valley Messenger Page 7

8 Valley Scrapbook Preparing to assemble the jars for the Youth Mission. In this photo from December 2013, the Youth Choir sings at Doernbecher Children s Hospital, as they do each year before Christmas. This year, the Youth Choir will offer a cappella Christmas music in the halls of the children s hospital on Saturday, December 6. This is a beautiful way for our youth to share their gifts and talents to those in need of cheer, peace, and love. An assembly line formed as Valley Youth and family worked on jars for the Youth Mission fundraiser. Valley Youth assembled soups and sweets jars for Youth Mission fundraiser. Valley Youth prepared Peppermint Bark to gift our Sunday morning church visitors. Page 8 Valley Messenger December 2014

9 Valley Scrapbook Chuck Falconer in front of the Habitat for Humanity table at Mission Market. At the Mission Market, Janet Adkins at the Heifer International table which helps purchase much needed livestock for needy families around the world. Personal care bags for the Luke Dorf homeless program were purchased at the recent Mission Market. Knit for Kids is a program that supplies hand knitted sweaters to children who come from low income families throughout the world. Left: There were many opportunities to purchase or donate to organizations supported by Valley at the Mission Market. December 2014 Valley Messenger Page 9

10 Valley Notes Opportunities White Poinsettias decorate the chancel in the Sanctuary during Advent and Christmas. If you would like to contribute to the Flower Fund in memory or honor of a loved one, please place a donation of $15.00 in a pew envelope. Indicate Flower Fund on your check and/or envelope with the name of the honoree. Place the envelope in the offering plate or take it to the church office no later than Monday, December 15. Poinsettias may be taken home on December 28. The annual Christmas Senior Lunch is Wednesday, December 10, at noon in Armitage Hall. Plan to join us for lunch, fellowship and singing. We will be entertained by the Valley Christian Preschool lunch bunch! Pastor Ben and the children will help us get into the Christmas spirit with some of their favorite carols. An old fashioned sing-a-long will follow their program. The Lunch Team can t wait to greet each of you! Flowers for Front Entry - Honor or remember a loved one by donating flowers or plants for display in the front entry starting in January. A simple card in their honor can accompany the flowers. We request that they be in place on Sunday morning and left to welcome visitors to Valley throughout the week. A sign-up calendar will be placed on the wall in the office lobby. Deacons Red Cross Blood Drive Thursday afternoon, December 18, will help many people. To sign up, contact Lee Ann Wichman. Tai chi at Valley has something to offer everyone: strengthening, balance work, meditation, relaxation. We share, we laugh, we celebrate each day, each breath, and each moment. Join us Tuesdays and/or Thursdays, 10:00-11:00 a.m. We will be on winter break from December 22 to January 2; classes resume January 6. See you then. Questions? Contact Diane Harris, dianeharris@mac.com or Look for the Salvation Army Giving Trees in the church office lobby and the front entryway. Valley is again hosting a family for the holiday season. Items may be dropped off in the office by December 15. Stop by to pick up a tag from the trees and help a deserving family have a blessed Christmas! Prayers We pray for those with health concerns: Amanda Adams, Chuck Miller, Jina Lorati Valley Christian Preschool still has openings for children ages 2 ½ - 5 years, and it s not too late to enroll your child! Contact Kristina Kurtz at or at kristina@valleycommunity.org for more information. Join us! Preschool Plans Busy December Merry Christmas and Happy New Year from Valley Christian Preschool! Our families are excited about the holidays. We re exploring the many ways Christ loves us through crafts and activities, sharing our blessings with others and actively planning for Find us singing a few Christmas songs with Pastor Ben at the Senior Luncheon, gathering toys for families through the KGW Great Toy Drive and celebrating together with our school Christmas Sing-A-Longs before our Christmas break. Lots to do, and lots for which we are thankful. In January we begin to enroll our current families into our classes for the school year, and in February we open enrollment for everyone. Do you know someone who would like to inquire about our wonderful preschool? Please contact Kristina, VCP Preschool Director, at kristina@valleycommunity.org or at x146 to schedule a tour. Now is the time! Check out our website at and our Facebook posts under Valley Christian Preschool. Here s a quick peek ahead: VCP kids sing for the Senior Luncheon, December 10 Classroom Christmas Parties, December 17, 18 & 19 Christmas Break (No School) Dec. 22 through Jan. 2, 2015 Classes resume, January 5, 2015 Current families enroll for begins January 5, Enrollment open for all families begins Feb. 2, 2015 Wishing you all a Merry Christmas season filled with laughter and love, Kristina Kurtz and Teaching Staff Valley Christian Preschool Page 10 Valley Messenger December 2014

11 Sunday Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday Saturday 1 10:00a Baby Blues Connection 6:00p Girl Scout Troop 7:00p Mission Committee 7:30p Portland Highland Games Association 7:30p Scout Troop :00a Tai Chi Class 11:00a Women s Bible Study 1:00p Staff Meeting 5:30p Fellowship Committee 5:30p Membership Comm. 6:45p Christian Nurture for Youth Meeting 7:15p Chancel Choir 7:30p Girl Scout Troop :15p Chamber Choir 3 8:00a Men s Bible Study 5:00p Sacred Space 5:00p Cherub Choir 5:00p King s Kids Choir 5:30p Communications & Social Media Comm. 6:00p Royal Ringers Bells 6:30p Tiger Den Pack 592 7:00p Christian Nurture for Adults Committee 7:00p Confirmation Class 7:00p Middle School LIFE 4 10:00a Alanon 10:00a Tai Chi Class 6:00p Cub Scout Pack Mtg. 7:00p Christian Nurture for Children Committee 5 8:00a Women s Aerobics 10:00a Gamble Library 5:30p Kids Night Out/Kids Craft Mart 6 8:30a Session Retreat on New Beginnings 2:00p Youth Choir Meets to sing at Doernbecher 7 Second Sunday of Advent 8:45a Worship Leaders Meeting 9:00a Adult Education Class 9:30a Early Coffee in the Library 10:00a Worship 10:20a Valley Kids Sunday Funday 11:00a Coffee Fellowship 11:15a Advent Fair 4:00p Tiny Bethlehem Rehearsal 5:00p Youth Choir Rehearsal 6:08p Sunday 6: :00a Baby Blues Connection 11:00a Century Club Christmas Tea 6:00p Girl Scout Troop 6:30p Cub Scouts 7:30p Scout Troop :00a Tai Chi Class 1:00p Staff Meeting 7:00p Session Meeting 7:15p Chancel Choir 8:15p Chamber Choir 10 8:00a Men s Bible Study 12:00p Senior Adult Luncheon 4:00p Girl Scout Troop 5:00p Sacred Space 5:00p Cherub Choir 5:00p King s Kids Choir 6:00p Royal Ringers Bells 6:30p Webelos Den Meeting 7:00p High School FAMILY 11 10:00a Alanon 10:00a Tai Chi Class 12 8:00a Women s Aerobics 13 9:00a Tiny Bethlehem Rehearsal 12:00p Youth Assemble Cookie Trays for Cookie Exchange Fundraiser 14 Third Sunday of Advent 8:45a Worship Leaders Meeting 9:00a Adult Education Class 9:30a Early Coffee in the Library 10:00a Worship-Tiny Bethlehem 11:00a Coffee Fellowship 11:15a Session Meeting with New Members 6:08p Sunday 6:08 15 The Messenger Newsletter Articles Due 10:00a Baby Blues Connection 10:00a Meals on Wheels 6:00p Girl Scout Troop 7:30p Scout Troop :00a Tai Chi Class 1:00p Staff Meeting 7:00p Deacons Meeting 17 8:00a Men s Bible Study 5:00p Sacred Space 5:00p Cherub Choir 5:00p King s Kids Choir 6:00p Royal Ringers Bells 6:30p Middle School and High School Christmas Parties 18 8:00a Soup Kitchen 10:00a Alanon 10:00a Tai Chi Class 1:30p Deacons Red Cross Blood Drive 5:00p Sunday 6:08 Planning Team 6:00p Preschool Board Mtg. 6:30p Cub Scout Pack 592 6:30p Girl Scout Troop 7:15p Chancel Choir 8:15p Chamber Choir 19 8:00a Women s Aerobics Fourth Sunday of Advent 8:45a Worship Leaders Meeting 9:00a Adult Education Class 9:30a Early Coffee in the Library 10:00a Worship 10:20a Valley Kids Sunday Funday 11:00a Coffee Fellowship 11:30a Dining for Women Meeting 6:08p Sunday 6: :00a Baby Blues Connection 10:00a Kids Day Off 6:00p Girl Scout Troop 23 1:00p Staff Meeting 1:00p Prayer Shawl Ministry 7:00p Personnel Committee 7:00p Prayer Shawl Ministry 24 Christmas Eve 8:00a Men s Bible Study 6:00p Worship-Children s Tableau 7:00p Cookie Fellowship 8:00p Worship-Candlelight 25 Christmas Day Church Building Closed 26 8:00a Moms in Touch 8:00a Women s Aerobics :45a Worship Leaders Meeting 9:00a Adult Education Class 9:30a Early Coffee in Library 10:00a Worship 10:20a Valley Kids Sunday Funday 11:00a Coffee Fellowship 6:08p Sunday 6: :00a Baby Blues Connection 6:00p Girl Scout Troop 7:30p Scout Troop :00p Staff Meeting 31 8:00a Men s Bible Study December 2014

12 THE MESSENGER VALLEY COMMUNITY PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH 8060 SW BRENTWOOD ST. PORTLAND, OR RETURN SERVICE REQUESTED TIME DATED MATERIAL December Events December 7 Advent Fair in Davis Hall/Gym following 10:00 a.m. worship with wreath-making, crafts for all ages, caroling, sweet treats, and more! December 14 Tiny Bethlehem musical during 10:00 a.m. worship, including children s, youth, and adult choirs. December 24 - Christmas Eve 6:00 p.m. - Worship with Children s Nativity Tableau 7:00 p.m. - Cookie Fellowship in Davis Hall/Gym 8:00 p.m. - Candlelight Worship with Chancel Choir