THE MESSENGER. Holy Trinity Presbyterian Church HAPPY BIRTHDAY!

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1 19251 North Tamiami Trail, No. Ft. Myers, FL Phone: THE MESSENGER Holy Trinity Presbyterian Church December 2017, Volume 2017, Issue 12 Website: Living for Christ through Worship, Discipleship, Service and Fellowship HAPPY BIRTHDAY! Dec 3 Dennis Daley Dec 6 Polly Timberlake Dec 9 Sally Beyer Dec10 Andrea Helms Dec10 Ann Rule Dec11 Ed Hall Dec16 Paul Brewer Dec17 June McDonnell Dec19 Jerry Strohmenger Dec21 Paul Kleinmann Dec23 Joyce Sigler Dec26 Bill Milligan Having a Birthday This Month? Sign up to greet so we can say Happy Birthday! And why not celebrate the many blessing in your life and be a blessing to Holy Trinity, too? Contribute to the birthday fund and reduce our mortgage. ** Suggested donation is $1.00 per year of age. Dear Saints, What a wonderful experience we have had as a church body when so many were willing to give six weeks to Jesus. I was really thrilled to see so many Transforming Living books and study guides in the hands of our family and friends at Holy Trinity. It really impressed me that there were fifty to sixty students in the Fellowship Hall and twenty plus in Room Four. Everybody making the effort to pull together and learn the same things at the same time! I think From Pastor Val our church family is richer for the experience. We are all closer to God and to each other because we took the time to learn more about God and in class we got to learn more about each other. The results from the commitment cards and volunteer forms will help guide Holy Trinity as to how to meet the needs of participating in the building of God s Kingdom. Thank you for your generous and thoughtful commitments to the Holy Trinity budget, and to volunteering in the many ministries we have happening to support the efforts of being a place where people can get to know, love and serve Jesus. The Session of Holy Trinity is grateful for the family and friends to pull together and show that we want to make a positive impact in the world for Jesus Christ. Here we are getting ready for Advent, the Cantata, and Christmas Eve. Notice that Christmas Eve Sunday will have both our 8:30 Contemporary and 10:30 Traditional worship services. Then go home get some lunch and a little rest and come back for our 5:00 and 7:00 Christmas Eve Candle Lighting worship services. It will be a full day and evening, but with the joy of Christmas, we will all carry through and be blessed in the process. Hopefully by now, everyone has been informed about my decision to need to move closer to my family. I have received and accepted a call to serve the First Presbyterian Church of Rogers, Arkansas. It moves me to the middle of the country. The California kids are a direct flight from San Francisco, Larkin in Texas can fly or drive in short order and my brother s family is only 242 miles away. It has been a long time since Reece and I have lived so close. It was not an easy decision to make. Being at Holy Trinity has been like oxygen to my soul. When asked by the search committee what would I miss about Holy Trinity? I could only respond, I would miss the relationships. I have come to care very deeply for the family and friends of Holy Trinity and I will miss our time together. My last Sunday will be January 14. The Transition Team will determine an interim pastor, who should be ready in early We have had a lot of fun, and God has been good to provide so many opportunities for growth and service. I know it will continue and bring God glory. Blessings and peace, Pastor Val

2 Page 2 December 2017 SCRIPTURE READINGS FOR December Dec. 3 Isaiah 64:1-9, Psalm 80:1-7, 17-19, 1 Corinthians 1:3-9, Mark 13:24-37 Dec.10 Isaiah 40:1-11, Psalm 85:1-2, 8-13, 2 Peter 3:8-15a, Mark 1:1-8 Dec.17 Isaiah 61:1-4, 8-11, Psalm 126, 1 Thessalonians 5:16-24, John 1:6-8, Dec.24 2 Samuel 7:1-11, 16, Psalm 89:1-4, 19-26, Romans 16:25-27, Luke 1:26-38 Prayer Chain Warriors 2017 We have very good warriors on our prayer chain at Holy Trinity. If you have a prayer request, please contact any of the following and the name of the person you want us to pray for will be put on the prayer chain. Nancy Rad Roger Smith Kelly Dickey Ann Sosa Joyce Schmidt Wilma Jenkins Billie Sonderman Nancy Walker Joy O Dell Holy Trinity On The Go Our On The Go ministry is really a big success and the number of participants is growing for each trip. On December 11, we have 53 reservations to go on the Christmas Train and Boat trip and we are really looking forward to this unique trip and seeing the beautiful lights in Punta Gorda Isles followed by a 5 course dinner on the train. Our next scheduled trip: a bus tour to Solomon s Castle with Lunch at the Boat in the Moat Restaurant then on to see the famous Lipizzan Stallions in Myakka City on February 2. This will be a fabulous trip. The cost for this trip is $55.00 and includes the bus, entrance to Solomon s Castle, lunch, and the Lipizzan Stallions show. We must have a minimum of 40 people and a maximum of 55 to stay at this price. Your check will be your reservation along with the form below. Make your reservation early as I feel this will fill up fast. Our On The Go ministry is sponsored by Evangelism and Fellowship committees. Ushers and Greeters for November If you cannot serve on the Sunday you are to usher, please call the Usher Captain. 1 st Service: Alice Clarcq nd Service: Wilma Jenkins :30 A.M. Service Dec. 3 Communion Joan Ostrander Andrea Helms Nancy Rad Carol Dant Dec. 10 Fran Smith Betty Robertson Scotty Robertson Kelly Dickey Dec. 17 Judy DeLonge Ralph Jeka David Gluck Joanne Gluck Dec. 24 Joanne Gluck David Gluck Carol Burnison Alice Clarcq Dec. 31 Nancy Rad Carol Burnison Bonnie Anderson Rosemarie Prud Homme Christmas Eve Dec. 24 6:00 pm Alice Clarcq Rosemarie Prud Homme Nancy Rad Sue Springer 10:30 A.M. Service Dec. 3 Communion Pat Colucci Charlie Schnuth Joy O Dell Ken Reese (choir) Dec.10 Pat Colucci Charlie Schnuth Bud Berger Dec.17 Pat Colucci Charlie Schnuth Bud Berger Dec.24 Pat Colucci Vern O Dell Joy O Dell Dec. 31 Pat Colucci Charlie Schnuth Bud Berger Christmas Eve Dec. 24 7:00 pm Sue Buckhout Betty Robertson Scotty Robertson Eileen Reese BUS TOUR TO SOLOMON S CASTLE AND LIPIZZAN STALLION SHOW Give this form and check (made out to Holy Trinity) to Betty Robertson or Fran Smith (if you give to office please put in envelope and address to Fran Smith) Name: Phone: Number of tickets If you have any questions call Betty Robertson

3 Page 3 December 2017 Fellowship Hebrews 10:19-25 The Christian Life is meant to be lived in the Company of Others, Spurring One Another to Good Deeds, Love, Meeting Together. The Christmas Luncheon is scheduled on December 3 rd in Fellowship Hall after the second service. No Café Between on that Sunday as well. Sign-ups will be in the Narthex on November 26 with a $8 donation at that time. Should be a very Merry time! If you would like to serve on the Fellowship Committee, it meets the first Monday of the month at 10:00A.M. You are welcome! Café Between is hoping you will drop in for goodies and conversation with your church friends. If you would like to join the Lead Hosts, please sign up in the narthex. Ann Bowling and Jane Robinson, Chairs An Electronic Giving Option will be available starting in January, After a lengthy study, myeoffering was selected by the Finance Committee, and 5 members of the congregation volunteered to test this system of giving for the last 8 months. They all liked this system, and have had no problems with it. Benefits Convenience of Simplified Giving Eliminates writing Checks & Preparing Envelopes Eliminates need to remember to bring cash every Sunday Allows Your Donations to be Scheduled to Match Your Cash Flow Timing Stay Tuned for More Information in the Coming Weeks! Soup Cook Off Results The 3 winners and their soups from the Nov. 10 th cook off are: First Place: Bev Knoblock for Taco Soup Second Place: Elaine Knell for Lasagna Soup Third Place: Dan Putman for Beef, Broccoli, and Cheese Soup We will publish a link in the Jan. Messenger to a copy of these recipes, which will also be available on our Church website. You are invited to sign up for a Christmas Poinsettia A $10 donation will be appreciated at time of sign up. The deadline will be Sunday, Dec. 3 Support the people and causes you love through your

4 Page 4 December 2017 Music Department On Sunday December 10 th, the music department will be presenting our Christmas Cantata, Canticles in Candlelight, with orchestra and choir, services are at 8:30 and 10:30 A.M. This will be a worship service that you, your friends and neighbors will not want to miss. A word to the wise, come early to get a good seat. On December 24 th, we will be having our Christmas Eve services at 5 P.M., contemporary, and 7 P.M., traditional. What great worship services to share with the community, the birth of Jesus Christ! Paul Brewer, Director Worship Committee News On December 2 nd, at 10 A.M., Presbyterian Women and the Worship Committee will be decorating the church for Advent, which starts on December 3 rd. If you like to decorate, any and all help would be appreciated. It s again time to order poinsettias for Christmas. Sign-up sheets will be in the Sunday bulletin. Please sign up early. The choir has been practicing hard for the Cantata, which will be presented on December 10 th, at both services. It will be a program you won t want to miss. Just a reminder, since Christmas Eve is on a Sunday this year, we will have our normal morning worship services at 8:30 and 10:30 A.M. Then we will also have our Christmas Eve Candlelight Services at 5 P.M. (Contemporary), and 7 P.M. (Traditional). Submitted by Ruth and Terry Rickard Presbyterian Women Rachel Circle will wrap Christmas gifts for our shut ins on December 11 at 10:00 AM. Ladies are invited to come, wrap and perhaps deliver one of the gifts. PW will also be spreading Christmas cheer for Into the Jordan organization. Janet Rivero PRESBYTERIAN MEN At our meeting on November 3 rd, 12 men enjoyed a healthy and delicious home made breakfast and fellowship. At our next breakfast on Dec. 1 st, Charles Schnuth will provide a talk on The Terracotta Warriors Exhibit which he recently visited in Philadelphia. These sculptures depict the armies of the first Emperor. Join us for this interesting topic. Ladies are invited. Upcoming Events: Breakfast Mtg. Friday, Dec. 1 st 9:00 A.M. Fellowship Hall Breakfast Mtg. Friday, Jan. 5 th 9:00 A.M. Fellowship Hall Please join the Men s Group and get involved. It is only one Friday morning a month. All men in the community are welcome. Come and enjoy great food and fellowship! Jerry Strohmenger, Secretary

5 Page 5 December 2017 CHRISTIAN EDUCATION Thank you for a successful Rally Day in October. We were very gratified to have so many of you attend and sign-up for the church wide study, Treasures of the Transformed Life. Thank you to Jane Robinson, Nancy Rad and all those responsible for the planning and execution of this annual event. The Christian Education Committee has been busy planning more events and interesting church-wide studies on the heels of the well-received Treasures study. After a short break, Jane Robinson will be offering Christmas Gifts That Won t Break. This is a Hallmark feel good Advent Bible study which will be held between services, 9:35 10:15, on Dec. 3 and Dec. 17. It will serve as a reminder of what Jesus coming to earth meant for the world and for you. Sound interesting? Come join Jane in classroom 4 for these two Sundays. For 2018, watch for another church-wide experience, again, between services and some fun fellowship - food gatherings, as well. Janet Rivero will be offering a reprise of the Treasures study for our snowbirds and anyone else (who heard such great things about it) and would like to participate. I can t stress enough the importance of this study for your own personal spiritual growth and for the benefit of the church as a whole. Children s Sunday School will continue in Room 3 from 9:30 10:15. A goal of the Christian Ed. Committee is to see our children s ministry grow in the next year. Please reach out to the children in your neighborhood or lives and introduce them to the joy of knowing Jesus Christ and the fellowship of the church family. Wishing my church family a blessed and Merry Christmas! Janet Daly, Vice-Chairlady WELCOME NEW MEMBERS NOVEMBER 12, 2018 Kim Buletta Sandy Staigle Dan Snyder Brenda Snyder A Little About Us Kim Buletta - Coming from Michigan, Kim has resided in Florida for 6 years. She has 3 children and 2 grandchildren. Saundra (Sandy) Staigle - Sandy hails from Bismarck, ND and has been living in Florida for 7 years. She has 3 daughters and 5 grandchildren. She owned several businesses when living in ND. In her spare time she enjoys sewing and gardening. Brenda & Dan Snyder - Brenda & Dan are seasonal visitors, with their other home in Emmaus, PA. They have 2 married children and 5 young grandchildren. Brenda is a retired elementary teacher who enjoys golf, reading, and card playing Dan is a retired hospital pharmacy director. He is an avid golfer and bicyclist. He also enjoys hiking, canoeing, & hunting. Both Dan & Brenda enjoy time with their family and friends. Welcome to our Church Family!

6 Page 6 December 2017 FELLOWSHIP Fellowship will serve a Christmas Dinner on December 3 in Fellowship Hall. A merry time with delicious food is planned hope you have reservations. Chef Dan Putnam is preparing the Cornish hens and Audrey MacAllister is topping off the dinner with one of her famous cakes. A breakfast for Cantata participants is scheduled for December 10 a big thank you for your hard work. ANNOUNCEMENT! No Sunday Fellowship during the month of December. GPS We are excited to get your blue sheets from Commitment Sunday. We look forward to matching your responses with the appropriate Committee Chairmen. They will contact you and you can expect to begin your service in January. First Service 1st Sundays Luanne Putnam 2nd Sundays Alice Clarcq 3rd Sundays Ellen Halleran 4th Sundays Carol Dant 5th Sundays and Substitute Nancy Rad Jane Robinson, Chair Prayer Teams for January, February, and March Second Service 1st Sundays Aileen Reese 2nd Sundays Janet Rivero 3rd Sundays Mary Ann Chamberllin 4th Sundays Judy Steele 5th Sundays and Substitute Jane Robinson These dedicated people are standing near the Communion Table each Sunday if you have a need for prayer. Jane Robinson, Chair News from your Finance Committee As we enter this most happy time of the year the Finance Committee would like to thank all of our wonderful members and friends who have so generously supported Holy Trinity Church thus far in As a family, we have accomplished much and are so thankful that you have been with us. We look forward to sharing good times together at the Thanksgiving and Christmas Dinners, as well as the always-splendid Christmas Cantata. Be sure to look for the forthcoming information about the great e-offering program starting January 1, 2018 (it really is a super opportunity). Please continue to step up with your time, your talents and your treasures. God bless us, everyone. Ed Hall, Co-Chair EVANGELISM Betty Robertson reported that 14 people went to the Broadway Palm Dinner Theater to see "Pippin". As of this printing, 50 plus people will board the Train to Punta Gorda to get the boat and see all the Christmas Lights in the canals. Then it is back to the Train for a 5 course dinner. Truly a great trip. Pictures of many of our congregation were taken by Lifetouch in November for our new Pictorial Directory for Those who missed this will be able to get their pictures taken on Friday, February 2 nd and Saturday, February 3 rd, "Sign up" for those pictures will be taken in January after each Sunday Service. The movie "Faith Like Potatoes" will be shown in January along with the light supper of baked potatoes and all the trimmings. Stay tuned for the exact dates. Membership Matters Class will again be offered during the last part of February. Watch for the dates in the Bulletins and/or announcements from the pulpit. Beverly Smith, Chairman

7 Page 7 December 2017 DECEMBER 2017 Sunday Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday Saturday Advent/Communion Sunday 7:30 AM Praise Team Rehearsal in Sanctuary 9:35 AM Youth/Child Bible Study. in CR3 9:30 AM Adult Advent Study/Rm4 11:30 AM Christmas Lunch 4 10:00 AM Fellowship Committee Mtg. in FH 2:00 PM Evangelism in CR4 5 10:00 AM Club House Lake Fairways/Pine Lakes and Tara Woods 6 10:00 AM Dorcas Circle CR4 7:00 PM Dress rehearsal for Christmas Cantata 7 9:30 AM Finance in CR#2 12:30 PM Christian Ed CR2 5:30 PM Praise Team in Sanctuary 6:30 PM Choir CR1 9:00 AM Men's Breakfast in FH :00 AM Angel Tree - Narthex 10:00 AM Decorate the Church 10 Christmas Cantata 7:00 AM Cantata Warm-Up 9:35 AM Youth/Child Bible Study. in CR :00 AM Rachel Circle in CR 4 - Christmas Cards 12 10:00 AM Club House Lake Fairways/Pine Lakes and Tara Woods 3:00 PM Session Meeting :30 PM Praise Team in Sanctuary 6:30 PM Choir in CR1 15 Messenger Articles Due :30 AM Praise Team Rehearsal in Sanctuary 9:35 AM Adult Advent Study in Rm 4 9:35 AM Youth/Child Bible Study. in CR :00 AM PW Council CR4 House 10:00 AM Club Lake Fairways/Pine Lakes and Tara Woods 20 1:30 PM Missions CR3 3:00 PM Bldg & Grnds CR4 21 First Day of Winter 1:00 PM No Communications - R2 5:30 PM Praise Team in Sanctuary 6:30 PM Choir in CR :30 AM Praise Team Rehearsal 5:00 PM Family Candle Light Serv 7:00 PM Christmas Eve Candlelight Service Christmas Day 26 10:00 AM Club House Lake Fairways/Pine Lakes and Tara Woods 1:30 PM Care Angels CR2 2:00 PM Deacons CR4 2:30 PM Congreg. Care CR :00 PM Worship in CR4 5:30 PM Praise Team in Sanctuary 6:30 PM Choir in CR :30 AM Praise Team Rehearsal 9:35 AM Youth/Child Bible R3

8 Holy Trinity Presbyterian Church North Tamiami Trail North Fort Myers, FL Phone: Website: NONPROFIT ORG US POSTAGE PAID FORT MYERS, FL PERMIT NO. 67 Living for Christ through Sunday Schedule Contemporary Service 8:30 A.M. Church-Wide Bible Study 9:40-10:20 A.M. Fellowship Hall Traditional Service 10:30 A.M. DECEMBER SPECIAL EVENTS Angel Tree December 2 Christmas Cantata December 10 Church Decorating December 2 Candle Light Services December 24 Christmas Lunch December 3 Holy Trinity Presbyterian Church would like to remind everyone of our Church Web Site, You will find most of Pastor Val s Sermons there and also find it interesting to listen to them once again in a quiet and peaceful setting. Also, you are invited to visit us on Facebook