Pencil It In! Heartfelt Thank You To... Inside this issue: Anniversaries & Birthdays 3. Calendar / Christmas Events 7, 8. Financial Report 3

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1 C O M M U N I T Y P R E S B Y T E R I A N C H U R C H O F W A L D P O R T THE WINDOW December 2014 Pencil It In! Dec 7 10:30am 2nd Sunday of Advent / Holy Communion Dec 9 6:30pm Read & Feed Christmas Dinner Dec 11 7:00pm Barbershop / Sweet Adelines Concert at First Church Newport Dec 12 7:00pm Central Coast Chorale Concert at CPCW Dec 18 10:00am Stated Session Meeting Guild Room Dec 21 7:00pm Longest Night / Blue Christmas Service Dec 24 7:00pm Christmas Eve Carols Service Heartfelt Thank You To... Sue Adams for offering Children s Church on Sunday mornings for Baily and Elizabeth. Betty Groth for cooking another delicious Read & Feed Thanksgiving meal for the community. Judy Carey & Mike Carey for cutting out all those Indian vests for Read & Feed! Sherri Michaels for peeling 20 pounds of potatoes! Betty & Don Groth and Judy Carey for leading The Bible in 90 Days. So many have expressed their gratitude for having the opportunity to read through the Bible in its entirety. Sylvia Selden and Mary VanderMeiden for providing beautiful music in Marcia s absence. Marcia Wilcox, Judy Carey, Patty Gewalt, and Betty Groth for organizing the 73rd Wedding Anniversary celebration for Clare & Earl Johnson. It was wonderful! Denise McPherson for taking pictures at Read & Feed, during special services, and at the anniversary celebration! We love remembering the events. Edward Townsend for pouring the concrete pad for the garbage cans outside the new kitchen area. Kenny Hake texturing and painting, and putting up the melamine backsplash in the Kitchen. Inside this issue: Anniversaries & Birthdays 3 Calendar / Christmas Events 7, 8 Financial Report 3 Pastor s Pen 2 Read & Feed Pictures 6 Did you know Celtic Christians began their Advent preparation on November 16 th to ensure they had 40 days to prepare their hearts for Christ s birth? Session Highlights 4

2 From The Pastor s Pen Susan V. Mills...the Lord is in His holy temple; Let all the earth keep silence before Him. Habakkuk 2:20 The season of Advent begins the fourth Sunday before Christmas day and ends on Christmas Eve. The first Sunday of Advent marks the beginning of the new church year. We begin the new church year by looking forward to the birth of the promised Messiah. Like the Children of Israel who endured 400 years of silence between the Old Testament and the New Testament, we symbolically wait four weeks in anticipation of the fulfillment of God s promise of a Savior. The word Advent comes from the Latin word adventus, which simply means coming. The focus of the entire season of Advent is to prepare our hearts for the birth of Jesus the Christ inhis first coming, and the anticipation of the return of Christ the King in His second coming. We move through Advent with a spirit of anticipation, expectation, preparation and longing. Beginning around 400AD, the church faithful observed the season of Advent by practicing strict fasting, prayer and meditation. The familiar Advent carol, Let All Mortal Flesh Keep Silence, is based upon the liturgy of St. James from the fourth century, and was written to help prepare hearts for Christ s first coming: Let all mortal flesh keep silence, And with fear and trembling stand; Ponder nothing earthly minded, For with blessing in His hand, Christ our God to earth descendeth, Our full homage to demand. Presbyterian Hymnal, #5 In a world awash with Christmas carols before Thanksgiving, it is perhaps countercultural to engage in the practice and discipline of Advent. It requires setting aside time to deliberately move into the season with reverence and reflection, and to allow a deep sense of awe to come over us as we contemplate our Savior s willingness to come to earth as a helpless baby rather than a conquering King. As we move through the Advent season, may we along with the hymn writer choose to stand with fear and trembling as we ponder the incredible majesty and mystery of a holy God who willingly took the nature of humanity from the substance of a woman, a virgin, by means of the Holy Ghost (Scots Confession 3.06). May we ponder what such a miracle might possibly mean for us today in our busy, rush and hurry technological age. Yours for an adventurous Advent, Susan V. Mills Page 2

3 Church Financial Report Denise McPherson Year through October General Fund Income Budgeted $52, Year through October General Fund Income Received $55, Year through October Actual Expenses $49, Budget $ 5, Personnel $30,390 Operating Expense $27,200 Mission Giving $ 5,110 TOTAL $62,700 Anniversaries & Birthdays DECEMBER ANNIVERSARIES Gee & Loene Loan 15 Scott & Leslie Chase 27 DECEMBER BIRTHDAYS Mike Carey 1 Mary Vander Meiden 3 Clara Corwin 17 Maria Chase 20 Jonas Chase 23 Clare & Earl Johnson celebrating their 73 rd Wedding Anniversary! Dear Rev. Susan and Church Members: Last night Earl said to me Wasn t that the most wonderful party we ever had? I still can t believe so many people cared enough to do such a wonderful thing! I agree. I can t believe it! I m sure God had a hand in it as well as Rev. Susan. We can t thank you enough for doing so much and sharing our very special day with us. The day we first attended services at the Presbyterian Church we knew it was special with very special people. We love you all and will never forget you. God bless you all! All our love, Clare & Earl Johnson Page 3

4 Session Highlights Elizabeth Groth, Clerk of Session OCTOBER SESSION HIGHLIGHTS It was with great joy that the Session received Kerry Kincaid and Richard Dracup by Reaffirmation of Faith and Edward Townsend by Statement of Faith as active members of Presbyterian Church of Waldport. With the addition of three new members, there are now 39 people on the Active Members Roll. Communion was served to 41 people on September 7, 2014 Average worship attendance in September was 37. Home communion was served to Imogene Ross on September 12, assisted by Patty Ross. A Presbytery Session Records Review was hosted by Presbyterian Church, Waldport, Oregon Saturday, September 27. Our church records and register were found to be in order and were approved. Session approved filling the pulpit October 26, 2014 in the absence of Susan Mills with presentations by four members of the Bible in 90 Days Study and Judy Carey serving as worship assistant. Session approved validating Celebrate Recovery as a Mission Partner of Presbyterian Church of Waldport. The Proposed 2015 Terms of Call for Commissioned Ruling Elder Susan V. Mills were approved as presented by Personnel Elder Mike Carey Terms of Call for Susan V. Mills Percent of Full time-(35% in 2014) 37.5% Salary $ 9,625 Housing $ 7,025 Profession Expense $ 2,600 Mileage $ 900 Continuing Education $ 1,500 Pension - Declined $ 0 Major Medical - Declined $ 0 Total 2015 Compensation $21,650 Vacation 4 weeks / year Continuing Education Leave 2 weeks / year A motion presented by Personnel Elder Mike Carey to create an independent contractor position for Church Treasurer with compensation in the amount of $220 / month ($2640 / year) to begin 01/01/2015 was approved. Finance & Stewardship elder Eric Seaman presented the Proposed 2015 Budget to be voted on in the December 2014 Stated Session Meeting. Elder Mike Carey, chair of the Church Nominating Committee presented nominees for Elder of the class of 2017, Marcia Wilcox and Eric Seaman and nominee for Elder of the class of 2015, Tom Rasmussen. Nominees will be presented at the October Special Congregational Meeting when the election of Church Officers will take place. A motion was approved to purchase a new computer for the Church Office Manager. Page 4

5 New Member Introductions On October 19 th we welcomed two new members into our congregational life: Richard Dracup and Kerry Kincaid. This month we are introducing Kerry: I was born in Ft. Bragg, NC, May 26, My dad was an Army officer, so I guess I was an Army brat. However, I didn t travel like most kids did Redstone Arsenal when I was only 1, then to Taiwan, when I was 2 ½, lived there until 5, then returned to the states in 1955 to Ft. Huachuca, AZ; we always lived off base in Sierra Vista, AZ. I was the middle boy of 3, and had 2 sisters born in Sierra Vista. I was raised Southern Baptist, and was baptized with my 2 year older brother, John, in My Dad made us attend church regularly, without going himself. I attended all my schooling through high school in Sierra Vista. After graduation in 1968, I attended the University of Arizona, and received two B.S. degrees in I got married in 1970 after dating my ex-wife for four years. We were both sophomores, and had to put ourselves through college-both our fathers felt if we wanted a higher education we would have to pay for it ourselves, since we were married. These were very tough times; however, the Lord always provided sufficient employment for cash of us to pay the bills, food, and college, without a penny to spare. The Lord blessed us with a gifted and talented son, Chad, in During college, we attended Campus Crusade. We were not capable of attending every Sunday, and evening Bible studies; however we remained Christians. I was recruited by Burroughs Corp. (now Unisys) to sell mini-computers in southeastern Arizona. After two years, I became disenchanted with them, and took an offer to go into the jewelry business. I had always had an affinity for gems & minerals. Little did I know I was a natural at successfully operating jewelry stores. During my 40 year career, we moved to 18 states because of upward mobility and head-hunters. During my career, my ex-wife had to pull up stakes and move and rebuild a new life for her and my son. We always attended church during the years I did not have to work Sundays. While attending Pittsford Presbyterian Church in Pittsford, NY (near my work in Rochester, NY), I was asked to be the Elder of Church Personnel, which I accepted, in Since then, we always attended Presbyterian Churches. My career took us full circle back to Arizona after I retired in Pittsburgh. During this time of transition, the pressures of constantly moving finally took its toll on my marriage and after several counseling attempts, we were divorced. I was trained as a caregiver, and wanted to give back to the community. I was miserable after the divorce, the death of my father and brother, John (MS), and my sister Lynn. A friend of mine since elementary school, living in Waldport at the time, invited me to visit Waldport and see if I would like living there. I arrived in Waldport the end of October It was then that I decided to return to the Presbyterian Church. Pastor Susan has been my favorite Presbyterian pastor because of her ability to tie scriptures to her messages, and she is genuinely a sincere and loving person. This church has accomplished much more than other churches I ve attended with much larger membership. I am committed to help this church make a difference in Waldport, and the surrounding area. Pastor Susan and her father, Bill Elam share the reading of the Gospel. Mary VanderMeiden and Sylvia Selden assist in worship. Page 5

6 Building Read & Feed A Brave New World... With Hearts Full of Thanks! Page 6

7 1 211:55am Sun Mon Tue Wed Thu Fri Sat Holy Communion / Coffee Mingle Holy Communion / Coffee Mingle 10:30am Worship 4:00pm Choir Rehearsal 14 / Coffee Mingle Coffee Mingle Coffee Mingle Coffee Mingle December :00pm Silent Prayer 11:55am Silent Prayer Dinner with Christmas Tree Trimming 11:55am Silent Prayer Dinner Luke s 10:00am 4:00pm Choir Rehearsal :00pm Choir Rehearsal 10:00am 10:00am Finance Celebrate Recovery Noon-Weight Watchers 10:00am Finance Committee Mtg 21 Coffee Mingle :55am Silent Prayer Dinner 11:55am Silent Prayer Dinner 10:00am Noon-Weight Watchers Celebrate Recovery Noon-Weight Watchers Celebrate Recovery 10:00am 3:00pm Caroling at Sea Aire 7:00pm Blue Christmas Service Potluck / Carol Sing Dinner 10:00am 4:00pm 11:00am Bible in 90 Days Potluck at Groths 4:00pm 7:00pm Christmas Program 4:00pm 110:00amWorship Committee 11:00am Lighting of Sanctuary Trees Celebrate Recovery 7:00pm Barbershop / Sweet Adenines Concert Celebrate Recovery 7:00pm Central Coast Chorale Christmas Concert 11:00am Sanctuary Chrismons added to trees Page 7

8 Christmas Season at Presbyterian Church of Waldport Nov 29 11:00am Hanging of the Greens, please bring a sack lunch Nov 30 First Sunday of Advent Communion Service Dec 17 Noon Bible in 90 Days Potluck Luncheon at ) Dec 04 11:00am Lighting of Sanctuary Trees Dec 07 Second Sunday of Advent Dec 09 6:30pm Read & Feed Dinner with Christmas Tree Trimming Dec 11 7:00pm Barbershop Chorus & Sweet Adelines Concert First Presbyterian in Newport. Donations accepted for Food Share Dec 12 7:00pm Central Coast Chorale Concert at Presbyterian Church Waldport Dec 13 11:00 am Sanctuary Tree Decorating to put on Chrismons & Ornaments Dec 14 Third Sunday of Advent 2:00pm Yachats Presbyterian Church Appalachian Music Program Dec 17 11:00am Bible in 90 Days Potluck Luncheon at Betty & Don Groth s (bring a side dish, salad or dessert) Dec 21 Fourth Sunday in Advent 7:00pm Blue Christmas / Longest Night Service Dec 24 Christmas Program Presbyterian Church 7:00pm Lessons & Carols Christmas Eve Service Dec 28 First Sunday after Christmas Potluck & Carol Sing, please put your suggestions in the clay pot located on the small table to the left of the double doors as you enter the sanctuary. Page 8

9 Symbols of Advent The Advent Wreath is an increasingly popular symbol of the beginning of the Church year in many churches as well as homes. It is a circular evergreen wreath (real or artificial) with five candles, four around the wreath and one in the center. The circle of the wreath reminds us of God Himself, His eternity and endless mercy, which has no beginning or end. The green of the wreath speaks of the hope that we have in God, the hope of newness, renewal and eternal life. Candles symbolize the light of God coming into the world through the birth of His Son. The light of the candles itself becomes an important symbol of the season. The light reminds us that Jesus is the Light of the World that comes into the darkness of our lives to bring newness, life and hope. It also reminds us that we are called to be a light in the world as we reflect the light of God s grace to others (Isaiah 42:6). Ideas for Family Advent Traditions / Activities Take a neighborhood walk with your family. Enjoy God s winter creation and strengthen your bodies at the same time. If it s clear, look up at the stars. Imagine the Bethlehem sky filled with angels or the bright start that led the wise men. Let the Christmas lights on houses remind you that the Baby Jesus we are waiting for is the Light of the world. Finish your family walk with a prayer outside. Back inside, fall asleep knowing God s angels are watching over you! Have a storytelling evening. Get mom or dad to tell about Christmas whey they were children. Ask grandpa and grandma, too. Ask family members to remember the best gifts they ever received, the best gifts they ever gave, their favorite Christmas carols, the best family traditions. Then ask someone to tell the Christmas story or read it from Luke 2:1-20. Share hot chocolate and popcorn. Make bird feeders. You will need: a large pinecone; spreadable mixture of peanut butter (or shortening); birdseed; yarn or string. Spread the peanut butter mixture on the pinecone and then roll in birdseed. Attach a string to the pinecone and hang it from a tree branch you can see from your window. Enjoy! Choose a regular time and place to gather and create a special atmosphere. You may want to dim the lights, light candles or build a fire in the fireplace. For some, a weekly family time is more realistic. If you choose to have a daily advent time, remain flexible. The time does not have to be long. Fifteen to thirty minutes is appropriate when involving small children. Keep the format simple: Light a candle(s) on an Advent Wreath; read a portion of an Advent devotional; sing or read the words of a Christmas carol; share prayer requests or praises and then pray together; blow out the candles; if you have children, involve them as much as possible. Children enjoy lighting and blowing out the candles, reading parts of Scripture, leading prayer, choosing the carols or helping fix a special snack as part of the celebration. Page 9

10 COMMUNITY PRESBYTERI AN CHURCH WALDPORT Highway 34 & Bay Street PO Box 520 Waldport OR Phone: Website: Office Hours Tuesday Friday 10:00am-1:00pm All Are Welcome Come as You Are! COMMUNITY PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH WALDPORT A place to connect to: God ourselves each other the world Sunday Monday Coffee Mingle The Bible in 90 Days Tuesday 11:55am Silent Prayer Dinner Wednesday 10:00am The Bible in 90 Days Thursday Saturday Weekly Events 12:15pm Weight Watchers Celebrate Recovery Communion Communion will be observed on December 7 th. In thankfulness for all that Christ has done for us, we remember to reach out with Christ s love to those in our community facing food insecurity. Please remember to bring in your food donations and drop them off in the Wishing Well in the front entry of the church, or you may simply choose to make a monetary donation to Waldport Food Share by including it with your Sunday morning offering. Simply make a notation on the memo line for Waldport Food Share. This past month we contributed 153 pounds of food to Waldport Food Share. People are grateful for the gift of canned food. Please remember to bring in your cans and other non-perishable items! Ring in the holiday season at Georgie's Beachside Grill Wednesday, December 3 rd as they host Dine Out for Samaritan House. Enjoy breakfast, lunch or dinner at this local favorite as they donate 20% of the days proceeds to Samaritan House Homeless Family Shelter. What better way to start the season of giving?! Presbyterian Church Waldport PO Box 520 Waldport OR 97394