CHRISTMAS EVE CANDLELIGHT SERVICE Thursday, December 24 7:00 p.m.

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1 First Presbyterian Church Volume XVVVII Number 12 December th Avenue, Kearney, NE (308) PASTOR Rev. Dr. Stephen Price-Gibson SESSION Clerk: Scott Matteson ELDERS 2015 Heidi Cobb Jacob Hild Scott Matteson Steve Rothenberger 2016 Georgia Byrn Steve Case Steve Miller Sharon Rees 2017 Karen Diestler John Icenogle Rodger Payne Sara Sup DEACONS 2015 Jill Gealy Dwayne Hibbs Bev Pickens Alan Rees Paulette Wagner 2016 Barb Friskopp Jill Hurt Mary Jo Morrow Jordan Nelson Mark Nelson 2017 Leslie Abegglen Kit Alff Josh Hofer Beth Johnson Emily State HANGING OF THE GREENS Wednesday, December 2 5:00-7:00 p.m. Pizza and pop will be provided by the In-Reach Committee for those helping prepare the sanctuary for the Advent season. Everyone is welcome so come join the fun!!! CHRISTMAS EVE CANDLELIGHT SERVICE Thursday, December 24 7:00 p.m. COMMITTEE MODERATORS Christian Education Heidi Cobb, Steve Miller In-reach (Congregational Life/Memorial) Karen Diestler, Steve Rothenberger, Sara Sup Out-reach (Evangelism/Mission) Georgia Byrn, Rodger Payne Finance Steve Case, John Icenogle Nominating Heidi Cobb, Steve Rothenberger Personnel Jacob Hild, Georgia Byrn Property & Grounds Steve Miller, John Icenogle Worship & Music Sharon Rees

2 A NOTE FROM STEPHEN: Time to Get Up The snooze button on an alarm clock is a great invention. It lets us postpone the inevitable. I remember when I was in high school and had to be up by 6:00 a.m. in order to get to the school bus in time. So I set my alarm for 5:30 A.M. That meant that the first two times the alarm sounded, I could hit the snooze button and go back to sleep. One day my alarm clock broke, so I got a new clock which had a huge snooze button. This was dangerous. A smart young man can train himself to hit the button in his sleep. When I trudged off into the cold morning and found a seat on the school bus, I was on automatic pilot still half asleep. But when the school bell rang, I had to be there. The prophet s call during Advent is to Wake up!, Get up!, Get moving! because God was doing a new thing. The church prepares for every new thing that God is doing by remembering the new and wondrous thing God did when God took on human flesh and was born in a manger. Do people ever ask you if you are ready for Christmas? Probably the answer is No. This time of year it is easy to feel as if we are living our lives on automatic pilot, not quite awake and certainly not ready. I take great comfort in the knowledge that the world was far from ready when the world when God crept into that Bethlehem manger. But ready or not, the wondrous gift was given. During this season we tend to hold an image of the perfect Christmas in our minds. Our own Christmas is often a far cry from the perfection we imagine. The Prophets call is not telling us to wake up and become perfect. It is a call to take note of the perfect things God is doing. It is a call to roll out of bed and onto the bus and at least get ourselves to the place where God will meet us. The truth is that God usually comes to us at the moments that are a long way from perfect. Grief and worry and loneliness were all part of the first Christmas. That stable in Bethlehem, where Mary and Joseph had to stay because there was no room in the inn, was hardly a perfect place for a baby to be born. But our faith tells us that God was present, in a unique and powerful way that night. God is present in all of the moments of grace which surround the Christmas holiday in the beauty of the music, the fun of hearing from someone far away, the joy of giving to those in need, and in being together with family or friends. As we prepare for Christ to come again and enter our lives, Advent gives us a time to wake up and notice some of God s blessings. Christmas gives us a time to experience again God s profound love, given to us in the midst of all the worries and imperfection of life I wish you each joy and peace this Christmas! Stephen

3 ALL IN THE CHURCH FAMILY Congratulations to: Horizon Middle School Honor Roll 8th Grader Brian Barua, 7th Graders Kennedy Cobb and Kaiya Diestler Thank Yous: My Dear Church Family, Thank you so much for my beautiful corsage, the lovely dinner and such a beautiful service! I loved all the old hymns that we sang. I also want to thank you for the beautiful bouquet from the alter. It was also very special to have some of my family here for this very special occasion. I want to thank everyone who helped put it together It couldn t have been any better. Vi Pimper Dear Church Family, Thank you for the tribute on November 1st. I enjoyed seeing so many friends and I appreciated the cards and flowers. Love, Bethine Ninegar First Presbyterian Church Family, On behalf of my siblings and my family I want to say thank you for recognizing our father, Elmer, on November 1st. It was a delight to see him so happy surrounded by his church family. For over 50 years mom and dad have been dedicated members of First Presbyterian caring for and worshipping with their church family. We sincerely appreciate the love and support for them now in the prime of their life. In Christ, Bronwyn Fees My Dear Church Family, I have no adequate words to express my appreciation for all the comfort and support you have provided during my lengthy illness. I have, during my lifetime, attended very numerous places of worship and I do not recall any being as friendly as we have been o other people, regardless of anything, except for the need of a place to worship together. When I must leave you for a little while, do not grieve, but be happy for me and the others who go before you, as everyone goes away in the end, live every day to the fullest, enjoy everything you can, and we will watch over and wait for you in the sky. Donald N. Gimeson Welcome Little Ones: Mason Scott Porter, born on Tuesday, October 27, 2015, to Kara and Ben Porter. Grandparents are Paul and Becky O Connell and great grandparents are Bob and Kay Eckwert. Maddux Elora Love Hild, born on Wednesday, October 21, 2015, to Joshua and Tiffany Hild. Maddux is welcomed by big sisters, Maris and McCartney. Rhapsody Elizabeth Rae Ann Gustafson, born on Thursday, October 15, 2015, to Cycelie and Eli Gustafson. Grandmother is Samantha Leibhart and great grandmother is Suzzi Hankins. Directory Changes: Jason Peterson, 518 2nd Street, Gibbon NE Sue Stehlik, 208 East 48th Street Apt 112, Kearney NE Craig and Sara Sup, th Avenue Place, Kearney NE 68845

4 CHURCH ANNOUNCEMENTS WEATHER EMERGENCY CALL SYSTEM We have set up an emergency call system through One Call Now. Each family will receive a call when church events are canceled or postponed. We recently sent out a test message one per family. If you did not receive the call or wish to have it sent to a different phone number in your family, please contact the church office at or Sharon Rees at HEAR THE LATEST SCOOP! Stay connected with First Presbyterian Church! We will be sending out weekly s reminding you of important events in the life of the congregation and the mission of God. Some s have already gone out. If you did not get an , wish to have it sent to a different address, or wish to have it sent to multiple addresses, please contact the church office at fpchurch@citlink.net or John McKirahan at jsmck@charter.net. THANK YOU The Party s over and we all had a real good time! Thanks to ever so many people and their efforts. Thanks to our awesome God who gave us all we needed to accomplish a fine worship and meal and for adding a beautiful day! Thanks to our ministry team for an especially fine service and music and to Mark Nelson for the video work. Thanks to our In-Reach Committee especially Karen Diestler for all of the hours that went into putting out a great meal and for 2 hours of clean-up and to Bev Pickens for the lovely cakes and to JoAnn, Emily, Sara, Donna, and crews. Thanks to our youth for helping to serve and for Lynette Cobb and Kathy Morrow who spearheaded them. Thanks to Suzzi Hankins for the booklet artwork. Thanks to Dennis and Rose who held us together. And a special Thank You to our Golden Leaders for a special reason to celebrate! In Christ s Love, Your Board of Deacons

5 MARTHA CIRCLE BIBLE STUDY Greetings to each of you! Thanks for your support in November of the Salvation Army and the individuals they serve. With cold weather here, the needs increase for warm food, clothing and shelter. This month we are supporting Crossroads with our gifts. They ask for paper products, diapers, non-perishable food, and laundry soap. Thank you for your generosity. We are hosting the Christmas Tea on December 13, in the Family Life Center after morning worship. Please come and eat some goodies and fellowship with friends on this festive occasion. December Dates 2 Lesson Preview, 10:00 a.m. Classroom 3, at the church 9 Martha Circle, 2:00 p.m. Classroom 3, at the church 13 Christmas Tea, after Sunday morning worship in the Family Life Center And the Word became flesh and lived among us, and we have seen his glory as of a father s only son, full of grace and truth. John 1:14 Grace and peace, Annabelle Wells, Moderator SPREAD THE WARMTH PROJECT It is that time of year again to think about the Spread the Warmth project for those in need of warm clothing or other needed supplies. There is an area in the Narthex to bring your donations, and monetary gifts can be left with Rose in the church office. We will be donating everything to The S.A.F.E. Center again this year. The S.A.F.E. Center Wish List: Items for Winter mittens, scarves, hats, blankets any paper products old cell phones canned goods new infant car seats underwear/socks child or adult laundry soap dryer sheets dish soap Clorox wipes towels/wash cloths diapers size 4/5/6 training pants and pull ups CHRISTMAS JOY OFFERING The Christmas Joy Offering provides tangible support to church workers who have faithfully served the church for many years and to the eight Presbyterian-related racial ethnic schools and colleges where the gifts of students are being developed. Contributions should be clearly marked Christmas Offering. The Christmas Joy offering will be accepted on Advent Sundays and Christmas Eve. Christmas Joy offering envelopes are available in the Sunday worship bulletins.

6 HANDBELL CHRISTMAS CONCERT December 6, :00 p.m. Merryman Performing Arts Center The handbell choirs from First Lutheran, First United Methodist, First Presbyterian, and Holy Cross Lutheran Churches will participate. There will also be handbell solos and small ensembles. A freewill offering will be collected to help support the handbell ministries at the four churches. A cookie reception will follow the concert. CHRISTMAS TEA Sunday, December 13, 2015 Following the Worship Service Everyone is welcome!! Hosted by the Martha Bible Study Circle

7 CONGREGATIONAL MEETING UPDATE Meet our new Ruling Elders, Deacons, and Nominating Committee members elected at our Congregational Meeting on November 1st. CLASS OF 2018 CLASS OF 2018 ELDERS DEACONS Richard Elliott Sandy McKirahan Ingrid Orsted Julie Tye Sally Bryson Tim Hanson Joan Hartman Fred Krause Ruth Smith 2016 NOMINATING COMMITTEE Patricia Elliott Joan Giles Charlie Pickens Cecil Smith COFFEE HOSTS The In-Reach Committee Needs YOUR Help! Wanted: Coffee Hosts for December 2015 and January If you are one of the many who enjoy the coffee fellowship time after church, then WE WANT YOU! Please sign up on the chart in the narthex. WHAT S ON THE BOOKSHELF? Did you read The DaVinci Code as a work of fiction or believe Dan Brown's claim that "all descriptions of artwork, architecture, documents, and secret rituals are accurate"? In Bart D. Ehrman's book Truth and Fiction in the DaVinci Code (09 D Ehr), the author strives to separate fact from fiction, historical realities from flights of fantasy. This book is for anyone interested in knowing about the historical beginnings of Christianity, especially in the life of Jesus and the writings that make up the New Testament. It has also been on the PW reading list. The Locket by Richard Paul Evans (09 D Eva) is the first book in a new series by the bestselling author of the Christmas Box collection. After the death of his mother, Michael Keddington finds employment at the Arcadia nursing home, where he befriends Esther, a reclusive but beautiful elderly woman who resides there. Esther mourns for her youth and lost love. Read to find out what lessons about faith and forgiveness are shared. If you have any books in your private library that you feel are appropriate for our church library, please consider making a donation. If you would like to donate a book from the 2015 PW reading list, we would appreciate that also. Check with Ann Young about current PW books on our shelves. Thank you.

8 SISTERS IN SPIRIT (SIS) STUDY GROUP Sisters In Spirit (SIS) meets every Monday night at 7 pm at the church. Please join us, as your schedule allows. CHIMES DEADLINE Just a reminder if you would like something published in The Chimes, the church s monthly newsletter, deadline is the 15th of each month. Thank you! IMPORTANT TAX INFORMATION A tax consultant has advised us to inform you that any contributions to be credited to this year 2015 must be received in the church office on or before Wednesday, December 23rd OR have a postmark on the envelope of December 31st or prior to that date. The church office will be closed for the Christmas holidays -- December 24th through January1st. Thank you! 2016 OFFERING ENVELOPES Your 2016 stewardship envelopes for your pledges will be available in the Narthex starting the second week in December. FLOWER CHART The new 2016 Flower Chart will be up soon on the bulletin board by the church office. January 2016 flower signups are available on the current 2015 flower chart. Please take a few moments to sign up to contribute flowers to glorify God s house on Sunday and to honor or celebrate your loved ones! CHURCH OFFICE HOLIDAY HOURS The church office will be CLOSED for the Christmas Holidays Thursday, December 24, 2015 through Friday, January 1, Regular office hours will resume on Monday, January 4, 2016.

9 DECEMBER VOLUNTEER LIST LITURGISTS December 6 Doug Giles December 13 Barb Stevenson December 20 Zach Rees December 24 Kelley Jordan December 27 Annabelle Wells ACOLYTES December 6 December 13 Hewitt Moyer December 20 Carol & Raygan Wright December 24 Hewitt Moyer December 27 Hewitt Moyer COFFEE HOSTS December 6 Bev Pickens December 13 Christmas Tea December 20 December 27 HOSPITAL CALLERS Nov. 30-Dec. 6 Karen Diestler December 7-13 Kathy Morrow December Pat Hild December Robin Bowers Dec. 28-Jan. 3 Ruth Smith USHERS/GREETERS December 6 Jill Hurt Josh Hofer Larry & Barb Meyer Alan Oldfather Barb Stevenson December 13 Betty Fisher Charlie & Bev Pickens Janet Pickens Ann Young December 20 KC & Karen Diestler Kelly & Jill Koch Kent & JoAnn Lilly December 24 (Christmas Eve) Georgia Byrn Steve Case Barb Friskopp John & Bev Gustafson Mary Kulhanek December 27 Dean Gaeth Beth Johnson Jean Johnson Mary Jo Morrow Gayle & Wilma Woodruff FLOWERS December 6 Poinsettias December 13 Poinsettias December 20 Poinsettias December 27 Earl & JoAnn Rademacher REMINDER If your schedule does not permit you to be here on your assigned Sunday, please trade with someone else and notify the church office at

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11 First Presbyterian Church Non-Profit Organization th Avenue U.S. POSTAGE PAID Kearney, NE Kearney, NE Permit #6 RETURN SERVICE REQUESTED ADVENT SEASON SCHEDULE Wednesday, December 2 5:00 p.m. Hanging of the Greens Sunday, December 6 9:15 a.m. Church School 10:30 a.m. Worship Service with Communion 7:00 p.m. Christmas Handbell Choirs Concert Sunday, December 13 9:15 a.m. Church School 10:30 a.m. Worship Service with Youth Christmas Program Christmas Tea Following Service Sunday, December 20 9:15 a.m. Adult Church School 10:30 a.m. Worship Service Thursday, December 24 7:00 p.m. Christmas Eve Worship Service Friday, December 25, 2015 Friday, January 1, 2016 Church Office Closed for the Holidays Sunday, December 27 10:30 a.m. Worship Service

12 DECEMBER BIRTHDAYS Sara Sup... 12/2 Paulette Wagner... 12/5 Kaid Byrn... 12/7 Cade Nicol... 12/7 Kent Lilly... 12/9 Kevin Badgley... 12/11 Patricia Deutsch... 12/11 Janet Pickens... 12/11 Kelsey Cobb... 12/12 Fred Krause... 12/13 Charlotte Wence... 12/13 Jarrett Johnston... 12/15 Audrey Zuerlein-Johnson... 12/16 John Cahill... 12/18 Jill Gealy... 12/18 Elmer Holzrichter... 12/18 Marc Regenos... 12/18 Barbara Meyer... 12/20 Donna Larson... 12/22 Kaiya Diestler... 12/23 Barb Friskopp... 12/24 Chet Wallace... 12/25 John Icenogle... 12/26 Zachary Kounovsky... 12/26 Katherine Keifer Lindsay... 12/26 Ellis Martin... 12/27 Connor Nonhof... 12/28 Jane Stoppkotte... 12/29 Jeff Lindstrom... 12/30 If your birthday is not on our list, please contact the church office. Thanks!