THE MESSENGER. First Presbyterian Church steps up again!

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THE MESSENGER First Presbyterian Church steps up again! Last year, cans of green beans; this year, jelly in plastic jars.

Our part of the Christmas baskets was jelly in plastic jars. With some pricing help from Kroger, we delivered the 300 jars of jelly. Better yet, the congregation contributed $614.

Thank you Angels Thanks to your support, 25 Christmas presents were furnished to VIFCC children; 300 jars of jelly were provided for the VIFCC Christmas dinner baskets, GLAD House children have

1 THE MESSENGER First Presbyterian Church steps up again! Last year, cans of green beans; this year, jelly in plastic jars. Valley Interfaith Food and Clothing Center (VIFCC) in Lockland again asked First Presbyterian Church to help make Christmas a little better for 300 families in the Valley Area. Our part of the Christmas baskets was jelly in plastic jars. With some pricing help from Kroger, we delivered the 300 jars of jelly. Better yet, the congregation contributed $614.00, well over the $ needed! You can bet the difference will go toward other Mission efforts to help someone in need. Thank you Angels Thanks to your support, 25 Christmas presents were furnished to VIFCC children; 300 jars of jelly were provided for the VIFCC Christmas dinner baskets, GLAD House children have mittens and cold weather gear, and a $600 donation supported Christmas for Glendale families in need. Wear your angel wings proudly! Interfaith Hospitality Network (IHN) On November 21, the Mission Committee hosted dinner for the IHN families housed at Christ Church for the week. We served four mothers and 11 children. Carol Hatfield recruited her daughter Allison and grandson Connor for extra help leading activities. They were wonderful additions to the crew! Connor helped at dinner by filling sippy cups and getting drinks for the moms. He also cleared plates and passed out desserts. We certainly hope Allison and Connor come back soon. On January 16, the Mission Committee will again be serving dinner to IHN guests. If you would like to help with this effort, please speak with Mary Schwaderer. It takes just a couple of hours and you meet wonderful, inspiring families. We continue to collect pill bottles for Matthew 25 Ministries. Over the counter medicine bottles are include. Cottage Cheese containers are needed for VIFCC, which purchases laundry detergent in bulk and use the containers to re-package it for families. (Pill bottles and cottage cheese containers may be placed on the Food Offering Table in the Church House.) Glendale Directory Profit from the sale of Glendale Village directories is now up to $2,905.00, all used to benefit youth and mission programs. We are planning a second addendum to the Directory. If you know of any changes, additions, deletions, or corrections, please send them to the Church office by January 15. The information should be in writing, addressed to First Presbyterian Church or ed to glenpres@fuse.net.

2 Dear Friends in Christ, We had a great time at the annual Potluck Dinner and Christmas Play last night. The Church House was festive with the decorations of the season. Lit advent wreath candles on the serving table added a warm glow. A bountiful and varied feast was set before us by our fine cooks (Allison, Beverly, Carol, Charlotte, Jane, Mia). Mark Brueggeman played Christmas music in the background, giving gay ambience to the room. Just like many family gatherings, the adults sat together and the children sat at their own table alternately eating and playing at the far end of the room. As the meal wrapped up, Charlotte Knowlton interrupted our lively conversation to guide us in the Christmas carol quiz. Brain teasing drawings were sometimes simple, sometimes obscure and sometimes corny clues to many of our Christmastime favorites. Each one who guessed the correct carol received a prize. Then came the moment we were all waiting for. Cecille B. DeMille (AKA Charlotte) held a casting call for the parts in the Christmas play. There on the stage the children rehearsed the familiar and timeless tale of the birth of our Lord. One by one Charlotte cast the children in the nativity roles we know so well. First was the angel Gabriel, then Mary and Joseph, next Caesar Augustus, then the innkeeper, followed by the shepherd and finally the wise men. The telling of the story was simple, just as that first Christmas was. There were no costumes, no props, no scenery, just the children and the wondrous story. Ponder how many times over the generations the miracle of the Christmas story has been retold on the stage of the Church House by our children. I thought to myself, Some things are worth passing down. Hand-me-down dresses family heirlooms hand-me-down faith. Long before the institutionalization of Christmas, before the Macy s Santa Claus appearance, before the 1823 publication of Clement Clarke Moore s Twas the Night Before Christmas, even before the fourth century Greek bishop St. Nicholas, this is how the story was passed from one generation to the next. The story needs no embellishment. It is remarkable enough simply in the imagining of it. No special effects are needed. The story has special effects of its own. The story was passed on by parents sitting by the open fire or the warm glow of the hearthside telling their children about that singular, sacred, miraculous night long ago. You should have seen them! Connor, Joey, Leah, Maddie and Mallory dressed up in their Christmas finery. Connor and Joey looked handsome. Joey even wore a tie. But Leah, Maddie and Mallory, they were adorned by the most gorgeous dresses of rich crème and burgundy brocade fabrics. I told each of the girls how pretty their dresses were and they politely and shyly replied, Thank you. I then complemented their parents Allison and Joe on how fine the girls looked. When I got to their grandmother Carol Hatfield, the truth emerged. Each of the girls was wearing a hand-me-down dress. I thought to myself, Some things are worth passing down. Hand-me-down dresses family heirlooms hand-me-down faith. These are the treasures we receive from those who came before. These are the legacies from our parents and grandparents and those who took the time and showed the care to teach us what matters: that God is love, that God loves each of us, that Christmas is the celebration of love-come-down, mercy in the flesh, Emmanuel or God-with-us and hope for the future.

(A Word From the Pastor, continued) Think thankfully about those who first and then over and over again shared the Christmas

Then consider these words from the Apostle Paul s Second Letter to Timothy, his young protégé: I am grateful to God whom I

of your sincere faith, a faith that lived first in your grandmother Lois and your mother Eunice and now, I am sure, lives in

1:3 and 5-6) Who will tell the Christmas story? Macys isn t going to tell the story. Amazon isn t going to do it.

The Christian faith says Christmas is about gift-receiving, the gift of Christ.

For whom will you be a grandmother Lois or a mother Eunice? To what child will you pass on the Christmas story in this New Year?

Your fellow traveler in Christ, Pastor Steve The Deacons offer prayer, companionship, rides, or meals, but don t always know

Leading through Serving In our thoughts and prayers Mike, William, Bill, Susan, Nancy, Jane, Greg, Donna, Eloise, Jackie, Gen

3 (A Word From the Pastor, continued) Think thankfully about those who first and then over and over again shared the Christmas story with you. Then consider these words from the Apostle Paul s Second Letter to Timothy, his young protégé: I am grateful to God whom I worship with a clear conscience, as my ancestors did when I remember you constantly in my prayers night and day I am reminded of your sincere faith, a faith that lived first in your grandmother Lois and your mother Eunice and now, I am sure, lives in you. For this reason I remind you to rekindle the gift of God that is within you through the laying on of my hands (2 Timothy 1:3 and 5-6) Who will tell the Christmas story? Macys isn t going to tell the story. Amazon isn t going to do it. Secular culture tells us Christmas is about gift-giving to the tune of over $800 per person in America. The Christian faith says Christmas is about gift-receiving, the gift of Christ. In this New Year I hope and pray each of us will rekindle the gift of God that is within us. For whom will you be a grandmother Lois or a mother Eunice? To what child will you pass on the Christmas story in this New Year? See you at next year s Potluck Dinner and Christmas Play, right? Your fellow traveler in Christ, Pastor Steve The Deacons offer prayer, companionship, rides, or meals, but don t always know where care is needed. If you know of a need (your own or another s), call the church. Leading through Serving In our thoughts and prayers Mike, William, Bill, Susan, Nancy, Jane, Greg, Donna, Eloise, Jackie, Gen Enjoy the taste of Cincinnati All men are invited to join the Men s Group for lunch at Gold Star Chili on Springfield Pike in Springdale on Wednesday, January 11. Lunch begins at 12:30pm. Saturday, January 14 6:00pm-10:00pm Reserve your space now! The cost is $10.00 per child/$30 maximum per family. Winter and snow will be our activities focus. For more information or to make your reservation, please contact Charlotte Knowlton at or charknows@gmail.com.

Fifth of a series on the church's endowment funds The Carl and Fred Brown Building Maintenance Fund This fund was accepted by Session in 1983 as a donation for the purpose of providing ongoing funds

4 Fifth of a series on the church's endowment funds The Carl and Fred Brown Building Maintenance Fund This fund was accepted by Session in 1983 as a donation for the purpose of providing ongoing funds for the maintenance, upkeep, and repairs of all the buildings of First Presbyterian Church, Glendale. It was created with a donation from a family that cared deeply about the future of the church and its buildings at a time that there was not enough money for even the most critical repairs. The fund was named in honor of two of their sons, and was specified to only be used for special and extraordinary maintenance of the buildings. This is a true endowment fund and as such, the principle may not be spent, only the earnings. The Finance Committee annually suggests to Session the amount that should be allocated to be available for spending each year which historically has ranged from 1% to 4%, depending on the market conditions. Any funds that are not used in one year are available to be spent in subsequent years. The uses of the money historically has been to help keep the budgeted amount for the buildings maintenance low, and has been used for anything from buying paint to helping to offset major projects like the tuck pointing and sealing of the brick on the Sanctuary and Church House as well as currently paying for the church's insurance. There is currently $470,000 in the fund with $25,000 available for projects. Session met on Wednesday December 14. Lately. the church has had several requests for the use of the facilities by groups not related to the church. Part of this is due to the damage done to the Harry Whiting Brown Building, which will not be useable until February. This has prompted Session to create a new use policy for outside groups to use the buildings. Annually, the Session is charged to look at the membership role and investigate for those that should be removed from the roles of active membership. The criteria are interest in the church shown by attendance and /or financial support. We are charged with providing spiritual support for all our members, which is nearly impossible if they have no interest. We also pay a head tax for all members, about $30 annually, so keeping the active membership count realistic is also financially important to us. Outreach Committee reported on the results of the Congregation Discernment Meeting, breaking down the results into six categories. All of these categories provide opportunities for participation and fulfillment. After over two years without a called pastor, Session has now asked the Nominating Committee to form a Pastoral Nominating Committee. The process of calling another minister will probably take one to three years. We delayed the starting of the process to allow us to start the Transformation 2.0 process and to allow us time to more clearly see our needs. Session's next stated meeting is Wednesday, January 11. If you have any concerns, questions, suggestions, or words of encouragement or criticism, please contact any of the members of Session. This is the only way that we know what others are thinking and we need your suggestions.

On December 18, we had our Annual Christmas Potluck Dinner and Christmas Play.

Just as God came to us disguised as an infant, our play was disguised as an audition. We all had fun solving Christmas Carol puzzles and everyone was sent with home with a tacky door prize.

And let s not forget Peter Galbraith, who lit up the courtyard with Christmas light and helped set up tables. The children seemed to have a good time.

There was ham, corn pudding, hot dogs, lasagna, broccoli casserole, beans, mac and cheese, mashed potatoes, and many, many other delicious foods (not to mention plenty of desserts).

Update on Pastor Nominating Committee At its December 14 meeting, Session requested that our Nominating Committee begin taking first steps toward identifying a Pastor Nominating Committee.

5 On December 18, we had our Annual Christmas Potluck Dinner and Christmas Play. It was great fun with the children auditioning for their parts but the joke was on everyone, because that was the actual play! Just as God came to us disguised as an infant, our play was disguised as an audition. We all had fun solving Christmas Carol puzzles and everyone was sent with home with a tacky door prize. It couldn t have happened without the help of Bob and Jane Johnson and Mark and Beverly Brueggeman, who helped to set up and clean up. Mark also kept us entertained with Christmas music. And let s not forget Peter Galbraith, who lit up the courtyard with Christmas light and helped set up tables. The children seemed to have a good time. Our actors were, Joey, Connor, Leah, Maddie, and Mallory. They did a wonderful job covering multiple parts of the play. Everyone brought delicious food too! There was ham, corn pudding, hot dogs, lasagna, broccoli casserole, beans, mac and cheese, mashed potatoes, and many, many other delicious foods (not to mention plenty of desserts). Thank you, Thank you, Thank you to everyone who came and made it a success! Update on Pastor Nominating Committee At its December 14 meeting, Session requested that our Nominating Committee begin taking first steps toward identifying a Pastor Nominating Committee. This is an important responsibility for any congregation of a PCUSA Church that is ready to search for a permanent, called pastor. To be very clear, Nominating Committee (which is a current, active committee of our church) is not the PNC, or the Pastor Nominating Committee. Rather, Nominating Committee is charged with finding the five church members who will serve us in the search for a pastor. Session requests that you consider the invitation prayerfully if you are asked to be a part of this committee. We appreciate your prayers for the work of your church officers and Pastor Steve.

6 Christmas Play Look at the happy faces! Can you feel the excitement? Who is having more fun - the adults or the children?

Sunday 1 Worship (The Lord s Supper) 10:30am Monday Wednesday 2 Office Closed - Happy New

Rehearsal 6:30pm Friday 6 Gentle Yoga 10:00am Sunday 8 Worship 10:30am Wednesday 11 Men s

Saturday 14 Parents Night Out 6:00pm Sunday 15 Worship 10:30am Monday 16 Deacon Meeting

6:30pm Friday 20 Gentle Yoga 10:00am Saturday 21 Transformation 2.

Gentle Yoga 10:00am Sunday 29 Worship 10:30am Please alert the church office if your

Steven R. Garstad Interim Pastor heygarstad@earthlink.

7 Sunday 1 Worship (The Lord s Supper) 10:30am Monday Wednesday 2 Office Closed - Happy New Year! 4 Session Reports due to office Outreach Committee 9:00am 6:00pm Thursday 5 Choir Rehearsal 6:30pm Friday 6 Gentle Yoga 10:00am Sunday 8 Worship 10:30am Wednesday 11 Men s Lunch (Gold Star Chili) Session Meeting 12:30pm 6:00pm Thursday 12 Choir Rehearsal 6:30pm Saturday 14 Parents Night Out 6:00pm Sunday 15 Worship 10:30am Monday 16 Deacon Meeting 11:00am Tuesday 17 Newsletter articles due to office 10:00am Thursday 19 Choir Rehearsal 6:30pm Friday 20 Gentle Yoga 10:00am Saturday 21 Transformation 2.0 Workshop 9:00am Sunday 22 Worship 10:30am Thursday 26 Choir Rehearsal 6:30pm Friday 27 Gentle Yoga 10:00am Sunday 29 Worship 10:30am Please alert the church office if your meeting, event, or activity is not represented on this calendar. Meet the Staff The Rev. Steven R. Garstad Interim Pastor heygarstad@earthlink.net Amy Duke Director of Music and Organist jbduke@cinci.rr.com Tyler Hagy Choir Director hagyty01@luther.edu Deborah Senile Administrative Assistant glenpres@fuse.net

The new year is an opportunity to sort out the useless tasks and plan for the important; to review the

service. These being done, the new will truly be new, different and better. C.

513-771-6195 Fax 513-771-0913 glenpres@fuse.

wear white well after Labor Day. Simply hanging out in your front yard can be fun.

8 The new year is an opportunity to sort out the useless tasks and plan for the important; to review the failures and resolve to be successful; to take an inventory of causes and pledge life to purpose and service. These being done, the new will truly be new, different and better. C. Neil Strait First Presbyterian Church, Glendale 155 East Fountain Avenue, Glendale, OH Phone Fax Mailed in Christian love on December 22, 2016 Worship - 10:30a Lessons from a snowman It s okay to wear white well after Labor Day. Simply hanging out in your front yard can be fun. Accessories don t have to be fancy or expensive. We re all made mostly of water. You know you ve arrived when a song is written about you. So what if you re a little bottom-heavy? Don t get too much sun. Sweating too much can be disastrous!

THE MESSENGER. Festival of Lessons and Carols. Worship Through Music. Sunday, December 11, 2016; 10:30am

THE MESSENGER. Festival of Lessons and Carols. Worship Through Music. Sunday, December 11, 2016; 10:30am THE MESSENGER December 2016 Thank you for donating the Thanksgiving Boxes that provided 25 local families with a Thanksgiving dinner. Chief Dave Warman and the Glendale Police delivered the boxes, and