First Presbyterian Church

Transcription

1 First Presbyterian Church Delhi, NY November - December 2016 COURIER

2 First Presbyterian Church of Delhi, NY November - December 2016 Courier Dear Beloved in Christ, The time is fast approaching when we will say good-bye to each other and I will take leave of this community and my role as your pastor. Since I shared the news of my resignation in September, I have been touched by your graciousness. No matter what you may have been feeling, you have continued to work with me and care for me as your pastor and fellow Christian. I thank you for that. I am just as grateful for the ways you have continued to look ahead and work for the future of this church. Your ministry goes on and you are preparing for what that looks like. December 25th will be my last day as your pastor and in worship we will share in a Liturgy of Farewell. As part of that liturgy, you will release me from the duties of being your pastor and I will release you from the turning to me and depending on me. We will also bless each other on our separate futures. After that service I will no longer be your pastor. With that change comes concrete changes in our relationship, which include boundaries recommended by the Presbyterian Church (USA) and other denominations. These include: *I will no longer be in a pastoral relationship with you (I'll be Sarah, not "Pastor Sarah") and will not provide support for pastoral emergencies; *I will not attend worship or church events unless officially invited, after a year s absence; *I will not return to officiate at funerals, weddings or baptisms; *I will not discuss church business or happenings with you; *I will no longer receive internal church communications or be a member of local Facebook groups. These guidelines can feel abrupt and cold but they are grounded in the wisdom of the church s experience and in my care of you. After December 25th, it is important for you to connect with your Session and with the interim pastor. Simply put, I need to get out of the way; that is the best way for you to continue forward as a faith community. These guidelines are designed to protect the health of the church and the well-being of individuals (both laity and clergy) and so out of my love and care of you, I will faithfully follow them. Until then, we still have important work to do together as the church. We are preparing for Advent and Christmas, a holy time to journey together as we faithfully anticipate what transformation God is bringing to us in the life of Jesus Christ. We have worship to praise in and learn, Sunday School to build up our faith, mission to do, and meals to eat in fellowship. In this time, I will be stepping back from many church responsibilities as my family prepares for our own transition into what is next. I am grateful for the leadership of the Session, Deacons and Trustees as they live into their calling as leaders of Christ s church during this time. Provide for them prayer and grace as they journey together in discernment. I look forward to all the pastoral conversations, whether brief or involved, we will have until I go. And in all of this, I give thanks to God for God s unending love and care of us all. Blessings, Pastor Sarah

3 First Presbyterian Church 4 Clinton Street, Delhi, NY Phone: Fax: office@fpcdelhi.org Website: Reverend Sarah Hooker, Pastor Officers and Boards 2016 SESSION 2017 Gail Dibble, 113 Delside Drive, Delhi, NY John Nealis, 3962 Peakes Brook Road, Delhi, NY Tom Philion, 282 Delside Drive, Delhi, NY VACANT 2018 Susie Little, 1618 Arbuckle Hollow, DeLancey, NY Joseph Maxwell, 22 Franklin Street, Delhi, NY Renee Maxwell, 34 Clinton Street, Delhi, NY Kathy Sullivan, State Highway 28, Delhi, NY DEACONS 2016 VACANT Helen Rosa, 234 Honest Brook Rd, Delhi NY VACANT 2017 Joe Cantwell, State Highway 28, Delhi, NY Joyce Goff, 485 Dunham Road, Delhi, NY Heather Rosa, 72 Meredith Street, Delhi, NY VACANT Betty Bell, 51 Hamden Hill Road, Delhi, NY VACANT TRUSTEES 2016 Jim Merwin, 232 Hamilton Drive, Delhi, NY Vicki Noble, 75 Leisure Village Spur, Delhi, NY Patrick Sullivan, State Highway 28, Delhi, NY Erica Cantwell, 160 Main St. Apt 2, Delhi, NY Art Maxwell, 34 Clinton Street, Delhi, NY Steve McKeegan, P.O. Box 321, Delhi, NY Bruce Burr, 27 Crestwood Drive, Delhi, NY Tom Leo, 200 Spencer Heights, Delhi, NY VACANT TREASURER George Thompson, 517 Olin Evans Rd, Franklin, NY FINANCIAL SECRETARY Gia Cantwell, State Highway 28, Delhi, NY CLERK OF SESSION Susie Little, 1618 Arbuckle Hollow, DeLancey, NY November December Newsletter

4 MISSION FOCUS FOR NOVEMBER Thank Offering Our mission emphasis for November is the annual Thank Offering. The Thank Offering has been a tradition for Presbyterian Women and its predecessor organizations since 1888 when Eliza Clokey of Springfield, Ohio, urged each woman to give one dollar over and above her usual contribution to the Women s General Missionary Society of the United Presbyterian Church of North America as a thank offering to her Lord. Our congregation continues this tradition of giving thanks by receiving the Thank Offering each November. The Thank Offering gives us a tangible way to joyfully express gratitude for God s blessings by sharing with those in need at home as well as around the world. The offering funds programs that provide education, safe housing, clean water, health care, help for prisoners, justice for women, and much more. To learn more visit: Please give as generously as you have been blessed. The goal for 2016 is $900,000. During November offering envelopes for this special mission appeal can be found outside the church office, in the narthex and in the pew racks in our sanctuary. Thank you for your support! Mission Focus for December Christmas Joy Offering The Christmas Joy Offering is traditionally received during the Advent Season. The Christmas Joy Offering celebrates the coming of Jesus Christ, the wondrous gift of God with us. Jesus arrived in a humble stable in small and insignificant Bethlehem, to lead and teach in truth and love, and bring about God s salvation to the world. What a wondrous gift indeed! This was a gift so profound that the only response was the bringing of more gifts; the Magi arrived with gold, frankincense, and myrrh to honor the Christ child. A gift to the Christmas Joy Offering helps provide financial assistance to current and former church workers and their families and also enables deserving students to attend Presbyterian-related racial ethnic colleges and schools. And you, Bethlehem, in the land of Judah, are by no means least among the rulers of Judah; for from you shall come a ruler who is to shepherd my people Israel. Matthew 2:6 You can learn more at: Throughout December, offering envelopes can be found outside the church office, in the narthex and in the pew racks in our sanctuary. Thank you for your support of this offering.

5 The Deacons are again coordinating gifts from our church for the Delhi Children s Christmas Fund. We are asking the congregation to help support this annual project by contributing with an Angel envelope, providing an item for the mitten tree and/or providing gifts for a child by taking an angel from the Christmas tree in the narthex area. The Angel envelopes will be in the pews, ready for your contributions, during the month of November. Envelopes are also included in this edition of The Courier. These donations will be given to the Food Bank. Soon, the mitten tree will be in the new narthex and the angel tree will be in the old narthex. As soon as we receive the information about the children, we will put the angels on the tree so that people may sign out an angel on the sheet by the tree. Gifts must be returned to the church by Sunday, December 4 th and should not be wrapped. Wrapping materials may be included with the gifts. Please identify which gifts are for which child and put all gifts in a large bag. Please note that there will only be a few weeks from the time we receive the angel information and December 4th, when the gifts must be at church. This year we will have the opportunity to provide holiday food boxes for families in need. These boxes will be returned to Delaware Opportunities to be distributed to families for Christmas. Each box will have a checklist of items needed attached to it. The boxes will be in the new narthex. If you are able to provide an item, please check it on the list. Of course, regular Food Bank donations are always appreciated in the designated box in the old narthex and across from the office. The mitten tree will also be in the new narthex in early November ready for donations of mittens, gloves, socks, scarves and hats. Your thoughtfulness and generosity will be appreciated.

6 LIVING NATIVITY The First Presbyterian Church will present an outdoor Living Nativity, complete with music and live animals, as a gift to the community and a reminder of the true meaning of the Christmas Season. We invite the community to join us. WHERE: First Presbyterian Church 4 Clinton Street Delhi, NY WHEN: Thursday and Friday - December 22 & 23, :30-8:00 p.m. For more information, to take part in the scene or to assist with the preparations, please contact the church office at or Tom Leo at A food box will be available at the Nativity Scene for donations to the Community Food Bank Christmas Eve Our Christmas Eve Service at First Presbyterian Church will begin at 7:30 p.m. on Saturday, December 24th. The service will be preceded by special music beginning at 7:00 p.m. The evening will be a most meaningful way to conclude our Advent season and ready ourselves for Christmas morning. Come, join us in candlelight worship and celebrate the birth of our Savior!

7 Communion Sunday November 13, 2016 Advent Communion Sunday December 18, 2016 Come worship, participate, commune and open your eyes and your hearts to the living Christ in your life. Children s worship bags Puzzles, small toys, coloring and drawing materials are located in the hospitality room on the shelves. Children are welcome to select a bag with items of their choosing to use during worship. Children s Bulletins are also available. You may return the materials to the shelves at the conclusion of the service or simply leave the bag in the pew. DEVOTIONAL AVAILABLE The Upper Room Devotionals for November and December and Our Daily Bread Devotionals for the current months are available on the table in the Narthex and in the rack outside the church office. The devotionals are both available in large print as well as a small pocket edition. Be sure to pick yours up today! If you wish to make a contribution to defray the cost, there is a wooden box in the Narthex or contributions may be left in the church office. The Daily Bread is a new addition to our selection, please let us know how you like it! Longtime Members To Be Recognized We are pleased to recognize the following Longtime Members on Sunday, October 30th during the worship service. Our Congregation has been richly blessed with these special people! 55 Year Member: Bette Braymer Anne McCall 60 Year Members: Everett Bolles James Smith Marilyn Wickham Richard Wickham 65 Year Member: Genevieve McKee 70 Year Member: Gert Mostert 75 Year Members: Florence Tyler 80 Year Member: Lewis Merrill We will celebrate their many years of faithfulness and service at a special coffee hour hosted by the Membership Committee in their honor following worship on Sunday, October 30, please join us!

8 Consider reading the lectionary texts as part of your own devotions and in preparation for Sunday worship. November 6, th Sunday after Pentecost Haggai 1:15b-2:9 Psalm 145:1-5, Thessalonians 3:6-13 Luke 20:27-38 November 13, th Sunday after Pentecost Isaiah 65:17-25 Isaiah 12 or Psalm Thessalonians 3:6-13 November 20, 2016 Christ the King Sunday Jeremiah 23:1-6 Luke 1:68-79 Colossians 1:11-20 Luke 23:33-43 November 24, 2016 Thanksgiving Day Deuteronomy 26:1-11 Psalm 100 Philippians 4:4-9 John 6:25-35 November 27, 2016 First Sunday in Advent Isaiah 2:1-5 Psalm 122 Romans 13:11-14 Matthew 24:36-44 December 4, 2016 Second Sunday in Advent Isaiah 11:1-10 Psalm 72:1-7, Romans 15:4-13 Matthew 3:1-12 December 11, 2016 Third Sunday in Advent Isaiah 35:1-10 Luke 1:47-55 James 5:7-10 Matthew 11:2-11 December 18, 2016 Fourth Sunday in Advent Isaiah 7:10-16 Psalm 80:1-7, Romans 1:1-7 Matthew 1:18-25 December 24, 2016 Christmas Eve Isaiah 9:2-7 Psalm 96 Titus 2:11-14 Luke 2:1-20 December 25, 2016 Christmas Day Isaiah 52:7-10 Psalm 98 Hebrews 1:1-4 (5-12) John 1:1-14 December 31, 2016 New Year s Eve Ecclesiastes 3:1-13 Psalm 8 Revelation 21:1-6a Matthew 25:31-46 January 1, 2017 New Year s Day Epiphany Sunday Isaiah 60:1-6 Psalm 72:1-7, Ephesians 3:1-12 Matthew 2:1-12 The following readings from the Narrative Lectionary will be used in worship on the given Sunday. Please consider reading these texts in preparation for Sunday morning worship. November 6, th Sunday after Pentecost Elijah and Elisha 1 Kings 17:1-16 (or 17:1-24) Luke 4:24-26 November 13, th Sunday after Pentecost Minor Prophets Jonah 1:1-17, 3:1-10 (4:1-11) Luke 18:3 November 20, 2016 Christ the King Sunday Isaiah and Hezekiah Jonah 1:1-17, 3:1-10 (4:1-11) Luke 18:3 November 27, 2016 First Sunday in Advent Jeremiah and Josiah Jeremiah 36:1-8, 21-23, 27-28, 31:31-34 Luke 22:19-20 December 4, 2016 Second Sunday in Advent Return from Exile Joel 2:12-13, Luke 11:13 December 11, 2016 Third Sunday in Advent Return from Exile Isaiah 61:1-11 Luke 4:16-21 December 18, 2016 Fourth Sunday in Advent Preparing for the Messiah's birth Luke 1:26-49 December 24, 2016 Christmas Eve Luke 2:1-14 (15-20 Psalm 96 December 25, 2016 Christmas Day Luke 2:8-20 or Matthew 2:1-12 Psalm 123:1-2 January 1, 2017 New Year s Day Epiphany Sunday Luke 2:21-38

9 sparks group Submitted by Nancy Althaus The Women s SPARKS (Study, Prayer, Action, Reflection, Koinonia) group continues to meet Wednesday mornings at 7:30 am at Crossroads Café. All are welcome. The current study is on the Women of the Bible. If you would like a copy, please see Nancy in the church office. New members and friends are welcomed at any time. Please see Nancy Althaus or Bea Mooney if you have questions or simply join us next week! This is a great way to start your day, grow in your faith, share in fellowship and nurture one another through prayer! Library News Thanks to everyone who has donated books, we have lots of new titles by wellknown Christian authors Max Lucado, C.S. Lewis, and Philip Yancey as well as some of the Left Behind series. We also have two more books in the Grace Chapel Inn series, a study of the 23rd Psalm The Lord is My Shepherd by Harold Kushner and the popular title God is in the Small Stuff by Bruce & Stan. In memory of Barb Kiviranna, Betty and Harry Bell have given Snickers from the Front Pew: Confessions of Two Preacher s Kids by Todd and Jeff Hafer. Remember, the library relies mostly on donations. Right now we could use children s paperbacks and picture books (clean and in good condition, please!) to refresh our collection. Hear Ye Hear Ye! You and your family are cordially invited to celebrate the birth of Jesus at a Christmas Dinner after church on Sunday, December 18 in Fellowship Hall. We will also be thanking Pastor Sarah, Chris and Eli for being part of our church family for the past four years. The Fellowship Committee will be providing chicken casserole and the trimmings. The congregation is asked to bring a dessert to share.

10 1 Congregational Meeting A CALL has been issued by the Session for a Meeting of the Congregation to be held immediately after 10:30 a.m. worship on Sunday, November 13, The purpose of the meeting will be to elect Deacons and Trustees and approve the dissolution of the pastoral relationship between Pastor Sarah Hooker and First Presbyterian Church. No other business may come before the Congregation. November & December Child-care Room The Child Care room needs volunteers. If you are willing to volunteer during church service, there is a signup sheet on the door of the Nursery. If you volunteer for the Child Care room, please make sure you are in the room after the children are dismissed from the Children's Sermon. ADDRESS CORRECTIONS If you move or change your address, please contact the church office as soon as possible but at least within 30 days, with your new mailing information. Please remember, the Courier is now sent electronically. Paper copies of the Courier are available for pick up at the church. Couriers are only mailed to those who have made a written request. If you do not receive your Courier in a timely manner (via or regular mail), please contact the church office at or office@fpcdelhi.net. Thank you for helping us stay current and share the church news with you. Addresses needed for Those away in College & Military Please contact the church office by phone, fax, or post with your student s or military member s address for this year. Our caring congregation wishes to encourage our students and military with cards and prayers and even a care package at times! Help us help our students and military stay connected to their church family. Church on Facebook First Presbyterian Church of Delhi, NY is on Facebook. Please join us by entering First Presbyterian Church of Delhi, NY in Search and click on Like. (Tip: be sure to include NY in your search) Please be sure to Share with your Facebook friends to help spread this message. COMMUNITY EVENTS Join Us for Delaware here at First Presbyterian Church Monday through Friday! ALL seniors (age 60 and older) and their spouses (regardless of age) are welcome. Lunch is served from 11:45 am 12:15 pm. For reservations please call Delaware Opportunities at

11 The 32nd Annual Community Thanksgiving Dinner The dinner is sponsored by the Delhi Clergy Association and hosted by us! - The First Presbyterian Church. The dinner will be held on Thursday, November 24th, 2016 from 12 noon to 3pm at the Delhi Fire Hall. The public is invited free of charge and all are welcome! Freewill offerings will be accepted. Reservations are greatly appreciated but not required. If you are able to help organizers by making reservations in advance, please call Sarah Philion at or the church office or send an to office@fpcdelhi.org. Please let us know the number of people in your party and the approximate time you plan to arrive on November 24th. Delivery of meals to shut-ins is available and people should contact us at , no later than Tuesday November 22nd. People who would like to volunteer at the dinner should contact Tom Philion at or philiota@delhi.edu as soon as possible. We would like to coordinate all volunteers prior to the dinner. By doing this, everyone who would like to work at the dinner has an assigned job and assigned time to work at the dinner. If you have a specific task you prefer to work at this dinner every year and have specific roles, please let Tom know. The Annual Ecumenical Community Thanksgiving Service sponsored by the Delhi Area Clergy Association will be held Sunday, November 20 th at 4:00 pm at the Immanuel Lutheran Church. A Soup and Bread Supper will follow with all churches invited to bring a pot of soup. Please bring canned goods or other food staple items to benefit the Delaware County Food Bank.

12 We are very pleased to announce that the position of Organist Music Director has been accepted by William Billy Meredith. Billy has served for the past ten years as the organist and music director for Voorheesville Methodist Church. Prior to that, he served as the organist for Broadway Methodist Church in Schenectady, NY. Additionally, he has served as a substitute organist for numerous churches in Delaware County. Billy graduated from Walton Central School in 2004 and has received Bachelor's and Master's degrees from the University at Albany where he hopes to complete his doctoral studies in Billy s audition and interviews clearly reflected that he will be a welcome addition to First Presbyterian Church of Delhi. We look forward to the spirit he will bring to our music programs, his hymn playing, and the joy that he will bring to presenting choral music classics and planning our liturgical music. Billy will be an integral part of our worship services and we are delighted that he will be joining us in January. We hope that you will take time to welcome Billy personally and to help make our transition smooth and joy-filled. UPDATED MEMBER & FRIENDS DIRECTORY IN THE WORKS *** PLEASE RESPOND-WE HAVE NOT RECEIVED MANY OF THESE BACK!! EVEN IF YOU FEEL THE OFFICE HAS YOUR CURRENT INFO WE STILL GET AND REGULAR MAIL SENT BACK WHICH MEANS YOU ARE NOT GETTING UPDATED CHURCH INFORMATION. WE WANT TO KEEP YOU INFORMED. We have been requesting everyone s current contact info in the last Courier and in recent Sunday s Church Life-we are planning to update our Member & Friends Directory and would appreciate your response. NOTE: we do not like to call people at their workplace but if that is the best way to reach you please provide your work number and indicate it is okay to contact you there. If you have an unlisted phone please indicate as such-we will NOT share with others. Also the Directory does not and will not appear on the Church s Website-the information is always intended for Church Members & Friends Only! Please fill out the tear off section and place in the Sunday collection plate or drop off at the Church office by ASAP. You may the info to: office@fpcdelhi.org Please fill out the tear off section and place in the Sunday collection plate or drop off at the Church office by ASAP. You may the info to: office@fpcdelhi.org Name: Home Address: Home Phone #: Address: Cell Phone #: Work Phone #: (if Okay)

13 WREATH ORDER - The Church Decoration Committee and the Fellowship Committee are making plans to decorate our Church building for the holiday season this year. Your participation as a member of the Church Family would be greatly appreciated. If interested in participating, please indicate your contribution to the decorating on the form below. Write the names as you wish them to appear in the Church bulletin on the Sunday before Christmas and the Christmas Eve bulletin. Fill out the form below and place it in an envelope marked "CHRISTMAS WREATHS and place the envelope in the collection plate or leave it in the Church office. The price of each wreath is $ You may pay with cash, or by a check made payable to First Presbyterian Church. This may either be put in the envelope with your order or you may pay at the Church office. Please clearly mark your envelope for Christmas wreaths. Monies from the Memorial Fund were used to purchase artificial decorations. The Decoration Committee previously purchased the roping and the window displays. They are very nice and may be used year after year. It saves money and still allows us to have great decorations around the church. Thank you to everyone for contributing to this project in the past. Orders for wreaths, with the payment enclosed, must be in by Friday, December 16. Thank you for your participation. Fellowship Committee WREATH ORDER following way: I (We) would like to contribute to the Christmas Wreaths in the Order a wreath in honor of Order a wreath in memory of Order a wreath as a gift to the Church Given by: REMINDER: Please make all checks for wreaths and poinsettias payable to First Presbyterian Church & include payment with your order.

14 Christmas will soon be here. We would like to invite all members and friends of First Presbyterian Church to provide Poinsettias for our Sanctuary on Christmas Eve (Saturday), December 24 th and Sunday, December 25 th. The plants may be given in memory of a loved one, in honor of someone special to you, or as a gift to the Church. Those giving plants will be listed in the Christmas Eve Bulletin. If you wish to order a plant, please complete the lower portion of this letter and send or bring it to the Church Office with $10.00 each no later than Thursday, December 8. Please do not leave it at the florist. Make checks payable to the First Presbyterian Church and include with your order. We will order the poinsettia for you. If you wish to purchase your own plant, please fill out the form at the bottom of this page and mail or bring it to the Church Office no later than December 15 th so the information can be placed in the bulletin. You may take your plant after the service on Christmas Eve, December 24 th, or pick it up at the church by December 28 th. Protective wrappers will be in the Session room for you to cover it if needed because of the weather. Poinsettias that are designated to be given to a member on the Deacon's List will be delivered by the Deacons. Thank you for contributing to the joy and beauty of this celebration of Christ s birth. The Deacons of First Presbyterian Church PLEASE PRINT INFORMATION AS YOU WANT IT LISTED IN THE BULLETIN: Your Name In Memory of In Honor of Gift to the Church I will pick up my plant after Christmas Eve Service I do not want my plant; please give to a member on the Deacons List I will purchase my own poinsettia The price of each Poinsettia is $ Please make checks payable to: The First Presbyterian Church.

15 The Kirk Thrift Shoppe The Kirk Grand ing on October 1 st was a great success! We sold some beautiful clothes and household items priced very reasonably and customers have remarked I can t believe your prices they are too low! But of course that is our goal and our mission- all our items are donated! It is amazing to see the amount of great donations that we have received! And they keep coming- even from customers that are not our Church members. Maybe they will even consider joining our Church family in the future. We have seen several repeat customers- in fact there are a few people that have come every weekend including some of our Senior Meal people on Fridays. Many Thanks to all the Wonderful Volunteers who have made this possible! It is a lot of work but it is a lot of fun and it has been a joy to work with such dedicated people. Please join us- Nancy Thomson nsgthom@gmail.com if you wish to volunteer. If you have any large plastic bins to store donations and/or plastic zipper bags that new comforters, blankets or sheets come in we could use somethose zipper bags are great to display those same items. Please keep those Donations coming in- you may leave them on or under the table outside the Thrift Shoppe or in the upstairs hallway outside the Church Office- there are three bins there. Thank You!

16 Reaching Out CARE PACKAGES FOR COLLEGE STUDENTS On November 28 th the PW will be packing and shipping goodie boxes to college students as they prepare for finals for the fall semester. Donations of snack items and money will be accepted. Cash donations should be given to Kathy Sullivan or left with Nancy in the Church Office. There will be a donation box in the narthex for your convenience. If you know a college student that would enjoy the box please make sure to drop their name and address off in the church office. Suggested goodie box items are: popcorn, cup of soup, candy bars, gum, granola bars, fresh fruit (apples and oranges), homemade cookies, hot chocolate mix etc. We also welcome volunteers to pack the boxes on November 28 th at 7:00 PM in the red room. Any questions call Kathy Sullivan or the church office. Thursday Sewing Fellowship Join in fellowship and mission! The Thursday Sewing Fellowship will meet November 17 and December 15 at 6:00 p.m. Come join us in working on mission projects, projects for the 2017 bazaar or your own projects. If you have any questions please contact Nancy Althaus in the church office. We will meet in the Blue Room. Please join us and bring a friend. All are welcome. CHRISTMAS STOCKING MISSION Please remember to fill your stockings. On December 4 th, 11 th, and 18 th the PW will be collecting the Christmas Stockings that were distributed in January 2016 and are still available in baskets throughout the church. The stockings will be collected before worship in the narthex. You may also leave your stocking in the office during normal office hours. Half of the money received will go to Habitat for Humanity and half to Hospice. If you do not have a stocking, please pick one up at the church or contact Nancy in the church office. ONGOING MISSION We continue to collect and deliver baby blankets and hats, prayer shawls and pillowcases for Albany Medical. This is an ongoing mission project for our church. Completed items may be left on the shelf in the hospitality room. If you need a copy of the guidelines or a pattern, please see Nancy in the church office. Keep up the good work!

17 APPORTIONMENT The Per Capita amount for 2016 has been set at $34.86 per member. Per Capita apportionment is based on membership as of December 31, Our apportionment is based on 191 members giving a total of $6, The money is paid by our church to cover our share of basic operation costs of our Presbytery, Synod, and General Assembly. Each member is invited to contribute $34.86 to help pay this obligation. If anyone wants to know if they are up to date with their pledge, have paid their apportionment, or any other information about their giving, please call or giajoe@delhitel.net. Thank you, Gia Cantwell, FPC Financial Secretary SESSION Committee Assignments for Christian Ed Music, Worship, & Sacraments Church Life Mission Class of 2017 Gail Dibble Tom Philion Gail Dibble John Nealis Class of 2018 Joe Maxwell Renee Maxwell Susie Little Kathy Sullivan Please feel free to contact any Elder should you have any questions. Fueled by thankfulness Thankfulness is not a minor virtue. It is not one of the elementary virtues [that] may be left behind as we become more mature. I believe that thankfulness is essential to the strength of every virtue, and that without it every other branch is starved and lean. Life without thankfulness is devoid of love and passion. Hope without thankfulness is lacking in fine perception. Faith without thankfulness lacks strength and fortitude. Every virtue divorced from thankfulness is maimed and limps along the spiritual road. John Henry Jowett

18 Merry Christmas to Our Church Family! A Christmas card wall will be set up in the narthex for people to send Christmas greetings to the entire congregation. You can hang the card up yourself or mail it into the church office and we will hang it for you! This is a wonderful opportunity to share the joy of the season with our family in Christ at First Presbyterian. Help others through your gift giving this year! Here are a few ideas the church can help you with. Contact the church office for more information. Tree of Hope items such as chickens, seeds, groceries for a youth mission worker to name just a few. Catalogs are available outside the church office and in Fellowship Hall. Help fill the Food boxes in the Narthex or make a special contribution to the food bank through the angel envelopes in the pews. Poinsettias order forms are available outside the office and in this courier Wreaths - order forms are available outside the office and in this courier Living Waters CD s Both Treasured Carols of the Kirk and Nativity Carols and Hymns are available in the church office ($15 each) Wooden replicas of First Presbyterian church available in the church office ($15) FPC Ornaments, Trivets and Cookbooks available for any donation in the church office Rada Knives and kitchen helpers available through any member of A Pealing Sound Bell Choir DON T FORGET!! Returnable Bottle & Can Collection benefits the Youth Group Mission Work Please drop (well rinsed out please!) returnable bottles & cans off in the new Narthex THANK YOU FOR YOUR SUPPORT!

19 PLEASE SIGN UP FOR IGIVE.COM TO HELP OUR CHURCH *** Start Your Online Christmas Shopping *** It Does NOT Cost You or Our Church Anything! There are over 1750 websites from Ancestory.com to Zales including favorites like L.L.Bean, Lands End, JC Penney, Pet Care RX, and Hotels.com! Check out the early Christmas Specials! ATTN: MEN- it is not just for women shoppers- check out websites like Bass Pro Shops, Apple, Sears (for Craftsman Tools) and Tire Rack (with their donation of 2.4% a set of tires could generate a nice donation!) *** Soon it will be Income Tax time - you can print your account information at the end of the year- just go to Your Stats & click on Tax Deduction. It is SAFE, PRIVATE and VERY EASY- just go to our Church Link: Join today following the directions on the link (ask Nancy at the Church Office if you need help). Add the igive Button and never miss a donation. Save Gas, Time and even $$ while you shop with some Special Deals like FREE Shipping, Sales and Coupons at many of the websites! And when you make a purchase, every cent of the percentage comes to Our Church. No administration costs, fees or mark-ups for You or Our Church! How can they do this for Free?- igive.com is paid a sales commission over and above any charitable contribution % and many merchants also advertise on the igive website (usually offering Great Deals for Shoppers). TO DATE----- $ has been earned for Our Church!!! So Please Join and Start Your Christmas Shopping! *** UPDATE ON AMAZON.COM ON igive *** Amazon.com is no longer part of igive.com since they have their Own Charity Giving under AmazonSmile. If you shop on Amazon be sure to sign up- you can pick a charity of your choice (First Pres Church does not participate for privacy concerns) but many of our congregation have signed up under Charity Water- Amazon donates 0.5% of the Sale Price on all purchases. This charity seems a good fit since our summer program & VBS was all about clean water! These donations are not tax deductible though- but it is nice way to donate regardless.

20 First Presbyterian Church On behalf of the parents and students of the Delaware Academy Elementary School, I would like to thank the First Presbyterian Church and the other local churches who donated backpacks and school supplies for our students. These supplies will help many families in our community. Thank you for your generosity. Sincerely, Julie Mable, Elementary Principal Our prayers and sympathy remain with Bruce and Linda Burr, Teresa, Brent and Nolan Patry and Caitlyn Burr on the death of Bruce s mother, Nancy who entered life eternal on September 21, We extend our prayers and sympathy with Kevin and Kathy Sullivan, Patrick Sullivan, Ryan Sullivan and Val Outsen at the passing of Kevin s mother, Joan on October 1. We share our sympathy and prayers with Bette Braymer, Joe and Helen Rosa and the many family and friends of John Braymer who went home to be with the Lord on October 15, We continue to offer our prayers and sympathy to Bette Braymer and her family at the loss of Bette s grandson, Brandon Rowlands recently in Costa Rica. If you know of anyone who is in the hospital or in need of pastoral care, please call the church office or Pastor Sarah. We would rather be notified ten times than not be aware of the needs of the church family! Human Services Committee The Human Services Committee was formed with money left from the Estate of Leona McDowell. There are bank stocks that have over the years supplied this fund. According to the Will, money is to be used to help First Presbyterian Church Members who are in need. The definition of in need is varied. In the past, the items on the following list have been covered. Medical bills Fuel Bills Transportation costs (funerals, hospital stays, medical treatment) Electric bills Nursing home costs Funeral costs General expenses after illness or accident Dental bills Rent This committee is asking that everyone keep other members in their hearts and prayers. If you see someone in need, please call the church office.

21 November 2 Joyce Goff Nancy Haynes 3 Shane Bray 4 Linda Malcolm 5 Corie Nealis 8 Betty Larsen 11 Karen LaFever Mary Conklin 13 Leslie McKeegan 14 Jane Hymers 17 Gia Cantwell 19 Barbara Thompson 21 Shawn Malcolm 22 James Gregory 23 Nancy Mable Nieve (Malcolm) Yepez 24 Tony Cecce Jason Hewlett Julie Mable Jack Rippe 25 Richard Morley 26 Elisa Moxley 27 Wendi Haynes Ecklund Carol Presby 28 Donald Hymers 29 Helen Flack 30 Aubrynn Nealis Dezeree Wakin If your birthday is missing from this list or you know of someone in the church family who has a birthday not shown here, please contact the church office. Thank You! December 2 Kathleen Curley 5 Richard Malcolm Ben Bray 7 Amber (Gearhart) O Leary Courtland Robinson 8 Shaine Pawlikowski Donna Torma 9 Lisa (Kilmer) O Connell Roy Scrimshaw 10 Lisa Schmitt Christopher Clark Tasha Moxley 11 Tyler Aitken Harold Eustis Danyelle Ambrose Sally Robinson 12 Walter Roye 13 Toni P. Weaver 14 Nancy Lee Richard Morley 15 Stephanie McKeegan Helen Rosa 16 Emma O Leary 18 Scott Rasmussen 20 Maci Gile Mary Jane Roberts Allen Presby 23 Laurie Aitken 24 William Bagley John Bagley 26 Holly (Beveridge) Holcomb 27 Irene Sander Sally Scrimshaw 28 Betty Bell 29 Jane Howard 30 Mary Lou Oliver Nichole Newbold 31 Gerald Maxwell Taylor Mostert Miles Philion

22 With Grateful Thanks It is with sadness as well as deep gratitude for her years of faithful service that we will soon be saying goodbye to Gayle Olsen as our church Music Director. Surely God s hand was in our decision to hire her more than 25 years ago. During this time, she has served our congregation well not only as our Choir and Music Director, but stepping forward to lead our handbell choirs and by accompanying our Cherub Choir whenever needed. More recently, Gayle has filled in as our Organist when Chris Kilmer retired two years ago. We have been blessed with her music talents in so many ways over these many years. Gayle has coordinated our summertime special music as well as the Christmas Eve music program. She has shared her vocal talents, not only in the times when she has sung during worship service, but when her choral group has joined us for worship or for concerts. It is difficult to list the many ways Gayle has dedicated her time and gifts to First Presbyterian Church of Delhi. We will be forever thankful. As we come to the close of Gayle s time with us as our Music Director, we are sad that this part of our relationship is coming to an end, but as a member of our church family, we hope that she will continue to worship with us. We are blessed to have the opportunity to know and love her. May the grace and blessings of Jesus Christ be with her always! Best Wishes to Geoff Rosa (son of Heather and David Rosa) and Liz Viafore who were united in marriage on October 1, 2016 in Deposit, NY. Their address is: Geoff & Liz Rosa 87 Thomas Street Johnson City, NY May God Bless Your Marriage! Our prayers are with those who have recently had outpatient procedures, surgery, are facing major changes in their lives, been hospitalized or are facing difficult health concerns. The 2017 Flower and Coffee Hour volunteer posters will be up soon in Fellowship Hall. If you would like to donate flowers for the Chancel on a Sunday or if you would like to furnish cookies for Coffee Hour, please sign up for any of the available Sundays. Thank you!!! Anyone wishing to participate in the Worship Service as Liturgist should contact the church office.

23 WORSHIP FLOWERS November 6 Nancy Lee The Sullivan & Thomson Families 27 December 4 11 Nancy Lee 18 Susan and Jeffrey Gearhart 24 Poinsettias 25 November & December Deacons Flower Responsibility: Joyce Goff November & December Hospital Visitation & Clothing Box/CCC: Joyce Goff LITURGISTS November 6 Betty Bell 13 Gail Dibble 20 Joe Weaver 27 Ed Goff December CHURCH BOARDS Coffee Hour November 6 Toni Weaver, Nancy Mable, Heather Rosa, Andy Baldauf 13 Barb Leo, Jane Hymers, Andy Baldauf 20 Linda DeWitt and Kathy Martin 27 Joyce Goff, Andy Baldauf December 4 11 Barb Perkins, Toni Weaver 18 Fellowship Christmas Dinner 25 Merry Christmas! - No Coffee Hour Office NOTES If you have an item or announcement to be placed in the Church Life section of the bulletin, it must be in the office by 9:00 on Thursday morning. Newsletter articles are due in the office, Thursday, December 29, 2016 in order to be placed in the January February Courier. The church office will be closed on Friday, November 11 th for Veteran s Day, Thursday, November 24 th for Thanksgiving, and Monday, December 26 th for Christmas. November 2 6:30 pm Session November 6 9:30 am Deacons November 16 6:30 pm Trustees December 4 9:30 am Deacons December 7 6:30 pm Session December 21 6:30 pm Trustees

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25 NOVEMBER MISSION EMPHASIS - THANK OFFERING November 2016 Sunday Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday Saturday 30 9:30 am Sunday School 10:00 am Choir Gathers 10:30 am Worship with Long-time Member Recognition and Baptisms 11:30 am Coffee Hour Fellowship 12:00 pm Choir Rehearsal 4:00 pm Boy Scout Troop 33 6 Daylight Savings Time Ends - Turn Clocks Back one hour! Daylight Saving Time ends 9:30 am Sunday School 10:00 am Choir Gathers 10:30 am Worship 11:30 am Coffee Hour Fellowship 12:00 pm Choir Rehearsal 13 9:30 am Sunday School 10:00 am Choir Gathers 10:30 am Worship 11:30 am Coffee Hour Fellowship 11:30 am Congregational Meeting 12:00 pm Choir Rehearsal 20 Christ the King Sunday 9:30 am Sunday School 10:00 am Choir Gathers 10:30 am Worship 11:30 am Coffee Hour Fellowship 12:00 pm Choir Rehearsal 4:00 pm Community Thanksgiving Worship and Meal - Delhi 27 Clergy Association First Sunday of Advent 9:30 am Sunday School 10:00 am Choir Gathers 10:30 am Worship 11:30 am Coffee Hour Fellowship 12:00 pm Decorating for Christmas 12:00 pm Choir Rehearsal 31 Halloween 9:00 am Fire Inspection 7 10:00 am Monday Morning Bridge 14 County Senior Council 21 10:00 am Monday Morning Bridge 7:00 pm Boy Scout Committee Meeting 28 7:00 pm Care Package Assembly 7:00 pm MWS meeting 1 10:30 am Tai Chi Class 5:30 pm Weight Watchers 8 Election Day Election Day 10:30 am Tai Chi Class 4:30 pm Girl Scout Troop :30 pm Weight Watchers 15 10:30 am Tai Chi Class 5:30 pm Weight Watchers 22 10:30 am Tai Chi Class 4:30 pm Girl Scout Troop :30 pm Weight Watchers 29 10:30 am Tai Chi Class 5:30 pm Weight Watchers 2 7:30 am SPARKS at Crossroads Cafe Opportunities Senior 5:00 pm A Pealing Sound Bell Rehearsal 6:30 pm Session Meeting 9 7:30 am SPARKS at Crossroads Cafe Opportunities Senior 5:00 pm A Pealing Sound Bell Rehearsal 5:30 pm Girl Scout Troop Meeting 16 7:30 am SPARKS at Crossroads Cafe Opportunities Senior 5:00 pm A Pealing Sound Bell Rehearsal 6:30 pm Trustees Meeting 23 7:30 am SPARKS at Crossroads Cafe Opportunities Senior 5:00 pm A Pealing Sound Bell Rehearsal 5:30 pm Brownie Troop :30 am SPARKS at Crossroads Cafe Opportunities Senior 5:00 pm A Pealing Sound Bell Rehearsal 3 10:30 am Tai Chi Class 6:30 pm Gentle Yoga 10 7:00 am Breakfast Club 10:30 am Tai Chi Class 6:30 pm Gentle Yoga 17 10:30 am Tai Chi Class 6:00 pm Sewing Fellowship 6:30 pm Gentle Yoga 24 Thanksgiving Day - Office Closed Thanksgiving Day 12:00 pm Community Thanksgiving Dinner at the Delhi Fire Hall 4 10:00 am Yoga - "Gentle" Yoga 11 Veterans Day 10:00 am Yoga - "Gentle" Yoga 1:00 pm Weight Watchers Inventory in the Chapel :00 am Yoga - "Gentle" Yoga 25 10:00 am Yoga - "Gentle" Yoga 5 9:00 am Kirk Thrift Shoppe 12 9:00 am Kirk Thrift Shoppe 9:00 am Kirk Thrift Shoppe 26 9:00 am Kirk Thrift Shoppe

26 December Mission Emphasis Christmas Joy December 2016 Sunday Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday Saturday 1 10:30 am Tai Chi Class Opportunities Senior 4 GIFTS MUST BE RETURNED FOR ANGEL TREE Second Sunday of Advent 9:30 am Sunday School 10:00 am Christmas Stocking Collection 10:00 am Choir Gathers 10:30 am Worship 11:30 am Coffee Hour Fellowship 12:00 pm Choir Rehearsal 4:00 pm Boy Scout Troop 33 Meeting with 11 Third Sunday of Advent 9:30 am Sunday School 10:00 am Christmas Stocking Collection 10:00 am Choir Gathers 10:30 am Worship 11:30 am Coffee Hour Fellowship 12:00 pm Choir Rehearsal 18 Fourth Sunday of Advent 9:30 am Sunday School 10:00 am Christmas Stocking Collection 10:00 am Choir Gathers 10:30 am Worship 12:00 pm Choir Rehearsal 4:00 pm Boy Scout Troop 33 Meeting 25 CHRISTMAS DAY Christmas Day 10:30 am Worship 5 10:00 am Monday Morning Bridge Opportunities Senior 12 County Senior Council Opportunities Senior 19 10:00 am Monday Morning Bridge Opportunities Senior 7:00 pm Boy Scout Committee Meeting 26 Christmas Day observed Opportunities Senior 7:00 pm MWS meeting 6 10:30 am Tai Chi Class Opportunities Senior 4:30 pm Girl Scout Troop :30 pm Weight Watchers 13 Opportunities Senior 5:30 pm Weight Watchers 20 10:30 am Tai Chi Class Opportunities Senior 4:30 pm Girl Scout Troop :30 pm Weight Watchers 27 Opportunities Senior 5:30 pm Weight Watchers 7 7:30 am SPARKS at Crossroads Cafe Opportunities Senior 5:00 pm A Pealing Sound Bell Rehearsal 6:30 pm Session Meeting 14 7:30 am SPARKS at Crossroads Cafe Opportunities Senior 5:00 pm A Pealing Sound Bell Rehearsal 5:30 pm Girl Scout Troop Meeting 21 7:30 am SPARKS at Crossroads Cafe Opportunities Senior 5:00 pm A Pealing Sound Bell Rehearsal 6:30 pm Trustees Meeting 28 7:30 am SPARKS at Crossroads Cafe Opportunities Senior 5:00 pm A Pealing Sound Bell Rehearsal 5:30 pm Brownie Troop Poinsettia Orders Due 7:00 am Breakfast Club 10:30 am Tai Chi Class Opportunities Senior 15 10:30 am Tai Chi Class Opportunities Senior 6:00 pm Sewing Fellowship 22 7:00 am Breakfast Club Opportunities Senior 6:30 pm Living Nativity 29 Newsletter Deadline Opportunities Senior 2 10:00 am Yoga - "Gentle" Yoga 3 11:00 am Holiday Parade :00 am Yoga - "Gentle" Yoga 16 Wreath Orders Due 17 10:00 am Yoga - "Gentle" Yoga 23 10:00 am Yoga - "Gentle" Yoga 6:30 pm Living Nativity 24 CHRISTMAS EVE Christmas Eve 7:00 pm Christmas Eve Special Music Begins 7:30 pm Christmas Eve Candlelight Service New Year's Eve 10:00 am Yoga - "Gentle" Yoga 1:00 pm 80th Birthday Party for Jerry Maxwell

27 FOOD BANK MISSION REMINDER! Help us fill the food box each week and help our friends and neighbors in need. Food Bank donations may be left in the box across from the office door or in the narthex. Cash donations are always welcome and may be placed in the offering plate (clearly marked) or left in the church office. Please make checks payable to the First Presbyterian Church of Delhi. Thank you for your continued support of this important mission. Please note that donations of Ensure or Boost, dried herbs and seasonings are now welcome any week. FIRST SUNDAY - canned vegetables - all kinds, soups, canned or dehydrated, powdered milk, dehydrated Idaho potatoes, rice and Stove Top stuffing. Cash donations are welcome. SECOND SUNDAY - canned fruit - all kinds; jelly; salad dressing; mayonnaise; peanut butter; catsup; salt; flour; sugar; etc. Cash donations are always welcome. THIRD SUNDAY - canned meat products; tuna fish; sardines; salmon; etc. Cash donations are welcome. FOURTH SUNDAY - potatoes & onions; breakfast foods of all kinds (no baby cereals); crackers, cookies, powdered milk - plain & chocolate; juices; cake mixes; biscuit mix; Bisquick; syrup; molasses; Jello; pudding; dehydrated foods; rice; macaroni; spaghetti; noodles; canned broth, etc. Cash donations are welcome. FIFTH SUNDAY potatoes & onions; all kinds of paper products - napkins, paper towels, toilet tissue; all kinds of cleaning products, face soap & laundry detergent. Cash donations are welcome.