HIGHLIGHTS Port Angeles, Washington. First Presbyterian Church. all understanding engulfed her, and that

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1 HIGHLIGHTS First Presbyterian Church 2017 Port Angeles, Washington A New Year. mmm.just writing those words makes me feel a bit like when I was a kid waiting for Christmas morning to finally come so I could open those presents that had tantalizingly been piling up under the tree. A delicious sort of anticipation. That s what the beginning of the New Year is like to me: everyday a gift, 365 of them just waiting for each rising of the sun to unwrap, to discover, and enjoy. Now, lest you think I m totally naive, yes, I do realize that not everyday turns out to be like the best Christmas present you ve ever received. In truth, some days can feel like anything but a gift. Recently my sister s husband suffered a stroke while they were on a mission trip to the Philippines. So far from home, her children, and family, with her husband s future hanging in the balance. I m quite sure she didn t feel like that day was a gift. So, what is it we re unwrapping on such days? Well, my sister tells me that what she discovered in those harrowing days was an acute awareness of Christ s presence with her. That all her years of daily choosing to walk close with God bore a sweet, and precious fruit of peace. She said that a peace that passeth all understanding engulfed her, and that she had never felt so close to Christ in those days by her husband s side in a Filipino hospital. She just knew that no matter what happened, death or life, recovery or not, God had them both in his loving hands. The gift that came to her was an intense sense of God s presence, of God s love for them both. My hope this year is that we all will awake to the day grateful for the gift. That we will be people stepping into each day ahead trusting that no matter what it holds that we will trust that our loving God holds us in his hands. Happy New Year! Pastor Wendy P.S.... Here s a song that has turned into my morning prayer: Morning Prayer by Michael Card. You can easily find it on YouTube. Here s the link:

2 ADULT EDUCATION BOOK STUDY STARTING IN JANUARY How has the cultural landscape of the last 75 years changed roles of men and women in society? Why have we seen such a dramatic change in the fabric of our families and issues surrounding work, marriage, divorce, abortion, child bearing and child rearing? Starting January 8 th Pastor Smithson will lead a book discussion of Lionel Tiger s The Decline of Males. Dr. Tiger worked as the Charles Darwin Professor of Anthropology at Rutgers University and provides some astonishing insights into the changes our culture has undergone in modern times. TEACHER RECOGNITION SUNDAY January 29th is a change of date from last months date that was in the Highlights as the day to recognize and thank our Sunday School Teachers. We are blessed with a large number of wonderful and dedicated people who make it possible for us to have classes for every age and a childcare program. During Sunday class time we are having a brunch and sharing time for all these leaders. While teachers meet, Lu Meiner has a special activity planned for adults and children. 2 FINANCIAL PEACE UNIVERSITY CLASS Would you benefit by having more control of your money? Would it help to have a better understanding of how to use money God s way? FPU is a scripture based study for getting out of debt and staying that way. This is the life changing program designed by Dave Ramsey. Classes will start Monday, Jan. 9 th, 7 pm, here at our church. The classes are about two hours long, once a week for 9 weeks. Yes, there is homework. Success takes determination. We have purchased kits at a discount price to help any who wish to attend from the community and our church. If you have already taken the class and want a review, just sign up, there is no further cost. To sign up, or ask questions, contact Rosalie Doty, or the church office. THANK YOU AND FAREWELL LUNCHEON FOR JUDIE SHARPE All current and former members of the handbell choir are invited to a potluck luncheon to honor Judie for her years of direction, encouragement, and sharing her love for music. It will be at Marcia Logan's home (1738 West 14th St.) on Sunday, January 22, at 3:00 pm. Bring a salad or dessert of your choice. Call Marcia at to RSVP.

3 The Session met December 15, and took the following actions: Reviewed the Financial Report through November. Approved the following items: A special Christmas Eve Love Offering to World Vision for relief efforts in Aleppo during all three services. Changed the Job Title of Coordinator/Lead Teacher of Nursery Program to Childcare Coordinator and change all references to the room and program to Childcare. Give any left-over funds under the Sunday School matching budget line to Sheri Stutsman for the purchase of underwear for school children. Added $2,000 to the Budget for the special project of creating the First Presbyterian Church of Port Angeles Policy Manual and Flow Chart. Added Mark Smith, repair person, and Rick Leffler, Youth Director, as van drivers. The Church Vehicle Use Policy and Procedure. Church building s Sunday Opening and Closing Policy and Procedure. Jeff Miller authorized to spend up to $ to purchase a new monitor system. 3

4 CHRISTMAS BASKETS 2016 Again this December the old Manna rooms became the staging area for our annual Christmas Basket project. Bill piled in as many tables as would fit in those rooms as well as the big classroom. Rainy Birch s Girl Scout troop moved items out of storage in Davy Jones Locker and set up the donated items like a store. The production takes a lot of hours and hands on work. We are especially grateful to those who donated hours of their time in distributing and filling the nearly 100 boxes for the 22 families. Thanks to the donated food staples, non food items, and donated money to purchase additional items, we had plenty to fill the boxes. Every family received from 3 to 6 boxes depending on the family s size. Each family received a turkey or turkey breast along with fresh vegetables, cheese, eggs, canned and packaged food, and household items, such as toilet paper, Kleenex, cleaning supplies and paper towels. Each family also received a Safeway gift card. In addition three individuals whose living situations could not accommodate food storage were given Safeway gift cards to buy food as needed. The Christmas Baskets (Boxes) is a mission our church has had for many years. Some of the families receiving the boxes were church members or their relatives, friends, or acquaintances. In addition each of the five grade schools gave us names of two student s families to receive the boxes. There were hugs, tears, smiles and many thank yous from those receiving the boxes. Those delivering the boxes that snowy morning were equally moved. One comment reported back was We thought you were only dropping off a small meal for us, we were totally stunned. We honestly did not know what was for our next meal. Every single item in those boxes was needed. The Mission and Outreach and Fellowship Committees would like to thank everyone for their donations, both physical and monetary, for the many helping hands in sorting, setting up, cleaning up and delivering. Members of the Chain Gang and other church members and their families delivered the boxes. This was one of Boof McCrea s favorite projects-we missed him in person but he was with us in spirit! Praise be to God with much gratitude, Rosalyn Taylor, Coordinator 4

5 CHRISTMAS BASKET SUPPLY LIST February Paper Towels March Tissue April Toilet Paper May Dishwashing liquid June Fabric Softener (liquid or sheets) July Laundry detergent August Household Cleaners (Spic & Span, Lysol, Pinesol, etc.) September Dental Hygiene (toothbrushes, paste, floss) October Shampoo/ Conditioner November Bath Bar Soap THANK YOU FOR THE BASKET We appreciate all that you and yours have done for us on this wonderful holiday season. Thank you from the bottom of our hearts. Much gratitude, The Reese s KEEP UP ON WEATHER-RELATED CHURCH CANCELLATIONS We have had a colder winter so far, here is a reminder of ways to check on weather-related cancellation of church events. First, listen to Radio KONP Todd Ortloff, Scooter Chapman, and the rest of the staff do a marvelous job keeping us informed about community and church events during inclement weather. Turn in to 1450 on the AM dial or FM Second, call the Church office at The office staff is likely to know the latest. Remember, too, to check on neighbors and friends who might need help during harsh weather. 5

6 ANNUAL CONGREGATIONAL MEETING Sunday, January 22nd at 1:15 It has been an exciting year here at First Presbyterian Church and, while important changes are on the horizon, 2017 promises to be an exciting one as well. Be in the know and get important information by joining us for our Annual Congregational Meeting. The primary purpose of the meeting will be to review 2016 and to deal with some business matters. Please plan on attending. This is Christ's Church but each of us is essential to its health, vitality, and future. See you in worship and on January 22nd! 6

7 YOUTH MEETING Sunday, Jan 15 th, 6:00 p.m. Greetings my young friends. I hope you all had a Blessed Christmas and a festive New Years Eve. I am looking forward to our first get together for So not to radically change anything YET our first meeting will be as usual on the third Sunday, Jan 15 th, 6:00 p.m. in the Fellowship Hall at church. Along with food, fun and fellowship, I will be anxious to share with you my visions for our youth group programs as well as hearing from you all as to what your expectations might be and the direction you might want to see the youth group go. Let s all get together and brainstorm some awesome activities and lessons to make this year memorable. So on that note put this date into your schedule. Come that night and expect great things. Oh, and invite and better yet bring a friend. Keep smiling because God loves YOU. Rick GOOD TIME GANG GAME NIGHT Do you like to have fun? Do you like to visit with great people? Do you like to play games that challenge your knowledge? And do you like great tasting munchies? Then we've got a night planned for you! Saturday, January 14th, at 7 pm come to the church's fellowship hall ready to enjoy an evening of fun, games, and surprises! Bring your spouse, friends, neighbors, coworkers...but leave the kids at home. Contact Marcia Logan at to help out with this event. ANNUAL REPORT ARTICLES DUE DATE To submit an article for our Annual Report, please get it to me by, January 4th if possible. I would prefer to receive it by or on a disk, if not, then hard copy will be fine. The Annual Report will be completed and available on Sunday, January 15th for all to review before the Annual Meeting on the 22nd. Thank you! Rita Frick, Secretary 7

8 LET S ALL MALACHI 3:10! What a blessing and privilege it is to worship God with all our hearts, minds, and souls and to serve the Lord with gladness! We are created for worship, for community, for discipleship, for evangelism, and for service. We serve others with our time, talents, and gifts. In November, the church sent out letters encouraging us to put God first in our lives and to redefine our generosity from God s perspective. We have many Biblical examples ranging from the widow with her mite to the wealthy Zacchaeus, both of whom were blessed for their heartfelt generosity. If you haven t already done so, please return your pledge cards as soon as possible. Our individual acts of generosity will multiply and expand into the church, the community, the country, and the world. How exciting is that! FINANCIAL REPORT Beginning 2016 Balance - $9, January-November Income - $290, January-November Expenses - $290, Ending Balance - $10, November 30,

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10 1 Rob & Lucy Edwards Isaac Mayo 2 Cynthia Isenberger 3 Brooke Bender Lucy Edwards Stan Hair 4 Judy Marshall 5 Jim Buckmaster 6 Bridget Peterson 7 Martha Hurd David Mattie 9 Ventsy Hurd 11 Tom & Lesley McCulloch 13 Randy Schuchardt 14 Dan & Barb Hart Val McRoberts If you are interested in making your own kefir, that is known to have many more probiotics than store bought kefir, contact Brenda Nailor or Martha Bell. Google milk mushrooms for information. 15 Mark Wendt 17 Rainy Birch 18 Joyce Mininger Tony & Mary Peterson 19 Sandy Schultz 20 Chuck Anderson Martha Bell Rita Frick 23 Rob Edwards 25 Erika Kuch 26 Sheri Stutesman 29 Machelle Bender Paula Snyder HIGHLIGHTS DUE , disk, mail or hand deliver By January 16th 10

11 The First Presbyterian Church of Port Angeles is a community of people of all ages who believe in Jesus Christ as the Son of God and who seek to follow His teachings. We come together to worship God, to grow in our love and support for each other, and to learn about God s will for our lives. Guided by the Holy Spirit, we go out to the community and the world to share our faith and to serve others. Worship Associates 1st Jim Buckmaster 8th Vee Canning 15th Cindy Sofie 22nd Paul Stutesman 29th Susan Fisher 8:30 a.m. 11:00 a.m. Ushers 1st (10 am only) Louise Carson 8th Jim & Chris Buckmaster Michele Fraker & Sandy Schultz 15th Jim & Paula Mitchell Curt & Carolyn Horne 22nd Vee Canning Rosalyn Taylor & Nancy Helwick 29th Jerry Nichols & Andy Anderson Karen Kremkau & Darlene Whitney Coffee Servers 1st (10 am only) Martha Bell 8th Pat Graham 15th Steve & Melanie DeBiddle 22nd 29th Christmas Basket item: None until February USPS Identification Statement First Presbyterian Church HIGHLIGHTS Published monthly by First Presbyterian Church 139 W. 8th St., Port Angeles, WA

12 Sunday Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thusday Friday Saturday 1 10:00 Worship No Sunday School 2 OFFICE CLOSED 3 7:30 am Fish s 4 8 am Women s Bible church 1 p.m. Prayer Shawl Ministry :30 pm Bells 7 pm Session Committees 8 8:30 & 11:00 Worship 9:45 am Sunday School 9 1 p.m. Naomi Circle 10 7:30 am Fish s 118 am Women s Bible Study :00 p.m. Financial Peace 6:30 p.m. Worship Team 7:00 p.m. Good Time Gang Game Night 15 8:30 & 11:00 Worship 9:45 am Sunday School 16 Highlights articles due 17 7:30 am Fish s 188 am Women s Bible Study :00 pm Youth Group 7:00 p.m. Financial Peace 6:30 pm Bells 6 pm Session 22 8:30 & 11:00 Worship 9:45 am Sunday School 1:15 p.m. Annual Meeting :30 am Fish s 258 am Women s Bible Study :00 p.m. Financial Peace University Class 6:30 p.m. Worship Team 29 8:30 & 11:00 Worship 9:45 am Sunday School 9:45 am Teacher s Recognition Brunch :30 am Fish s 7:00 p.m. Financial Peace University Class