Central Life. Central Presbyterian Church December 13, Advent and Christmas Schedule

Transcription

1 Central Presbyterian Church Advent and Christmas Schedule THIRD SUNDAY IN ADVENT Dec 17 9 & 11 Angels and Dreams Christmas Joy Offering 2:00 Worship at Oakmont Dec 19 6:00 Journey s End in downtown Bristol follow Mary and Joseph as they seek a place to rest Dec 20 5:30 Dinner 6:00 All Ages, All Church, No Practice Pageant FOURTH SUNDAY IN ADVENT Dec 24 9:00 Informal Service in Central Hall 11:00 Liturgical Service in Sanctuary CHRISTMAS EVE Dec 24 5:00 Family Candlelight Service In Central Hall 7:00 Candlelight Communion In the Sanctuary At both services, we will sing the Christmas carols, tell the story of the Birth of the Messiah, and light the candles. The 5:00 service will be about 45 minutes long. The 7:00 service in the sanctuary will have brass, bells, and communion. (No nursery care) The beautiful new Chrismon tree in the sanctuary. It was purchased with Memorial Funds and did not come from the budget. Thank you to all those who helped decorate the church and put up the new tree. We could not have done it without you. Dec Pastors Open House 80 McArthur Cir, Bristol VA NO gifts please FIRST SUNDAY OF CHRISTMAS Dec 31 11:00 ONE SERVICE in Central Hall

2 Page 2 Christmas Eve worship is one of my favorite services from the power of the familiar carols and the Christmas story, to raising our candles as we sing Joy to the World. This is all there to remind us that something happened long ago and far away that changed the world, and continues to change it today. The Christmas story tells us of a God who so loved the world, that God sent his own Son. The Christmas story reminds us that in Jesus, God has shown us God s very self. The Christmas story is about when God moves into the neighborhood. And so, is it really Christmas if we are not a part of a worshipping community on Christmas Eve? If we are too busy with making dinner, or doing last minute shopping, or even family traditions, do we miss the power of Christmas? I would hope that you will be a part of a Christmas Eve service this year. THE CHRISTMAS EVE OFFERING goes to the Service Fund which allows us to meet needs of extraordinary situations for our members and friends of Central. This is used at the discretion of the Co-Pastors. The Christmas Eve Services are a great time to invite someone to come to church. There is a special openness for people at this season, to take part in the celebration. So invite someone to join us in this holiday season. We also will have door hangers that you can put on the houses in your neighborhood. Pick up a pack on Sunday, Dec 17, and share them in your neighborhood. Ornaments for those who work on Christmas Day During our Wednesday evening program on November 29, ornaments were made to be given to those who have to work on Christmas Day. It is a great way to offer the joy of the season to those who provide services for us: convenience store workers, EMTs, Firefighters and Police, hospital workers, restaurant wait staff, and many others. You may pick up ornaments to take with you and deliver to those who serve in this season.

3 Page 3 Christmas Cards to Central Presbyterian friends This year, we invite you to bring a Christmas card and greeting to your friends and family here at Central. Instead of spending postage on mailing cards, you may use that money to give to a charity. Then bring a card from you to the Central family and place it on the bulletin board across from Ann Aichinger s office (Room 118). Pushpins will be available. As you make your plans and resolutions for 2018, we invite you to consider helping with the Meals on Wheels program at Central (occasionally or regularly). Team up with a friend or two to share time together while cooking or providing tasty meals. This makes for a Happy New Year for all! Please contact the church office for more information ( or office.cpc@bvu.net). Then throughout the Advent and Christmas season, stop by and read the Christmas greetings. CENTRAL STAFF: Ann Aichinger, Co-Pastor ann.cpc@bvu.net Frank Aichinger, Co-Pastor frank.cpc@bvu.net Robert Campbelle, Music Director robertcampbelle@gmail.com Joy Smith-Briggs, Organist gvbjoyb@btes.tv Rob Hollo, Contemporary Worship Administrator rhasu83@yahoo.com Josie Russell, Director of Youth & Young Adults josieannrussell@gmail.com Patty Caldwell, Office Manager/Newsletter Editor pcaldwell.cpc@bvu.net Mary Moffatt, Finance Director finance.cpc@bvu.net Trish James, Food Service Director tjames@bvu.net Becky Widner, Director of APPLE Academy applepreschool@yahoo.com Donna Leonard, APPLE Administrative Assistant Thais Sikora, Volunteer Parish Nurse Barbara Mann, Volunteer Parish Nurse Office Hours: 9:00 AM to 4:30 PM, Mon-Fri SNOW POLICY FOR CENTRAL PRES... If Bristol, VA schools are closed (or are dismissed early), large group weekday activities at the church are cancelled, including Presbyterian Women and Wednesday Night Activities (check for school closing updates); Committees, Music Rehearsals, Small Groups, etc. please contact your leader to decide whether to meet; 11:00 am Sunday Worship will almost always be held though 9:00 am Worship could be canceled. Check the website, Facebook, and your for last minute changes and updates. Come if you can get here safely, but be aware that the parking lot can be extremely slick even when the roads are clear; Information will be posted at as early as possible at

4 Page 4 JOURNEYS END Tuesday, December 19 at 6:00 pm On Tuesday, Dec 19, at 6:00 p.m., everyone is invited to join us for Los Posadas, or Journey s End. We will meet at the Farmer s Market in Bristol, and then follow Mary and Joseph as they search for a place to stay, and where Jesus can be born. As we wander down State Street, we will sing carols and approach six places that are inns. Mary and Joseph will ask for a place to stay, and continually be turned away. Then we will end up at the Paramount Theater, where we all will be welcomed in, and have time for fellowship and refreshments. This is fun for all ages. Dress warm and come on the journey to find a welcoming place. On Wednesday, December 20, 5:30 we will have dinner together and then tell the Christmas story once again, but this year, we are asking for everyone to participate. This year s pageant will have no rehearsal, but everyone will be invited to participate. Those attending will be invited to be angels or shepherds, animals who are gathered in the barn, Mary and Joseph, and we needs lots of village people who come to see this newborn King. It will be a fun evening and a wonderful way to become a part of the story. We will hear Scripture as well as sing the songs of the season. You don t want to miss this. On Wednesday evenings, everyone is invited to join us for a time for fellowship, learning, and good food for the whole family. So join us for dinner at 5:30 (with a donation of $5 per person, family maximum of $15) followed by prayer time and program from 6-7 p.m. in Central Hall. There is a Nursery for those under 3 years. December 13: Children and youth Caroling Adults Rick Steves Christmas video Menu - Baked Potato Bar, Salad Bar, Brownies December 20: Christmas program Menu - Deli night, Salads, Cookies We will be taking a break until Jan 10. Watch for programs and dinner menus soon.

5 Page 5 SATURDAY, DECEMBER 30, 2:00-4:00 Ann and Frank Aichinger invite the congregation of Central to an Open House. Come out and share in the joy of the season. This is our gift to you. PLEASE no gifts. Address: 80 McArthur Cir, Bristol, VA We are just off Bonham Road; turn across from the Marathon Station, and the house is on the left. THIS CHRISTMAS This CHRISTmas, mend a quarrel. Seek out a forgotten friend. Dismiss suspicion and replace it with trust. Write a love letter. Share some treasure. Give a soft answer. Encourage youth. Manifest your loyalty in word or deed. Keep a promise. Find the time. Forego a grudge. Forgive an enemy. Listen. Apologize if you were wrong. Try to understand. Speak your love. Speak it again. Speak it still once more. A Sunday Evening Bible Study Group is forming to begin after the holidays. Tentative meeting time is 5:30 to 7:00 pm. Anyone is welcome to come and study and build a greater relationship with God and other folks in the group. Please let us know if you would be interested in being part of this group. We will discuss and select a book or study, with those interested. Contact Patty Caldwell or Ann Aichinger at the church, or office.cpc@bvu.net. Attendance: December 3, in worship December 10, in worship

6 Page 6 JANUARY BIRTHDAYS 1 - Doris Hall 2 - Bessie Kitts Jamie Meade 3 - Sawyer Meade 10 - Allen Vance 13 - Linda Brittle Scott Bullock Jeanne Kiger 14 - Christy Blevins 15 - Ivy Ritchie 16 - LeAnn Thomas 19 - Janis Davis 20 - Diana White Drew Porter 23 - Alvah Wagner 24 - Linda Baker Mary Geiger Dennis Meade 25 - Shelby Moore Vickie Salyer Dillon Vaughn 27 - Sandy McGlothlin 28 - Doris Harkrader 30 - Woody McGlothlin 31 - Savannah McCord Remember these folks in prayer on their birthdays.

7 Page 7 Christmas Joy Offering Each year during the Advent and Christmas season, we turn our eyes to Bethlehem and celebrate the wondrous gift of Jesus Christ, our Savior. Since the 1930s, it has been an annual tradition to receive the Christmas Joy Offering in the PCUSA. By giving to the Christmas Joy Offering, you honor this gift by providing assistance to current and retired church workers in their time of need and developing our future leaders at Presbyterian-related racial ethnic schools and colleges. The offering goes for: The Assistance Program of the Board of Pensions Racial Ethnic Schools and Colleges Racial Ethnic Leadership Development To learn more about the Christmas Joy Offering, please visit: $ Assistance Program of the Board of Pensions: click on Plans & Programs Presbyterian-related racial ethnic schools and colleges: From this page, you can also link to the institutions supported. This offering will be taken on Sunday, December 17, as a part of our regular offering. There are special envelopes available. If you want to make a gift to the Christmas Joy offering, please mark your check or envelope with Joy Offering, or you can make an online gift at any time throughout the year at There are three ways to give: Through Central s congregation Text JOY to to give $10 Presbyterianmission.org/give/christmasjoy Faithful Friends is a group open to all women and they meet once a month on Saturday morning. The next meeting is Saturday, January 27, 9:30-2 p.m. for our retreat at Jubilee house in Abingdon. For those who want to spend the night at Jubilee House on Friday, January 26, please sign up on Ann Aichinger s office door. The cost for the overnight is $65 for a single bedroom or $33.50 for double occupancy (includes linens). The Saturday morning retreat will be from 9:30-2 p.m., and the cost is $31 which includes lunch. All women are welcome to be a part of this event. Come for the overnight or just for the day. You can Ann at ann.cpc@bvu.net.

8 Page 8 High School Youth: (All 9 th -12 th graders) Wed, Dec 13 5:30 Dinner and let s go caroling Fri, Dec 15 7 p.m. LOCK-IN---we are going to Speedway in Lights and ice skating, Blackbird Bakery, Cook-off, Christmas games as well as good fun at the church. There will be breakfast on Saturday morning. You may bring friends, but they must have a permission form on file. Wed, Dec 20 5:30 Dinner and Christmas program Wed, Dec 27 7 p.m. Youth to Blackbird Bakery Middle School Youth (6 th -8 th graders) Wed, Dec 13 5:30 Dinner and let s go caroling Wed, Dec 20 5:30 Dinner and Christmas program Sun, Jan 7 5:30 Pizza and games and What s New in the New Year? Sun, Jan 21 5:30 January Fun, hide-and-go-seek in the church Sun, Feb 4 Super Bowl Party at Niki McGrew s house Reminder that there is Youth Sunday School every Sunday 10-10:45 a.m.

9 Page 9 News for the Church family Volunteers Ken Hale, Marvin Tadlock, Gloria Davenport, Mark McCord, Becky Ingram, Darla & Jonathon Van Dyke, Jim Geiger, Jackie Phillips, Kathy Story, Alvah Wagner, Doris Harkrader, Bill English, and Jim Keith. We offer our Christian Sympathy to Doris Crabtree on the death of her brother, Joe Goodman, on December 3, To the Service Fund for Johnny Van Dyke by Beth and George Parks. Coming up The Memorial Service for Helen Outlaw will be held on Thursday, December 28, 2017, in the Central Presbyterian Sanctuary. Visitation at 1:00 pm Service at 2:00 pm For Sunday, December 17: Coffee helper - Cindy Hale Greeters 9:00 - Archer & Tom Parsons 11:00 - Barret & Christy Blevins Children s Church Leaders 9:00 - Kim Pruett, Lauren Calloway 11:00 - TBA Head Ushers for Dec - Ralph & Terri Davis For Sunday, December 24: Coffee helpers - Trish James, Lois Clarke Greeters 9:00 - Larry & Lois Clarke 11:00 - Ken & Cathy Moss Children s Church Leaders 9:00 - TBA 11:00 - TBA Head Ushers for Dec - Ralph & Terri Davis For Sunday, Dec. 31 (11:00 AM only): Coffee helper - Missy McCord Greeters (Central Hall only) 11:00 - Debbie Wagner, Dora Webb Children s Church Leader 11:00 - TBA Head Ushers for Dec - Ralph & Terri Davis What has the Memorial Committee been doing? There is a lovely nativity present in Central Hall. This was given in memory of Erinn Hollo, because of her love of Christmas. The characters of the Nativity are scattered around Central hall and move each week closer to the table where they will gather on Christmas Eve. The Nativity was purchased with Memorial funds that are given in memory of loved ones who have died. This money is only be used in specified ways, and the purchase of the Nativity set did not impact the budget in any way. It is a lovely gift for the church and a way to honor Erinn s life.

10 Central Presbyterian Church 301 Euclid Ave Bristol, VA Wooden Nativities: Part 2 Schedule of Services Sunday: Coffee Time Informal Worship Sunday School for all ages Liturgical Worship 8:45 & 9:45 a.m. 9:00 a.m. 10:00 a.m. 11:00 a.m. Youth Groups: Middle School High School Sundays, 5:30 p.m. Wednesdays, 5:30 p.m. Last year, the Christian Education Committee created and assembled the beginning of a Christmas nativity of Mary, Joseph, and Baby Jesus. This year, there are two new pieces for sale: a shepherd with a sheep and an angel. The money raised will be going to support our youth programing and events and trips. The cost is $15 for the shepherd and angel set. If you want to purchase Mary, Joseph, and the Baby Jesus along with the Shepherd and Angel, the cost is $25. Please make checks to Central Presbyterian and in the memo: Nativities. These items are available on the table in the entry area. If you have any questions, please see Ann Aichinger or any member of the Christian Education Committee. Wednesday: Supper Prayer Time & Programs 5:30 p.m. 6:00 p.m. Music Rehearsals: Praise Team, Sunday 7:45 a.m. Sanctuary Choir Wednesday 7:15 p.m. Sunday warm-up 10:30 a.m. Handchimes, Wednesday 5:00 p.m. Handbells, Monday 6:00 p.m. Children s Choir, Wednesday 6:00 p.m. Central Brass Different times, ask Robert Campbelle