focus December 2015 Volume XVI, Issue XVII

Transcription

1 Sunday December 2015 Volume XVI, Issue XVII focus First Presbyterian In This Issue Reflections Page 2 Christmas Joy Offering Page 3 Coming Church Page 4 General Church Page 5 In December Page 5 Cares and Joys Page 5 Coming Up in Worship Page 6 December Calendar Page 7 Contact Us Page 7 Growing Connections Schedule for January Page 8 Calendar Sale Page 8 Human Trafficking Page 9 3rd December 1225 Fourth Street Road. Fond du Lac, Wisconsin Phone fdloffice@fdlpresbyterian.org

2 Reflections About Being Presbyterian From the Presbyterian Book of Order F In Jesus Christ, who is Lord of all creation, the Church seeks a new openness to God s mission in the world. In Christ, the triune God tends the least among us, suffers the curse of human sinfulness, raises up a new humanity, and promises a new future for all creation. In Christ, Church members share with all humanity the realities of creatureliness, sinfulness, brokenness, and suffering, as well as the future toward which God is drawing them. The mission of God pertains not only to the Church but also to people everywhere and to all creation. As it participates in God s mission, the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A) seeks: a new openness to the sovereign activity of God in the Church and in the world, to a more radical obedience to Christ, and to a more joyous celebration in worship and work; a new openness in its own membership, becoming in fact as well as in faith a community of women and men of all ages, races, ethnicities, and worldly conditions, made one in Christ by the power of the Spirit, as a visible sign of the new humanity; a new openness to see both the possibilities and perils of its institutional forms in order to ensure the faithfulness and usefulness of these forms to God s activity in the world; and a new openness to God s continuing reformation of the Church ecumenical, that it might be more effective in its mission. 13 You are the salt of the earth; but if salt has lost its taste, how can its saltiness be restored? It is no longer good for anything, but is thrown out and trampled under foot. 14 You are the light of the world. A city built on a hill cannot be hidden. 15 No one after lighting a lamp puts it under the bushel basket, but on the lampstand, and it gives light to all in the house. 16 In the same way, let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father in heaven. Matthew 5:13-16 We Presbyterians are not like everybody else. Being Presbyterian is about being open to God s leading in new ways. This is particularly important in a time when many are responding to the violence and rhetoric of this age by closing themselves off, by seeking security and to gain control over their corner of the world. That s understandable. It s just not what we are called to do. God has called us to be salt and light in the world. This means rather than going along with the noise, chaos, and reactions, we are called to be thoughtful and prayerful, called to discern God s will in the midst of the changes happening in the world. More importantly, as we see in the foundations of our Presbyterian government, we are called to respond to these challenges with a new openness. Where others are hostile, we are called to listen and seek wisdom. Where others are judgmental, we are called to be forgiving, and to seek to spread forgiveness. Where others are labeling, dismissing, or dehumanizing, we are called to invite these people to be in fellowship with us. In short, we are intended to be a countercultural movement that demonstrates Christ s grace. The world is definitely in a time when more light and more discernment are needed. There is a lot of negativity and hostility in the world. We are seeking wisdom, rather than reaction. We want to find our way through prayer rather than following trends or reacting emotionally to the events in the world today. In that way we seek to reach out in Christ s name with love. This is not an easy road. It is much easier to go with the crowd, to let others determine what we will think or feel, or to be carried away with the rhetoric, but it is an essential part of our role in the world today. Each of us has a different voice and a different mind to discern Christ s will. But one thing we affirm together is that God calls us to be open and caring for all people, because they are created by God and are among those whom God has called to reach out to in love. Peace, Pastor Jack 2

3 The Christmas Joy Offering - December 20 Keeping the Promise of the Advent Season. During this Advent season, we reflect on the influence a promise can have on our lives. God promised each of us salvation, and kept that promise with the birth of Jesus. That promise sustains and uplifts us, during good times and challenging ones. When we understand this deeper meaning of a promise, we also understand each of us has a special responsibility to make and keep faithful promises of our own. The Christmas Joy Offering is one way to do that. Each gift received equally supports two vital promises for our faith. Through the Assistance Program of the Board of Pensions, the Christmas Joy Offering assists church workers and their families during times of need, giving back to those who have spent their lives in the service of the church. The program provides grants for housing supplements, income assistance, and pastoral vocational leadership needs. The Christmas Joy Offering also supports the education and development of our future leaders at Presbyterian-related racial ethnic schools and colleges. These schools are dedicated to nurturing opportunity and creating environments where diverse students can succeed from a foundation of Christian values. The Offering benefits Menaul School and Presbyterian Pan American School, two secondary schools that ready students for a path of higher learning, as well as Stillman College, where graduates are prepared for lives of leadership and service. When you give to the Christmas Joy Offering, you help sustain these promises and uplift our brothers and sisters in Christ by reducing their burdens and opening new paths of opportunity. Please give generously: Through your congregation Text JOY to to give $10 presbyterianmission.org/give/christmasjoy To learn more about the promises of 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. 3

4 Coming Church Liturgist - December 27 The Peace that Jesus Brings We need a liturgist for Sunday, December 27. We will have one service, at 9:00am. If you can participate, please contact Kris Bartelt at: kbartelt@fdlpresbyterian.org. It s a great opportunity to give back to your church. Please join us for Worship on December 24 Service at 5:00pm Carols and Candlelight Service with Praise Band Service at 7:00pm Carols and Candlelight Service with Organ Christmas Community Dinner - Christmas Day The 15 th annual Fond du Lac Christmas Community Dinner, (previously held at St Paul s Cathedral) will be held at The Eagles Club (515 N. Park Ave.) on Christmas day. This is a free event, open to everyone. Nobody has to be alone! There will be wonderful food, entertainment and fellowship. Meals will be delivered to anyone in Fond du Lac or North Fond du Lac. Transportation will also be available. The Christmas Community Dinner is brought to you by a community of caring volunteers, churches, businesses and other community advocates, in the Christmas spirit of love and joy. Annual Reports - Due December 28 Please have all annual reports into the office by Monday, December 28 th, Please have your annual report in a form that will be able to be incorporated into our presentation for the annual meeting which will take place on Sunday morning January 31 st, If you have photos or other images they will be greatly appreciated. Annual reports should be returned to our Communication Coordinator, Deb Zorn at: dzorn@fdlpresbyterian.org. Thank you, Pastor Jack Ruth Circle - January 5 Ruth Circle will meet on January 5 at 1:00pm. Our meeting will be held at church. Women In Faith - January 6 A friend is someone who reaches for your hand, but touches your heart. Join us for fun and fellowship on Wednesday, January 6 th from 6-8pm. We will share a light supper together followed by a fun time of fellowship and a craft. We will be Upcycling/Recycling Candles. Bring old candles any size including taper candles and a cardboard container (like orange juice or milk containers). If you have time you can bring a dish to pass, if not just bring yourself and join us for a fun evening. See you there!!! Women in Faith will meet the first Wednesday of every month from 6pm to 8pm. Next date is February 3 rd. Cribbage - January 15 Join us for Cribbage on January15, at 7:00 pm. It s a time of fun and fellowship. You re sure to have a good time! Please call , or go to if you need more information. 4

5 General Church Thank You - Deacons Thank you to everyone who made cookies. Without your baking skills, our Deacon Cookie Walk wouldn t be possible. Also, thank you to everyone who purchased cookies. The terrific turnout made the cookie walk a tremendous success! The Annual Deacon Cookie Walk raised $820.50! All proceeds will go to our Compassion Fund. Thanks again to all who participated. The Deacons Thank You - Mary Binning Dear Church Friends, Thank you to all who have been so caring while I recovered from my fall. Whether it was a card, prayers, food, transportation or phone calls, it was very much appreciated. God Bless You All, Mary Binning Thank You - Angel Tree Thank you to everyone who participated in the Angel Tree mission. Your support will put smiles on the faces of many deserving children. In December Elder of the Month Third Week - Barb Mitchell Fourth Week - Shirley Reis Deacon of the Month Jack Hughes Coffee Hour Hosts Deacons December 20 8:00 Jim & Judy Dassow Larry & Carol Merrill 10:30 Lew & Carol Smith Michael Frize Special Services December 24 Christmas Eve 5:00 Carols and Candlelight with Praise Band 7:00 Carols and Candlelight with Organ December 27 9:00 One Service - Rev. Paul Zoschke will be preaching First Presbyterian Focus Please send submissions for the Newsletter to: fdloffice@fdlpresbyterian.org. Deadlines: December 23 for January 3 issue January 6 for January 17 issue Cares and Joys Buzzy (Marion) Seibel, June Benson, Liam Anderson, Randy Bacon, Silas Willey, Virginia Erdman, Sandy Johnson, Chastity Geisthardt, George Weigel, Kevin Hilbert, Mary Binning, Sara Kamphuis, Joy Erickson, Cyndi Narance, Pam Coburn and family, Jim Stubbe, and the people devastated in the natural disasters, and prayers for peace and tolerance in our community, the nation and the world. Rejoice: The gift of growing together in the body of Christ. Pray for those in the military: Aaron Schaefer and Alex Sell Prayer Partners The prayer chain is ready to offer intercessory prayer, to God, for your concerns. Prayer request cards are in the pew racks and in the Prayer Box on the small table in the Narthex. Put your request in either the offering plate or the Prayer Box and we will partner with you in prayer. Names will stay on the prayers list for 6 weeks unless otherwise specified. Please call the office at (920) if you would like to have your name added or removed. Find us at: First Presbyterian Church, Fond du Lac 5

6 Coming Up in Worship 12/20/2015 Cantata at 10:30 Service Reception Sermon: "The Gift of a Shepherd Theme: God sends us direction and love so that we may joyfully participate in the reconciliation and justice that is from God. Purpose: The congregation will be open to direction in seeking justice and peace. Scriptures: Micah 5:2-5a The Lord will send ones to shepherd the people and lead them in security and righteousness. Luke 1:46-55 Mary's Magnificat, the description of the Messiah as one who will care for the poor and bring justice. Questions: Are we ready for Christ s call to humility and openness? Why do we want to preserve our own myths of control and power rather than open our hearts to the security of God s steadfast love? What is it about keeping control that is so attractive to us, even when we know that we are not actually in control? How do we open our hearts to receive Christ when we are slow to embrace God s call to justice and mercy? How do we let go of our grasp of the things that are not that important in order to focus on the gifts that come from God and which last? 12/24/2015 Sermon "The Peace that Jesus Brings" Theme: We open our hearts to receive the gift of Jesus' love and presence, which opens our eyes to see light and hope in the midst of our difficulties and challenges. 5:00 Mary and Joseph and Baby Jesus; 7:00 Candlelight service. Purpose The congregation will focus on the gift of Christ coming to them and opening themselves to receiving that gift. Scriptures: Isaiah 9:2-7 The promise of redemption, the coming of the Messiah - Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace. Luke 2:1-20 The angels appear to the shepherds, the shepherds come to the holy family. Questions: What does it mean to open our hearts to the gift of Jesus coming to us? What might change in our lives if we let go of our expectations of failure, pain, and sorrow, and instead saw that God s love and care is for everyone? What might change if we saw ourselves as loved and precious in God s sight? How can we bring the message of God s love into all of the places where people are feeling alone and afraid? Can we receive Jesus as our counselor, guide, and savior? What do we have to do in order to allow God to give us the gift of healing and hope for this Christmas? 12/27/2015 Pastor Paul Zoschke will be preaching. Scripture for Advent Matthew 1:18-25 Now the birth of Jesus Christ was as follows: when His mother Mary had been betrothed to Joseph, before they came together she was found to be with child by the Holy Spirit. And Joseph her husband, being a righteous man and not wanting to disgrace her, planned to send her away secretly. But when he had considered this, behold, an angel of the Lord appeared to him in a dream, saying, "Joseph, son of David, do not be afraid to take Mary as your wife; for the Child who has been conceived in her is of the Holy Spirit. 6

7 December Cantata 8a-9a Worship 9:15a-10:15a Education Hour 9:15a-10:15a Growing Connections - Early Adolescence 10:30a-11:30a Worship 12p-1p Creative Arts Meeting 12p-2p PYA Cookie Making 27 9a-10a Worship 21 2:30p-4p Staff 6:30p-8p Session 22 6p-7p AA Meeting (Resource Room) 6p-7:30p Christmas Eve Tech Rehearsal 6:30p-8p Boy Scouts Annual Reports Due 6p-7p AA Meeting (Resource Room) 23 8a-9a Breakfast at Pump and Pantry 12p-1p Prayer 5:30p-6:15p Handbells 6:30p-9:30p Table Tennis 30 8a-9a Breakfast at Pump and Pantry 6:30p-9:30p Table Tennis 24 5p-6p Christmas Eve Service 7p-8p Christmas Eve Service 25 Christmas Day 31 Notes: 26 Office Closed 9a-10a Tech Rehearsal Church Staff Church Staff Volunteer Staff Rev. Jack Harrison Pastor revjharrison@fdlpresbyterian.org Jennifer Zander Director of Christian Education jzander@fdlpresbyterian.org Mary Robotka Financial Assistant mrobotka@fdlpresbyterian.org Deb Zorn Communications Coordinator dzorn@fdlpresbyterian.org Teen Praise Bell Choir Director Angel Choir Director Angel Choir Assistant Financial Assistant Custodian Assistant Becky Frize Terri Wilke Joanne Marchionda Cheryl Clarenbach Alyssa Sabel Sheryl Brown Dave Weber Kris Bartelt Worship Coordinator kbartelt@fdlpresbyterian.org Daliborka Koncos Custodian Phone Office fdloffice@fdlpresbyterian.org Complete information about the church and church activities can be viewed on our website: 7

8 Growing Connections - January 2016 What s a body without wisdom and intelligence? Growing Connections is our ministry of learning opportunities for adults. We seek to grow in relationship, wisdom, and understanding all of the connections that enable us to know Christ more fully and discover our mission in the world. Growing Connections opportunities will focus upon learning about our relationships and how we grow in faith as well as mission opportunities. We are Christians, Growing Humbly in Faith, Reaching out in Love. This is an opportunity to grow humbly in faith as we learn more about ourselves, how Christ is reaching out to the world, and how we may use our gifts as the Body of Christ. 10 Usher Training Be informed and meet others who share your desire to serve as Usher. New as well as long time ushers are encouraged to participate in this class where we will review the Usher Checklist as well as share information and updates on what to do in case of emergencies during a worship service. 17 Session Forum Monthly a time will be set aside to review recent action by the church session, discuss the work of the church, and share vision for where Christ is taking First Presbyterian Church in the future. The forum will be hosted by the Elder of the Month. These forums are an opportunity to seek to gather as Christians Growing Humbly in Faith Reaching out in love. 24 Human Trafficking Human trafficking is happening right here in Fond du Lac. We urge everyone to attend. We need to defend and fight for the protection of vulnerable adults and children. Presenter: Nancy Irizarry, Chair, WI Anti-Human Trafficking Consortium 31 Annual Meeting 2016 Calendar Sale - $7.00 each Proceeds to benefit the Youth 2016 Mission Trip. Calendars are available in the church office. 8

9 What is Human Trafficking? Who is most vulnerable? What can the Church do? Anti-Human Trafficking Awareness Training Sunday, January 24 th 9:15-10:15 am at the First Presbyterian Church Presenter: Nancy Irizarry, Chair Human trafficking is happening right here in Fond du Lac. We urge everyone to attend. We need to defend and fight for the protection of vulnerable adults and children. All are invited to attend 9