First News First Reformed United Church of Christ, Lexington, North Carolina

Transcription

1 First News First Reformed United Church of Christ, Lexington, North Carolina Let Us Prepare the Way Together Dear Friends, This Sunday, November 29th, begins the season of Advent. The First Sunday of Advent is also the beginning of a new church year. Advent lasts until Christmas Eve. It is a season to prepare for the coming of Christ...both the coming of Jesus as a baby Rev. Elizabeth Parker Horton into the world, and also the coming of Christ in the fulfillment of time. We will hear Old Testament prophets and also from the Gospel of Luke. Advent is when we focus on the culture and faced tremendous persecution definitely not in the majority in the Roman time between the "now" and the "not yet." depending on who was ruling at the time. It is thought that the early Christians adopted Our commercialized culture tells us to prepare for Christmas mainly by spending mon- that they would be less conspicuous in the this day for their Christ-mass service so ey. However, that is far from what Advent observance of their holiday. The situation means in the life of the Church. Because changed in the 4th century, when the Roman Emperor Constantine converted to it's easy to overlook Advent and rush into Christmas, I have made a list of FAQ's that I Christianity and celebrated this Christhope can be helpful. Mass. A few years later Pope Julius 1 decreed December 25th as Christmas. Why do we call this time ADVENT? The word Advent is derived from the Latin How did Advent get started? word adventus, meaning coming, which Advent began a time of preparation. During is a translation of the Greek word parousia. the 4th and 5th centuries, the time prior to The New Testament was originally written in Christmas was used to prepare candidates the Greek language. Advent anticipates the for baptism, much like during the season of coming of Jesus Christ. Lent, with fasting and educating one in the faith. Slowly, the four Sundays were adopted. Was Jesus really born on December 25th? No one knows exactly when Jesus was born. In the 3rd century, December 25 was Why is only one of the Advent Candles pink? the date that the Roman Emperor Aurelian To symbolize joy. The traditional color for fixed for the festival of the Winter Solstice Advent is purple, which is thought to be the holiday. At that time, early Christians were color of royalty anticipating the coming King. Page 1 December 2015 However In a time when the dark nights were long and the air frigidly cold, darkness and waiting prevailed. The pink Joy candle on The 3rd Sunday of Advent is a kind of marker for the people that reminds them Joy can be found in the waiting Just hang on the Light will come. There is definitely more information on the origins and symbols of Advent. I encourage you to do your own research when it comes to theology and scripture. If you find something interesting, let me know! And if you come up with more questions, we can figure them out together. In our worship, we are going to hold this tension between the now and the not yet. The time of waiting, preparing. Please read these in preparation for Advent Sundays : Jeremiah 33: and Luke 21: : Malachi 3: 1-4 and Luke 3: : Zephaniah 3: and Luke 3: : Micah 5: 2-5a and Luke 1: After our four weeks of preparation, we will celebrate with great joy and awe the coming of the Christ Child Bring your family, your children, and friends to share in Holy Communion and Candlelight service on Christmas Eve. Let us prepare the way together, Elizabeth

2 Page 2 JOHN WALSER MERLE AND JERRY HODGES LEIGH HODGES EARNHARDT JOHN AND VICKY GRAY BILL AND CAROLYN ROBBINS CLIFFORD AND PAULA LOPP MARY BERRIER ELIZABETH SINK MARGARET HODGES (MOTHER OF JERRY HODGES) NANCY ROBBINS MARY BERRIER DEBRA SAUNDERS (DAUGHTER-IN-LAW OF AMY HEDRICK) MERLE AND JERRY HODGES MIKE AND LYNN BROWN JOHN POTTS AND JANETTE NEAL JERRY AND AURELIA SMITH DALE CLARK (BROTHER OF RITA TUSSEY) EULENE SHEPHERD VICKY GREEN JOHN AND SYLVIA WALSER CAROLYN & CARROLL SPIVEY WILLING WORKERS SUNDAY SCHOOL CLASS RUTH & DAN LEEPER TURLINGTON & COMPANY GLADYS SNIDER NANCY ROBBINS RUTH ESSICK JOYCE PRICE REV. BANKS SHEPHERD JOHN AND SYLVIA WALSER RITA TUSSEY JANE BLISS, EMILY JENNINGS, JULIE AND PHIL BARLUP, PETER BLISS, AMANDA AND DOUG DONOVAN STAN AND ALICIA SEKSINSKY EDDIE AND DONNA ERVIN RUTH ESSICK JOYCE PRICE MARY BERRIER DON AND LINDA STEED EARLIE HARTLEY JOHN AND SYLVIA WALSER MIKE HIGGINS JOHN AND SYLVIA WALSER STEVE MURDOCK JOHN AND SYLVIA WALSER JOHN HUDSON JOHN AND SYLVIA WALSER JERRI RUSSELL JOHN AND SYLVIA WALSER VIRGINIA JARRELL BARNES FRANK C. LEONARD MARGARET HODGES (MOTHER OF JERRY HODGES) NANCY ROBBINS MARY BERRIER DALE CLARK (BROTHER OF RITA TUSSEY) EULENE SHEPHERD

3 Honorariums Page 3 FOR JUNE GRUBB FROM RITA TUSSEY HAPPY THANKSGIVING TO PEGGY BATES FROM HER HEART SISTER HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO JAMES GRAY (FROM JOHN & VICKY GRAY) Got White Wrapping Paper? We are once again collecting white gifts for Crisis Ministry on Sunday, December 20. Please consider bringing items such as the following, wrapping them in white paper, and labeling them as for a man, woman, girl, boy: The Chili and the Fellowship Will be Warm....for the annual Chili Cook-Off at 6 p.m. on Monday, November 30. Sample as many pots as you like before voting on your favorite. Bring your folding money so you may cast as many dollars as you can to make sure your favorite batch wins. Beverages, crackers and cookies will be furnished. Stay for the Advent Workshop at 7 p.m. in the Fellowship Hall. Call Cathy Waitman if you have not yet registered for either of these events. socks, toboggans, toiletries, snacks, diapers (all sizes), toilet paper, paper towels, cleaning supplies

4 Page 4 Or Anniversary Date Birthday or Anniversary December 1 December 3 December 4 December 7 December 12 December 18 December 19 December 24 December 28 December 30 Let s Celebrate Our Church Family Abigail Johnson Buddy Lohr Jerry Smith Brandi McCarn Gerew Brad Biesecker Thomas & Sauni Johnson (anniversary) Ruth Essick Donna Coe Myrtle Latimer Ruth Fritts Lee & Mary Jo Jessup (anniversary) Tim Potts Walter Hoffman Susan Miller Keith Johnson Belinda Yates Stephen Ministers Move Churches Toward the Future CHURCH OF THE PAST CHURCH OF THE FUTURE The congregation s caregiving ministry begins and ends with the pastoral staff. Lay persons are only asked to do tasks such as financial management, facility maintenance, serving dinners, etc. Trained lay people expand the amount of quality caregiving pastors and congregations can provide. Trained lay persons are entrusted with significant relational ministry to those who need care. Certain spiritual gifts are reserved for clergy and other professional church staff. The pastor ministers; lay people receive ministry. The pastor is the only or the main Player. Lay people watch from the sidelines. Members realize that the Holy Spirit lavishes spiritual gifts upon all believers as God chooses, without regard to a believer s position in the church. The pastor is the player-coach, both ministering to and equipping lay people for ministry. Lay people aren t sitting on the sidelines...they re actively involved in ministry.

5 Page 5 From Cathy Waitman, Director of Christian Education Don t Forget to Sign Up As Soon as Possible for: Chili Cook-Off, Nov. 30, 6 pm, Fellowship Hall Advent Workshop, Nov. 30, 7 pm, Fellowship Hall Our Christmas Play this year will be a reprise of the Festival of Nine Lessons and Carols that was presented last year. It was such a moving portrayal of the Christmas story and involved so many adults and youth from our congregation that we wanted to present it again. The performance will be Sunday, Dec. 20, at the 11 a.m. worship service followed by a covered dish luncheon. (Someone special is scheduled to visit after the luncheon!) Important Christmas Play Practices will be held on: Sunday, Nov. 29 at 9:45 a.m. Sunday, Dec. 6 at 9:45 a.m. Saturday, Dec. 19 at 10 a.m. (Dress Rehearsal) Sunday, Dec. 20 at 9:45 a.m. (Final Practice) Sunday, Dec. 20 at 11 a.m. (Performance in Sanctuary) We will also present White Gifts again on the altar on December 20. These gifts can be anything you think people at the Crisis Ministries Shelter and Genesis House could use. Items could include socks, gloves, toboggans, toiletries, and snack items. Crisis Ministries has also let us know that there is a need for baby diapers (all sizes), toilet paper, paper towels, and cleaning supplies. Any gift you want to bring should be wrapped in white paper and labeled on the bottom: man or woman, boy or girl, or anyone. We had such a great response last year that my car was totally filled and it took several people from the shelter to unload it all. The residents were very appreciative! Pastor Elizabeth and the Board of Christian Education are working on recharging Sunday school. Pastor Elizabeth has met with each of the classes to get to know the members better. She has met with the parents and children to talk with them about what has been effective and some new ideas. At the beginning of the year, we will be trying some new things. Anyone interested in attending is invited to come and participate. We hope to provide more opportunities in the new year for our youth to be of the service in the church. On the Time and Talent sheets, several youth (ages 12 and up) expressed interest in being Junior Ushers, serving as Nursery Assistants, and helping with Vacation Bible School. There are things the younger children can do as well. We will be contacting those who are interested and get them included in January. If you would like your child s name added to the list please contact me soon. Thank you for all of your prayers, compliments, and ideas! Have a Joyous and Peaceful Family Christmas!

6 Page 6 Over $1,200 Raised by CROP Walkers Homecoming activities and rainy weather did not stop our team of CROP walkers on Sunday, November 1st. A big thank you goes to our walkers and their generous sponsors for raising $1,231. Because of them, fewer people, locally and elsewhere, will not go to bed hungry during this holiday season: Bonita Hooper; Edgar, Kivi, Jianna and Ava Miller; Walter and Ann Hoffman, and Elizabeth Horton. Thank You Notes from the Heart Dear Church Members, Many thanks to our church members and guests for participating in the sharing your favorite dishes at the luncheon. Much appreciation goes to the Homecoming Committee and the Congregational Meal Team for their time and hard work. A special thank you to the Kids Club for creating the beautiful and unique Homecoming welcome sign. Rachelle Denny, our guest musician and speaker, expressed much appreciation for our gracious hospitality. Homecoming Sunday was successful because we all came together to enjoy great food, fun, and fellowship! Dear Friends, What a wonderful surprise to open my door to receive the beautiful yellow mum sent to me by my Sunday school class. It really brightened my day! You all are very special to me, and I really miss coming to Sunday school and church. Hopefully, I can return soon. Love to all, Joyce Price (Note: This card was sent to Rita Lohr, chair of the Homecoming Committee, by the guest musician who entertained during the Homecoming program.) Dear Rita, Oh, thank you, Rita! It was wonderful to be with you. The morning worship service was such an uplift! Your church is so warm and friendly, and we enjoyed being there very much. Thank you for your kind words and all of your hospitality. The meal was scrumptious! Sincerely, Rita Lohr Dear Members, From my heart, I want everyone to know how much I appreciate each one of you. When I come to church or any event, there is always someone who is willing to help and assist me. It is hard to use a walker after all the many years of getting around on my own. I sincerely appreciate your thoughtfulness and willingness to help. May the Lord bless each one of you. Thanks, Love, and Merry Christmas, Thank you for your beautiful card and most generous gift! God bless you as you continue to follow God s Guidance. There are great days ahead for you! Keep looking up! Love and prayers, Rachelle Denny (and my sweet husband Jim) Peggy B. Bates

7 MONDAY TUESDAY WEDNESDAY THURSDAY FRIDAY SATURDAY 7 Tell silly jokes to make someone laugh 14 Call a friend or relative to say hello 21 Pay for a stranger s meal 1 Give a compliment to a friend 8 Give someone free chore coupons for tasks they dread 15 Make a thank you note for your librarian 22 Give treats to the mail carrier 2 Tape change to a vending machine 9 Donate a book to the library or hospital 16 Do a chore for someone in your family 23 Feed the birds 3 Make a card for a soldier 10 Leave a happy note for someone to find 17 Donate food to your local food pantry 24 Invite a friend to Candlelight Service, 7:30pm 4 Buy someone s coffee 11 Do yard work for a neighbor 18 Send an encouraging note for a friend who is down 25 Merry Christmas to everyone! 5 Pick up litter 12 Donate toys to your favorite charity 19 Smile at everyone you see today Page 7 December Kindness Calendar (adapted from

8 Page 8 Please Update Your Contact Information The Board of Evangelism needs your help. We have noticed that our list of congregational names, addresses, phone numbers and s needs updating. During the month of December, we ask that you update your information so our list will be current. If you would like to be included on the new list, please complete the form below. In addition, you may place your completed form in the collection plate on Sunday. In addition, the form will be printed in each Sunday s bulletin during December, and you may also pick up an extra form in the Narthex. You may also send it to the church office. At the Christmas play on Sunday, Dec. 20, we will provide additional blank forms should you need them and a wrapped Christmas box for you to leave them. Name Address Phone numbers (cell) (home) address Birthday Anniversary Come Take Holy Communion First Sunday of Advent Sunday, November 29, 2015

9 Page 9 Women s Life Fellowship Raises Over $1,000 in Soup and Bake Sale Women's Life Fellowship met Tuesday, Nov. 17th. Plans were made and finalized for making our yummy homemade vegetable soup to be offered at the Bake Sale held on Nov. 22. Mary Jo Jessup made her famous sausage biscuits for us to eat while scoping out the perfect pie or cake. The sale was a huge success, netting over $1,000! During our November meeting, Carolyn Spivey led the inspirational devotions based on Psalm 130 and included quotes about hope from well-known writers. Mary Jo Jessup and Glenyce Fulton served delicious refreshments. Our next meeting will be on Jan. 19. Please come and join us. Friendship Club to Celebrate the Season on Wednesday, Dec. 9 Friendship Club will have a combined November/December meeting on December 9. We will have a planned menu for lunch that day and meet in the Fellowship Hall at 12 noon. Cyrus Bush, the chaplain at Thomasville Medical Center, will present a program of Christmas music. He has visited with us before and everyone loved his performance. We have requested that he sing "Joseph's Song" again. If you do not get , please RSVP to Paula or Cathy by phone ( ) to let us know that you are coming. s for RSVP will be sent to all other members. Visitors are welcome. Just let us know that you are coming. Invitation to Welcome to December Christmas Concert Morning Glory Circle Enjoys Guest Speaker The Morning Glory Circle met November 4, 2015 in the church parlor. President Rita Lohr opened the meeting and introduced Assistant Lexington Fire Chief Andy Beck, our guest speaker. Mr. Beck has been with Lexington Fire Department since he was 19 and has moved up the ranks. The speech was full of history beginning with 1902 when the department began. Slowing it evolved from box alarms and horse drawn equipment to today s computerized technology. Mary Berrier's husband Ray, was a veteran firefighter, and she was able to add some details to Mr. Beck's presentation. Following the presentation, members toured the fire department and its museum. and many took advantage of the opportunity. Nancy Robbins reported the circle s treasury total of $275. Members of The Morning Glory Circle and their guests will meet at 11 a.m. on Wednesday, December 2nd at Yarborough's Restaurant for its annual, festive Christmas party gathering. Respectfully submitted, Susan Miller Church is Not Something You Go To It s a Family You Belong To You Are Invited to the Ballet... Scenes from the Nutcracker The Lexington Choral Society will present its 44th season with the Welcome to December concert at 5 p.m. at First Baptist Church. The program will feature traditional songs as well as different styles of music from various cultures. The concert is the choral society s gift to the community. It will be directed by Phil and Melonie Rector. You don t want to miss the ballet directed by our own Kelly Greathouse Atkinson on Saturday, Dec. 12, in the First Reformed UCC Fellowship Hall at 2 p.m. Look for many familiar faces as you watch the talented dancers that make up the troupe from Sheets Academy.

10 Page 10 C O N S I S T O R Y O R N E R Reverend Elizabeth Horton is continuing her current goal as Designated Pastor of getting to know folks, stability, build excitement; increase communication and clarity. Homebound visits included Marzell Crotts, James Everhart, Jo Hudson, Maxine Lohr, Valerie and Joyce Price, Micki Smith, Barbara Sowers, Juanita Beck, Mary Crouse, Tom Danze, Willie Ruth Leonard, and John Walser. She visited Doug Sink in the hospital and has made several phone contacts. Met with Carolyn Spivey referencing Stephen Ministry and John Potts referencing Communion. Contacted parents concerning Sunday school meetings and Dave Fulton relating to Evangelism. Also, contacting folks through and facebook. Attended several Sunday school classes and the Stephen Ministry re-charge meeting. Continues to meet weekly with Director of Christian Education, Cathy Waitman and Minister of Pastoral Care, Reverend June Grubb. Held a Covenant Class for New Members --- Mark and Karla Loper and Kelly Greathouse-Atkinson. Due to a conflict of those joining, the join date is changed to January Walked in the CROP walk; attended Pumpkin Family Fun Night; and helped serve dinner at Crisis Shelter Jeff Hutchens, Property Committee Co-chair stated that he had been approached with a suggestion to move the sound system downstairs. This will create better access and hearing ability for the sound techs. The Property Committee will investigate the possibility. Thank you to those who walked: Elizabeth, Kivi, Edgar, Ava, Jianna, Walter, Ann and Bonita and sponsored walkers in the CROP Walk. First Reformed raised $1,030. Evangelism is planning a second event in the First Reformed UCC Art Series. They are working with Lee Ann to organize another Organ Recital possibly in April New Business Discussed: Possibility of a Service of Healing Staff Christmas recognition Consistory discussed and voted to act as in the past to have one service the Sunday following Christmas. Worship will be in the Chapel at 10:30am December 27 th. There will be no Sunday school.

11 Page 11 Alternative Gift Idea Need a Christmas Gift Idea? The First Reformed UCC Board of Community Outreach can help! They are offering Alternative Gifts. Make a donation to one of our benevolences in honor of teachers, family members, friends, co-workers, etc. We will provide an acknowledgement card and envelope for you to mail. Contact the church office ( ) if you need further information. Men s Brotherhood The Men s Brotherhood met on Monday, November 9 th in the fellowship hall. Everyone enjoyed a poor man s supper prepared by Mike Brown, J.W. Bates and John Potts. Eddie Yates shared devotions and remembered two faithful members, Reverend Banks Shepherd and John Hudson who have recently died. Several shared memories of Reverend Banks and John s faithfulness to our church and men s fellowship. As we enter the Thanksgiving and Christmas season we are thankful for those who have been a part of our brotherhood, assisted with meal preparation, the new faces that have joined us and for our church leaders. The Brotherhood will not meet in December. The meeting on January 11 th is a service project; we will serve the evening meal at the Homeless Shelter. Plans for February will include our spouses and friends. All men are invited. Make a commitment; join the Men s Brotherhood for great food and fellowship. Garden Volunteers Take Care of Their Own as Well as the Crops Garden volunteers, including volunteers from other churches, helped out in Sylvia Walser's recent absence, although she was able to work during the month of October. Volunteers successfully transitioned the First Reformed UCC Community Garden to the fall season. Volunteers planted Brussels sprouts, collards, kale, garlic, cauliflower and beets for the fall harvest. Since July, volunteers have harvested more than 75 pounds of okra, almost 100 pounds of tomatoes, 10 pounds of white and purple eggplant and about 10 pounds of bell peppers. Added to the early harvest of peas and potatoes, the garden has produced more than 250 pounds of fresh vegetables for Pastor's Pantry. Thank you to Sylvia s caring friends who know how much the garden means to her.

12 Page 12 December 2015 Stewards Liturgists: Greeters: Nursery: December 6, 2015: December 13, 2015: December 20, 2015 December 27, 2015: December 6, 2015: December 13, 2015: December 20, 2015 December 24, 2015: December 27, 2015: December 6, 2015: December 13, 2015: December 20, 2015: December 27, 2015: Lisa Nelson Cantata Lisa Nelson Rev. June Grubb (Worship in Chapel, 10:30 a.m.) No Sunday School Rev. Mike and Bonita Hooper Rich and Lena Johnson Edgar, Kivi, Ava and Jianna Miller Peggy Bates Myra Thompson and Gary Hahn Kivi and Edgar Miller Jeremy Peterson Kayla Leonard Nicole and Mark Smith Usher Chair: Jeff Hutchens Usher Captain: Rich Johnson Ushers: Dave Fulton, Doris Sink, Ron Hutcheson, Dawn Shaak Youth Usher: Mary Lloyd Callicutt Bible Steward: Annabell Callicutt Acolyte: Abbie Callicutt Plate Attendant: John Potts Sound Technician: Jordan McCarn (BROOKDALE... FORMERLY CAROLINA HOUSE) Micki Smith, Maxine Lohr, Jo Hudson (PIEDMONT CROSSING) Rita Tussey, Doris Flynt (ALSTON BROOK) Willie Ruth Leonard, Mary Crouse, Juanita Beck (BRIAN CENTER) Barbara Sowers CHURCH MEMBERS: Pattie Everhart, Janelle Bunn, Doug Sink, Tom Danze, Wanda Daye, Betty Bates, Carolyn Yocum, Mary Crouse, Ellen Bouchard, Juanita Beck, Jo Hudson, Barbara Sowers, Micki Smith, Maxine Lohr, Holton Davis, Willie Ruth Leonard, Valerie Price, James Everhart OUR FRIENDS: Margot Walser, Linda Sink, Tim Davis, Myra Lanier, Savannah Bates, Morgan Curia, Randy Carter, Gary Clark, Livia Bentley, Derek Maner, Sharon Boales We Extend Sympathy to and Share Christian Hope with... Amy Hedrick and family upon the death of her daughter-in law, Debra Saunders, wife of Jeffrey Saunders. We Extend Sympathy to and Share Christian Hope with... Sylvia Walser, Joni Leonard Walser, Rebecca Walser Abernethy, Bill and Cheryl Walser and their families upon the death of their loved one, John Walser.

13 December 2015 Sun Mon Tue Wed Thu Fri Sat :30pm {P} YOGA CLASS Noon Yarborough s MORNING GLORY CIRCLE 2pm MEALS ON WHEELS BOARD MEETING 6:30pm BELL CHOIR 7:15pm CHOIR PRACTICE 6:30pm EVANGELISM MTG am Instrumentalists 10am Choir and Instrumentalists Noon (FH) 9 SECOND SUNDAY OF ADVENT 6 UNITED WAY 9:45am SS Classes {Education Bldg} FRIENDSHIP CLUB PARTY Entertainment: Cyrus Bush 9:45am Pageant Practice {FH} 2pm {FH} Sheets Dance Nutcracker Performance {Free Admission} 5:30pm {P} 6:30pm BELL CHOIR 7:15pm CHOIR PRACTICE 11:00am Worship Service YOGA CLASS 3pm Community Candlelight Service am PAGEANT PRACTICE DRESS REHEARSAL 17 10am 2:30pm {FH} HEALTH DEPT. CHRISTMAS PARTY THIRD SUNDAY OF ADVENT 13 9:45am SS Classes for Everyone 7:15pm 11am CANTATA Stars of Glory 5:30pm {P} YOGA CLASS CHOIR PRACTICE Noon CONSISTORY MEETING FOURTH SUNDAY OF ADVENT 20 9:45am SS Classes for Everyone Page 13 7:30 pm FAMILY SERVICE OF COMMUNION 11am CHRISTMAS PAGEANT (S) COVERED DISH LUNCH (FH) No Sunday School 27 10:30am Chapel Worship Service

14 Page 14 Dates of Note for December 2015 Wed. Dec 2: Morning Glory Circle Christmas Party, 11 a.m. (Yarborough s} Sun. Dec. 6: Second Sunday of Advent, Sunday School Classes, 9:45 a.m. Christmas Pageant Practice, 9:45 a.m. (Fellowship Hall) Worship Service, 11 a.m. (Sanctuary) Wed. Dec. 9: United Friendship Club Luncheon, 12 noon (Fellowship Hall) Cantata Practice, 7:15 p.m. (Sanctuary) Sat. Dec. 12: Cantata Rehearsal, 10 a.m. (Sanctuary) Sun. Dec. 13: Third Sunday of Advent, Sunday School Classes, 9:45 a.m. Pageant Practice, 9:45 a.m. (Fellowship Hall) Christmas Cantata, 11 a.m. (Sanctuary) Sun. Dec. 20: Sunday School Classes, 9:45 a.m. Sacred Christmas Pageant, 11 a.m. (Sanctuary) Christmas Party and Covered Dish Luncheon, 12 noon (Fellowship Hall) Thur. Dec. 24: Candlelight Service, 7:30 p.m.; Praise God in the Highest Sun. Dec. 27: Worship in Chapel, 10:30 a.m., no Sunday School Note Earlier Time for the Dec. 24th... CHRISTMAS CANDLELIGHT SERVICE 7:30 P.M. IN SANCTUARY CHURCH STAFF First Reformed United Church of Christ 104 East Center Street Lexington, NC Church Office: Designated Pastor Rev. Elizabeth Horton Minister of Pastoral Care Rev. June Grubb Director of Christian Education Cathy Waitman Church Secretary Myra Thompson Choir Director Ellen Peterson Organist Lee Ann Peele Financial Secretary Paula Lopp SUNDAY SERVICES Sunday School 9:45 a.m. Worship Service 11:00 a.m.