FIRST DAY! Weekly News and Opportunities at The First Presbyterian Church of Howard County December 16, 2018 TODAY DISCIPLESHIP HOUR TODAY: Sunday, December 16 following the 10:30 a.m. worship service in Lyle Buck Hall Birthday Cake for Jesus, hosted by Christian Education NEXT WEEK S DISCIPLESHIP HOUR: Sunday, December 23 following the 10:30 a.m. worship service in Lyle Buck Hall Coffee Fellowship, hosted by The Deacons Everyone is invited to gather for fellowship after the 10:30 a.m. worship service. LITURGIST: Alice (8:30) LIGHTING THE CANDLES ON THE ADVENT WREATH: The Tsai-Turton Family (8:30); 2019 Confirmands (10:30) WORSHIP VOLUNTEERS: Ushers & Greeters: Angela (8:30); Margot, Melanie, Mispa (10:30) Tech Crew: Laura, Barry, Laura, Tracy, Francois, Jonathan FLOWERS THIS WEEK are given to the Glory of God by Catherine and Ed in honor of their daughter Jan s birthday; and by Ginny and Steve in celebration of Travis birthday on December 16 th. CHILDREN S WORSHIP: All worship begins in the Sanctuary. At 8:30 a.m.: After Welcoming One Another: Children ages 4-7 may go with Ms. Kathy Moore to Godly Play. Parents can pick up their children following worship in rooms 110 & 113. At 10:30 a.m.: During the hymn after the Children s Pageant: Children ages 4-7 may go with Ms. Kathy Moore to Godly Play. Parents can pick up their children following worship in rooms 110 & 113. Older children, grades 2-5, who normally attend The Worship Bridge will return to their seats to experience a full worship service with their family. WORSHIP BAGS: Worship bags are available to enhance the worship experience for children. Please return everything to the bags and return the bags to the ushers at the end of the service. TODAY IS THE CHILDREN S CHRISTMAS PAGEANT, during 10:30 a.m. worship. The children of our Ark and L.I.F.E. Church School program will bring us their telling of the story of the birth of Jesus during the 10:30 a.m. worship service. Songs, scripture, prayers, angels and sheep! LARGE PRINT BULLETINS (including hymns and scripture readings) are available from the ushers. Photography during worship is discouraged, and flash is not permitted. Please, help us keep our carpets clean; no food or drink in the Sanctuary. Thank you.
GUIDE TO PRAYER FOR THE WEEK OF DECEMBER 16, 2018 Please pray for: Alex, Mispa, Catherine, Burta, Jennifer, Janet, Dave, Reva, Jerry, Jim, Paul, Doris, Martin, Ann, Jimmie, Shirley, Shirley, Beth Non-Resident Members: Frank & Betty, Jeff, Marion, Joan, Vivian, Russ & Barb, Virginia Bereaved: Sarah, Beth; Rusty, Janet Care Center: Marvin, Bob Hospitalized: Mil Recovering from Surgery: Kristin, Ginny Upcoming Surgery: Sarah Deaths: May the peace of Christ be with Jim, in the death of his father, James, Sr. on December 8, 2018. May the peace of Christ be with Laura & Bruce, in the death of his mother, Donna, on December 9, 2018. PCUSA Mission Coworkers: Jeff & Christi Boyd in Congo; Jed & Jenny Koball in Peru Please contact the church office, 410-730-3545 or one of the Pastors: Morton Harris, 443-824-3768 or Sue Lowcock Harris, 443-824-4305 with the prayers and concerns that you would like to share. PEOPLE ON THE WAY John Henry Newton (July 24, 1725 December 21, 1807) is remembered chiefly for his hymns, which include Amazing Grace and Glorious Things of Thee are Spoken. Press ganged into the British navy, he served as a sailor on a slave ship, and then became its captain, transporting Africans to port where they could be sold for the best price. In 1748 he was caught in a storm at sea and experienced a spiritual awakening. Later, he left the sea and became responsible for checking incoming ships for contraband. At age 40, he became a priest in the Church of England. He became a firm friend of William Wilberforce who campaigned for an end to the slave trade. When the poet William Cowper moved to his parish, the two of them collaborated on a famous and influential hymnbook Olney Hymns in 1779. It was one of the first hymnbooks in the English language, published during the rise of hymn-singing in the church (before the nineteenth century, Protestant churches san the Psalter and little else.) THE ECUMENICAL PRAYER CYCLE focuses the prayers of Christians week by week, so that over the year all the countries of the world are prayed for. This week we pray for China, Hong Kong, Macau. Pray for: Those left behind and further marginalized by rising economic growth, especially women and peasants in rural areas; The political and social tensions between the mainland of China and Hong Kong and the rest of the world; A growth in prophetic witness of the Chinese church in society. For more information about the Prayer Cycle, visit the website of the World Council of Churches: www.oikoumene.org OUR MISSION PARTNERSHIP PRAYER CYCLE FOR 2018 We pray for the mission we share as part of the PCUSA. 1001 New Worshiping Communities is a movement which encourages churches and presbyteries to create and use new and varied forms of church for our diverse and changing culture. The 220 th General Assembly (2012) committed to creating 1,001 worshiping communities over the next 10 years: forming new disciples of Jesus, transforming our denomination, and impacting our world. There are two new communities forming within Baltimore Presbytery: Comunidad Presbiteriana La Trinidad, a Hispanic NWC in Anne Arundel County. They are searching for a new pastor. The Slate Project a cross-denominational, on-line and in-person new community in Baltimore. The Rev. Jennifer DiFrancesco is an organizing pastor. www.slateproject.org
WORSHIP, ART AND MUSIC NEWS MUSIC MINISTRY NEWS Rehearsals: Chancel Choir Thursday, December 20 at 7:15 p.m. Handbells will resume rehearsals in January 2019 For more info contact: Jimmy Galdieri, Director of Music Ministries ADULT EDUCATION & SPIRITUAL GROWTH SUNDAY MORNING EDUCATION HOUR - 9:30 10:25 a.m. The Thrill of Hope: The Christmas Story in Word and Art, part 2 (2018 edition!) led by Pastor Sue Lowcock Harris December 16 Room 258 The art of John August Swanson is more familiar than you think. It s in curriculum, on book covers, bulletin inserts, and powerpoint slides! Swanson has a lovely series of serigraphs of Jesus birth narratives. Some of us explored Swanson s work in Advent a couple of years ago. This year, we ll look at a few more of his Christmas story illustrations. We ll read the Gospel texts, watch video clips, and consider how Swanson engages us in imagining the meaning of Christ s incarnation. The Bible in Depth: Isaiah - facilitated by Doyle Nichols Continues all year all are welcome to join in at any time Clark Parlor Games & Conversations - facilitated by Brian & Ann Ventre - Room 205 Post-high-school, college, & post-college young adults GRAB AND GO COFFEE is available on Sunday mornings at the Wake Up Station on the second floor across from the Parlor. Get a cup of coffee and head to class! Please return the cups to the drop off bins. Enjoy! WEDNESDAY MORNING BIBLE STUDY WITH PASTOR SUE 9:30 11:00 a.m., every Wednesday, every week in the Parlor There will be no class on December 26. Class will reconvene on January 2, 2019. A new lectionary year begins on the First Sunday in Advent. It s YEAR C! This is the Year for Luke meaning the Gospel texts for Sunday worship will be primarily drawn from the Gospel of Luke. We ll get ourselves oriented to Luke during Advent by reading through Jesus Birth Narrative. Everyone welcome! CHRISTIAN EDUCATION SUNDAY SCHOOL BEGINS at 9:30 a.m. - Ark and L.I.F.E. will gather in the Sanctuary at 9:30 a.m. for pageant rehearsals! CHURCH SCHOOL CHRISTMAS BREAK Church School for Children, Youth and Adults will be on a two-week Christmas break on December 23 and 30, 2018. This will allow teachers to enjoy attending Sunday morning worship service with their family. Nursery & Godly Play will be available. The Ark, L.I.F.E., Mid-Highs, Senior Highs and Adults will reconvene on Sunday, January 6, 2019. Merry Christmas, Happy New Year, and thanks to all our Church School teachers and leaders.
STUDENT MINISTRIES CALENDAR OF EVENTS FOR STUDENT MINISTRY Senior High Supper, 1 st & 3 rd Wednesdays Wednesday, December 19, 6:00-7:30 p.m. in Lyle Buck Hall Help make luminaria for Christmas Eve! Confirmation Class On Christmas Break until Thursday, January 10, 6:45-8:30 p.m. OPPORTUNITIES FOR SERVICE ARE YOU AVAILABLE TO HELP OUT ON CHRISTMAS EVE? We are looking for Head Ushers, Ushers, Greeters and PowerPoint Operators at all 4 services. Please go to http://www.signupgenius.com, click on Find a Sign Up and search for ushersgreeters@firstpreshc.org, or email Jonathan at ushersgreeters@firstpreshc.org. COLD WEATHER SHETLER HELP AT MERRIWEATHER POST PAVILION Merriweather Post Pavilion will be hosting the Cold Weather Shelter from Monday, December 17 to Sunday, December 23, 2018. Evening and overnight volunteers, morning and evening drivers, and a few meals are needed. Must be 18 years of age. Go to Sign-Up Genius link http://bit.ly/cws-at-merriweather THE COLD WEATHER SHELTER is coming around again! We will host from Monday, February 4 through Monday, February 18, 2019. We need everyone's help to set up the church and take care of our guests. Please see the sign up board in the Lower Commons for more information. Questions? Ask Margot or Woody Collins or contact the church office. GENERAL INFORMATION BULLETIN INFORMATION for Sundays, December 23 & 30 are due on Monday, December 17 th. Please send to fpcadmin@firstpreshc.org. Thank you! END OF YEAR GIVING - Considering an end of year donation? Make First Presbyterian Church your charity of choice! Gifts postmarked or received on or before December 31 are tax deductible for the 2018 fiscal year. 2018 ANNUAL REPORTS are due Friday, January 4, 2019. Please send your reports to fpcadmin@firstpreshc.org or leave them in mailbox #4.
ADVENT & CHRISTMAS ADVENT COMPLINE DRAW NEAR! Wednesday Evening, December 19, 7:00 p.m. Come and gather for 30 minutes of song, scripture and prayer as we carve out a space for worship during this busy season of the year. LUMINARIA MAKING at Senior High Supper Wednesday, December 19, 6:00 p.m. THE LONGEST NIGHT WORSHIP SERVICE A Service of Hope and Prayer for Healing and Peace Friday, December 21, 7:00 p.m. Gather in the sanctuary for an Advent worship service that yearns for the light of Christ to dawn. Everyone is invited. We especially extend a hand of welcome to those who are carrying a heavier burden this year during the holiday season. Following the worship service we gather as a family for a warm supper and conversation in Lyle Buck Hall. CHRISTMAS JOY OFFERING: THE PERFECT GIFT Sunday, December 23 Each year during the Advent and Christmas season, we turn our eyes to Bethlehem and celebrate the wondrous gift of Jesus Christ, our Savior. 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 schools and colleges equipping communities of color. We will receive the Christmas Joy Offering Sunday, December 23 at the morning worship services. CHRISTMAS EVE SERVICES Monday, December 24 5:00 p.m. Children s Worship Service 7:00 & 9:00 p.m. Traditional Festival Service with Candle lighting 11:00 p.m. Candlelight Communion Service Childcare available at 5:00 p.m., 7:00 p.m. & 9:00 p.m. EXTRA NURSERY HELPERS are needed on Christmas Eve! Sign up online at firstpreshc.org/nursery/ or contact Virginia Callegary, vcallegary@firstpreshc.org CHRISTMAS HOLIDAY SCHEDULE: The building and church office hours are: Closed: Tuesday-Thursday, December 25-27, 2018. Open: Friday, December 28, 9:00 a.m.-12:00 p.m. and Monday, December 31, 9:00 a.m.-12:00 p.m. Closed: Tuesday, January 1, 2019 for New Year s Day FIRST SUNDAY AFTER CHRISTMAS WORSHIP & END OF YEAR BRUNCH Sunday, December 30 at 10:00 a.m. One Worship Service No Sunday School or Worship Bridge Nursery Care & Godly Play will be available End of Year Brunch at 11:00 a.m. in Lyle Buck Hall - $2 per person $5 per family All are Welcome! If you would like to volunteer to help set-up or clean-up, please contact discipleship@firstpreshc.org
WEEKLY CALENDAR Every Sunday 8:30 a.m. Worship 9:30 a.m. Sunday School The Education Hour Ages 2 through Adult Ark is for children, Age 2 through Grade 1 L.I.F.E. is for children, Grade 2 through Grade 5 Mid High is for students, Grade 6 through Grade 8 Senior High is for students, Grade 9 through Grade 12 And a variety of changing classes for Adults Infant & Toddler Care is available all morning Godly Play (age 4 grade 1) during 8:30 & 10:30 a.m. services The Worship Bridge (grades 2 5) during 10:30 a.m. service 10:30 a.m. Worship 11:30 a.m. Discipleship Hour Sunday, December 16 th THIRD SUNDAY OF ADVENT CHILDREN S CHRISTMAS PROGRAM 8:30 a.m. Worship 9:30 a.m. Education Hour Christmas Pageant Rehearsal 10:30 a.m. Worship 11:30 a.m. Discipleship Hour = Birthday Cake 11:45 a.m. Liturgical Dance Rehearsal Run for Coffee Meeting 6:00 p.m. Ruth Circle Monday, December 17 th BULLETIN ARTICLES DUE FOR DECEMBER 23 & 30 Tuesday, December 18 th 12:00 p.m. Staff Meeting Wednesday, December 19 th 9:30 a.m. Wednesday Morning Bible Study 6:00 p.m. Senior High Supper 7:00 p.m. Compline Thursday, December 20 th 7:15 p.m. Chancel Choir Rehearsal Friday, December 21 st 11:30 a.m. Bulletins Folded 12:00 p.m. Volunteer Lunch 7:00 p.m. Longest Night Service with Dinner Saturday, December 22 nd 9:00 a.m. Set-up Poinsettias Sunday, December 23 rd FOURTH SUNDAY OF ADVENT CHRISTMAS JOY OFFERING MINUTE FOR MISSION COLD WEATHER SHELTER NO CHURCH SCHOOL 8:30 a.m. Worship 10:30 a.m. Worship 11:30 a.m. Discipleship Hour = Coffee Fellowship The Church Office is open Monday-Friday, 9:00 a.m. 5:00 p.m. For more events throughout the week at First Presbyterian Church, please check the calendar on our website at www.firstpreshc.org, the current issue of Tidings, or call the church office 410-730-3545. A Weekly Email is sent every Friday, if you would like to receive it please contact the church office. To submit news or events for the weekly bulletin First Day! please email to: fpcadmin@firstpreshc.org by Wednesday at 9:00 a.m. To submit articles for Tidings, our monthly newsletter, please send articles by email to: fpcadmin@firstpreshc.org by Thursday, January 10, 2019 at 9:00 a.m. for the February 2019 Issue #2.