december 2017 herald color · donating, you’ll be giving a true christmas gift to people in need....

1

THE HERALD - DECEMBER 2017

heraldTHE

DECEMBER 2017

Birthdays This Month……………………. 6

Calendar…………………………………... 4

Christian Education ………………..... 8

Christmas Decorating Form………... 5

In Our Thoughts and Prayers

Inside Front Cover

Pastor’s Notes …………………………... 1

Schedules for This Month …………… 6

Special Christmas Events ………...... 2

Women’s Ministry ……………………... 7

CHURCH STAFF

First Presbyterian Church 168 Cass Avenue

Mount Clemens, MI 48043 Phone: 586-465-0461 Fax: 586-465-8775

www.fpcmtclemens.com [email protected]

LIFE TOGETHER ON SUNDAY

Pastor Rev. Peggy Huston Parish Associate Rev. Dan Heaton Director of Music Ministry Wesley Reynoso Christian Education Director Cyndi Beerbower Instrumental Ensemble Director Larry Huntington Office Manager Beth Baker Membership/Financial Secretary Kim Heaton Kitchen Coordinator Loretta Martin Weekday Custodian Beverly Wainio Sunday Custodian Philip Mundt Family Life Center Custodian Amy Carmack

IN THIS ISSUE

9:00 a.m. First Service (Casual Service) 9:10 a.m. Sunday School (K-5th Grades) 9:45 a.m. Fellowship Time Adult Classes (As Scheduled) 9:50 a.m. Children’s Worship Service (First Sunday) 10:30 a.m. Second Service (Traditional Worship) 10:45 a.m. Sunday School (K-5th Grades) 11:30 a.m. Fellowship Time 5:30 p.m. Junior and Senior High Youth Groups (During School Year)

There is a full Wednesday Night Program for children in Kindergarten through 5th Grade, and frequent Adult Classes on Sunday mornings and throughout the week. For more information, call 586-465-0461.

2


IN MEMORIAM The following members died in the past ten years during this month. Names of other members who have died can be found in our Memorial Books, which are available for viewing, and can be found in the stand located in the Narthex. Let us remember and celebrate the lives of the people who have gone before.

December 2, 2010 Doris Amsbury December 24, 2009 Ken Kirkum December 7, 2009 Jack Shields December 25, 2014 James Sizer

December 14, 2009 Beverly Parrott December 30, 2014 Anita Spier December 17, 2012 Margaret Harned December 30, 2015 Lois Dobovan December 16, 2015 Pat Koss

OUR SERVICEMEN AND SERVICEWOMEN Name Branch Link to our Congregation Current Station Brad Davies Navy Son of Tom and Jan Davies Recently deployed to

Okinawa/Phillipines Stephanie Dixon Michelle Dixon Ashley Dixon

Army Army Army

Daughters of Glenn and Pam Dixon

Pensacola, Florida Wheeler Army Air Field- Oahu, Hawaii Fort Bliss, TX

Jarroun D. Freeman Army Nephew of Loretta Freeman-Martin and Daryl Martin

Fort Hood, TX

Allyn Gonzalez Navy Son of Alberto/Tracy Gonzalez

Reservist in Norfolk, VA

Sam Heaton ANG Son of Pastor Dan and Kim Heaton

Shepherd AFB Tech School, Wichita Falls, TX

Carl Heffernan Navy Grandsons of Sue Heffernan Aircraft Carrier Theodore Roosevelt out of San Diego

Sean Heffernan USCG Reservist/Port Clinton, OH Tyler Malinovich USMC Son of Robert/Terri

Malinovich Camp Bost, Afghanistan

Raymond Sandling Army Son of Alisha Baker Fort Hood, TX Cassie Wilson USAF Daughter of Rob/Kelley

Wilson Ellsworth AFB, SD

PRAYER LIST Please keep the people listed below in your daily thoughts, and remember them with a card, phone call and prayers of encouragement. Assisted Living or Rehabilitation Center Irma Black Mary Ann Krause Ethel Reese Del Darling Lillian Lange Mary Stief Dorothy Fulton Maxine McLeod Steve Harcourt Sophie Moore Home Bound Jean Allen Gene Kleemann Mary Ann Sizer Margaret Ansley Myrene Petitpren Peggy Yaeck Those We Are Keeping in Our Prayers Fred/Pat Binning Chuck Rood Mary Lynn Walker Gloria Herron Carole Scharnweber Maryjane Woodworth Margaret Hudson Marilyn Snow John Page

The FPC staff wishes you a Christmas filled with

the wonder of the birth of Christ, the warmth of the Holiday spirit,

and the love of family and friends. HAPPY HOLIDAYS!!

1


A few weeks ago, I had the privilege of hearing Congressman John Lewis as he was being awarded the Statesman of the Year award at Michigan State University. John was a leader in the civil rights movement playing a key role in ending racial segregation in the United States. John personally knew several of our Presidents including John Kennedy, Dwight Eisenhower, and of course John knew civil rights leaders including Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King.

Listening to John was like listening to a history book on civil rights. It was hard to believe that I was sitting in the same room with a man who was one of many that crossed the Edmund Pettus bridge marching from Selma to Montgomery in March 1965. The march was to demonstrate the African Americans desire to vote. He still had the scars on his head to prove it. One of the many topics that John covered was about his book, “Walking With The Wind”. He said that the title came from growing up as the son of sharecroppers in Troy, Alabama. He said that their house wasn’t a very stable home. When the winds blew, his mother would gather all the children to stand together in the corner of the house where the wind was hitting it to hold the house together. Lewis likened it to today where his prayer is that people in the United States will learn to stand in the wind to hold our country together – united. In his book, Lewis said that “his pilot light has always been fueled by faith in the Beloved Community, a vision of what society could become were people of all class and ethnic backgrounds to reach across the barriers that divide them in a spirit of love -- ''not hateful, not violent, not uncaring . . . not separated, not polarized, not adversarial.'' Lewis said that he wrote ''Walking With The Wind'' as a witness to what such faith can accomplish. Family of FPCMC, the season of advent is almost here, it is a time when we look for the coming of Jesus anew. Advent is the time to look with fresh eyes to see Jesus in our midst helping uphold our faith as part of the same Beloved Community John Lewis spoke of. My prayer for this advent is that the Christ who was born to reconcile the world to God will help us to stand together holding the church united as the winds of change and challenge blow. It will be wonderful to see what our faith can accomplish in this house of God as we each one look to see Christ anew. Pastor Peggy

For it is written (referring to Psalm 91:11): "He will command his angels concerning you to guard you

carefully;" ~Luke 4:10

2


SPECIAL CHRISTMAS EVENTS

SOMETHING NEW IS ABOUT TO BEGIN Many churches follow the liturgical year, which consists of “seasons” dealing primarily with key events in the life of Christ. Sometimes called “the church year,” the year begins annually with Advent which starts four Sundays before Christmas. This year, Advent, which means “coming” (in reference to the coming of Christ), begins on Sunday, December 3rd. So, something new — the new liturgical year — is about to begin. Please mark your calendar with these Advent and Christmas season events. It is an exciting time!

ADVENT WREATH The Advent wreath is a symbol of watchfulness and increasing joy as we anticipate Jesus’ birth. The wreath’s circular shape symbolizes eternity, or life without end. The candles remind us that Jesus is the Light of the World — he brought light and life to a dark world (see John 1:4-5). On each of the four Sundays of Advent, we light a new candle. As the light grows, so does our hope and joy.

CHRISTMAS BOOKS FOR ALL AGES For our enjoyment again this year, church librarian, Roz Runnels, has gathered a selection of Christmas themed library books for ALL ages and interests. Beginning on Sunday, December 3rd

you’ll be able to find them on a cart in the Parlor. Pick up a book for yourself or to read to the little ones in your family. Simply sign them out with the supplied materials. Drop them in the book return box upstairs in the library when you’re finished.

HANGING OF THE GREENS With the help of our wonderful Junior High Youth, we will be Hanging the Greens" on Sunday , December 3rd at 6:00 p.m. Everyone is invited to help. If you like to decorate Christmas trees then this is just the place for you! We have five trees that need decorating, plus banners and wreaths hung throughout the church. Once again this year we will have many nativity sets placed throughout the church. Can you find them all? Also watch for the wisemen's progress throughout the season as they make their way to the baby Jesus on Epiphany. Do join us on Sunday, December 3rd or call Peggy Huntington for more information at 586-463-5408.

Sunday, December 10th at the 10:00 a.m. Unity Service in the Sanctuary CHILDREN’S CHRISTMAS MUSICAL / POINSETTIA AND WREATH PICK-UP

The Advent play this year is called 'Twas the Very First Christmas. It is a poem the children will be acting out, adapted from The Amazing Christmas story by Carolyn Peters. There will be traditional hymns sung throughout the play by the children as well as the congregation.

If you placed and order supporting the IMPACT Youth Group’s Work Camp fundraiser, your wreaths and poinsettias will be available for pick-up on Sunday, December 10th.

Sundays, December 10th and 17th

SALVATION ARMY RED KETTLE You have an opportunity to bring some cheer into the hearts of others by placing your donation into the Salvation Army Red Kettle after each worship service on Sunday, December 10th and 17th. By donating, you’ll be giving a true Christmas gift to people in need.

Wednesday, December 13th, 7:00 p.m.

BLUE CHRISTMAS WORSHIP The design of the Blue Christmas Worship is to thank God for our family and friends who are not with us during this Christmas season. If you or someone you know is missing a loved one because of death, distance, or divorce, we encourage you to come to this worship service. We will worship God by the lighting of candles and the placing of blue ornaments on the Christmas tree in memory of our loved ones. This is a time when we can recognize our sadness over the loss of their presence at Christmas. But we can also rejoice in the fact that God in the person of Jesus Christ is with them in a very special way. If you have lost a loved one this past year or in years past, this worship will be particularly meaningful for you. Also please join us for a very special delicious dinner at 6:00 p.m. (Freewill Offering) in the Fellowship Hall.

3


Sunday, December 17th, 9:45 to 10:30 a.m. CHRISTMAS SING-A-LONG and CHRISTMAS SWEATER SUNDAY

Let’s get into the spirit of Christmas on December 17th by wearing our ugliest (or best) Christmas sweaters to church! Plan on meeting in the Fellowship Hall between worship services for our annual Christmas Sing-a-Long and to enjoy everyone’s Christmas finery! Join your church family as we share light refreshments and sing familiar Christmas Carols. What will be your part in the 12 Days of Christmas? Who gets the 5 Golden Rings this year?

Christmas Eve, Sunday, December 24th at the10:00 a.m. Unity Service

CHRISTMAS EVE MORNING With Christmas Eve being on a Sunday this year, we invite you to join us at a combined Unity Service. It’ll be a wonderful intermingling of both services. This is a casual “come-as-you-are” service where you don’t have to dress up to join us.

Sunday, December 24th, 5:00 and 8:00 p.m. CHRISTMAS EVE WORSHIP SERVICES

5:00 p.m. Family Candlelight Christmas Eve Worship There will be candle lighting and a family friendly Christmas presentation—A great way to celebrate Christmas for the entire family! 7:30 p.m. Pre-Service Music 8:00 p.m. Candlelight Christmas Eve Worship This is a contemplative Christmas Eve worship with carols and candle lighting. Spend your evening with us remembering the true meaning of Christmas!

Sunday, December 31th, 9:00 and 10:30 a.m.

WORSHIP SERVICE This New Year’s Eve Sunday Pastor Dan preahes a wonderful sermon for us at both services.

THE SHEPHERDS AND THE ANGELS In that region there were shepherds

living in the fields, keeping watch over their flock by night. Then an angel of the

Lord stood before them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were

terrified. But the angel said to them, “Do not be afraid; for see—I am bringing you good news of great joy for all the people: to you is born this day in the city of David a Savior, who is the Messiah, the Lord. This will be a sign for you: you will find a child wrapped in bands of cloth and lying in a manger.” And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host, praising God and saying, “Glory to God in the highest heaven, and on earth peace among those whom he favors!” ~Luke 2:8-13

HONOR LOVED ONES WITH FLOWERS Flowers in worship on Sunday morning are a great way to remember a dear friend or family member who has passed to their eternal home. Flowers are also a way to honor people: a birthday, an anniversary or

achievement can be recognized with flowers and an announcement in the Sunday morning bulletin.

There are fresh flowers adorning the front of our sanctuary on the first Sunday of each month. The cost for Chancel flowers is $25 for each month you sign up for. You will have the opportunity to sign up for 2018 flowers beginning this month by picking up the lavender colored form in the church office. Please write your dedication exactly as you would like it to appear, and indicate which month you want your dedication to show in the announcements. Donors for

January are especially needed.

4


HERALD ARTICLES To make things easier, all Herald articles from the

congregation and staff are due on the 10th of each month. The JANUARY issue is due on or before DECEMBER 10th As always, thank you for your speedy submissions.

BITS and

PIECES

Do not forget to entertain strangers, for by so doing some have unwittingly entertained angels. ~Hebrews 13:2

1 Handmade Card Making Class, Family Life Center, 5:00 p.m. 2 Women’s Ministry Cookie Exchange, Fellowship Hall, 11:00 a.m. 3 FIRST SUNDAY IN ADVENT / Communion/No Sunday School

Sunday Worship Times—9:00 and 10:30 a.m. Julie Huttenlocher is the Morning Glory Worship Leader Family Sunday – Children Worship with Parents (Activity packets Available) “Let It Shine” Children’s Worship, Between Service Morning Glory Worship Team Meeting, Library, 6:00 p.m.

5 Munch Bunch, Parlor, 10:00 a.m. Personnel Committee Meeting, Library, 1:00 p.m. Mission Committee Meeting, Office, 6:00 p.m. Buildings, Properties, and Technology Committee Meeting, Library, 7:00 p.m.

6 Monthly Staff Meeting, Pastor’s Office, 11:00 a.m. 9 Children’s Play Rehearsal and other Activities, Sanctuary, begins at 9:00 a.m.

10 SECOND SUNDAY IN ADVENT 10:00 a.m. Unity Service, Sanctuary/Presentation of Children’s Christmas Play Salvation Army Red Kettle - Norbert Leach, Bell Ringer Congregational Meeting, Sanctuary, After Worship

11 Women’s Ministry Team Meeting, Pastor’s Office, 6:00 p.m. Worship and Music 2nd Service Team Meeting, Library, 7:00 p.m.

12 Munch Bunch, Parlor, 10:00 a.m. Deacon Meeting, Library, 7:00 p.m.

13 Blue Christmas Dinner, Fellowship Hall, 6:00 p.m. (freewill offering) Blue Christmas Worship, Sanctuary, 7:00 p.m.

17 THIRD SUNDAY IN ADVENT / Sunday School Sunday Worship Times—9:00 and 10:30 a.m. Julie Huttenlocher is the Morning Glory Worship Leader Christmas Sing-a-Long Between Services, Fellowship Hall Salvation Army Red Kettle - Norbert Leach, Bell Ringer Feed the Hungry, Zion United Church of Christ, 12:30 p.m. Fine Arts Concert, Motor City Chorale, Sanctuary, 3:00 p.m. Morning Glory Worship Team Meeting, Library, 4:30 p.m.

19 Munch Bunch, Parlor, 10:00 a.m. Session Meeting, Library, 7:00 p.m.

January Herald Becomes Available Online and in Hard Copy 24 FOURTH SUNDAY IN ADVENT / CHRISTMAS EVE

Christmas Eve Morning Unity Service, Sanctuary, 10:00 a.m. Joyful Christmas Worship, Sanctuary, 5:00 p.m. Pre-Service Music, Sanctuary, 7:30 p.m. Candlelight Christmas Worship, Sanctuary, 8:00 p.m.

25 CHRISTMAS DAY/Office Closed 26 CHRISTMAS DAY HOLIDAY – Office Closed 27 CHRISTMAS WEEK - Office Open Morning Only 28 CHRISTMAS WEEK - Office Open Morning Only 29 NEW YEAR’S EVE HOLIDAY - Office Closed

2017 Annual Reports Due from Groups and Committees 31 NEW YEAR’S Eve/Pastor Dan Preaches/Sunday School

Sunday Worship Times—9:00 and 10:30 a.m. Tom Davies is the Morning Glory Worship Leader

1 NEW YEAR’S DAY – Office Closed

EVERY FIRST SUNDAY

of the month year round is the day that FPC collects non-perishable food items

for Father Bob’s Food Shelf in both services. One way to remember is that it’s always communion Sunday! Deacons make sure these items find a way to the food pantry. It is so nice to see all the non-perishable goods coming in each month. Check your wallet for “B” dollars. These bills are given to “Blessings in a Backpack,” a program which fills backpacks for local elementary children so they have something to eat over the weekend. Thanks!

5


Ea

ch C

hri

stm

as S

ea

son

ou

r ch

urc

h is b

ea

utifu

lly d

eco

rate

d b

y t

ale

nte

d

people

in

ou

r co

ngre

ga

tion

. T

he r

esu

lt o

f th

eir

work

ad

ds im

mea

su

rably

to

ou

r en

joy

men

t of

this

lovely

tim

e o

f th

e y

ea

r. In

yea

rs p

ast,

ma

ny

fam

ilie

s a

nd

in

div

idu

als

ha

ve c

on

trib

ute

d g

en

ero

usly

tow

ard

th

e c

ost

of

the d

eco

ration

s.

If y

ou

wou

ld lik

e t

o m

ake a

don

ation

, ple

ase u

se t

his

form

an

d r

etu

rn it

to

th

e c

hu

rch

off

ice.

Th

an

k y

ou

, T

he D

eco

rati

ng C

om

mit

tee

******************

PLE

AS

E A

TT

AC

H Y

OU

R C

HE

CK

TO

TH

IS F

OR

M

We w

ish

to c

on

trib

ute

$__

____

____

___

tow

ard

th

e c

ost

of

the C

hri

stm

as

deco

ration

s.

GIV

EN

BY

:

____

____

____

____

____

____

____

____

____

____

____

____

____

____

____

____

____

_ (p

lea

se p

rin

t)

If y

ou

r gif

t is

“In

Mem

ory

of”

or

“In

Hon

or

of”

som

eon

e, ple

ase p

rovid

e

the f

ollow

ing in

form

ati

on

: IN

ME

MO

RY

OF

:

____

____

____

____

____

____

____

____

____

____

____

____

____

____

____

____

____

_

(ple

ase p

rin

t)

IN H

ON

OR

OF

:

____

____

____

____

____

____

____

____

____

____

____

____

____

____

____

____

____

_

(ple

ase p

rin

t)

CHRISTMAS ANGEL TREE We’re so excited for FPC’s enthusiasm in the annual Angel

Tree! All the name tags were quickly chosen to help provide gifts for needy children attending local elementary schools. Don’t forget, your wrapped gifts and tags are due in the office no later than December 6th for delivery beginning December 11th. Thank you for taking part in this awesome mission.

SNOW POLICY It’s never too early to remind everyone of the snow policy for FPC… First Presbyterian Church will hold services unless a snow emergency has been called instructing all people to stay off the roads except for emergencies. If no such emergency has been called then we will have worship with whoever is able to make it to church that day. It may be a very simple Sunday which is absolutely ok. Everyone should

CHRISTMAS FINE ARTS CONCERT

The Motor City Chorale, an acclaimed group founded in 1933 as the General Motors Employees' Chorus, will once again be performing a special vocal

concert in our Sanctuary on Sunday, December 17th at 3:00 p.m. Your whole family will enjoy this concert which will

feature holiday favorites as well as choral music. Be sure to invite your

friends to get everyone into the Christmas spirit. There is no admission

charge, but a free-will offering will be taken. A reception and refreshments

will follow the concert.

“Never drive faster than your guardian angel can fly.” ~Unknown

6


Here you’ll find a schedule of the ministries that make our Sunday mornings run so smoothly. If you see your name listed, please mark your personal calendar as a

Here are this month’s birthdays. Over the past year, if your name hasn’t appeared on this list, or if you see that a date is wrong, please call the office. Also, take a moment to mail a card or two to make someone’s birthday special! Most addresses can be found in the church directory.

3 Christian Ball 5 John Fisher Megan Fisher Elizabeth Wheaton 6 Joan Emerick 12 Lorenzo LaFata 14 Joyce Eveningred 15 Shannon Hopson

16 Tom Deuel Dianne DeFauw 17 Irma Black 19 Jerry Kurtz 20 Andy Kirkum Mary Ball 22 Nicholas Ansted 27 Eli Ghandour

Dorothy McGinn 28 Nancy Wilson 29 Peggy Yaeck Colyn Wheaton 30 Judy Jacobs Athena Politano

Share your wings with those who

have trouble flying.

2017 December 3 December 10 Unity/Children’s Play

December 17 December 24 Unity Service

December 31

Deacons-in-

Charge

Arlene David Karen Norberg Gavin McHugh Gavin McHugh Maribeth Jezak

Gary Cynowa Carol Hacker

Morning Glory Worship

Leader

Julie Huttenlocher

Julie Huttenlocher

Julie Huttenlocher

James Hopson Tom Davies

1st Service Support

Team

Ken Remejes Jane Ethier

Martha Fisher and Family

Jeff/Connie Fuller

Karen Norberg Ken Remejes Art Edmiston Carol Hacker

See

Christmas Eve

Ushers Below

Mike/Tammy Simmons

2nd Service Ushers

Bill Herhilan Glenn Brasch Bruce Focht Cheryl Focht

Larry Huntington Peggy Huntington Carol Hacker Art Edmiston

Joe Moore Sue Moore Barbara O’Mara Sue Heffernan

Information Booth

Teams

Lou Emerick Jenny Emerick

Harvey/Lonnie Kahler

Ed/Betsy Peters

Nancy Ventimiglia Sue Heffernan

2nd Service Coffee Clean-Up

The Runnels’ The Reids’

Lillian Edmiston Arthur Edmiston

C. Scharnweber J. Ledingham

Norbert/Dorothy Leach

Can You Help?

Christmas Eve Ushers - 5:00 p.m. Joyful Service: Glenn Fuhs, Donna McMartin, Dick/Roz Runnels 8:00 p.m. Traditional Service: Terry Capen, Phyllis Matthew, Jerry/Pam Kurtz December Communion Set-Up Team #4: Sue Heffernan, Beth Baker, Jeanne Ledingham, and Jane Ethier Feed the Hungry Team: December 17th is the Sims Family at Zion United Church of Christ December Wednesday Evening Cooking Teams: 6th is Team A - Colleen Brasch, Barb Jung, Maryjane Woodworth and friends 13th is Team B – Judi Armstrong, Norbert/Dorothy Leach 20th is Team C – Glenn Fuhs, Donna McMartin, Gary/Linda Barello 27th – No Wednesday Program (Christmas Week) December’s Sound and Lights Tech: Mike Ball December’s Video Operator: Bruce Focht December’s PowerPoint Operator: Rick McKenzie

7


FROM OUR BOOKKEEPER Kim is getting ready to assign 2018 contribution envelopes to those who give by cash or check. Because so

many envelopes do not get picked up, only those who have requested them (via pledge form or otherwise) will receive them. Also, if you would like to have contributions credited to your 2017 statement, ALL 2017 CONTRIBUTIONS SHOULD BE IN THE CHURCH OFFICE BY DECEMBER 31, 2017. The church financial books will be closed the first day of January. Feel free to take advantage of online giving

through December 31st, too! All contributions given before midnight will count towards 2017, even if it doesn't hit your credit card or bank account until after. Reminder: A new Authorization Form needs to be filled out every year for all automatic payments that Kim sets up. If you do your own through your online account, you do not need to fill out a form. Thank you!!

IGNITE NEWS The fall months were busy ones for the Ignite Junior High Youth. You should be noticing our newly designed blue shirts with

our updated name and logo. We covered many important topics during our weekly meetings. We discussed things such as the importance of music in our worship of God, how to deal with stress, to look at what we value, we finished off October with our sleepover following Trunk or Treat, and we heard of Pastor Dan’s adventures in Puerto Rico. In December we have many more important topics to discuss and our first mission project of the year. Please keep a look out for another of our slide show presentations between services showing our church members all the fun we are having. –Beth Leitch, Advisor

To My Church Family,

Words could never express my thanks and gratitude for your many, many acts of love, caring, and kindness as I fought cancer over the past 14 months. Although I

am still faced with challenging side effects and limitations to my everyday life from the treatment, my doctors can find no active cancer at this time and I have follow-up appointments regularly. I believe in the power of prayer and in answered prayers, and I have no doubt that your prayers and caring have made a significant difference in my journey. Your cards, emails, phone calls, and support have lifted my spirits over and over again. Thank you from the bottom of my heart.

May God continue to bless First Presbyterian Church and its people.

Carole Scharnweber

∗ The Women’s Ministry held an informative discussion about the Quilters of Gee’s Bend on Sunday, October 22nd. Close to 40 attended, including FPC women and Quilting Clubs from Macomb County.

∗ On Sunday, October 29th, 10 FPC members went to Romeo to enjoy dinner at Thee Office Pub and see the renowned Halloween decorations homeowners put up on Tillson Street.

∗ Upcoming Advent Kick-Off: Like cookies?? Please join the Women’s Ministry for a Cookie Exchange on Saturday, December 2nd at 1:00 p.m. This will be in conjunction with an interactive telling of Mary’s story by Reverend Peggy Lowes. No need to bake cookies though…please just come listen to Rev. Lowes tell this amazing story. But if you want to join in the exchange, how many cookies should you bake? It’s a half-dozen times how many will be participating. Get your name on the list then before starting your cookies, call the church office to get the current number of bakers. However you plan on attending, please sign-up in the Narthex ASAP. Remember, you are welcome to attend whether or not you want to participate in the Cookie Exchange—and there just might be some cookies to sample, too!

min i s t r y

8


ELEMENTARY EDUCATION ∗ During November’s Sunday School the children participated in the Monster Love Campaign. They spent Sundays sewing and

decorating these toys to donate to children that will be spending the holidays in the hospital.

∗ On November 27th, the children started an Advent study during Sunday School which will continue through January 7th. We will then pick up our lessons with the story of Ruth and Naomi.

∗ Saturday, December 9th will be a busy day. Scheduled is a Mitten Tree party, the dress rehearsal for their play the following day, crafts, making a new handprint Christmas banner to add to the collection made over the years, and go as a group to see the movie “The Star.”

∗ The Christmas play will be presented on December 10th during the 10:00 a.m. Unity Service. Please plan on attending to see our little ones in action.

∗ The next “Let It Shine” children’s worship service will be on Sunday, February 4th.

WEDNESDAY NIGHT PROGRAM All children from Kindergarten through 5th grade are welcome to join us at any time. THERE IS NO WEDNESDAY NIGHT PROGRAM ON DECEMBER 27TH. Enjoy the Christmas break with your families. WE WILL RESUME IN THE NEW YEAR ON JANUARY 10, 2017.

Fellowship Opportunities in 2017 There will be many fellowship opportunities to participate in coming up in 2018, such as bowling, a dance, an Easter egg hunt, our spring musical, etc. These activities are open to anyone to participate. Please come and join us in supporting the children at their many events. More detailed information will follow in upcoming Heralds. Keep an eye out in the weekly E-Blasts for reminders.

Munch Bunch wraps up their engaging fall study of 1 Corinthians in mid-December. GHOST RANCH did you know that the Presbyterian Church owns the largest retreat center in the United States? For over 55 years the Presbyterian Church has owned this ranch. Plans are currently being made to offer a trip to Ghost Ranch for a week of retreat and mission. This trip is being planned for July 8-13th of 2018. Please talk with Pastor Peggy if you would like to have an opportunity to experience Ghost Ranch located in Abiquiu, New Mexico close to Albuquerque.

When you believe in angels…you have friends in high places. ~Author Unknown

december 2017 herald color · donating, you’ll be giving a true christmas gift to people in need....

Documents