december messenger 2014

8/10/2019 December Messenger 2014

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Richmond Virginia DECEMBER 2014

Do you remember the first time you sangAway in tManger? For many, it is hard to remember a timewhen we didnt know this Christmas song. Do youhave a favorite Christmas carol? Most of us have mthan one and we sing them as often as we can dur

Advent and Christmas because they bring backmemories of Christmas past. We love to sing the sof Christs birth. Each week during this season of

Advent, we will focus on a special song during worand reflect at home and together about what eachsong means to us. We will also sing many other sothat tell the story of Jesus birth.

Sunday Mornings

The Sunday worship bulletin will include atake-home piece with reflections on the focu

hymns and suggestions for exploring the seasof Advent through song.

Each Sunday, the children will be putting a fepieces of the crche in place during worship

Watch and see who appears each Sunday!

Wednesday Nights

All who are able are also invited to gather onWednesday nights, 7-8:30 p.m., to reflect toge

on the meaning of singing the Christmas stor

December 3

Advent Reflection Gathering - 7 pm

December 6

Youth Fund Raiser/Parade parking

December 7

Second Sunday of AdventWorship & Communion - 11 am

December 1

Advent Reflection Gathering- 7 pm

December 14

Third Sunday of AdventWorship & Communion - 11 amRichmond PAL Concert here - 2:30 pm

December 17

Advent Reflection Gathering- 7 pmGuitar Concert here - 7 pm

December 21

Fourth Sunday of Advent

Children telling the Christmas story - 10:15 amWorship & Communion - 11 amChristmas Tea - Noon

December 24

Christmas Eve Service/Communion - 10:30 pm

Events at St Johns this

Christmas

December 21

On December 21stchildren of all ages are invited to gather in the Sanctu-ary at 10:15 am to take part in an active re-telling of the nativity story.

Come and experience Christmas joy with our little shepherds, angels, andbaby Jesus. Worship will begin at 11 am.

Christmas Eve

Join us Christmas Eve at 10:30 pm . We will wrap up our Adventreflections with congregational singing of Infant Holyas the Christ candleis lit during the Christmas Eve Lessons and Carols service. There will be

special music and Communion


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2 The Messenger | DECEMBER 2014

Advent Worship

On the first Sunday of Advent, we willfocus on the hope that the prophetsforetold, which is captured in the words

of Come, O Long-Expected Jesus.

The second Sunday will recall how Godour shepherd wants the world to havepeace and will focus on Go Tell it on theMountain!

The third Sunday celebrates the joyMary felt when the angel declared shewould have Gods child and sang MySoul Gives Glory to My God.

The fourth Sunday focuses on Mary andJoseph as they prepare for the sign ofGods love and introduces a new hymn,Gentle Joseph, Joseph Dear.

Week one (November 30)

The Prophets/Hope

Come, O Long-Expected JesusBy: Charles WesleyCome, O long-expected Jesus,

Born to set all people free;From our fears and sins release usGrant us your true liberty.Israel's strength and consolation,Hope to all the earth impart,Dear desire of every nation,Joy of every longing heart.

Week three (December 14)

The Angels/JoyMy Soul Gives Glory to My GodBy: Miriam Therese Winter

My soul gives glory to my God,My heart pours out its praise.God lifted up my lowlinessIn many marvelous ways.

My God has done great things for me:Yes, holy is Gods Name.

All people will declare me blessed,And blessings they shall claim.

Week two (December 7)

The Shepherds/Peace

Go, Tell it on the MountainAfrican-American spiritual

Go, tell it on the mountain,

Over the hills and everywhereGo, tell it on the mountain,That Jesus Christ is born.

The shepherds feared and trembled,When low above the earth,Rang out the angels chorusThat hailed our Savior's birth.

Week four (December 21)

Mary Joseph/LoveGentle Joseph, Joseph DearGerman carol, 15th century

Gentle Joseph, Joseph dear,Stay with me, for the babys near;God will surely your goodness hear,

As you will love this newborn child,Says Mary.

Gladly Mary, Mary mine,I will cradle the child divine;Here will heaven and earth combine,For you will bear Gods child,O dearest Mary.

One extra week to orderPoinsettias!Each year we have lovely poinsettias on display inthe chancel area during the Christmas Season. Ifyou wish to order a poinsettia in memory of or in

honor of a loved one IT IS NOT TOO LATE!Please call the church office. The cost is $12.50per plant, and you may take it home after thecompletion of the Christmas Eve Service.

Ordering Deadline:Sunday,

December 2nd

SERVICE

10:30 pm ~ December 24

We will wrap up our Advent reflections with congregationalsinging of Infant Holyas the Christ candle is lit during the

Christmas Eve Lessons and Carols service.There will be special music and Communion.


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3The Messenger | DECEMBER 2014

Sundays at 9:45

The Christmas Story InWord and ArtAdultsJohn August Swanson is known for hisbeautiful depictions of the Christmas story.Come view his artwork and explore the

Advent themes of prophets, shepherds,angels, and the Holy Family.

Let this Sunday morningstudy set the tone for aChristmas full of beauty.

Class will meet from 9:45-10:40 a.m.in the Adult classroom in B-2.

Creating a Space for Christs BirthAdvent is a time of anticipation and excitement about the babyborn so long ago in Bethlehem. To heighten our expectation, ourchildren will help us recreate the first Christmas by putting a few

pieces of the crche in place during worship each week. Watchand see who appears each Sunday!

The Stories of ChristmasDuring the season of Advent, children in the Toddler and Primaryclasses will listen to a story about Jesus birth and participate inactivities related to the themes of Advent: hope, peace, joy, andlove. On all four Sundays (Nov. 30, Dec. 7, Dec. 14, and Dec. 21),children will return to the sanctuary to celebrate communion withtheir families. There will be no church school on Dec. 28.

On December 21stchildren of all ages are invited to gather in the Sanctuary at 10:15 am to take

part in an active re-telling of the nativity story. Come and experience Christmas joy with our littshepherds, angels, and baby Jesus. Worship will begin at 11 am.

ChrismonsThe younger youth will be making Chrismons during Advent. They will explore the various symbols traditionally created in white andgold for the Chrismon tree. They will return to the sanctuary for communion all four Sundays.

ConfirmationThe confirmation class will be up early Saturday morning, (and at the church no later than 8:15 am) on December 6th! As a fundraiser, the youth will be in our parking lot to collect $5 from cars parking for the Dominion Christmas Parade. The 31st annualDominion Christmas parade begins at 10 am starting at the Virginia Science Museum. This beloved Richmond tradition attractsmore than 100,000 spectators each year from everywhere in Virginia. For many Richmonders, the parade kicks off the Christmasseason. Contact Julia if you would like to help with this ministry. Come down and join the fun.


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Christmas Tea December 21

The Fellowship will host the Christmas Tea, a favorite holidaytradition at St. Johns, on December 21 following worship.

Bring a guest and celebrate the joyous season.

This is a special tradition that brings joy to those who have beenfaithful in their love of the church across the years. Volunteers willbe asked to provide food for the occasion.

SPECIALCONCERT AT

ST. JOHNSDecember 17

Classical/flamenco guitaristAyman Fanous (a Richmondresident) and electric guitaristAnthony Pirog both havereleased CDs over the lastyear to considerable criticalacclaim. Along with them, anOsaka native TatsuyaNakatani (considered bycritics to be among the most

creative percussionists in improvised music today) willbe preforming in our sanctuary on Wed., December 17at 7:00 pm. This will be the debut performanceof their trio. All are invited!

lorence Cross will be moving to Rhode Island at the end of December. Here iser new address: 30 Marsh Drive ~ P.O. Box 1027 ~ Charlestown, RI ~ 02813

Inclement Weather Procedure

Should we get winter weather and are forced tocancel worship, please watch for our listing onchannel 12 TV, call the churchs main phone

number at (804)358-9291 and listen to therecording, orcheck your email for an e-blast.

Preaching Schedule

Dec. 7: Alexa Slonin

Dec. 14: Andrew Terry

Dec. 21: Alexa Slonin

Dec. 24: Erin Burnette andSteve Plymale

Dec. 28: Erin Burnette


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Angel TreeDonationsNeededIn the spirit of giving

and spreading hope,again this year, St.Johns will collect items

for families in need of assistance through our Angel Tree ministry.The Christmas tree in the Parlor is loaded with ornaments with giftsuggestions. Please take the ornament off the tree, purchase theitem listed, wrap it and use the paper ornament as the gift tag.Then return the gift to the church placing it under the tree NOLATER THAN THE DUE DATE ON THE TAG. St. Johns missionelves will deliver the packages in time for Christmas.

Some of the gifts this year (dishes, pots and pans, and gift cards)

will support families served by CARITAS, a local housing programfor our most vulnerable neighbors.

December Circle Center OfferingThirty-seven years ago, St. Johns and four other Stuart Circlechurches worked together to create the Circle Center, an adult daycare center that has now grown into the biggest and best organiza-tion of its kind in Virginia. The Center provides a way for frail orfunctionally impaired older adults to continue living at home withtheir families instead of in a residential institution. Its participantsreceive professional care during daytime hours, including an inno-vative, Montessori-based activity program for those with dementia.

The Center uses donations from individuals and organizations toprovide scholarships for Richmond families and to make up thegap between costs and Medicaid reimbursement.

On Sunday, December 14, Executive Director Lory Phillippo willbe here to tell us more about the Centers ministry and to invite ourfinancial support. Please listen, pray and be generous!

Christmas Eve OfferingOn Christmas Eve, December 24, wewill receive an offering for retiredUnited Church of Christ ministers and

their surviving loved ones. For 110years, the Christmas Fund offering forthe Veterans of the Cross and theEmergency Fund has been a meansby which the members of the United

Church of Christ live out the mandate to be Christs body in theworld. The Christmas Fund is one of four Special MissionOfferings received annually in the UCC. It is a ministry ofcompassion and care to those who have served our church.Please reflect upon the ways your life has been touched by apastor, Christian education director, church secretary or minister ofmusic, and consider a generous gift to honor and assist others like

them in difficult times.

CARITAS for 2015February 14 through April 17CARITAS is a housing and feeding program for the homelessand one of the outreach activities that St. Johns sponsors eayear. Once again, St. Johns will serve as an intake center

every evening February 14 through April 17, 2015 As an intcenter we offer hospitality during the hour before the participaare transported to another location where they are fed a meaand sleep the night.

We will need volunteers for each evening for two hours. Wehope that you will bring some snacks for our guests on theevening that you volunteer. Watch for sign-up sheets in theParlor. If everyone takes one or two nights during this timeperiod we will make a difference in the lives on these 40 sommen and women!

Thanks for your help and ongoing support of this importantministry to our vulnerable population.

Richard Bighinatti,

CARITAS Chairman

Richmond PALConcert HereDecember 14We hope you will come out and

support the Richmond PoliceAthletic Leagues ChristmasConcert which will be held hereour sanctuary, on Sunday,December 14th @ 2:30 pm.

WORLD AIDS DAYThe First Unitarian UniversalistChurch of Richmond is hosting thisyears World AIDS Day Celebrationand Remembrance Service, which

has been organized by manysupportive and affirmingcommunities in Richmond.

ALL ARE INVITED TO ATTEND!

Monday, December 1, 20146:30 pm Celebration and Remembrance ServiceReception and fellowship to follow the service.First Unitarian Universalist Church of Richmond1000 Blanton AvenueRichmond, VA 23221804-355-0777

St. Johns UCC


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We welcome the following

new members to our

church

Chris Ward

Abby Ward

Scott Siefert

Abby Ward was raised in North Carolina but after living inRichmond since 1999, feels like a Virginian now. She received aB.A. in Political Science and German Studies from the University ofRichmond and a M.Ed. in Education from the College of William andMary. She works in the Office of International Education at theUniversity of Richmond, managing a portfolio of study abroadprograms and advising students, among other things. She is thehappy wife of Chris and proud mother of Alex, and in her free timeenjoys yoga, craft projects, and wine.

Scott Siefert was born in raised in northwest Pennsylvania. After being inthe Navy he rejoined his parents who had relocated to Maine. Hegraduated from the University of Maine with a BS in Business

Administration. His father graduated from the University of Maine andBangor Theological Seminary during the same time period. He was apracticing UCC minister until his retirement. Scott relocated to Richmond,VA in 1995. He works for Dominion Enterprises as an Affiliate RelationsManager where he purchases supply for their automotive internet marketingdivisions. He enjoys playing tennis, cycling, cooking, and good craft beers.

Chris and Abby Ward

Scott SiefertWe are blessed to have you

with us!


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...from the Council PresidentWe all said our thanks to Rev. Tom on Sunday, November 16thand wished him the very best in his new home as Pastor ofSouth Congregational Church in Springfield, Massachusetts. Weare in the process of hiring another Interim to carry us thru thenext 6 months or so until we have a new called Pastor. OurSearch Committee has done a wonderful time, given many hoursto this process and it will be coming to an end in 2015. Pleasethank them and show your appreciation for all their hard workand dedication.

Thanks to Bill Watson and all who helped make our 2014 CropWalk very successful.

The month of December is upon us and St. Johns Committeeshave planned a beautiful Advent Season. My thanks to theWorship & Music, Christian Formation and Congregational Lifecommittees who have stepped up and planned a very meaningfulcelebration for us in absence of our Interim Pastor. We will have

several guest pastors during this time. Please give all your loveand support to Julia, Shirley and Dianeduring this period. Theyare the angels who will guide us along with the help of ourmany dedicated members.

On Sunday, November 16th, we welcomed 3 new members,Abby & Chris Ward and Scott Siefert. We are delighted tohave them official members of our Congregation. Welcome!

My wishes for you are a Blessed Holiday season and I pray thatGod be in your life and heart as we all live out our lives and lookforward to 2015!

Blessings to all

Betsy J. Bighinatti, Council President


The Church office will be closed on Fridays.

In the event of an emergency, you are encouraged to call

Julia Eliades (804-873-0220)

or

Betsy Bighinatti (804-502-1007)

Facility Report for DecemberThe Facilities Committee has accomplished the followingtasks in November...

Repair roof and window leaksRepaint the leak areasNew toilet and other repairsRepair rose window

These items are on our agenda for the near future...New lights on alter still need to be addressRepair brick wall and lawnRepair floor bathroom need quotes.New lighting from Dominion Power to look into a lighting

energy pan and will also repair any duct work. Theduct work is free and the T-8 bulbs are free. TheLED bulbs will have a cost; however we will recoupthis expense by the energy savings.

New facility instructions for all facility team membersFacility instruction Manual

Facility ChairmanRichard Bighinatti

Chili Cook-Off and De-Greening Jan. 4

After the Christmas holidays St Johns willbe holding its 4rdAnnual Chili Cook-off.

All you need to do is bring a crockpot ofyour favorite home-made chili. Come andenjoy a little friendly competition, yummychili, and great fellowship! De-greening

the Church will follow right after the Cook off

St.JohnsUnitedC

hurchofChrist

2015

Ple

dges

GOAL!$126,000

Please feel free tocontact

StewardshipChair JeffJacobs (at

[email protected]

(804) 355-1115;Finance Chair

Jeff Hetzer (804-550-3928 ); orany member ofChurch Council

with any

questions .

CURRENT $113,199.00 -54 pledgers

Fridays
mailto:[email protected]:[email protected]:[email protected]:[email protected]:[email protected]


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St. Johns Financial Picture YTD as of October 31, 2014

December 7

Second Sunday of Advent

PEACE

Isaiah 40:1-11Psalm 85:1-2, 8-13

2 Peter 3:8-15a Mark 1:1-8

December 14

Third Sunday of AdventJOY

Isaiah 61:1-4, 8-10Luke 1:47-55

1 Thessalonians 5:16-24 John 1:6-8, 19-28

December 21

Fourth Sunday of AdventLOVE

2 Samuel 7:1-11, 16Psalm 89:1-4, 19-26

Romans 16:25-27 Luke 1:26-38

December 28

First Sunday after Christmas

Isaiah 61:10-26:3Psalm 148

Galatians 4:4-7 Luke 2:22-40

2014 Budget

Budget YTD

Actual YTD

Income

Pledge Payments* $127,000

$105,000

$94,586

Cash Offerings

$22,000

$18,333

$10,933

Other Income (Endowment Contributions

$122,850

$117,276

$125,576

Parking Lot Rental, Wedding Income, etc.)

Total Income

$271,850

$240,609

$231,095

Expenses

Personnel 166,549 143,104 140,940

Committees

22,191 18,492 17,160

Operations/Maintenance

122,390 105,353 91,253Local Benevolences 7,300 6,817 5,572

Other 9,600 7,250 7,250

Total Expenses

328,030 281,016 262,175

Income/Expenses Total

(56,180)

(40,407)

(31,080)

surplus (deficit)

NOTE:

1. Income includes a total of $85,000 annual contribution from EndowmentFund ($7083 monthly)

2. Annual Deficit to be covered by Endowment Fund and General Reserve

Fund3. 2014 Pledge Budget is $126,000. To date, 56 pledges for $118,000

have been received.


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Please find a substitute if you are unable to perform your ministry and contayour team coordinator AND the office to let them know who will be filling in

you. Thank you for making our church ministries run smoothly!

WelcomeTeam

Leader

SoundSystem

Acolytes LayReaders

Fellowship

HostsNurseryHelpers

Tellers Facilities AltarGuild

Dec.7

Bill Watson MarkAtkinson

SavannahQuick

Ashley QuickArthur Dewey

Bryan EtterStiegler family Mark Souza

BetsyBighinatti

Bill Watson Sonny Darn

Dec.

14

Doug Waldrop Jeff Michel Bryan EtterJames Cook

Sal AnselmoDon Warren

Ward Family Abby WardChris Ward

Jeff MichelDeniseMartin

Bud Higgins Erin BurnetGeogianne

Stinnett

Dec.21

Doug Waldrop Jeff Michel Bryan EtterJames Cook

Ashley QuickBryan Etter

ChristmasTea

Laura Totty Jeff MichelDeniseMartin

Bud Higgins Erin BurnetGeogianne

Stinnett

Dec.28

JustinBarbour

DavidPittman

SeanBarbour

Jeff JacobsElisabethBurnette

Sarah Allen Marjorie andJustin

Barbour

Bud HigginsBetsy

Bighinatti

Justin Barbour Erin BurnetGeogianne

Stinnett

December 7 December 14 December 21 December 28

To order fresh flowers to be placed on the altar in honor of a special occasion or person orin remembrance of someone, please sign-up on the flower chart on the bulletin board in the

hallway near the nursery or contact Sonny Darnell at 743-7528 [email protected]

$45.00 for two beautiful bouquets.

Fellowship Coordinator: Sal Anselmo 358-1696Tellers Coordinator: Bud Higgins 301-5059Lay Readers Coordinator: Sal Anselmo 358-1696Altar Guild Coordinator: Sonny Darnell 743-7528

Poinsettias


10/10

2014

1 211:30 am NA Meeting

5:30 Search Com

35 pm Card Ministry

7 pm AdventReflectionGathering

411:30 am NA Meeting

7 pm Choir Rehearsal

5Office

Closed

6

79:45 am Faith Formations

10 am Choir rehearsal

11 am Worship /COMMUNION

8

7 pm Church Council

9

11:30 am NA Meeting

5:30 Search Com

10

5 pm Card Ministry


1111:30 am NA Meeting

5:30pm Worship/Music


12

Office

Closed

138:30 am Indian Orthodox

Church




2:30 pm PAL Concert

15 1610 am Staff Mtg.

11:30 am NA Meeting

5:30 Search Com

175 pm Card Ministry


18

11:30 am NA Meeting


19

Office

Closed

20


10 am Choir rehearsal10:30 Childrens Christmas

Story


Noon Christmas Tea

22 23

10 am Staff Mtg.

11:30 am NA Meeting

5:30 Search Com

24

10:30 pmChristmas

Eve

Service

25

11:30 am NA Meeting

26

Office

Closed

27



11 am Worship

29 31

11:30 am NA Meeting

31

2

Robert Wieckmann

Ulysses Hall

3 Jeff Hetzer

6 Jennifer Erkulwater

Catherine Jacobs

7 Anita Sharpenstein

9 Chris Burnette

Patricia Mutia

Logan Vass

14 Eric Hetzer

Mary Miller

16

Julia Eliades

21 Leigh Caraher

Sharon Machrone

22 Christine Krausse

27 Dean Eliades

28 Gloria Van Houten

29 Chris Etter

Kyra and Lacy Miller

30 Melissa Mascher

31 Iola Miller

Sumer worship time begins June 1

december messenger 2014

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