fpc december 2010 newsletter[1]

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First Presbyterian Church, Mission

DECEMBER VOLUME 1, ISSUE 4JOY TO THE WORLD!

...another RGV Connections publication

Where God’s love makes all the difference!Where God’s love makes all the difference!Where God’s love makes all the difference!

Grace, Mercy & Peace to you in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ!

There’s a new shepherd on the job in Bethlehem, but he’

got a problem: He’s allergic to sheep!

Meanwhile, a MIRACLE is about to happen up the street

a local stable. This unforgettable musical will delight everyone – the story

wonderful and our SonShine Players are adorable.

This year, our young troupe of students would like to invite you to share a bit o

Christian love with the children at Su Casa de Esperanza. Although there is n

admission charge to enjoy “Aaron, the

Allergic Shepherd,” we would invite you

to bring a gift to donate to the Su Casa

kids – these are children under 5 years

old and anything you can give will make

their lives a little bit better. The list

below provides a few suggestions.Thanks & see you there!!

“Aaron, the Allergic Shepherd”Presented by the

FPC Mission—SonShine Players

Sunday

December 5

6:30 PM

Baby cereal Pampers — Newborn Paint Brushes & paints

Baby Clothing

size 0-4T

Pampers –

Crusiers all sizes

Graduates Smart Sips

Gerber — beverage

Baby food – fruit & veggie Tricycles Children’s Books, 1-3 yr.

Baby Shoes & socks Wet Ones – (wipes) Toys – ages 0 – 4 years

Caps / Hats / Booties Infant Swing Jumbo Crayons

Car seat for newborn Puppets / Pull toys High Chair

Enfamil baby formula Puzzles / Balls Infant Activity Gym

Receiving Blankets Painting Aprons Playpen

Onesies – size 0-24months Jumbo Coloring Books Stroller

Pacifiers Easel for painting Blocks / Dolls / Cars

FPC — WORSHIP SCHEDULE:

8:30am Worship

9:30am Sunday School

Adult Education

10:30 am Worship



PAGE 3

DECEMBER 2010First Presbyterian Church, Mission A Word From Pastor Dave

Adventures in AdventI don‘t know about you but I get to this time of year and wonder, ―How did Advent get here without merealizing it?‖ I guess Advent‘s arrival should notsurprise us because the word ―Advent‖ comes fromthe Latin for ‗coming‘… So we are in a constant time

of preparation and expectation of the coming of the Christ Child and also for the Second Coming of Christ.

Advent originated as a time of preparation for people entering the churchfamily, prior to their baptism on Epiphany, January 6th. Now, sometimebetween the 4th and 7th centuries, the season of Advent varied betweenthree to seven weeks in different parts of Christendom. The Churcheventually set the season‘s length at four Sundays, emphasizing the OldTestament prophecies of the coming of the Messiah.

The lighting of the Advent wreath is a familiar custom during this season in churches and inhomes. A wreath is usually made of evergreenbranches and adorned with three purplecandles and one rose pink candle, with asingle white candle in the middle.

On each Sunday in Advent a candle is lit until,

at last, all four candles are burning. Theincreasing light shed by the candlesrepresents our increasing joy as the day of Jesus‘ coming approaches. The rose is lit onthe third Sunday of Advent, known as GaudeteSunday- ―Let us rejoice‖.

As the candles are lit over the four weekperiod, we are reminded of the four centuriesof waiting between the prophet Malachi and the birth of Christ, it alsosymbolizes the darkness and fear and hopelessness receding and theshadows of sin falling away as more and more of Christ‘s light is shed intothe world.

Finally, during the Christmas Eve Service, the white candle is lit to proclaimthat Jesus, the Light of the World has come and we rejoice because thelong held promise of God, has been realized… Please join us during this Advent Season to prepare your heart and life for the coming of Jesus… Blessings, Pastor Dave +



PAGE 5

DECEMBER 2010

Make a Joyful Noise Unto the Lord with Music!

First Presbyterian Church, MissionMusic Ministry

A CEREMONY OF LESSONS AND CAROLS

Presented byThe FPC Mission Chancel Choir

Bells of FaithAlta Uhrmacher, organCrystal Wallace, piano

Rene Peynado, percussionNaishla Sanchez, sopranoRichard Weenink, tenor

David Diercksen & Pam Sherwood, narratorsPat Hudsonpillar, director

December 128:30 & 10:30 worship services

CELEBRATION SUNDAY CONCERT SERIES

December 19th willmark the nextinstallment in the 13

th

Annual CelebrationSunday ConcertSeries at FPC!

These concerts are sponsored by the church as a community service – free of charge and open to the public.

Our December Celebration Sunday Concert will feature the Sweet Adelines.The award winning Magic Valley Chorus is a proud member of Sweet AdelinesInternational, the largest international organization of women singers committedto the preserving and performing the art form of barbershop harmony. Thisexuberant group performs around the Rio Grande Valley – don‘t miss thisperformance, which is guaranteed toput you in the Christmas Spirit!

This concert is on Sunday, December 19th and begins at 6:30 PM. Please

join us for this very entertainingevening of music!

CELEBRATION SUNDAYCONCERT SERIES:

December 19: The Sweet AdelinesJanuary 16: Julie McClaren, pianistFebruary 20: Alta Uhrmacher, organ

March 13: Salomon Lopez, tenor



PAGE 6

DECEMBER 2010First Presbyterian Church, MissionFPC Youth Profile

An Awesome FPC Kid You Should Know: COLTON WATKINSAerospace Aeronautics is a field that

Colton Watkins might be pursuing five

years from now. Presently, Colton is a

sophomore at Sharyland High School whoenjoys biology, but can also be found

participating in FFA, specifically in the

category of building skills. He is working

on a dresser with the help of his CTE

Career and Technical Education teacher

Mr. Brad Wood.

This summer Colton and his father John Watkins spent 12 days on a rigorous scouting

trip in Philmont, New Mexico. To prepare for the backpacking trip, his scout troop

trained by hiking the off road trails with full packs at the Mission Bike Trails near

Bentsen State Park. Colton has participated in Boy Scouts since 5th

grade. He said,―The most memorable part of the trip this summer was climbing Mount Phillips.‖ The

trip included the challenge of high altitudes, carrying all supplies on your back, hiking

with 47 pound backpacks, and at times rainy weather. Last summer Colton went on a

125 mile canoe trip seeing the beauty of the lakes of Minnesota first hand.

With all of this rugged outdoorsman ship in his blood, Colton thinks people might be

surprised to know that he prefers cats to dogs. He rescued a beautiful black kitten

several years ago. According to his mother Laurel Watkins, ―Kitty‖ is definitely a one

person cat. Kitty’s person is Colton. Colton can get Kitty to come inside by clapping

his hands three times whereas either John or Laurel could call him for hours without

success.Colton has been an active member of First Presbyterian Church. He has participated in

SonShine Players, Sunday School, Vacation Bible School, Bells of Hope, and has

served as liturgist. Not surprisingly being the grandson of Roscoe and Betty Watkins,

Colton enjoys listening to all types of music especially classical, but is not fond of rap.

He has taken piano lessons from Pat Hudsonpillar since kindergarten. Colton has

attended camp at Mo Ranch and would gladly participate with the Mission Service

Project if given the opportunity. Colton would like to see more young people his age

attend FPC.

He believes that one common misconception that older people may have about today’s

youth is that young people are lazy. He believes that teens like him have a lot of

potential if properly channeled. One way he displays this energy is by working at

Weaks Martin Implement on Saturdays. Colton’s favorite Bible story is centered on the

challenges that Job endured. When Colton was asked about something he definitely

would not want to see changed at FPC, he said Pastor Dave. He wants to keep Pastor

Dave. One thing is for sure Colton is definitely an Awesome FPC Kid you should

know.



DECEMBER 2010

PAGE 7First Presbyterian Church, MissionMinistry Spotlights

CHRISTIAN EDUCATION: Elder Nicole CruzDeveloping in Christ’s Love

Christian Education at First Presbyterian Churchfocuses on the development of your walk with Christ.As Christians and children of Christ, we love oneanother and provide the caring environment where westudy scripture and grow in our discipleship.For more information on opportunities to get involvedwith Christian Education, talk to Nicole Cruz—584-1948or [email protected].

YOUTH & YOUNGADULT FELLOWSHIP

- Elder John Cain -

The goals of Youth & Young AdultFellowship are twofold:1. Provide an opportunity for junior high and high school kids toparticipate in activities such asservice/mission projects, devotionalstudies, Presbyterian meetings (Mid-Winter Meeting), as well as funactivities.

2. Give these young adults a time tovisit in a setting just for them.

Some of the activities planned for 2011 include:-Super Bowl Party-Valentine's Day Dinner -Tailgate for Vipers/Killer Bees game-Roadrunner Baseball GameFor more information on youth &

young adult activities and events, contactJohn Cain — 581.6861.

FELLOWSHIP- Elder Mike Manuel -

Fellowship is animportant part of First PresbyterianChurch and wehope to providemany opportunities

for fellowship outside, as well as insidethe sanctuary.

From providing coffee and lemonade

for Sunday School and after servicesto fellowship breakfasts and specialactivities, our goal is welcoming friendsnew and old to join us at FPC.

If you would like more information ongetting involved in this ministry, talk toMike Manual—583-1756.



DECEMBER 2010

PAGE 8First Presbyterian Church, MissionMinistry Spotlights

STEWARDSHIP REPORT — Bill EllisorThis is the time we ask our people to take a step of faith

and make a pledge of time and money to God’s work at FPC.

We have problems in our lives and in our Church

Community . Praise God for our problems. Praise releases

God’s power into our situation and puts us in the will of

God. We need to continue to praise God for our situation asit is. Trust God to make it happen. Live your Faith.

How to live by Faith. Hebrews 11:6 –―And without faith

it is impossible to please God, because anyone who comes to him must believe

that he exists and that he rewards those who earnestly seek him.‖

Praise God for all of our Members, Winter Texans and Friends that are giving

their tithe, time and offerings to our Church Ministries. Praise God for the

volunteers and staff working together with God to make it happen.

Special thanks to our Pastor Dave for his teaching and preaching. Thanks also to

Elder Nicole Cruz and Elder Don Badgley for speaking on stewardship inChurch.

Congregational Care: A Note from Judy November has been an exciting month for congregationalcare. We put out the list of items requested by the troops and, asusual you came through with flying colors. On November 10,Linda Ingram, Sue Leerhoff, and I packed Thanksgiving boxesfor the troops sent them in time to be received by the holiday.Your response was terrific. We had many items — more thanwould fit in the boxes. We decided to also send a box for

Christmas. The Christmas boxes will be sent out on December first. They willinclude home baked cookies as well as other donated items.A huge thank you to all of you who donated items, baked cookies, or helped withthe postage. Without our working together we could never have made the projectsuch a success.If you have questions or are interested in more information about getting

involved with this committee, please call Judy Alexander at 580-0712. Thank you!

TWO THINGS TO BELIEVE

1. God is our Total Resource – He

can be, He wants to be.

2. God is a Rewarder – of needs, concerns, desires.

TWO THINGS TO DO

1. Diligently Seek – In everyday life & decisions

2. Add to your Faith –

Make a deposit, pledge,



DECEMBER 2010

PAGE 9First Presbyterian Church, MissionOutreach

OUTREACH COMMITTEE—Judy MayesDecember is here and, as usual, it‘s a very busy

time of the year. We are traveling, Christmas shoppingfor that special gift for those special people in your life,

and cooking the delicious holiday treats. Well there isone more thing we do here at First Presbyterian Churchin Mission that needs to be added to the list. This is thetime we give Christmas Food Baskets to low incomefamilies. In the past several years we have collectedenough money to give 40 families enough groceries tohelp out for the holidays.

This is where you come in. We at FPC cannot do it without your help.We will be asking for your generous donations of money, time and talent. Wewill be meeting at Sam‘s in Pharr on Thursday, December 16 th to shop,Friday, December 17th at the Church to sort and pack and Saturday,December 18

thto deliver. If you would like to participate in any or all of these

events, please contact Judy Mayes, 956-343-8716 (cell), 956-585-1198(home) or by email at [email protected].

Thank you for all of your help in the past and hope to see you for thismost joyous time!

Share your snapshots of FPC

Fellowship, Service, & FUN

for future newsletter editions!

email to [email protected]

Have some info for the next newsletter??

Got a story about why you love FPC?

Want to share your favorite recipe??

Our goal for this newsletter is that it reflectswho we are and what we do at First

Presbyterian Church—Mission. The mostimportant part of this newsletter is YOU!

So, please send your suggestions to editor,Heather Marks.

Send to: [email protected]

mailto:[email protected]





F i r s t P r e s b y t e r i a n C h u r c h — M i s s i o n

1 1 0 2 A s h D r i v e M i s s i o n , T X 7 8 5 7 2

( 9 5 6 ) 5 8 5 - 4 8 2 9

First Presbyterian

Church, Mission

1102 Ash Drive Mission, Texas 78572Phone: 956-585-4829

www.fpcmission.com

fpc december 2010 newsletter[1]

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