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December 2020 Volume 94

I Will Light Candles This Christmas

By Howard Thurman

I will light candles this Christmas,

Candles of joy despite all the sadness,

Candles of hope where despair keeps watch,

Candles of courage for fears ever present,

Candles of peace for tempest-tossed days,

Candles of grace to ease heavy burdens,

Candles of love to inspire all my living,

Candles that will burn all year long.

I remember stopping by a garage sale a few years back. I wandered through the items in the

yard and then made my way into the garage. There on a shelf for a dollar was a shoe box

filled to the brim with the weirdest assortment of tapered candles. I love candles, so I smiled,

paid my dollar and made my way home.

That fall was the first fall when Jess was at her new job in Delaware, 2018. We were empty

nesters but living apart trying to keep afloat with 3 kids in college.

In the mornings and in the evenings that fall I would light a candle to remember her, to pray

for strength, and lift up the names of those going through tough times. There was something

comforting pulling a warped, weird candle out of the shoe box. Despite its imperfection, it

still blazed in the darkness and prompted my prayers. These candles blazed in the

darkness for the year and few months we were apart.

Not sure you’ll be able to find such a blessed box of garage sale candles, but I would

encourage all of us to have a few on hand. Not just to light on the Sundays in Advent, but in

the times when you need joy despite all the sadness, hope where despair keeps watch,

courage for fears ever present, peace for tempest-tossed days, grace to ease heavy

burdens, and love to inspire all our living, all year long.

Tom

Isaiah 9:2, Isaiah 60:1-6, John 1:5, John 8:12, Matthew 5:14-16

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CALENDAR OF EVENTS

DECEMBER CALENDAR December 6 Sunday School 11 am—Zoom Online Virtual Christmas Concert 5 pm—Online Streaming December 8 Evening of Remembrance 7:00 pm—Online Streaming December 9 Pancakes and Pajamas 6:45 pm—Zoom Online December 14 Session 7 pm—Zoom Online December 17 Night in Bethlehem 6:30 pm—North Lot December 20 Sunday School 11 am—Zoom Online December 21 Deacons 7 pm—Zoom Online December 24 Christmas Eve Outdoor Family Service 6 pm—North Lot Worship Service 8 pm—Online Streaming Parking Lot Bonfire and Carol Sing 9:30 pm—North Lot December 25 Christmas Day December 29 Community Meal 5:30 pm—Drive-thru

DECEMBER WORSHIP (ONLINE) December 6

Rev. Dr. Tom MacMillan

Communion

Daniel 6:6-27

December 13

Rev. Dr. Tom MacMillan

Isaiah 61

December 20

Rev. Dr. Tom MacMillan

Luke 1:26-45

December 24

Christmas Eve

Rev. Dr. Tom MacMillan

Luke 2:1-20

December 27

Rev. Oommen Thomas

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JOHN KNOX IS HOME FOR CHRISTMAS

Step back into Bible times to experience an

amazing night—the night Jesus was born in

Bethlehem. This outdoor family event will

be on Thursday, December 17, 6:30 PM to

8:30 PM. Enjoy live nativity animals,

interactive story tellers, crafts, and snacks.

Social distancing and masks required.

JOHN KNOX VIRTUAL CHRISTMAS CONCERT

Sunday, December 6 at 5:00 PM

Even though we can’t assemble in the Sanctuary for

our traditional Christmas Concert, we won’t let that

keep us from enjoying the festive music of Advent

and Christmas in the same way as we have

experienced worship during the pandemic. Just as

you have joined the live-streamed worship services,

you can join the live-streamed concert on Facebook

Live or the John Knox YouTube channel! You will

receive an email notice with the links to watch and

listen to the concert.

The concert will feature the Chancel Bells, the JK

Brass, the Flute Ensemble, vocal ensembles and

solos, and Craig Galinski on the organ and piano.

There might be a few surprises along the way! You’ll

hear many of your favorite Christmas carols, such

as: Go Tell It on the Mountain, Parade of the

Wooden Soldiers, Mary, Did You Know, Joy to the

World, O Holy Night, Silent Night, and more.

Below is a link to the Christmas Concert program,

which you can download and print

in advance of the concert. Copies

of the program will also be

available in the church office.

Program Link

PANCAKES & PAJAMA S AT-HOME

FAMILY EVENT

Wednesday, December 9,

6:45 pm, Zoom Online

Packet Pick-up @JKPC

December 7-9 from 9:00 am to noon

or

December 8 from 6:00-7:00 pm

From your packet, you’ll make

pancakes, play games, and build a

gingerbread house with your family!

Contact erhoads@johnknoxpc.org

with questions.

EVENING OF REMEMBRANCE LIVE-STREAM

SERVICE

Tuesday, December 8 at 7:00 pm

We invite you to participate in a

candlelight memorial service to

celebrate the lives and memories

of those whom God has called to

eternal life.

JOIN US FOR CHRISTMAS EVE

WORSHIP

6:00 pm - Outdoor Family Service

8:00 pm - Live Stream Worship

from the Sanctuary

9:30 pm - Parking Lot Bonfire

Service and Carol Sing

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STEWARDSHIP

You’re not alone. God cares about you. So do we.

#giving tuesday

DONATING SECURITIES AT YEAR-END

Donating securities at year-end. For those of you

who wish to donate securities to John Knox

Church, we can accept these gifts through our

account at Charles Schwab. This is an easy and low

-cost way to fulfill your operating pledge. To

transfer broker-held securities, simply forward a

letter to your broker indicating your wish to gift

securities to John Knox Church. You will need to

provide 3 pieces of information to initiate the

transfer:

1. Our Schwab account number: 9402-4107;

2. Schwab’s DTC number: 0164; and

3. Your written request to transfer the securities to

Charles Schwab and Company.

Please inform Mindi Schibley of your plans at 440-

777-3744, or call if you have questions.

STEWARDSHIP CAMPAIGN UPDATE

We are thankful to all who have sent in their pledge

cards already, and we are eager to see how God will

use you to help support the many ministries at

John Knox. As of the time of this writing (Nov. 30),

we have received 140 pledges with commitments

totaling $527,271. We still have some work to do

to reach our pledge goal of $858,500. Join us by

taking a moment to fill out your pledge and send it

in if you have not already done so. We ask that you

send it in as soon as possible so when Session

meets on December 14 to plan the 2021 budget,

your pledge will be included. By committing your

financial pledge to John Knox, you help us to

continue to participate in God’s vision and hope for

the year to come. Please contact the office or email

the Finance Manager, Mindi Schibley at

mschibley@johnknoxpc.org if you have questions

or need a Stewardship mailing.

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SESSION HIGHLIGHTS

November 9, 2020 Virtual Meeting

• Treasurer reported that total operating receipts for October are about 70% of the targeted budget.

Overall operating expenses are under or at budget. Total Year to Date (YTD) loss from operations is

($120,326). After adding in the contributions from the Morris fund and Payroll Protection Program

loan the overall gain YTD is $23,134.

• Terry Jones, Chair of the Finance Committee, presented a summary review of the 2020 budget from

the Finance Committee. With the Payroll Protection Program (PPP) loan, Morris bequest and special

gifts we should be able to balance our budget for 2020. He pointed out that for 2021 he is not aware

of any special gifts and we may not have another PPP loan. He wanted Session to be aware that it

may be more difficult to meet our balanced budget in 2021 if there is a repeat of lower pledge revenue

next year.

• Session discussed the first section of the book Be the Bridge: Pursuing God's Heart for Racial

Reconciliation by Latasha Morrison. Discussed the importance of true history and recognizing that

there are times for lament to initiate healing.

• Motion was approved to accept the slated JKPC Corporate Officers.

• Heard report from the task force looking at readiness for opening. Discussed the need to have a clear

but flexible policy regarding what will be done in terms of on-site small group meetings, funerals, etc.

at JKPC if the Cuyahoga County Covid-19 designation moves to purple.

• Christian Education reported that Sunday School is doing well with a distanced program in Trinity

Hall. Youth were raking leaves and clearing gutters for members that needed assistance. Planning is

going into the Night in Bethlehem and Christmas Eve family service events.

• Heard report that preparations are underway to serve ~500 for the Thanksgiving community meal.

• Committees are looking into how to still do traditional JKPC events in a safe manner.

WHAT’S UP AT JKPC? WHAT’S UP AT JKPC?

To The Congregation of John Knox Church,

I would like to take this opportunity to thank all of my John Knox family for the many

calls and cards I received. In addition, there were those who picked me up and

transported me to the doctors, meetings, groceries etc. I cannot tell you how moved I

was at the multitude of offers for food and help. My John Knox family showed what it

means to be Christians in action.

Sincerely,

Lillian Predota

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SERVICE & OUTREACH

FOOD PANTRY NEWS Thank you for your continued support of the JKPC Food Pantry. Our plan for the month of December is to prepare bags of non-perishable food items that may help families and individuals who are needing assistance.

Here are some ideas:

cereal

oatmeal

granola bars

ravioli

spaghetti-o's

macaroni and cheese (often sold in 4 packs just add water)

canned tuna

canned chicken

peanut butter

jelly

applesauce singles (often sold in 6 packs)

canned fruit

soups and stews

All items must be new, unopened, and within shelf life (not expired.) You may bring your items during church office hours and drop them off at the red buggy or at the church office.

God Bless!!

GROCERY PICKUP For the month of December, the food pantry will be closed, but we have pre

-bagged groceries available. These can be picked up in the office during

regular office hours.

Matthew 25:37-40 Then the righteous will answer him,

‘Lord, when was it that we saw you

hungry and gave you food, or thirsty and

gave you something to drink? And when

was it that we saw you a stranger and

welcomed you, or naked and gave you

clothing? And when was it that we saw

you sick or in prison and visited

you?’ And the king will answer them,

‘Truly I tell you, just as you did it to one

of the least of these who are members of

my family, you did it to me.’

CONGREGATIONAL LIFE

It is not too late to contribute hats, mittens,

gloves and socks for those in need during this

season of Advent. Collection boxes are

located outside Trinity Hall now through

Thursday, December 17.

This is a collaborative effort between

Congregational Life and the Mission

Committee. All that we receive will be shared

with the Garden Valley Neighborhood and a

Christian day care center in Lorain County.

Please help us make our donations generous

as many in these communities are in need.

A THANK YOU FROM LOVE INC

THANK YOU to all the churches who collected coats

for our coat drive this year. Even in the midst of a

pandemic you still donated over 2,000 coats. We

distributed them last week to several ministries in

the city. Additionally, we have received more calls

from people needing coats than any of us can

remember. Our clothing room has been busy!

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MISSION

ANGEL TREE

Just like everything else this year, the Angel Tree is going to look different. Perhaps more than ever,

families in our own community need your assistance. You will bring such comfort and joy to the families

in the program this year during a time when challenges and stress are both high. It’s been a rough year…

you make a positive difference!!

This year we are offering a contactless option for you to shop for items for families in our community in

the comfort and safety of your own homes. We felt it the responsible approach given such

unprecedented times during the COVID- 19 pandemic to provide you with a registry of items which can

be purchased and delivered directly to our pantry. We believe this is the safest way to administer our

program this year. You can also include household items and wrapping paper for families to wrap their

own gifts this year. For ease, all of our registries were developed on Amazon. When shopping choose

delivery to the Oxcart Pantry 26272 Country Club Blvd., N Olmsted OH 44070 and include a gift receipt

whenever possible!!

Below is the link to the gift registry for our

families

Amazon Registries

All items are due back by the 18th of

December. If strays arrive late, the Oxcart

Pantry will get them to the families at a

later date.

For the gifts that are usually on the Angel

Tree for John Knox Church families in

need, Please sign up to purchase those gifts

via the link below. If you have any

questions, please contact Kim Tunney at

440-454-3194 or kwtunney@yahoo.com.

Angel Tree Sign-up Sheet

GUATEMALA and NICARAGUA UPDATE

The situation in Guatemala continues to be very difficult for the region and communities in which we

work. The virus and food/medical supplies are greatly needed and then hurricane Eta and mud slides

resulting in road closures. Our partner - Fundenor - is taking supplies to the villages and assisting the

communities affected by the slides. Funds are planning to be sent to help with the food distributions

and if you wish to help you can provide a check to Mindi marked Guatemala Relief or send it to

Guatemala Family Development (PayPal or check) PO Box 215 - Avon Lake 44012.

In Nicaragua the conditions are even worse where our Missionary Partner - Ariel Mendoza is. The

hurricane has caused floods and in Esteli there is much damage. His house was damaged with part of a

mud slide and his car was underwater. Food is in very short supply and the government does not even

recognize there is a virus problem. Some funds to help were sent but conditions will continue. If

additional funds are available, we will plan to send them in early December.

Please pray for our partners and brothers and sisters in Guatemala and Nicaragua. Thank you for your

support.

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INFO YOU CAN USE

Having trouble with technology? Having trouble with Zoom, finding the service on Sunday or connecting with the

devotions? This is a time when technology is keeping us connected more than ever. Services and devotions are

online, classes and coffee hours will be happening via Zoom, and we don't want anyone left out or frustrated. And we

know technology can be frustrating! We want to help if we can. Sign up here and a tech deacon will contact you!

Tech Help Form

Tech deacons are forming. Several people are already signed up, and we are looking for more. Please sign up here if

you are willing to connect with church members to troubleshoot very basic tech issues like using Zoom, finding the

right way to watch the service on Sundays, or just logging on to basic social technology. Sign up here if you are

interested in serving as a tech deacon.

Tech Deacon Sign-up

Questions, contact Susanne sbendoraitis@johnknoxpc.org

TIPS FOR CREATING A SACRED SPACE

The Rev. Chris Miller of Trinity Presbyterian Church in Springfield, Missouri, offers these ideas for creating a sacred

space at home.

Try to find a place in your home where you already go to feel at peace. Think about where you go when you want to

calm down or need a moment to yourself. “For me, it is often the wooden rocker on my front porch,” he said.

For many people, a comfortable place to sit is a key element, as it allows us to relax. “My only suggestion is this not

be your bed. It can become too easy for prayer time to become naptime. Not that naptime is a bad thing, it’s just

different from prayer time.”

If there are physical distractions in the space, see if there is an easy way to move them. Even if they don’t leave the

room, maybe you can rearrange the space, so they are out of your sight.

See if there is a way to bring meaningful or peaceful items into the space. There might be pictures of family and

friends, candles, plants, chimes, etc. “For me, the wind chimes on our porch are a gentle reminder of the move-

ment of the Spirit”, said Miller.

In addition to physical changes in the space, Miller suggests considering your spiritual/emotional state as you enter

your sacred space. Here are a few thoughts:

When entering a time of worship or prayer, try to do so intentionally. Decide that this is a time you are going to

focus on prayer, or read Scripture, or engage in extended worship. Allow yourself to set aside other concerns until

your time of worship or prayer is over.

Mark the start and end of your time with a pattern. This might be taking a few deep breaths, lighting a candle, or

reciting a prayer or verse of Scripture.

Try to set aside distractions that might pull you away from your sacred space. Turn your phone on silent or “do not

disturb” - especially if you are using it as part of your prayer or worship time. If you aren’t planning to use your

phone, you might even leave it in another room.

Missing out on the John Knox live-stream worship

services? You can watch every JK service on the

johnknoxpc.org or on the John Knox YouTube channel. If

you do not have access to the internet, please reach out to

the office, 440-777-3744. We will add you to our mailing

list and you will receive audio CDs of select services and a

DVD of our most recent Devotional videos. These are

sent periodically to make sure everyone can stay

connected!

Don’t forget as you do your Christmas shopping that the preschool is participating in the AmazonSmiles program. We receive a percentage of purchases made from customers that designate the preschool as their charity of choice. When selecting the preschool we are listed under JOHN KNOX PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH NORTH OLMSTED. Make sure each device you use is set for the correct charity. Thank you for your support and happy shopping!

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CHRISTIAN EDUCATION

In November, Christian Education continued Sunday School, Youth Group, and Playgroup. Sunday School gathered to learn more about God’s boundless love, and created some fun playdoh in the process! TNT and Crew helped rake leaves and make gifts for homebound members. Playgroup came together and connected families to each other and our church community. Christian Education at JKPC is also gearing up for a special Advent Season! Hanging of the Greens, Pancakes & Pajamas, Night in Bethlehem, and Advent packets are some ways we are making this Advent season special, even when it feels a little different.

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25200 Lorain Road North Olmsted, OH

44070

Phone: 440-777-3744 E-mail: info@johnknoxpc.org

Website: johnknoxpc.org

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