HAPPY NEW YEAR!!!!No, you are not reading an old

SPIRE issue…

We are in Advent now and Advent, inthe church calendar, is technically

the beginning of a new year. The churchyear ends on Christ the King Sunday(usually the Sunday before Thanksgiving)and begins on 1st Advent (the Sunday thatfalls after Thanksgiving). Each year beginsthe next year/cycle of lectionary passagesand they are broken down into three years;A, B and C.

It might seem weird at first to imaginethat we start the New Year on Nov 29th butif you think about it, it might make sense.New Year’s Eve is usually aboutcelebrating the blessings of the past yearand giving hope to new resolutions andnew beginnings.

Since we have all just finished enjoyinga bountiful feast of Thanksgiving, we havehopefully paused, even for a minute, togive thanks to God for all the blessings ofthe past year. Post-thanksgiving feast,pushing back from the table, we havelikely already started our resolutions (i.e.,perhaps to not ‘over-eat’ this holiday sea-son). As Black Friday adverts clamored forour attention, we also may have made aresolution about not going ‘overboard’ this

Christmas. Or at least hope to keep ourspending habits in line and giving gifts thatare more thoughtful and/or more authentic.

Lastly, the beauty of NewYears is that we can say goodbye to all that was hard, hurtfulor grief-filled and put hope in aNew Year, which can be filledwith promise, courage and faith.

That, my friends, is also thetrue meaning of Advent.Advent is a season ofpreparation and waiting.It is a season for all thosethings we want to witness,again or for the first time.The word advent is ananglicized word from theLatin word adventus,meaning “coming”. Sohope, promise, courage andfaith are coming; they areliterally on the way.

In the daily, sometimes hourly barrageof news headlines about terrorist attacks,planes being shot down, school shootingsand civil unrest, we need a new year. Weneed hope, promise, courage and faith.We need hope beyond all hope. Thishowever will not come by making theperfectly decorated tree, getting the perfectgifts for family and friends and whateveryour vision of the perfect Christmas is.

It comes from gathering togetherand worshiping the God who bringslove to us in an infant-child.

It comes from preparing our soulsfor the coming of the One inwhom we live and move andhave our being.

It comes from the Word,made flesh, and who is the

ONLY ONE who can bring peaceto the earth.

It comes from our heartsbeing willing to be the firstto beat swords into plow-shares and make spears intopruning hooks. It comesfrom our words and prayersand actions that fightagainst nations lifting upswords against one another.

I hope and deeply praythat we all have a blessed

NEW YEAR as we begin Advent.

I hope and deeply pray we all findmore courage, hope and faith.

I hope and deeply pray that all yourNew Year’s hopes and dreams are madeevident in the arrival of Immanuel, Godwith us.

Celebrating the New Year with youwhile we wait for the Christ-child,

♥ Rev.Jen

First Presbyterian Church of BoontonDECEMBER 2015DECEMBER 2015

Lightof the

World

Hope,faithand

peacefrom the

Dear Saints,

2

BELL ChoirPerformance

December 6at 1000 Worship

PWChristmasLuncheon

NoonDEC 16

DECEMBER 1310:00 AM

CHOIR CANTATA11:15 AM

Holiday COOKIE WALK

DEC129:30 AM

HHaannggiinngg oofftthhee GGrreeeennss

Select an Angel Tag

from the Tree.

Donate a gift by

FRIDAY

December 11- 10AM

Children’sPageant

December 2010:00 AM

CChhrriissttmmaass PPooiinnsseettttiiaassCChhrriissttmmaass PPooiinnsseettttiiaassDecorate the sanctuaryfor Christmas inmemory/honor ofa loved one. Orderby early December$$1100 ppeerr ppllaanntt

Christmas EveCandlelight ServiceCarols & LessonsDecember 24

11 PM

AdventCandleLighting

SundaysNovember 29 thru

December 20

Comingof theLight

ServiceDEC 20DEC 20

7 PM

3

NOTES from The Choir DirectorDECEMBER 2015

HHeeaarr YYee,, HHeeaarr YYee!!Music Ministry at First Church is in

full swing and singers and ringersalike are diligently rehearsing for theAdvent and Christmas seasons.

2015 REHEARSAL SCHEDULESARE AS FOLLOWS:

Chancel ChoirThursday evenings 7:30–9pm

Saturday 12/5 Bonus Rehearsal

Hand Bell Choir Thursday evenings 6:15–7:30pm

Thursday 12/3 and Saturday 12/5Bonus Rehearsal

The Hand Bell Choir will be ringingduring morning worship on Sunday, December 6. Come hear the joyful ring-ing of the holiday season!

A Christmas Choir Cantata will bepresented during morning worship onSunday, December 13, entitled “Behold

the Star” by Lloyd Larson. Itwill feature the ChancelChoir and narrators from thecongregation. Come one andall to celebrate the seasonand to enjoy this enrichingmusical experience.

Chancel Choir Rehearsals will Resume in2016 on Thursday, Jan 14th

Hand Bell Choir rehearsals will Resumein 2016 Thursday, Feb 4th

AAtttteennttiioonn CChhooiirrss:: There will be norehearsals on Sundays, December 20thand January 3rd and Thursdays,December 31st and January 7th. Enjoy this time off to celebrate theChristmas and New Year’s season! Seeyou in 2016!

If you are interested in becoming amember of any of the above-mentionedchoirs, please call or e-mail theorganist/choir director, Sarah Berta (570-947-6330babbleon247@yahoo.com). Hope to seeyou at the next rehearsal! ♥

REHEARSALS for CHRISTMAS PAGEANTat First Church are commencing!

ALL INTERESTED CHILD(REN) AND PARENTS ARE REQUESTED TO ATTEND.There are speaking, dramatic roles and learning traditional carols for children/youth. Parental assistance is also needed to coordinate costumes and props,as well as chaperoning the rehearsals.

Rehearsals are being held on the following Sundays:Sunday, Dec 6............ 11:30 am –12:30 pm

– Assignment of characters/costume fittingsSunday, Dec 13...........11:30 am –12:30 pm

– Blocking and run-thru with costumes

Sunday, Dec 20 is the PageantPlease contact Sarah Berta,

organist/choir director, with any questions (babbleon247@yahoo.com / 570-947-6330). ♥

http://www.fpcboonton.org

“O come, O come, Emmanuel,And ransom captive Israel,

That mourns in lonely exile hereUntil the Son of God appear.

Rejoice! Rejoice!Emmanuel shall come to thee,

O Israel”

4

GGIIFFTTSS In Memory of Loved Ones

The Memorials Committee encouragesall to continue their generous gifts/contributions to the Memorials Fundwhich cares for many special projectsincluding Music, Care of the Grounds,and the Scholarship Fund.

FOR:................. Alice & David Middleton

GIVEN BY:...... Jack, Bruce and Glen Middleton

CCHHRRIISSTTMMAASS PPOOIINNSSEETTTTIIAASSPlease use the envelopes provided in

the pews to order poinsettias inmemory or in honor of a loved one.

Donations are $10.00 per plant.The poinsettias will decorate the

sanctuary on December 24th for theChristmas Eve Services. After theCandlelight service on ChristmasEve, you may take the poinsettia

with you, or ask a Deacon todeliver it to a homebound member.

2222000011116666 SSSSTTTTEEEEWWWWAAAARRRRDDDDSSSSHHHHIIIIPPPP:::: FFFF IIII SSSSCCCCAAAALLLL AAAANNNNDDDD SSSSPPPP IIIIRRRR IIII TTTTUUUUAAAALLLL FFFF IIII TTTTNNNNEEEESSSSSSSS“What is your ‘Faith–Fitbit’ telling you?” - Did you know???

• Our current mission and ministry commitment relies on each member giving $48/week?• Only 25% of our members meet (or exceed) that fair share of the cost to sustain our congregation?

Here is what we are asking you to prayerfully consider:• 35% of our members need to STEP IN to fiscal and spiritual fitness and START contributing $20/week.• 50% of our members need to STEP UP their contributions to $48/week.• 15% of our members need to STRETCH to $70/week to make our goal.

All contributions will help towards our goal of a ten percent growth in overall giving for 2016.We are asking all members to pledge according to the guidelines above by utilizing the pledge card below,

or via upcoming automated electronic payments, starting in January.

FOR THE MISSION AND MINISTRY TO GOD’S GLORY!FOR THE MISSION AND MINISTRY TO GOD’S GLORY!

First Presbyterian Church of Boonton 2016I am/We are ready to increase our fiscal and spiritual fitness by:

Circle one: • STEPPING IN to $20/week • STEPPING UP to $48/week

• STRETCHING to $70/week • Other: $_________________

NAME(S): ___________________________________________________ADDRESS: ___________________________________________________I would like to get e-reminders: Email: ______________________________I would like monthly text reminders. Cell #: ___________________________� Please check if you want weekly envelopesPlease hand this part to an usher or e-mail your confidential pledge to Lu Anne Rothrock, Financial Secretary: luannerothrock@optonline.net

Keep this portion as a recordof your 2016 commitment

My /Our Commitment

Circle One:

• STEPPING IN to $20/week

• STEPPING UP to $48/week

• STRETCHING to $70/week

• Other: $ _________

SUNDAY

First Sunday of Advent10:00 WorshipBaptism of Michael David CurranNO SUNDAY SCHOOL11:15 Coffee Hr.

7:00 A.A.

Third Sunday of Advent10:00 Worship &Choir Cantata

11:15 Coffee Hr–COOKIE Walk11:30 Pageant Rehearsal

7:00 A.A.

Fourth Sunday of Advent

10:00 Worship &CHILDREN’S PAGEANT

11:15 Coffee Hr.

7:00 A.A.

10:00 WorshipNO Sunday School

11:15 Coffee Hr.

7:00 A.A.

MONDAY

Pearl HarborRemembrance Day

7:00 Cub Scouts7:30 PW BIBLE STUDY

7:00 SESSION

First Day of Winter

TUESDAY

7:00 Operations Co-opMeeting

7:00 A.A

9:00 Love 2 LearnPreschoolChristmas Program

WEDNESDAY

3:00 Conservatory

3:00 Conservatory

3:00 Conservatory

THURSDAY

6:15 Hand Bell Choir7:30 Chancel Choir

6:00 Girl Scouts

7:30 Chancel Choir

7:30 Chancel Choir

7 pm – Christmas Family Service

11pm CandlelightService &

Communion

Office ClosedTomorrow Jan 1

6

13

20

27

7

14

21

28

1

8

15

22

29

2

9

16

23

30

3

10

17

24

31

FRIDAYBoonton Main Street

FIRST Friday

7:00 Cub Scouts Pack 201

CChhrriissttmmaass DDaayyOffice Closed

SATURDAY

Hand Bells & ChoirRehearsals

Tekna TheouLOCK-IN

4

11

18

25

5

12

19

26

December2015

9:30 amHanging

of theGreens

NoonPW Christmas

Luncheonat Marilyn

Ward’s

Second Sunday of Advent10:00 Worship–Communion

Deacon’s-Fireman’s HomeBELL CHOIR Performs

11:15 TeknaTheou Meet.11:15 Deacons Meet.11:15 ROCK Angel Tree Shop11:30 Pageant Rehearsal

7:00 A.A.

Angel TreeGifts due at

church

Rev. Jen’s Vacation December 27 – January 3

7 pm7 pmComing of theComing of theLight ServiceLight Service

NOVEMBER 30NOVEMBER 29

Don’t forget to order your Poinsettias

6

6

DECEMBER 1311:15am

Prayer To Go

In this Advent of expectationdraw us together in unity,

that our praise and worshipmight echo in these walls

and also through our lives.In this Advent of expectationdraw us together in mission,

that the hope withinmight be the song we sing,

and the melody of our lives.In this Advent of expectationdraw us together in service,

that the path we followmight lead us from a stable

to a glimpse of eternity.

CCoommiinngg oofftthhee

LLiigghhttSSeerrvviiccee

First Presbyterian ChurchBoonton

December 20 • 7 pm

a service full of music,drama, joy, and poetry,

to celebrate thecoming of the LIGHT

HANGING OF THEGREENS

PAGEANT

7

Please continue tocontribute your

changeto the

“Drop-in-the-Bucket”Font.

JJOOYYSSAANNDD GGOODD SSHHAALLLL GGRRIIEEVVEE WWIITTHH ......LYNN PETERSON AND HER SISTERS — as they mourn the sudden death

of Augie Bartell (Lynn’s stepfather) – Please pray for comfort and peace for Lynn and her sisters.

THE SCELBA FAMILY — Frank Scelba, Dave’s beloved father, was calledhome to his Lord in November. Please hold the Scelba family in your prayers,

especially Dave’s Mom, Irma.

IINN OOUURR PPRRAAYYEERRSS:: CCoonncceerrnnss

♥ ♥ ♥ ♥ ♥ ♥ ♥ ♥

JOAN BORGSTROM — LisaHordnes’ mother, fell and is hospital-

ized in S. Carolina. Please pray she canstabilize quickly so she and husbandEinor can be moved back to NJ.

MARGARET THOMAS — hasbeen moved permanently to the

Franciscan Oaks Health Center. Pleasepray for her during this difficulttransition.

MARK — Betty Tilli’s friend, is un-dergoing radiation treatment for a

rare melanoma.

SYDNEY — Betty Tilli’s granddaugh-ter’s friend, was scheduled for scol-

iosis surgery in Nov. Please pray for asuccessful surgery and recovery.

MATT ROSIN — Jessica Beatty’sclassmate, is in coma after being

hit by a bicyclist. He’s been moved to aNY hospital for treatment of braintrauma. Please pray for his recovery.

GWEN WITMER — Marilyn Ward’sniece, has aggressive breast cancer.

Please pray for Gwen’s strength andhealing as she begins chemo.

DONNA KURLEY — is recoveringfrom a concussion after a fall at

home. Further tests have ruled out anyfurther issues, but recovery will be slow.

JUDY BONGO — wife of BeaBeatty’s & Deb Stora’s co-worker,

had double mastectomy and isundergoing 20 weeks of chemo.

LILLY — young friend of AmandaRobert’s friend, is diagnosed with

thyroid cancer.

GINGER HOWELL — daughter ofBobbie Vida’s cousin, is diagnosed

with breast cancer. Keep her in prayers.

BEATRICE PETERSON — Lynn’smother-in-law, has stage four kidney

failure. Keep her in your prayers.

BOB BIRRELL — Lynn Ware’sfriend, is in late stage of prostate

cancer and has kidney stones.

ARLENE PEGUERO — Friend ofRoxanne Tavakkol, is having a very

difficult pregnancy.

DAVE FREEDLAND — EllenScardena’s friend, is in rehab; please

keep Dave in your prayers.

AUDREY CHARLTON — sister ofMay Wiswall, is very ill with cancer.

ANNE MAGILLAN — Phil Beatty’scolleague, is suffering from avascu-

lar necrosis.

TERESA DUFFELL — Kim Robbins’friend, has stage four lung cancer.

ANITA HUNTER — friend ofRoxanne Tavakkol, is suffering from

third relapse of cancer.

CHERYL WENDT — daughter-in-law of Barbara & Peter, has third

recurrence of cancer.

OUR MEN AND WOMEN IN UNIFORM — Let our prayers

still be with all soldiers as theydefend the freedoms that we hold sodear. We are truly grateful for theirservice to our nation. — Especiallyduring this holiday season — Wepray that there can be peace in theworld so all personnel can bewelcomed home. ♥

VIVIAN LOWTHER — celebratedher 101st birthday on November 16!

Praise God for her life and her life ofservice to God and in the world!!

DON ESTLER — is recovering nicelyat Franciscan Oaks Health Center

and hopes to return home for the holi-days. Praise the Lord.

TOM GALAJ — Bobbie Vida’s friend,is out ICU and on his way to recovery.

Praise God!

♥ ♥ ♥ ♥ ♥ ♥ ♥ ♥ ♥ ♥ ♥

First Presbyterian Church513 Birch St • PO Box 157Boonton, New Jersey 07005973-334-3535 • FAX 973-334-3549Website: www.fpcboonton.org

Rev. Jennifer M. Van Zandt, MinisterSarah Berta, Music DirectorNorma Moreno, Administrator

DEACON’S DOIN’SPlease continue

to use thegreen

envelopesprovided.

ATTENTION:OngoingNEEDS

For Your Support

Boonton Food PantryWhen doing your grocery shopping, pleaseremember those less fortunate (especiallyduring the HOLIDAY SEASON). The pantry iscurrently in need of non-perishable items.Please keep in mind that food stamps do notallow for the purchase of health and beautyitems. Items such as shampoo, soap, cleansers,paper goods and diapers must all be paid forwith cash. So these items are always muchneeded as well as food.

Please Note:

1 William Stoll2 James Cargilo3 Jeff Wiswall4 Don Kearney6 Paul Werner II7 Clyde Mascenik-Lobb7 Michael Salas8 LuAnne Rothrock9 Avery Maida10 Sophey Freed12 Kathy Pizar12 Jeanna Spezzacatena16 Bruce Middleton Jr.

16 John Vida17 Rick Reed19 Erika Cowan19 Daniel Arena19 Patti Reed19 Ellen Stevenson23 Paul Werner Sr.25 JESUS27 Jeffrey Bingham27 George Philippoff29 Fred Faehner30 Jack Thoele31 John Crozier

DECEMBER BIRTHDAYS

HappyBirthday!

A Message of Thanks from The Boonton Food PantryDear Board of Deacons.... Many thanks for your help!! Robin and I are most grateful for yourassistance. Our “shoppers” are increasing early, as are our Thanksgiving and Christmas requests forhelp. Because of you, families can be fed and Christmas celebrated. Our Boonton families are mostblessed to have you as their “angels”! Again, thank you, Lucille