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| The Derry Presbyterian Church |
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December 2011/January 2012 Newsletter |
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Saturday, Dec. 24th Christmas Eve Candlelight/Communion Service - 7:00 p.m. Sunday, January 8th Epiphany of the Lord Service with Communion 11:00 a.m. |
| From the Pastor | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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Jesus said, ”The Spirit of the Lord is upon me, because he has anointed me to bring good news to the poor. He has sent me to proclaim release to the captives and recovery of sight to the blind, to let the oppressed go free, to proclaim the year of the Lord’s
favor.” Luke 4:18-19
Dear Brothers and Sister in Jesus Christ, You will receive this letter as you are preparing for the most awaited day of the year, Christmas. It is a day that I love, but I also mourn. It is a day that calls out the best in each of us as people. People are more generous this time of year than any other time. Families spend time together, friends seek each other out to celebrate and renew friendships. And worship attendance will climb. These are all good and God honoring practices. However, our best intentions are overshadowed by the god of consumerism that has usurped this day as a day of material gluttony. Families will spend far more than they can afford to buy gifts that will not fulfill on credit cards that will hold us captive for the next year with exorbitant interest rates. People will spend January’s rent money to provide for the “Christmas” that the marketing media has told us is necessary for a happy day. Jesus proclaims what his birth means to us. It means that we hear the good news of Jesus redeeming love and we share that good news with other, both in word and deed. We are given eyes to see the world for what it truly is. One more good deal on one more thing will not bring us joy or fulfillment except for a very short time. Only living into the people that God has made us to be will bring us that which our hearts most yearn to receive. Our true freedom will come not from more money or things but from less. We must have less concern with the material trapping of this life and more of the true gifts of relationships and sharing with others. There is a small book by Mike Slaughter called Christmas Is Not Your Birthday which gives some insights into another way of viewing this holiday which has become the most anticipated and the most disappointing for most of us. I invite you to make time to not just celebrate the consumerism of the season but to embrace the true joy of the event of the Heaven Coming Down in the form of a baby to live among us and show us the way. Blessings and Peace, Helen Weekly Scripture Readings for the Months of December 2011 and January 2012 Sunday, Nov. 27th - Dec. 3rd: Isaiah 40:1-11; Psalm 85: 1-2, 8-13; II Peter 3:8-15a; Mark 1:1-8 Sunday, Dec. 4th - 10th: Isaiah 61:1-4, 8-11; Psalm 126; I Thessalonians 5:16-24; John 1:6-8, 19-28 Sunday, Dec. 11th - 17th: II Samuel 7:1-11, 16; Psalm 89:1-4, 19-26; Romans 16:25-27; Luke 1:26-28 Sunday, Dec. 18th - 24th: Isaiah 52:7-10; Psalm 98; Hebrews 1:1-12; John 1:1-14 Sunday, Dec. 25th - Dec. 31st: Isaiah 61:10-62:3; Psalm 148; Galatians 4:4-7; Luke 2:22-40 Sunday, Jan.1st - 7th: Genesis 1:1-5; Psalm 29; Acts 19:1-7; Mark 1:4-11 Sunday, Jan. 8th - 14th: I Samuel 3:1-20; Psalm 139:1-6, 13-28; I Corinthians 6:12-20; John 1:43-51 Sunday, Jan. 15th - 21st: Jonah 3:1-5, 10; Psalm 62:5-12; I Corinthians 7:29-31; Mark 1:14-20 Sunday, Jan 22nd - 28th: Deuteronomy 18:15-20; Psalm 111; I Corinthians 8:1-13; Mark 1:21-28 If anyone is interested in receiving their newsletter by e-mail instead, please call the church office with your e-mail address and we will send it as you requested.
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Prayer List for December 2011 and January 2012
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Mark Bush - sign-language
Interpreter Chris Johnes - Military Nathan & Elizabeth Durika-Military Barb Johnson When you or a loved one is hospitalized, please be sure to have someone contact the church. The Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act of 1996 (HIPAA) requires that you give permission to the hospital to release information related to your stay. Giving permission will allow the hospital to notify clergy of your name and hospital room number so that they may visit you. If you do not agree to release such information, the hospital is not allowed to share it. Helen wants you to know, “If you know anyone sick or hospitalized, please let me know. I would rather five people call me about the same person, than I miss someone because everyone thinks I know.”
Please Remember Our Shut-ins
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Louise Swartz
Evelyn Roach Mary Hutchinson John Nicholson Requests have been made to publish a list of addresses and telephone numbers of all our shut-ins. Please contact the church office secretary to obtain the address and telephone numbers of the shut-ins if you care to send a card, note or make a phone call. A card, note or phone call would be greatly appreciated by those members who are unable to attend worship services. Also remember to keep each one in your prayers.
Our Church Elders and Deacons
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Head Elder Schedule for December 2011 and January 2012
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Dec. 4th - Janet Ressler
Dec. 11th - Susan Young Dec. 18th - Dennis Dablock Dec. 25th - Alfred Young Jan 1st: John Walkinshaw Jan. 8th - Debbie Mewherter Jan. 15th - Judy Skoloda Jan. 22nd - Janet Ressler Jan. 29th - Dennis Dablock
Here's What's Happening in December 2011 and January 2012
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December 2011 Mondays & Wednesdays - 3-5:00 p.m. “Giant Slayers” Open Basement Thursdays - Dec. 1st, 8th, 15th, 22nd - 6:00 p.m. Vesper Services Sunday, December 4th - 4:00 p.m. Ordination of Ron Durika Sunday, December 11th - 11:00 a.m. Worship with Communion - Youth Group Luncheon Fundraiser to follow in Fellowship Hall Friday, Dec. 16th - 6:30 p.m. “Giant Slayers” Christmas Party & Caroling Sunday, Dec. 18th - 7:00 p.m. Christmas Play & Party Tuesday, Dec. 20th - 6:30 p.m. Women’s Ministry Covered Dish Dinner Saturday, Dec. 24th - 7:00 p.m. Christmas Eve Candlelight Service with Communion Sunday, Dec. 25th - 11:00 a.m. Worship With Communion and Brunch January 2012 Mondays & Wednesdays - 3-5:00 p.m. “Giant Slayers” Open Basement Sunday, Jan. 8th - 11:00 a.m. Worship with Communion with Youth Group Luncheon Fundraiser to follow in Fellowship Hall Tuesday, Jan. 10th - 6:30 p.m. Women’s Ministry Dinner here at DPC Wednesday, Jan. 25th - 6:00 p.m. Baptized Children’s Group Friday, Jan. 27th - 7:00 p.m. Youth Fun Night Sunday, Jan. 29th - 11:00 a.m. Worship Youth Sunday
Women’s News
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The Women’s Ministry group will gather on Tuesday, December 20th for a covered dish dinner at the church, and on Tuesday, Jan. 24th at the Coffee Beanery in Latrobe, each evening will be filled with Bible study, fellowship and good food.
Men’s Christian Ministry
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The Men’s Ministry group will meet on Thursday December 15th at Sharkey’s on Route 30. Come for a time of good food, fellowship, and Bible study. The January meeting will be announced at a later time.
A Very Happy Birthday to.....
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December Birthdays Beth Bluey 12/28 Lorie Dablock 12/31 John Duff 12/31 Aaron Durika 12/28 Roger Frye 12/13 Clayton Hanning 12/04 Barb Johnson 12/11 Robin Leaf 12/1 Bob Leaf 12/27 Courtney McCracken 12/14 Benjamin Poole 12/29 Jennifer Poole 12/19 Kenneth Shean, Sr. 12/24 Judy Skoloda 12/21 Teyah Spangler 12/31 Marcia White 12/15 January Birthdays Megan Arthur 1/17 Cammeron Bluey 1/23 Dennis Dablock 1/13 Ron Durika 1/25 Kiley Johnes 1/15 Helen Kester 1/19 Ava Newhouse 1/30 Herk McCracken 1/13 Brad McCracken 1/9 Gage Nicholson 1/17 John Nicholson 1/5 Frances Nicholson 1/14 Bob Patterson 1/2 Ardeth Patterson 1/13 Ken Ressler 1/5 Rose Ross 1/9 Barb Sampson 1/9 Kenneth Shean, Jr. 1/8 Paul Shean 1/28 Susan Veto 1/1 Susan Young If we have missed your birthday, please contact the Church Office. Thank you.
Happy Anniversary to.....
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December Anniversaries Ron & Debra Durika 12/16 Bob Leaf & Debbie Carr 12/24 Leroy & Deborah Mewherter 12/27 Denny & Patty Nicely 12/31 January Anniversaries
If we have missed your anniversary, please contact the Church Office. Thank you.Bob & Ardeth Patterson 1/24 Jeff & Lisa Souders 1/21
Just Born
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Congratulations and God’s blessings to the George Family as Lillian Jane George, daughter of Jayson & Lynn George was born Sunday,
October 30th.
She weighted 4 lb 13oz and 18 inches long and was baptized on Friday, Nov. 4th at Children’s Hospital.
Lion’s Club Eyeglass
Collection
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Do you have old eyeglasses that need a new home? The Lion’s Club is collecting glasses and a donation box is in the Fellowship hall.
LOCAL MISSIONS
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You are invited to help with mission projects above your regular giving. There are a number of opportunities for second mile giving this month. Second Mile giving is money that you give over and above your weekly tithe. It is not simply a matter of moving money from one category to another but actually giving over and above your regular offering. The Session has set up the Dean Sheffler Emergency Benevolence Fund to help people in need of funds because of medical or other emergencies. Your financial love has meant much to families in times of transition. If you would like to give to this fund just put your check in the collection plate or put money in an envelope and mark it Emergency Fund. We have helped with food, rent, and utility service for local residents in need. This month we helped families with food and gasoline cards. The “Coins for Camp” Fund continues. The last Sunday of each month we will take a separate offering of loose coins for camp. The children will pass through the congregation collecting all of your loose change. That change will be used to send our children to any PC (USA) camp or youth event. At this time we have seven youth and two leaders signed up for camp. We will also be participating in the Christmas Joy Offering, which will be collected Sunday, December 20th during the worship service. You are welcome to use the enclosed envelope if you would like to support the Board of Pensions of the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.) for Assistance Programs for current and retired servants of the church. 50% of your gift is distributed to this area. The other 50% of your gift is distributed to the 8 racial schools and colleges of the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.) through the National Ministries Division to assist deserving students.
“No Room In the Inn Group”
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The Derry Presbyterian Players have been working hard to prepare a special play for the church Christmas Party on December 18th at 6:00 pm. Al Young and Heidi Bracken have met with our thespians to practice and learn all of our lines. Please come and support their efforts and enjoy the refreshments and the visit of a very special red suited man. Each family is asked to bring a dozen cookies or a snack to share.
Your Donations are Greatly Needed !!!
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If anyone would like to provide snacks for the Thursday afternoon Children and Youth programs, please bring them to the church kitchen and mark them. We need drink mix, chips, cookies, vegetables, or fruit, frozen pizzas and macaroni & cheese and hot dogs. Parents please note: Now that our young children and youth are back in school and our after-school programs are under way, please remember that if school is cancelled for the day because of inclement weather, all after-school programs are cancelled for that day also.
Kid’s Kingdom
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The Kid’s Kingdom will meet Thursdays, from 4-5 p.m. All children ages Kindergarten through 5th grade are invited to come for a time of Bible stories, games, crafts and fun!
Just 4 Youth
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“Open Basement” Afternoons Open Basements are Mondays and Wednesdays from 3:00 - 5:00 p.m. for Junior and Senior High Youth. We will have fellowship, play games, devotions and light refreshments.
Receptions After Worship
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By act of Session, receptions after worship are now the responsibility of the various groups of the church. Each group is expected to provide a snack and beverage of their choosing. They are also to provide workers to set up and clean up. If you have any questions, please see Helen. Reception Schedule for December/January December 11th - Youth Group Fundraiser January 8th - Youth Group Fundraiser January 15th - Men’s Ministry January 22nd - Church Life January 29th - Session
Ordination of Ron Durika
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Everyone is invited to share in the excitement and joy of the Ordination of Ronald Durika to the office of Teaching Elder (Minister of Word and Sacrament) on December 4th at 4:00 pm. The Service of Ordination will be followed by a meal and a time of fellowship. Ron is a son of this congregation and as such we celebrate the nurture of his faith in this place and the gifts that he brought to our communal life. This is a chance for all of us to share in his call. On November 6th Ron was extended a call to serve as the Associate Pastor at First Irwin Presbyterian Church. The church will be presenting Ron with a set of liturgical stoles to wear with his new robe. If you would like to be help with the purchase of those stoles please give your gifts to Paula.
Sudanese Partners
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Through our First Fruits contributions to the Presbytery of Redstone we support the Partnership with the Evangelical Presbyterian Church in the Sudan. On December 1st we have the pleasure of entertaining a delegation from the Sudan. They will be here at 4:00 pm to share with our children and youth. Then we will have a covered dish dinner for them and they will worship with us for our first Advent Vespers Service. This will be a great way for all of us to take seriously the message of Christmas that Jesus came to save all of us and to pull us all closer together. Please set aside that evening and come and share in this special time of extending hospitality.
Baptized Children Group
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| The Baptized Children group will meet as part of the church Christmas part on Sunday, December 18th The party is at 7:00pm and will include a play, refreshments, a craft for the children and a visit from Santa. Please bring a dozen cookies or a snack to share. On Wednesday, Jan 25th we will meet for a covered dish dinner, a time fellowship and sharing at 6:00 pm in the Fellowship Hall. You are encouraged to bring friends.
Annual Congregational Meeting
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Mark your calendars for Sunday, January 22nd for the Congregational Meeting immediately following the 11:00 a.m. worship service. All Committee Reports are to be in the Church Office no later than Sunday, January 8th so that they can be organized and copied for the meeting. If you have any questions, please see Paula .
2012 Session and Committee Schedules
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Session Schedule:
Jan. 18th, March 21st, May 16th, Aug. 15th, Sept. 19th, Nov. 21st Committee Meetings: Feb., April, (Summer months) Oct.
Join us for Bible Study
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Have you ever wondered why we do what we do in worship? Have you struggled with what baptism and communion are really all about? Do you have question about what is a sacrament? Jan.15,22 and 29th from 7:00-8:00 pm we will discuss why and what we do in worship. Rev. Kester will teach the class and it is for those who have grown up Presbyterian and those who are new to the faith. Come and share in this time of learning and discovery.
Christmas Eve
Candlelight
Communion Service
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The choirs have been working hard to prepare for the celebration of the birth of our Savior. The service celebrates the hope in God that we have in Jesus Christ. In an age of fear from the bully in the halls of school to the uncertain economy and health care with exorbitant prices we need to celebrate the hope we have “When Heaven Comes Down.” See you at 7:00 pm on Saturday, December 24 for a worship service of carols, readings, candle lighting and the Lord’s Supper.
Christmas Day Worship
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Yes, we will have worship at 11:00 am on Sunday, December 25th. This will be a special service, unlike any you have ever celebrated. We will meet in Fellowship Hall. Brunch, Communion, carol singing and group participation will be the order of the day. You will have the chance to choose the songs we sing. So after you have opened the gifts and before you head off to grandma’s house for dinner, come and enjoy the true reason for the day. Remember Christmas is not our birthday, but the birthday of our Savior.
“Giant Slayers”
Youth Group Winter Events
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December
Mondays & Wednesdays - 3-5:00 p.m. “Open Basement” Saturday, Dec. 10th - 2-8:00 p.m. Youth Group Leadership Event Sunday, Nov. 11th - 12:30 p.m. Youth Group Luncheon Fundraiser Friday, Nov. 16th - 6:30 - 9:00 p.m. “Giant Slayer” Christmas Party and Caroling Sunday, Nov. 18th - 7:00 p.m. Christmas Play & Party January Mondays & Wednesdays - 3-5:00 p.m. “Open Basement” Sunday, Jan. 8th - 12:30 p.m. Youth Group Luncheon Fundraiser Friday, Jan. 27th - 7-9:00 p.m. Youth Fun Night Sunday, Jan. 29th - 11:00 a.m. Youth Sunday Tuesday, Jan. 31st - 3:30 p.m. Youth Group Leadership Event Congratulations to the Leadership Team who gathered 375 points: TJ, Katrina, LJ, and Kassie |