From the Pastor’s Desk
“For the law came through Moses; grace and truth came through Jesus Christ.”
John 1:17
Elaine Ward, in her article, “Christmas is a Paradox, writes, “Christmas is a paradox, for it is both hope and despair, love and fear.“ For many of us that is so true! We can get caught up in the traditions of the holiday, but for many the real meaning of Christmas has been lost. Jesus was not sent so that we could have those heartfelt traditions that make our Christmas‘ so special.
He didn’t come that there would be a day off from work or so the church can put on yet another pageant. He didn’t come so that we could keep Hallmark lucrative. He didn’t come so that we could mail out gifts or shop all night on Thanksgiving night.
He came so that we might have grace and truth!
GRACE: The first definition of grace in the Webster Dictionary is favor, kindness, mercy. Interestingly if you follow down in the list of definitions we come upon 9. Ecclesiastical use: a. divine favor; mercy. b. help given man by God for his regeneration and sanctification.
TRUTH: fidelity, honesty
What wonderful gifts came through this divine event! What has happened to those qualities? What avenues help us to be regenerated and sanctified? What has happened to honesty?
Moses was given the law! We need rules and regulations so that humanity is not in chaos constantly, but the law is not enough. We must recapture the qualities that Jesus came to give us. It is not enough to follow the speed limit – we must follow it because we care about the other people on the road. The law says we shall not steal, but that’s not enough. We must realize that the action of stealing hurts someone else. The law says we cannot murder, but we must follow that law because we respect the life of all people.
As the Holy Spirit touches you this Christmas season, remember the gifts of grace and truth and let your life reflect those gifts.
A story is told of an old man who visited a stone quarry and asked three stone cutters what they were doing.
The first man said, “Can’t you see, I am cutting stone!”
The second mans said, “I’m earning a hundred dollars a week.”
The third man replied, “I’m helping to build a cathedral.”
Pastor Marilyn
The Church Owl
Which state was the first to declare Christmas a holiday? Alabama in 1836
Were there ever restrictions on the celebration of Christmas in the United States?
The Puritans in 1659 forbid the celebration and exacted a fine for any offense. It was repealed in 1681
Who was the first US President to light the National Christmas Tree in Washington?
President Calvin Coolidge in 1923.
Announcements
Sunday School – 8:30 AM in the Community Building
Choir Practice Every Wednesday at 4:00pm
Pastor Marilyn : You can reach her at 607-222-8261. If anyone needs to meet, or need a visit or counseling, be sure to call. Winter Address: Rev. Marilyn and Ray Barnard, 5201 W. Camelback Rd. Lot B 31, Phoenix, AZ 85031
Today, Sunday, December 2nd – The Dochertys will be serving breakfast following the church service to raise funds for their School District in Brick Township “Santa’s Gifts for Sandy’s Kids.”
MONTROSE COMMUNITY CHORALE will be presenting a Christmas Program today at the Montrose High School at 3:00
Sunday, Dec. 2nd – First Sunday in Advent
Thursday, Dec. 6th – Prayer Shawl Ministry Group meets at Carolyn White’s at 7pm
Saturday, Dec. 8th – there will be a reception in the Community Building from 1 to 4. All are invited to come wish Christopher Ralston good luck on the next stage of his life. He will be leaving for the Air Force on Dec. 17, 2012
Sunday, Dec. 9th – Second Sunday in Advent
Monday, Dec. 10th – Presbyterian Women meet at Noon – Bring cookies to share and a Christmas reading.
Saturday, Dec. 15th – DEADLINE for Esther’s granddaughter “Soles for Souls “
Sunday, Dec. 16th – Third Sunday in Advent
Friday, Dec. 21st – First Day of Winter
Sunday, Dec. 23rd – Fourth Sunday in Advent
Monday, Dec. 24th – Christmas Eve Service – 7pm
Tuesday, Dec. 25th – MERRY CHRISTMAS
Monday, Dec. 31st – New Years Eve / Watch Night
Tuesday, Jan. 1st – HAPPY NEW YEAR
A Heartfelt Thanks To:
Jonathan Creamer who became a member of The Household of Faith of Franklin Hill Presbyterian Church through Baptism.
And to:
Alex Creamer and Matthew Ralston who became confirmed members of Franklin Hill Presbyterian Church
What Is the Christmas Joy Offering?
For more than 70 years, Presbyterians have given generously at Christmas to support the unmet needs of families who have devoted their lives to the mission of the PC (USA). Today this Offering is shared equally by the Assistance Program of the Board of Pension, which provides critical assistance to Presbyterian church workers and their families, and Presbyterian-affiliated racial ethnic schools and colleges, which enable students to develop their gifts and find their calling. The Offering dates back to the 1930′s, when the former Presbyterian Church in the United States and began an offering to supplement inadequate retirement income and provide supplemental medical insurance for former ministers, missionaries, church workers, and their families. Although its roots trace back many years, this special offering remains just as essential today. Equally important to the financial help provided is the spiritual benefit received. Again and again, the individuals and families helped by the Offering say that as crucial as the financial assistance is, what really sustains them is the knowledge that the church is standing with them in their time of need.
Don’t forget our card ministry – If you would like a card sent to a particular person to give them a lift or let them know they are missed or offer encouragement, etc. etc., just give the name and address to Joyce. Cards, envelopes and postage will be provided and placed on a table in the Community Building the first Sunday of each month. As we file past the table on our way to the coffee pot, we will be able to sign each of the cards and Joyce will address the envelopes and mail them.
Presbyterian Women – Twelve ladies attended the Nov. meeting of the FHPW, which met at the Community Building with the meeting being led by Pauline Stevens. The treasurer reported a balance of $3478.39 and $51.00 was collected for the Women’s Resource Center. Edith Siedlecki agreed to be the new secretary. The Hunter’s Lunch was planned followed by a study of I Timothy led by Cindy DeGraw. The December meeting will be held on Monday the 10th and ladies are reminded to bring cookies for a cookie exchange and a favorite Christmas story/poem, to tell or read.
Coffee Hour – There is a new sign up sheet in the foyer for 2013. Starting in January, we still need a couple people to sign up and you would need to see that the coffee is made and the juice is out and that things are set up. We are then asking that each family bring something to share. Homemade is great, but it does not need to be, and let’s try to bring healthy foods, such as little finger sandwiches, fruit, veggies, healthy snacks and maybe a few sweets for a treat. Let’s all try to help each other for this monthly time of fellowship and let’s keep it simple and healthy. If you have any questions, please see Ella Darrow.
Loose Change Offerings
1st Sunday – Local Emergency/Deacon’s Fund
2nd Sunday – Local Emergency/Deacon’s
3rd Sunday – Kenya/Rev. Malaho
4th Sunday – Building Maintenance
5th Sunday – Habitat for Humanity (whenever there is a 5th Sunday)
The Women’s Resource Center it is in need of: Diapers: All sizes but especially sizes 4 & 5′s, toilet tissue, laundry detergent, cleaning supplies, There are other items on the list and posted in the Vestibule but these items are a high priority. Please give the items to Bonne. Thank You, PBW Ladies
Franklin Hill Presbyterian Church – 200th Anniversary Celebration
Mark Your Calendars: Our 200th Anniversary Celebration will be held on September 8, 2013. We will start the day with Sunday School and Worship in the morning followed by a noon meal. In the afternoon we will have a celebration of the 200 years of the church followed by an ice cream social.
We will be looking for contacts for people who have moved from the area to invite back for the day. Of course we will be building up to the celebration and welcoming visitors all year if they cannot come on the 8th. Joyce Printz will plan the Worship Service with lots of music. Ken Post will coordinate a float for the 4th of July parade in Montrose. Esther Darrow has been sending in old photos and memorabilia. If you have any old photos or anecdotes to share please send them to Jim Perkins.
We will need volunteers to accomplish an unforgettable celebration. See Jim Perkins, chair or Pastor Marilyn. Bob Pratt and Esther Darrow are co-vice chairs.