GROWING IN OUR ENCOUNTER WITH CHRIST INVITING OTHERS INTO THE ENCOUNTER December 2019 Our Christmas Giving Tree in the main lobby is decorated with names of less fortunate chil- dren in Fayette County. Again this year, we were able to reach out to the families of our Smart Lunch, Smart Kid program and continue blessing them, as we did at Thanksgiving. What a great opportunity to show God’s love to others by providing a gift at Christmas! So, stop by, take a name from the tree, and buy a gift! Please note which tag you took on the sheet next to tree. Return gifts by Wednesday, December 18 We have a busy Holiday Schedule! Take a minute to choose which upcoming events your friends and family would love to attend with you—and invite them today! Christmas Musical Worship Sunday, December 8 at 10:30am Brunch with Santa Sunday, December 8 after worship Details on page 6 Christmas Feast and Caroling to Homebound Sunday, December 15 after worship Details on back page Christmas Eve Candlelight Communion Service Tuesday, December 24 at 7:30pm Including a Living Nativity featuring our Youth Breakfast & Christmas Carols Sunday, December 29 at 10:30am Details on page 7
Transcript
GROWING IN OUR ENCOUNTER WITH CHRIST INVITING OTHERS INTO THE ENCOUNTER
December
2019
Our Christmas Giving Tree in the main lobby is decorated with names of less fortunate chil-dren in Fayette County. Again this year, we were able to reach out to the families of our Smart Lunch, Smart Kid program and continue blessing them, as we did
at Thanksgiving. What a great opportunity to show God’s love to
others by providing a gift at Christmas! So, stop by, take a name from the tree, and buy a gift!
Please note which tag you took on the
sheet next to tree.
Return gifts by Wednesday, December 18
We have a busy
Holiday Schedule!
Take a minute to
choose which
upcoming events
your friends and
family would love to
attend with you—and
invite them today!
Christmas Musical Worship Sunday, December 8 at 10:30am
Brunch with Santa
Sunday, December 8 after worship Details on page 6
Christmas Feast and Caroling to Homebound
Sunday, December 15 after worship Details on back page
Christmas Eve Candlelight Communion Service
Tuesday, December 24 at 7:30pm Including a Living Nativity featuring our Youth
Breakfast & Christmas Carols
Sunday, December 29 at 10:30am Details on page 7
The Connection Newsletter Page 2 December, 2019
Reflections on Mister Rogers by Jill Duffield and the Presbyterian Outlook I felt giddy at the announcement that Tom Hanks had been cast to play my childhood guide in an upcoming movie, then bought tickets online and went with my family to see “A Beautiful Day in the Neighborhood” on its first day in theaters. The lights went down and the familiar songs and scenes from Mister Rogers’ neighborhood filled the theater. I fell through the looking glass, picturing the early 1970s television in the living room of our apartment on Spring Garden Street. I felt like a little kid again. A combination of nostalgia and longing enveloped me. I like you just the way you are. Please, won’t you be my neighbor? I am so glad to see you. How did Mister Rogers make these simple statements so believable
to everyone he met through what he considered the sacred space between screen and child?
The movie recounts a fictionalized version of the true story of a friendship between Fred Rogers and Tom Junod, a cynical reporter assigned to interview the famed Mister Rogers for an issue on heroes. Slowly, through genuine attentiveness, careful questions, patient listening and gentle invitation, Mister Rogers breaks through the defenses of Lloyd Vogel, Tom Junod’s onscreen character, bringing about healing in Vogel’s fraught relationship with his father. The movie is not action packed. The pace is deliberate, even slow at times. The special effects are minimal. The story is both absolutely ordinary and totally exceptional because, in the end, the story is about life and death, love and grief, human relation-ships, shown in their complexity, pain and beauty. Leaving the theater my daughter said this: “It was not really a movie about Mister Rogers. It was a movie about the impact Mister Rogers had on other people.” Her observation captured a profound truth about the film, a deep truth about Mister Rogers’ power, really. The movie, like the program he wrote and hosted, like the life he lived, was not about him. He lived, by all accounts, an other-directed life, present to those in front of him, genuinely believing in the unique, preciousness of each person he encoun-tered. He was sincerely concerned about other people, especially children and other vulnerable people. Intentionality defined Mister Rogers, we learn from his wife, Joanne. She tells Lloyd Vogel that her husband is not a saint. He is not perfect and must work at managing his anger. He has practices, rituals that help him be the person he wants to be. Kindness and compassion do not come without intentional practice, not even for Mister Rogers. Perhaps we might learn a lesson from this truth, too. We are all able to practice that which we wish to become. Character can be cultivated. Eventually, we walked out into the night and my daughter noted the resurgence in Mister Rogers’ popularity because, she thought, we need him badly right now. Then she said, “It is wonderful that his life is still impacting others for good.” Perhaps the same will be said of us, if we are intentional and practice being neighbors. Mister Rogers certainly believes it is possible for each one of us because we are special and likeable and wanted, named and remembered. (Alex’s aside – Mister Rogers was actually Rev. Fred Rogers, a graduate of Pittsburg Theologi-cal Seminary and a Presbyterian minister. He also attended the University of Pittsburg’s Graduate School of Child Development. Mister Rogers’ Neighborhood ran for 33 years on PBS, often dealing with children’s issues such as school, family, sibling rivalry, friendship, and even death and divorce. He received the Presidential Medal of Freedom in 2002.) In Christ, Alex
A Word from the Pastor
The Connection Newsletter Page 3 December, 2019
Advent Lullaby
The anthem that the choir sang on the first Sunday of Advent was called "Advent Lullaby" by John Bell. As I was thinking through what to write and getting things arranged in the choir room, singing and hum-ming the song to myself as I worked, it occurred to me. Advent is so much like a parent singing a lullaby to their child to calm them and help them rest. The words to the song are as simple as any lullaby: Lullaby, lullaby, wait till tomorrow; lullaby, lullaby, wait till tomorrow; your time will come, your time will come. Lullaby, lullaby, God comes tomorrow; lullaby, lullaby, God comes tomorrow; and God is here, and God is here.
Children get afraid of the dark, the unknown something that might happen at night. And then
comes mom, dad, grandma or whomever they trust singing a lullaby to take their minds off the
fear and focus on resting. How often do we find ourselves afraid of the darkness around us,
afraid of the unknown future ahead of us? Just like a fearful child before bedtime we get
anxious and cannot find a way to rest, keeping our eyes open for danger lurking behind a
closed door or under the bed. But God is singing this Advent lullaby if we would only listen.
God voices the promise over and over that we will not be forgotten or forsaken. Perhaps we
can approach this Advent season as a child, snuggled in the arms of God as we listen to a
heavenly lullaby, calling us to rest.
Peace on Earth, Jacob
Music Schedule
Chancel Choir We rehearse on Wednesday
evenings at 7:00pm. The adult choir
will take a holiday break from December 16 until January 8.
Praise Band We rehearse on Mondays at 6:30pm
Christmas Musical Worship December 8 at 10:30am
The Connection Newsletter Page 4 December, 2019
Nurture Coordinators
Ann Johnston and Liz Lamble coordinate our nurture needs.
Ann Johnston, 404-403-5101 Liz Lamble, 770-304-2662
Sun Mon Tue Wed Thu Fri Sat
1
9:00a Sunday School 10:00a Coffee Fellowship 10:30a Worship
2 10a F&N Board 6p AA 6:30p Praise Bd
3 10:30a Al-Anon 5:30p PW Circle:
Nightingales 8p AA
4 7:15a Youth Prayer Breakfast 12n AA 7:00p Choir
5 10a Ladies’ Bible Study 10:30a Al-Anon 7p Missions Committee Mtg 6p Quilters 8p AA
6 5:30p Exercise 6p AA
7 11a AA 5:30p Calvary Refuge Dinner (Presbyterian Men)
8 9:00a Sunday School 10:00a Coffee Fellowship 10:30a Christmas Musical Worship 12:00p Brunch with Santa!
8 6p AA 6:30p Praise Bd 6p PW Circle: Linda Weller
15 9:00a Sunday School 10:00a Coffee Fellowship 10:30a Worship 12:00p Christmas Feast and Caroling
16 9a F&N Brunch (FH) 6p AA 6:30p Praise Bd
17 10:30a Al-Anon 8p AA
18 7:15a Youth Prayer Breakfast 12n AA
GIVING TREE GIFTS DUE BACK
19 10a Ladies’ Bible Study 10a DAR Lunch FH 10:30a Al-Anon 8p AA
20 5:30p Exercise 6p AA
21 11a AA
22 9:00a Sunday School 10:00a Coffee Fellowship 10:30a Worship
23 6p AA 6:30p Praise Bd
24 7:30p Christmas Eve Candlelight Communion Service
Christmas Eve
25 12n AA
Christmas Day
26 10:30a Al-Anon 8p AA
27 5:30p Exercise 6p AA
28 11a AA
29 9:00a Sunday School 10:00a Coffee Fellowship 10:30a Sunday Sing with Christmas Carols
30 6p AA 6:30p Praise Bd
31 10:30a Al-Anon 8p AA
Presbyterian Women’s Circles Nightingales Circle will meet at Broadway Diner at 5:30pm.
Mission: The FPC Giving Tree.
Linda Weller Circle will meet at Kristin Lamble’s home at 6:00pm on
Monday, December 8. Please RSVP.
Homebuilders Circle will meet at the church in the Fellowship Hall.
Morning Glories Circle will meet at the church in room A-2.
Church Office Closed December 24-27
The Connection Newsletter Page 5 December, 2019
BIRTHDAYS
12/1 Maggie Laton Harrison Jeffries 12/2 Kristin Lamble 12/3 Ed Pyron 12/4 Anna Dodds Scott Klett Chris Gandy 12/5 Emily Gurry Peter MacDonough 12/9 Audra Morris 12/10 Peggy McLendon 12/14 Chick Smith 12/15 Natalie Stone 12/18 Teresa Rowe 12/19 Bill Moses 12/20 Hope Gandy 12/21 Tracy MacDonough Michael Thomas 12/23 Aaron Arjun 12/24 Jane Summers 12/30 Dolph Bosse Sue Bandy
ANNIVERSARIES 12/3 Jeff & Vickie Jeffries 12/23 Jay & Ginna Masters 12/31 Scott & Sarah Klett Tom & Carol Lunsford
Please be in prayer for... All those serving our country The people of Nicaragua, continued civil unrest Beit Sahour Lutheran, sister church in Palestine Ros Winslett, Jake’s mom, recovering from shingles Ann Conley, recovering from second knee replacement Royal Westerfield & family, loss of his brother Yale McManus, cervical disc disorder Sarah Klett, & Family, loss of her sister, Lillie Royal Westerfield, continued recovery Loss of Church Member, Hettie White John Sackett, worsening pain issues Roger King, blood clots, under observation Sarah Klett, severe infection in leg and foot Peggy McLendon, recovery from TIA Teresa Rowe, recovery from knee replacement Carolyn Jacobs, Jim’s sister-in-law, breast cancer Pat Skelton, continued recovery Berkeley Stonebraker, continued recovery Richard Billings, continued recovery Linda McNeill, continued recovery Jeff Jeffries, continued recovery Neill McNeill, continued recovery Corey Leonhard, continued recovery Jerry, Virginia Padgett’s brother-in-law, lymphoma
Ongoing Health Concerns: Louie Chance, Jeani Holder; Linda McNeill; Corey Leonhard; Joe McNeill; Yvonne Olson; Larry Olson; John Sackett; Sarah Klett; Bernice (Roy Westerfield’s sister-in-law); Sarah (Jim Jacob’s daughter-in-law); Ed (Jim Jacobs’ brother); Claudia (Jim Jacobs' sister-in-law); Thomas (Pat Cantoni’s nephew).
Prayer Chain Updates. Please call Sharon's cell phone or email her to submit prayer requests. If Sharon does not answer, you may leave a message or call Art's cell.
Participation in the Prayer Ministry of FPC is one way we grow in our encounter with Christ. Prayer is one of the most powerful things we can do in life! Be a part of this ministry and see how God works in our lives. Please update us as concerns change—prayer concerns with no update may be removed after 6 weeks.
Church Family means Support
On December 22, we will
take up the Christmas Joy
Offering in addition
to our regular offerings.
Each year during the
Advent and Christmas
season, we turn our
eyes to Bethlehem and celebrate the wondrous
gift of Jesus Christ, our Savior. By giving to the
Christmas Joy Offering, you honor this gift by
providing assistance to current and retired
church workers in their time of need and by
developing our future leaders at Presbyterian-
related racial ethnic schools and colleges.
The Connection Newsletter Page 6 December, 2019
Sign up in the main hallway or contact the church office! If you can’t attend the brunch, you can still help us reach our goal of
$1000 towards the Youth Mission Trip—please donate as you are able!
DECEMBER 8
PHOTOS WITH SANTA AFTER BRUNCH
Proceeds go
towards our 2020
Youth Mission Trip
to Costa Rica!
The Connection Newsletter Page 7 December, 2019
December 8 is our
2nd Sunday Focus on Fayette Samaritans.
Most Needed this Month Beef Stew, Corn, Dried Beans, Canned Fruit, Instant Mashed Potatoes, Pasta Sauce, Dried Pasta, Peanut Butter, Jelly, Jiffy Cornbread Mix CURRENT DIRE NEED! Fayette Samaritans has experienced in the last few months a substantial increase in the number of clients it serves. Any additional help in the way of food and contributions is greatly appreciated. Fayette Samaritans is extremely grateful for the faithful support of its church partners in ministry to our community.
Camp Photos needed!!! If you've been to summer/Scout/other camps in the past, we know that have you some fun photos of yourself, your kids, friends, etc. You older folks, it would be fun to see photos of you heading off to Boy/Girl Scout Camp; others might have photos from time as a camper/counselor at Camp Calvin. Our next Mission Dinner on Saturday, January 25 will have a camping theme, with the money we raise going to Calvin Center. So, please call Vickie Jeffries (678-429-4682), Betty Chally, (678-491-0909), or Sara Reams (678-438-3116) to let us know that you have photos you'd be willing to share. We'll return them, for sure!
Our 2020 Sanctuary Flower Chart is in the hall, hanging on the wall next to the main bulletin board. Take a minute to choose your Sundays in the new year to donate the flower arrangements that beautify our Sanctuary in memory or honor of your loved ones! The arrangements are $30 each—payment can be dropped in the offering plate any time before or on the Sunday you choose. We will contact you beforehand for your dedication.
On December 29 at 10:30am, Worship Christ the Newborn King with Christmas carols, a message, and a
light breakfast! We’ll meet in the Fellowship Hall.
Fayette Presbyterian Church (USA) 791 Forrest Avenue Fayetteville, GA 30214
NON-PROFIT ORG. U.S. POSTAGE PAID
PERMIT No. 33 FAYETTEVILLE, GA 30214
DELIVER TO CURRENT RESIDENT
A Christmas Feast
Enjoy a Christmas Feast and Caroling with us after worship on December 15!
Our menu is fresh, hot baked ham and all the Christmas fixin’s. After lunch, we’ll form teams and head out to go CAROLING to our home-bound members. Please sign up in the main hallway soon as we’re planning numbers! When you sign up for lunch, please indicate whether you will go caroling with us!
