Newsletter A PUBLICATION OF FPC BEAVER 2 From the Pastor 3 Worship & Music 4 Adult Christian Education 5 Adult Christian Education 6 International Mission 7 Stephen Ministry 8 Children’s Ministry & Preschool 9 Student Ministries 10 Outreach & Evangelism 11 Church Announcements 12 Directory Compass C First Presbyterian Church 252 College Avenue • Beaver, Pennsylvania 15009 • 724 . 774 . 6398 • www.fpcbeaver.com WORSHIP SCHEDULE 8 & 11:15 A.M. SANCTUARY • 9 & 11:15 A.M. FELLOWSHIP HALL • 10:15 A.M. SUNDAY SCHOOL for all ages December 2017
Transcript
Newsletter
A PUBLICATION OF FPC BEAVER
2 From the Pastor
3 Worship & Music
4 Adult Christian Education
5 Adult Christian Education
6 International Mission
7 Stephen Ministry
8 Children’s Ministry & Preschool
9 Student Ministries 10 Outreach & Evangelism 11 Church Announcements
WORSHIP SCHEDULE8 & 11:15 A.M. SANCTUARY • 9 & 11:15 A.M. FELLOWSHIP HALL • 10:15 A.M. SUNDAY SCHOOL for al l ages
December 2017
From Jeff
Jeff Arnold is FPC’s Senior Pastor.Marc de Jeu is SOMA’s Pastor in Beaver Falls.
As In our last three Better Together series we sought to provide an answer, without directly addressing it, to an age old church dilemma: Are we going into our community to primarily provide humanitarian support and love, as the newly circulating draft sheet implies? Or should we go with words of evangelism because our primary goal is to save souls? Are we about doing good, OR are we about witnessing to the lost? The answer is neither and both. Neither of the above is our primary goal. Better Together is primarily about demonstrating God’s kingdom through relationship building, listening and seeking the common good of our neighbors in the community of Beaver. We believe, hope and pray, that these relationships will create meaningful opportunities to, with words, witness and announce God’s kingdom. In other words, God’s vision of “neighboring” is the compelling witness which will lead to conversations about Jesus. Building on the scenario I used about “amazing trash” in the November 5th sermon on John 4, imagine that a men’s group dedicates a Friday evening to visit five homes identified by the Beaver Zoning Enforcement Officer that are out of compliance because of trash. While most of the men are carrying trash, a few are sitting inside with the homeowners. In three of the five homes, the conversation drifts from sports to weather to “who are those children in those pictures on the wall?” But in one of the five, the resident asks a pretty obvious question: “Why would you do this for me?” The ensuing conversation involves thoughts like “we want to spread the love of Jesus,” and “we have a small group Bible study as part of First Presbyterian Church,” which leads to “where is your church?”, which ultimately leads to an invitation to become part of what we do (along with offered rides to and from). In the fifth house, an open Bible sits on the table. One of the men asks what the resident is reading, and the response leads to a rich discussion between believers and a heartfelt connection.
Dear Members and Friends of FPC,
Our Vision: Declare His Praise! I Peter 2:4-10
We are a chosen people, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people belonging to God, that we may declare the praise of Him who called us from darkness into His wonderful light! I Peter 2:9
PRAY - Blessing the World Through Great Prayer - That God’s Name be hallowed, that His Kingdom come, and that His Will be done on earth.
PARTNER - Building Christ’s Church Through Unity- That Christ’s Church in the Beaver Valley and beyond will be renewed and unified in mission.
SEND - Growing the Church Through Multiplication - That in all places at all times the Name of Christ will be known and praised.
EQUIP - Strengthening the Church’s Mission Through Training - That God’s people will effectively serve Him no matter where they are.
INVEST - Extending the Church Through Financial Generosity - FPC may be blessed with resources to strengthen growing edges of Christ’s Church in the Beaver Valley.
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Neither humanitarian aid nor witnessing was the primary motive at any of those homes. Demonstrating, through our actions (in 3 of the houses), and through actions/words (in 2 of the houses), God’s kingdom through being good neighbors, was what occurred. And will occur as we respond to God’s call. Blessings, Jeff & Marc
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Worship & Music
Weekly Rehearsal Schedule
JIVE TIME (grades K-2)Mondays, 4:30-5:15 p.m. Last rehearsal is December 11
Alleluia Singers (grades 6-12)Wednesdays, 6-6:45 p.m. No rehearsal December 20 & 27
Praise Team Tuesdays, 7 p.m. Fellowship Hall (11:15 worship)Wednesdays, 7:15 p.m. Fellowship Hall (9 worship)No rehearsal December 20 & 27
Adult Handbell ChoirThursdays, 6:20-7:20 p.m.No rehearsal December 28 & January 4
Chancel ChoirThursdays, 7:30-9 p.m. No rehearsal December 28
Dec
ember
The first Festival of Nine Lessons and Carols was held on Christmas Eve in 1918. It was planned by the newly -appointed Dean of King’s College, who believed that the Church of England was in need of more imaginative worship.
At the heart of the service are the Scripture lessons, which usually range in number from seven to nine. Each lesson is used to tell the story of God’s redemption of the world, from the Fall to the prophecies of a Messiah to the birth of the Savior, Jesus Christ.
We are pleased to welcome new members to all of our musical groups. If you are interested in joining us, please contact Emily Gedman at [email protected]. There is always room for more!
The Jubilation Concert Series in collaboration with Bell’Art
presents a Christmas ConcertSunday, December 17, at 7 p.m.
“A Tiny Gift – Music for the Soul” will include a variety of beloved Christmas music performed by Lara Cottrill McGill and friends. The program will feature vocal solos and duets, oboe, violin, and piano. There will be a reception with crafts for the kids and appetizers and desserts. Please join us for a lovely evening to celebrate the birth of Christ. Admission is free, but any donations will go to our mission partners in Romania. More details to come.
What is a Lessons and Carols Service?This year we will be holding a Lessons and Carols Service on Sunday morning, December 24. At 9:00 and 11:15 a.m., we will gather in the sanctuary to read Scripture, sing carols, and hear glorious music from our church members and friends (including brass, handbells, choir, and small ensembles). Any singer who is interested in joining the choir for this morning celebration is encouraged to come to our rehearsals on Thursdays, December 7, 14, and 21 at 7:30 p.m. in the choir room. Questions may be directed to Emily Gedman at [email protected].
We look forward to worshipping with you and celebrating the coming of our King.
SUNDAYS, Sunday School at 10:15 a.m.Small Group Bible Studies (various nights)
Nov. 26 – no Sunday School (Thanksgiving)Nov. 26 – Advent Devotional availableDec. 5 – MOPS mtg., 9:15 in Commons Dec. 18 – ACE meeting Dec. 24 – no Sunday School (Christmas)Dec. 31 – no Sunday School (New Year)Jan. 7 – Sunday School J-term beginsJan. 7 – “Jonah in January” begins
What’s Upcoming?Adult Christian Education
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Sunday School OfferingsTerm II: through December 17
Newcomers welcome each week. Feel free to join at any point.
Why We Became ProtestantsHenry Knapp Commons
Mary – The Journey from Mother to DiscipleGeorge Atkins Room 210
Becoming the Couple God Wants You To BeMartha Schartner Room 206
All About Our Church / What Presbyterians BelieveBobbie O’Leary & Mike Helms Room 200
Men’s Bible Class (10:10-10:45am)Various Teachers Lower Level Conference Room
Small Group Bible Studies
Be sure to pick up one up an Advent Devotional Booklet
This year, members of FPC have written short, daily devotionals on the coming of Christmas, on Christ as the fullness of Hope, Peace, Joy, and Love. Collected together in our annual Advent Devotional, they are available throughout the church, or by contacting Henry or the church office.
The time is now to join a small group bible study at FPC! We invite you to prayerfully consider getting involved in our growing church with a smaller number of people. Groups meet on a variety of days and nights – at different times and locations. The primary purpose is to study the Scriptures, fellowship with other believers, and grow in the grace of discipleship and the Lordship of Christ. Please contact Henry Knapp if interested in learning more about your involvement.
Small Group Bible StudiesA Small Picture of the Challenge Before Us
Biblical Illiteracy:
- 1 in 5 churchgoers say they never read the Bible— essentially the same number who read it everyday.
- 1 in 3 children in Britain didn’t identify the nativity as part of the Bible and almost 60% didn’t know that Jonah and the fish were in the Bible.
- Around 30 percent of British parents don’t know Adam and Eve, David and Goliath, or the Good Samaritan are in the Bible.
- 27 percent think Superman is or might be a biblical story. More than 1 in 3 believes the same about Harry Potter. And more than half (54 percent) believe “The Hunger Games” is or might be a story from the Bible.
If you want to see a funny (and very sad) clip about the biblical ignorance of our society, on Youtube, search for Leno Bible—Jay Leno interviewing people about their biblical knowledge.
“Therefore the LORD Himself will give you a sign: Behold, a virgin will be with child and bear a son, and she will call His name Immanuel. Isaiah 7:14
BOOK CORNER“The Cross of Christ” by John RW Stott
Adult Christian Education
I recently had cause to reread this book, and it is everything I remember it to be—deeply challenging and convicting, comprehensive and clear, a real masterpiece. John Stott, recently deceased, was a powerful figure in Evangelical Christianity throughout the 20th century. Social and political commentators both inside and outside the church recognized him as the key leading spokesman for a vibrant faith. Stott was intimately involved in teaching the Scripture, writing on our daily walk with the Lord, and heavily engaged in compassionate, faithful mission activity throughout the globe. There could hardly be a better witness to God’s redeeming work in this world. “The Cross of Christ” is Stott at his best. In this work, Stott identifies the cross of Christ as the undeniable center of our faith, the one aspect of what we believe that is indispensable in every way. He explains the importance of the cross, and especially, the impact of what was accomplished there. While central to all the church believes through the centuries, there nevertheless has been questions and controversy surrounding the meaning of Christ’s death. Stott clearly outlines the issues, generously describes alternative positions, and convincingly articulates the biblical stance.
I could not encourage you more to pick up a copy of Stott’s “The Cross of Christ.” Stott’s easy-to-read style, his deep theological convictions, and his commitment to communicate well the glory of the cross of Christ will positively overwhelm you. Try it and see!
Henry Knapp
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Join us for a teaching time of the Bible
and worship in the Sanctuary, Sunday
evenings at 6:45 p.m. Henry Knapp
will begin with the book of Jonah and go
through different books of the Bible verse
by verse. Whether you are dropping off
your child for youth group or want to
increase your knowledge of the scriptures,
you are welcome!
a
LOOKthrough the Scriptures
January 7, 6:45 p.m. in the Sanctuary
SUNDAY EVENINGS IN THE SANCTUARY
International Missions
Below is an abridged version of our human perspective of a Chinese man’s journey to faith:
Scene #1: After being in Pittsburgh for several months and attending the Sunday evening Open House, this individual joined a Bible study, and voiced familiar doubts that we hear from one who has had little opportunity to hear much about the Christian faith until coming to the U.S. He doesn’t believe a Chinese person can become a Christian without years of learning more of the Christian faith, and is quite vocal about this.
Scene #2: He attends the Franklin Graham crusade in Pittsburgh in mid-August and when he sees a Chinese person responding to the invitation he cries out loudly, “I can’t believe that person believes this is true!”
Scene #3: He attends the Labor Day Weekend, and in a small group discussion during the weekend voices his doubts, but now has a more receptive tone in his voice.
Scene #4: One week later in a Bible study, he professes to trusting in the work of Jesus on the cross and declares himself a Christian!
“For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways, declares the Lord.” Isaiah 55:8
Our Missionaries to China...
right here in Pittsburgh
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Please be in prayer for our Romania Christmas Team.
On December 7, our team of six folks will leave to spend six days in Romania with our partner, the Phillip House, sharing the Gospel story and God’s love to the children of Bucharest. Please be praying for Joye Hagen, Jan Dilauro, Tessa Begley, Greg Miller, Pat Graven and Kathleen Kovacs.
A men’s team will be returning to El Limonal, Nicaragua, mid April. Be on the look out for dates and applications coming soon, but please contact Todd Hindman at (724)822-0752 or John Finkbeiner ([email protected]) for any information.
The WAGONERS
We are looking for a dozen guys, committed and passionate to serve the Lord desiring to travel to Ponderosa, a poor suberb of Lima, Peru, to help establish a church.
We are working with World Servants and Peru Hope. Applications are in the Hub - first come first serve.
Romania Christmas Trip
Nicaragua Men’s Trip
Declare His glory among the nations,
His marvelous deeds among all peoples. 1 Chronicles 16:24
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Stephen Ministry
Mark and I had been married 26 years. Our sons were 18 and 20. We loved being parents, but with our younger son graduating high school, we were eagerly anticipating the empty nest and having more time for each other.
In the fall, when our younger son started college, Mark began having stomach issues and back pain, which would linger for a few days and then disappear, only to reappear later. He also developed a cough. When his doctor ordered an MRI, the results were devastating—Stage IV pancreatic cancer, already in his liver and both lungs. Mark was only 53.
Our lives were turned upside down. I suddenly found myself trying to provide emotional support to Mark and our sons during the worst experience any of us had ever endured. I wanted and needed to keep myself together to focus on caring for Mark, but I was emotionally drained—full of sadness and terrified of what the future held. I had always been a “take responsibility for everything myself” kind of person. However, I knew I couldn’t do this alone.
I talked to my pastor about it, and she suggested matching me with a Stephen Minister. I agreed, and less than two weeks after Mark was diagnosed, my Stephen Minister came for the first of her weekly visits.
It’s difficult to convey how important this Stephen Ministry relationship was for me. Our pastor was wonderful, and we had an amazing amount of support from many other people, but the time I spent with my Stephen Minister was the only time in the week when I could truly focus on my own needs. She was there just for me.
My Stephen Minister let me know that, while she was very concerned for Mark, her role was to be my support—to listen and help me process what I was feeling and going
through, without giving advice or telling me what to do. The consistency of our Stephen Ministry relationship was crucial in helping me cope. Her weekly visits became an anchor in my life—something I could rely on when everything else was so uncertain. She was a steady reminder of God’s presence, helping me know I was never alone.
Although Mark and I chose to talk publicly about his condition, my Stephen Ministry relationship was completely confidential. I knew I could share anything with her, and that’s where it would stay.
Mark’s illness progressed rapidly—ten weeks of treatment, followed by six weeks of hospice, and then his passing. My needs changed as I went from being a wife to being a caregiver to being a grieving widow and dealing with everything that the loss of a spouse entails. Through it all, my Stephen Minister’s love and support continued. She was there for me at every stage of my journey. It was never easy, but my Stephen Minister helped me through the most difficult moments of my life.
I really can’t say enough about how much I appreciate my church’s Stephen Ministry. The compassionate, consistent, and confidential support of my Stephen Minister was so important in helping me cope—and then begin to heal.
A Steady Reminder of God’s PresenceA Stephen Ministry Story...
“Her weekly visits became an
anchor in my life - something
I could rely on when everything
else was so uncertain.”
Stephen Ministers are waiting: Are you struggling? In Crisis? Stephen Ministers are available to help. Call 724-775-8916.
SUNDAY SCHOOL All Sundays, 10:15 to 11:05 a.m.NO Sunday School on December 24 & 31
EARLY ELEMENTARY EVENTS (Grades K-2)Tuesday, November 28, 4:30-5:15 p.m. Holiday Christmas-themed event!
QUEST (Grades 3-5)All Thursdays from 6:30-8 p.m. -Dec. 21, Christmas Party*NO Quest on December 28 & January 4
QUEST Wide Games (Grades 3-5)Wednesday, December 6, 3:30-4:30 p.m.(Emily will pick up kids in van after school.)
GRACE FOR GIRLS / GROWING GODLY GUYS (Grades 2-12)Tuesday, December 12, 6:30 to 8 p.m.D
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Children’s Ministry
& Preschool
This is what’s happening...Hello FPC! This month, I want to highlight a few of Children’s Ministry’s programs and how through them, kids have been learning more about faith and community in Christ.
Quest has been thriving in it’s new Thursday night time. Almost every week there are new students who haven’t been to Quest before or FPC! It has been an incredible opportunity to share the Gospel with kids and tell them more about ‘God’s Story as Our Story’. November Lessons were focused on Moses- his Call, the Exodus, and the 10 Commandments. Praying for how the Lord wants to further develop this ministry as the year continues!
We have had a very busy fall in the 4’s class. We had a fun Harvest party at the end of October. We have been working on writing our letters F-I. We are practicing writing our names and our scissor skills. We have been discussing what happens in our fall season. We also talked about what we are thankful for. We will be celebrating Thanksgiving with a feast. Our families will be joining us at our feast for a morning of fun and fellowship. We are practicing our songs for our Christmas pageant with Mrs. Hall. Our pageant is Friday, December 15, at 6:30 p.m. in the sanctuary.
God Bless!
Mrs. Wilson and Mrs. Hagen
at Elmcroft Senior Living Center, where kids played BINGO with some of the Residents. Kids were taught about the value of serving those in our community and how it can look many different ways - this being one of them! It was amazing to watch the twenty Quest kids help and extend kindness to these Residents. I was so impressed by everyone’s behavior and attitude; also, how each of them exemplified Christ!
Outside of Quest Sunday School has continued to be a steady ministry, with kids ages 2 years old to 5th grade coming weekly for spiritual development. I’ve been so impressed with my teacher’s creativity and faithfulness. The Early Elementary Events have been met with great success - the holiday event for the K-2nd graders should be a big hit!
Quest paused typical programming for a big Fall Party! It was a night full of doughnuts, bobbing for apples, mummy wrapping, and candy corn relay races. A fun way to celebrate this season & play together as a community.
Sophie LeMasters & Ellainna Showvaker helping a resident.
Quest had it’s first “Saturday Serve”
Ben Crefeld was our winner at eating a donut off a string!
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SENIOR HIGH• Sunday School, 10:15-11:05 a.m., 3rd floor (Grades 9-12) NO Sunday School on December 24 & 31 • Sunday, December 2, 10 a.m. - 1 p.m., Saturday Serve (details below)• Sundays, Youth Group, 6:45-8:45 p.m., on the third floor (Praise Band practices before at 5:30 p.m.) -Dec. 3, Cafe Night -Dec. 17, Christmas Party & Alumni Night -Dec. 24 & Dec. 31, No Youth Group• Sunday, December 10, 11:05 a.m. - 1 p.m., Jr./Sr. Student Leadership Team lunch on 3rd floor.• Tuesdays, Breakfast Bible Study, 6:30-7:20 a.m. Join us early for breakfast and study at Martha’s home
NO Sunday School on December 24 & 31• Sunday, December 2, 10 a.m. - 1 p.m., Saturday Serve (details below)• Wednesdays, Youth Group, 6:45-8:30 p.m., 3rd floor -Dec. 6, Buying for Angel Trees -Dec. 20, Christmas Party & Birthday Box! -Dec. 27 & Jan. 3, NO Youth Group• Mondays, December 4 & 18, 3-4:15, Nerf on Lower Level • Monday, November 11, 3-4:15, Small Group at Martha’s house (440 Wilson Ave., Beaver)• Tuesday, December 12, 6:30-8 p.m., Grace for Girls & Growing Godly Guys, Guys Fellowship Hall, Girls 3rd floor
Student Ministry
December events
November’s Laurelville Fall Retreat
This year, 30 students and 10 adults traveled to Laurelville Camp & Conference Center the weekend of Nov. 3-5 to learn about how our faith and relationship with Jesus calls us to make decisions in our lives that honor Him. We had a great weekend together. Parents, be on the lookout for pictures and a recap video coming to you via email!
Some December details...Angel Tree Shopping for Middle SchoolBe at Youth Group Wednesday, December 6, by 6:45, to shop with us for Christmas presents for families in the county that are in need. We are asking students to try to bring at least $10 each to put towards these gifts. We will be shopping at Target. We hope that all students will participate! After our shopping trip, we will come back to the church to wrap the presents before we send them out.
Middle School & Sr High - Saturday Serve!Get your Christmas packing skills in peak form by helping us pack boxes for families in Brownton, families in Richwood and college students. We’ll be making baked goods to send to them all as well as signing cards for them. Send some holiday cheer to those you care about! Meet at Martha’s house (440 Wilson Ave.)
Middle SchoolStudent Ministry Trivia!Question: Where do you find 20-25 Senior High’s at 6:30 a.m. Tuesday mornings?
Answer: Breakfast Bible Study
Sr. High Students gather weekly to enjoy breakfast, fellowship and the study of God’s Word. We are curently studying the attributes of God that are unique to God alone. We have talked about the truth that He is Infinite, Incomprehensible, Self-existent, Self-sufficient and Eternal. Discovering what the scriptures have to say about the ways God is different than us helps us to realize the freedom we have in being loved and delivered by such an awesome, powerful God.
Student Apprenticeship Team: New to our FPC Student Ministry is the Apprenticeship Team. The team is comprised of freshmen and sophomores students involved in our ministry. Students had to fill out an application and meet with the student ministry staff to become part of the team. The vision is to begin laying the foundation for students to learn how to serve and lead in God’s Kingdom. Each student is paired with a “big brother” or “big sister” who are juniors and seniors from our student leadership team. This relationship is meant to help integrate our underclassmen in the ministry and also to help our students understand the value of being connected more deeply to the body of Christ. Our apprenticeship team meets monthly for a meal, fellowship and the study of scriptures. Each month they are joined by several of our student leaders. They also serve as monthly greeters at Youth Group. It is a privilege to shepherd these young adults in a growing relationship with Jesus Christ and to help equip them to be Kingdom builders.
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1. Angel Tree with TRAILS Ministries
TRAILS works with men, women, and children
affected by incarceration in our area, and each year
they work with Angel Tree, a national ministry,
to see children of incarcerated men and women
receive gifts on Christmas. If you are interested in
purchasing gifts for one or more children on behalf
of their parents, or volunteering in any other way,
please call Abby Young at 724.944.8518.
2. The Annual YMCA Christmas of Giving
Taking place on December 16, you can volunteer to
be part of a morning with families in the area at the
YMCA, pairing those in need with others who have
enough to share. The families shop together for
Christmas gifts so that even when a family is down
on their luck the children will know someone cares.
This will be followed by lunch and Bible study.
You can call Renee Sannan at 724.891.8439 to talk
about volunteering for the Christmas of Giving.
Outreach & Evangelism
4 Ways To Serve in our Local Community this Advent Season
3. FPC’s Community Dinner
Our monthly dinner will be held on Tuesday,
December 19, at 5:30 p.m. in the Fellowship
Hall, and we’d love your help! You’re invited to
serve by either helping with setup/teardown,
providing help with cooking/serving, or simply
coming and spending time around the table with
neighbors in our local community. If you’d like
to help out in a specific way, contact the church
office at 724.774.6398.
4. BFCA Community Christmas Day Dinner
For the past 24 years, the Beaver Falls Christian
Assembly Church has hosted a community dinner
on Christmas Day, serving as many as 1,200
people at a time! The dinner takes place from
11:30am-3pm at the Beaver Falls High School,
and they’re always looking for volunteers. If
you’re interested in serving, individually, with
your family, or with your small group, contact
Beaver Falls Christian Assembly at 724.846.3751.
ChristmasSERVING OPPORTUNITIES
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Blessings Through Adoption Thursday, December 14, 2017, beginning at 6:30 p.m. on the 3rd floor, we’ll be having a Christmas potluck/ Movie Night for the whole family. *Bring a covered dish to share. All families blessed through adoption, are fostering to adopt, or are considering adoption, are welcome. Questions? Contact Cynthia at (724) 650-9331 or [email protected].
Christmas Eve Worship Times8 a.m. Commons9 & 11:15 a.m. Sanctuary (childcare)7 p.m. Fellowship Hall & Sanctuary (childcare)9 p.m. Sanctuary
Please keep in prayer Vicki Crozier and family after the passing of husband, Jim Crozier, on Thursday, October 19, 2017. Doug and Linda Martin after the passing of her uncle on Monday, October 23, 2017. Dale and Martha Schartner and family after the passing of his father, Al Schartner, on Wednesday, October 25, 2017. Dave and Bobbie O’Leary, Ellen Crefeld, and families after the passing of mother/grandmother, Mary S. Reader, on Friday, October 2, 2017. Ed Shephard, Linda Weimer and family the after passing of wife/sister, Sharon Shephard, on Wednesday, November 8, 2017. Darrin and Monika Hupe and family after the passing of his father, Arthur Hupe, on Wednesday, November 8, 2017. Eddie And Regina Revis and family after his mother, Ruth A. Revis, passed away on Tuesday, November 14, 2017. Dave and Debbie Cutich and family after the passing of his father on Wednesday, November 15, 2017. And the family of longtime member, Donald R. Straile, DMD, after his passing last month. Our deepest sympathies to these families.
Congratulations to Shahbaz and Amber Hameed for the birth of their baby boy, Brian Shahbaz Hameed, on Thursday, November 2, 2017.
Congratulations to Jonathon and Katie (Boles)Verzinski who were wed on Friday, October 20, 2017. Please pray for this couple as they begin their lives together.
Time to order Poinsettias!These will decorate our worship spaces on Christmas Eve. Order deadline is Monday, December 4. Cost is $8. Order forms are in the Hub. Please return orders to the church office. Poinsettia’s can be picked up from the
Sanctuary or Fellowship Hall after the last service.
Potter’s Hand is coming back!Several years ago we tapped the talents of FPC under an umbrella called Potter’s Hand. We held classes for everything from master gardening to painting to oil changing, and more. We’re looking to re-start this ministry, very much in conjunction with Better Together. To take part in the initial conversation, contact Jeff ([email protected]) or Penny Vula ([email protected]).
Free Community Dinner We are in need of more help with Community Dinners here at FPC. Anyone interested in serving in this way, please call Kathi Harris (724-775-9816) or sign up monthly in the Hub. Our next dinner is Tuesday, December 19.
Goodie Bags for Jail:We will be delivering “Goodie Bags” to the Beaver County Jail. Bags must be to the church by December 20 (at the latest). If interested, visit the Hub, the church bulletin board or our website for details.
Church Announcements
Better Together Pastor Arnold has been preaching about “Better Together” and being local missionaries, my reason for writing this: This summer FPC member, Kathy Urban’s father (who is deaf) came to Beaver from Katy, Texas, for his 80th. birthday and to attend his great-grandson’s wedding. Kathy checked around for someone to sign for her father so she could bring him to church and was quoted an outrageous price. Kathy talked to Pastor Arnold who connected Kathy with FPC member Joel Martin who knows sign language (Joel”s sister is deaf). While on a mission trip with FPC they learned of Joel’s talent and he was able to communicate with the deaf of the village. Joel signed for Kathy’s father for several weeks this summer at the 11:30 Traditional service, positioned on a chair next to the first pew on the left side of the Sanctuary. To me, this was truly “Better Together” and to God be the Glory. In His Service, Pat Grim (Deacon)
Compass DEADLINE is noon, Monday, December 11, 2017, for the January issue. Articles may be left in the main office or emailed directly to our Connections Coordinator, Lucinda Pelka at [email protected].
First Presbyterian Church Non-Profit Org. U.S. Postage PAID Beaver, PA Permit No. 52
First Presbyterian Church (724) 774-6398MINISTRY STAFFJeff Arnold – Senior Pastor Henry Knapp – Associate Pastor Marc de Jeu - Associate Pastor Ron Cepek - Assistant for Young AdultsEmily Gedman – Worship & Music Dir. Emily Mills - Children’s Ministries Dir. Martha Schartner – Student & Family Ministries Dir. Andrew DiNardo - Student Ministries Assistant Dir.
SUPPORT STAFFW. Scott Miser – Administrative Manager Heather Neish – Building Coordinator Becky Fife – SextonLucinda Pelka – Connections Coordinator Kristie Lang - Communications CoordinatorArlene Williams – Afternoon Secretary Lynnette Shuster – Financial SecretaryDave Hagen / Jay Blizman – Counters Rachel Maize — Librarian3 & 4-yr-old Preschool
There are also a number of volunteers who make the church run so efficiently. We thank them for their continued dedication.
(Please let the Church Office know of any changes to this list)
C
The Compass Newsletter is a monthly publication of First Presbyterian Church, Beaver, PA. Send any comments or suggestions to Scott Miser [email protected].
