Newsletter of Lewes Presbyterian Church December , 2017 1 From the Pastor 2 Session Highlights Treasurer’s Report PNC Update 3 Operation Christmas Child Christmas Poinsettias 4 Christmas Bazaar Advent Dinner Congregational Meeting Kelly Class Luncheon Men’s Luncheon New Library Book 5 Christmas Pageant Chancel Choir Cantata December Events 6 Christmas Offering 7 Thank You Birthdays & Anniversaries Thanksgiving Thank you 8 Calendar LPC s Editorial Staff Dr. Buz Hughes, Pastor Connie Ballato Christina Best Bob Comeau Cathy Heronemus Jewel Levering Ellie Ziegler INSIDE THIS ISSUE FROM THE PASTOR stress as they strive to meet holiday obligations. It is often a season of frustration for the poor, and desolation for the lonely and the grieving. For those who must endure conditions of violence and oppression, it is a season of mournful longing for “peace on earth and goodwill to men.” Yet in the midst of this awareness of the suffering and sadness of our sinful world, we light the candles of the Advent wreath as a sign of our hope in the coming of the Prince of Peace. And we hear God’s word calling us, who are servants of the King, to herald his coming with words of hope and deeds of compassion, thus preparing our world to receive him when he comes: Comfort, comfort my people, says your God....In the wilderness prepare the way of the LORD, make straight in the desert a highway for our God. Every valley shall be lifted up, and every mountain and hill be made low; the uneven ground shall become level, and the rough places a plain. And the glory of the LORD shall be revealed, and all flesh shall see it together....Behold, the Lord GOD comes with might, and his arm rules for him....He will feed his flock like a shepherd, he will gather the lambs in his arms, he will carry them in his bosom, and gently lead those that are with young. (Isaiah 40: 1, 3-5, 10-11) In Christ’s service, On Sunday, December 3, we will enter the season of Advent on the church calendar, which corresponds to the Christmas shopping season on the secular calendar. The word Advent means “coming.” In the midst of our busy preparations for the coming of Santa Claus, the Christmas holidays and visits of family and friends, the Advent season reminds us to watch for the coming of the Son of God in his several manifestations. During Advent we await the celebration of his past coming in humility and weakness as a human infant born in Bethlehem. We also look for evidences of his present appearing in our lives as risen Lord and Savior, who comes to the aid of his people in the person of his Spirit. Furthermore, we prepare for his future coming in glory at the end of time, when all heaven and earth will acclaim him King, and he will judge the living and the dead. The liturgical color of Advent is violet, or purple. Purple is a royal color, befitting the status of our Savior King, whose coming we await with joyful anticipation. Yet purple is also a somber color, befitting the attitude of humble soul-searching with which we should prepare to receive the Judge of all the earth. It is no accident that the liturgical color and attitude of soul-searching remind us of Lent; for the Church has always considered both seasons as times for reflection and repentance. While this may threaten to put a damper on our Christmas cheer, it helps us face the fact that for many, the “season to be jolly” is a season of
Transcript
Newsletter of Lewes Presbyterian Church December , 2017
1
From the Pastor
2
Session Highlights
Treasurer’s Report
PNC Update
3
Operation Christmas Child
Christmas Poinsettias
4
Christmas Bazaar
Advent Dinner
Congregational Meeting
Kelly Class Luncheon
Men’s Luncheon
New Library Book
5
Christmas Pageant
Chancel Choir Cantata
December Events
6
Christmas Offering
7
Thank You
Birthdays & Anniversaries
Thanksgiving Thank you
8
Calendar
LPC s Editorial Staff
Dr. Buz Hughes, Pastor Connie Ballato Christina Best Bob Comeau Cathy Heronemus Jewel Levering Ellie Ziegler
INSIDE THIS ISSUE FROM THE PASTOR stress as they strive to meet holiday obligations. It is often a season of frustration for the poor, and desolation for the lonely and the grieving. For those who must endure conditions of violence and oppression, it is a season of mournful longing for “peace on earth and goodwill to men.”
Yet in the midst of this awareness of the suffering and sadness of our sinful world, we light the candles of the Advent wreath as a sign of our hope in the coming of the Prince of Peace. And we hear God’s word calling us, who are servants of the King, to herald his coming with words of hope and deeds of compassion, thus preparing our world to receive him when he comes:
Comfort, comfort my people, says your God....In the wilderness prepare the way of the LORD, make straight in the desert a highway for our God. Every valley shall be lifted up, and every mountain and hill be made low; the uneven ground shall become level, and the rough places a plain. And the glory of the LORD shall be revealed, and all flesh shall see it together....Behold, the Lord GOD comes with might, and his arm rules for him....He will feed his flock like a shepherd, he will gather the lambs in his arms, he will carry them in his bosom, and gently lead those that are with young. (Isaiah 40: 1, 3-5, 10-11)
In Christ’s service,
On Sunday, December 3, we will enter the season of Advent on the church calendar, which corresponds to the Christmas shopping season on the secular calendar.
The word Advent means “coming.” In the midst of our busy preparations for the coming of Santa Claus, the Christmas holidays and visits of family and friends, the Advent season reminds us to watch for the coming of the Son of God in his several manifestations.
During Advent we await the celebration of his past coming in humility and weakness as a human infant born in Bethlehem. We also look for evidences of his present appearing in our lives as risen Lord and Savior, who comes to the aid of his people in the person of his Spirit. Furthermore, we prepare for his future coming in glory at the end of time, when all heaven and earth will acclaim him King, and he will judge the living and the dead.
The liturgical color of Advent is violet, or purple. Purple is a royal color, befitting the status of our Savior King, whose coming we await with joyful anticipation. Yet purple is also a somber color, befitting the attitude of humble soul-searching with which we should prepare to receive the Judge of all the earth.
It is no accident that the liturgical color and attitude of soul-searching remind us of Lent; for the Church has always considered both seasons as times for reflection and repentance.
While this may threaten to put a damper on our Christmas cheer, it helps us face the fact that for many, the “season to be jolly” is a season of
www.lewespresbyterianchurch.org Believing, growing and sharing the love of Christ.
2
TREASURER’S REPORT, Jack Lesher, Treasurer January 1, 2017-October 31,2017
Take a look at revenues 2017 vs. 2016. We continue to be less than last year. We need an additional $60,000 in offerings to meet 2017 budget for offerings revenue.
Our expenses continue to run higher this year compared with 2016.
We are $18,000 on the surplus side as shown. That “surplus” has come about because expenses are suddenly below budget.
What to do? Give thanks to God always. It is remarkable how those dark moments will produce brighter days for those who are thankful.
SESSION HIGHLIGHTS, Fred Beaufait, Clerk of Session
Special Session Meeting
November 19, 2017
• The members of Session received Jean Babiarz, Dave Peterson, Earl and Louise Eggers, and Len and Debbie Myers into the fellowship of Lewes Presbyterian Church on Sunday, November 19th at a special meeting that morning.
Regular Session Meeting
November 21, 2017
• The Session approved Jack Pallace going forward with the development of an application for continuation of LASP next year, with the understanding that the financing must be sufficient to meet the needs of the program.
• Jim Miller presented a draft of the FY2018 budget on which the Finance Committee is working.
• The Session approved having substitute ministers in the pulpit on the Sundays of 12/3 & 12/10 by voice vote.
• The question was presented of LRAC becoming an interfaith organization rather than exclusively a Christian organization. After some thoughtful discussion, the Session expressed it’s desire that LRAC remain a Christian organization.
• The Endowment Committee recommended the following allocation of endowment funds and the Session approved:
• $3,500 to Immanuel Shelter, Inc. in support of homeless individuals, e.g. motel rooms, bus passes, etc.
• $4,000 to Lighthouse for Broken Wings for a large freezer and food.
PNC Update:
The Session approved the Church Information Form (CIF) at its October meeting, and forwarded it to the Ministry Partnership Team of the ECO Heritage Presbytery for its approval which was received in late October. As of November 3rd, the Lewes Presbyterian Church’s search for a new pastor was publicized on ECO’s online Job Board http://eco-pres.org/who-we-are/membership/job-board/, and as of November 15th, we have begun to receive applications. The PNC will begin reviewing these applications at its next meeting on November 29th, and will continue to meet as often as necessary to carefully consider the applications of all pastors who apply and seek to be our next pastor. Of course, all applications are submitted in confidence by the applicants and members of the PNC cannot discuss any of the specifics of these applications outside of the committee deliberations. We will update you at least monthly on the progress of our search.
• $500 each to Lily Koster and Savannah Stewart to support their going on a mission trip to OCHO Rios, Jamaica to work with teen challenge.
• The Session voted to call for an annual meeting of the congregation on Sunday, January 28th, at 5:00 p.m.
• The Session approved to have joint worship services at 10:00 a.m. on Christmas Eve, and New Year’s Eve. On Sunday, 12/24, the traditional Family Service will be held at 5:00 p.m. and the Candlelight Service at 7:00 p.m.
Comments:
Take a look at the carryover cost of $6,573 going into November. That balance plus another $17,000 before December 31, will allow all Mission budget concerns to be met. It can be done. Giving thanks to God produces positive attitudes. “Just do it!”
www.lewespresbyterianchurch.org Believing, growing and sharing the love of Christ.
3
CHRISTMAS POINSETTIAS for LPC worship centers on December 17 and 24 can be ordered in memory or in honor of a loved one. The forms are in the Welcome Center. The cost is $10. Please place the form with your check attached in the offering plate or in the “Secretary/Newsletter” mailbox in the Workroom. Please mark the memo area of your check “Poinsettias.” You may also order by contacting the church office at 645-5345 or [email protected].
Disciple a Child through “The Greatest Journey”
Our church family was challenged to pack 325 boxes to honor the 325 years of ministry of LPC. PRAISE GOD! WE PACKED 328 BOXES! 106 boxes were packed through the children's programs of LPC. That is just the beginning of their journey. Read about Jonathan and how a shoebox was the instrument to introduce him and his family to the LORD.
Jonathan’s parents didn’t always allow him to attend church, so he did chores to earn their permission. At his church in Ecuador, after he received a shoebox gift from Operation Christmas Child, he enrolled in The Greatest Journey, the discipleship and evangelism course we offer through churches that hand out shoeboxes. Each week Jonathan came home and shared with his parents what he learned about Jesus. Eventually they joined him in church, and Jonathan prayed to receive Christ as his Lord and Savior.
Jesus reminds us that the Kingdom of God is filled with people who have childlike faith. “Let the little children come to Me, and do not forbid them; for of such is the kingdom of heaven” (Matthew 19:14). We praise God that more than five million children like Jonathan have made decisions for Christ through The Greatest Journey. When they graduate, we present them with the New Testament in their own language so they can continue to grow in their faith and share Jesus with friends and family members.
www.lewespresbyterianchurch.org Believing, growing and sharing the love of Christ.
4
The Male Bag
Men’s Luncheon
Lewes Diner
Thursday, December 21, 1:00 p.m.
Reservations: Ron Trupp 645-8927
Kelly Class Luncheon
12:30 p.m. Monday, December 11 at Bethany Blues
RSVP:
Connie Simmers 302-947-2603
Doris Burkhardt 302-645-5420
Sunday, January 28
in the Fellowship Hall
5 p.m. Dinner
6 p.m. Meeting
You do not have to bring anything—
the church is providing your meal.
Please plan to attend this most
important meeting of the year.
COMMITTEE REPORTS ARE DUE BY
JANUARY 8!
There is a New Book in the Library on Cancer
“CANCER. NOW WHAT?”
Author: Kenneth C. Hauck, Ph.D.
This is a new book being entered into our Church Library. Whenever you learn about a cancer diagnosis, you can invite the person with cancer to read this book, or share it with the patient's loved ones. People who have received the book have said that it's valuable at any time, whether soon after the diagnosis or later on. This book helps people make sense of difficult feelings, decide how to tell others and understand key medical issues so they're better able to work with their medical team.
Last month one of our church members, James Spellman, MD, had an article in Coastal Delaware (September 10, pg. 37) entitled "Treating Cancer With Heated Chemotherapy." Hyper thermic Intraoperative Peritoneal Chemotherapy (HIPEC) is a method of treating cancer by delivering heated chemotherapy directly into the abdomen. This type of cancer treatment has been very successful in removing cancers of the stomach, appendix, colon and ovaries.
The Kelly Class Christmas Bazaar
December 2 from 9:30 a.m.—2 p.m.
Crafts · New &
Almost New Items ·
Baked Goods ·
Fresh Christmas
Greens &
Decorations
All proceeds will go to
the Kelly Class and are
designated to projects
or items at LPC.
www.lewespresbyterianchurch.org Believing, growing and sharing the love of Christ.
5
Christmas Bazaar 9:30 a.m.-2 p.m. Saturday, December 2
Gently Used Re-gifting items
Christmas Décor, Fresh Christmas Greens
Advent Dinner 5 p.m. Sunday, December 3
Bring your favorite dessert!
Chancel Choir Cantata 9 a.m. Sunday, December 17
10 a.m. Sunday, December 24
Christmas Eve 10:00 a.m. Combined Service- Sanctuary
5 p.m. Family Worship
Children’s Christmas Pageant
7 p.m. Candlelight Worship
Combined Worship Services 10 a.m. Sunday, December 24 - Sanctuary
10 a.m. Sunday, December 31 - Sanctuary
Combined worship—one service only
Join us for Christmas at
Lewes Presbyterian
Over 2,000 years ago, a miracle is about to take place in Bethlehem. Meanwhile in heaven, angels in training anxiously await their divine appointments to take part in Christ’s birth. This Christmas, join in the adventures of the God Squad as you relive the story of His coming from a heavenly perspective and receive the hope of His return. Special Delivery will be presented by the children at 5:00 p.m. on Christmas Eve in the Fellowship Hall.
Ms. Denise, Ms. Dot & Ms. Lynn
Chancel Choir Cantata 9 a.m. Sunday, December 17
10 a.m. Sunday, December 24
www.lewespresbyterianchurch.org Believing, growing and sharing the love of Christ.
6
Our Mission Committee has designated LPC’s Christmas offering to be split between a local and an international group. They are the Immanuel Shelter located in Rehoboth and the SEPRES program under the Kananga Presbytery in Congo. Both missions reach out to the community and have far reaching consequences in bettering the less fortunate.
The Immanuel Shelter is a homeless shelter that is open from November thru April, providing a warm meal and a safe place to sleep overnight. Clients must leave during the day. It is located near the Community Resource Center where there are people who assist those in need of ongoing assistance. The shelter stays open mostly on money that is donated by churches and individuals. This money goes to providing electricity, food, security and the necessities needed to run this refuge for those who find themselves homeless.
SEPRES basically stands for Service to Presbyterians. It seeks to improve the substandard living conditions of CPC members (Congo Presbyterian Community), by supporting and advising them in community development activities, thus assisting people so they can support themselves via vocational training. There have been classes previously offered in auto mechanics, carpentry, masonry and sewing. The funds donated assist with salaries of teachers, supplies, and a set up kit at the completion of the training. LPC has already supported this group through Irene Witoski’s direction and a warehouse building has already been built to house supplies securely. In addition, they have an office for overseeing the programs and some from LPC have even been present for a graduation of the carpenters trained in the program.
We ask that we who are blessed here in this country from LPC give from
their heart and honor the true meaning of Christmas and bring glory to
GOD and His Son.
Christmas Offering 2017
www.lewespresbyterianchurch.org Believing, growing and sharing the love of Christ.
7
Soup Kitchen Staff,
When I count my blessings at Thanksgiving...I start with wonderful people like you.
~Mary E. Cender & John J. Bartram
Dear Lewes Presbyterian Church,
Thank you for your support of the Food Bank of Delaware’s Newark Capital Campaign to create a bold future! Your gift in the amount of $500.00 will support our relocation to our new facility. This move will allow us to increase our capacity to feed more children, seniors, families, and individuals though our hunger relief programs.
Food Bank of Delaware
Lewes Presbyterian Church,
Thank you very much for your contribution of blanket squares, gloves, scarves and hats for North Korean patients. We give thanks to God for your faithfulness in prayer and support. Thank you for your faithful prayers and support that help make all this possible. We are so thankful for the healing, comfort, and lasting change these efforts bring in Jesus’ name to the lives of many suffering people. Our faith rests in the one who is faithful, and we pray that we will continue to be obedient to His call.
Sincerely,
Heidi Linton
Executive Director
Christian Friends of Korea
Birthday’s & Anniversary’s
December
Ron Smith…………………………1
Adrienne Scott…………………….2
Carl Ballato………………………..3
Holly Layman……………………..4
Nancy Hansen……………………..7
Dawn Hurd……………………….10
Jack Lesher………………………11
Bernard Gilmore…………………11
Erin Cannon……………………...15
Athen Reese……………………...16
Elisabeth Boggs………………….19
Elizabeth Solberg………………...20
Carol Brown……………………...20
Sherry Stewart…………………...21
Jack Chapin Jr……………………23
Charlie Pappa…………………….23
Domineque Scott………………...24
Nancy Davis……………………...25
Nate Williams……………………25
Kathy Westgate………………….26
Pat White………………………...29
Mary Ellen Kreps………………...29
Lynn Silicato………………..…....30
Amanda Distefano…..…………...31
Elisabeth & Caleb Boggs will celebrate their 33rd Anniversary on December 1.
Jim & Jane Burkey will celebrate their 51st Anniversary on December 3.
Annick & Buz Hughes will celebrate their 45th Anniversary on December 17.
Hud & Jenn Athey will celebrate their 18th Anniversary on December 18.
Jim & Jane Pellington will celebrate their 64th Anniversary on December 20.
Bill & Florence Kirby will celebrate their 73rd Anniversary on December 24.
Kathy & Tim Westgate will celebrate their 28th Anniversary on December 28.
Alex Miller & Nicole Silicato-Miller will celebrate their 13th Anniversary on December 31.
Jack & Meryl Chapin Jr. will celebrate their 62nd Anniversary on December 23.
THANK YOU
VOLUNTEERS!
We could not have
done it without YOU!
FACTS:
•1,252 People Served by 170
volunteers from the
community, congregation,
LPC Youth Group, Knights
of Columbus, Parrotheads
and many more too
numerous to mention!
•501 lbs. Turkey
•150 Pies
•200 Coats Distributed
December 26
8:00 AM Communion Worship (S) 8:15 AM Covenant With God Study (CR) 8:45 AM Nursery 9:00 AM Contemporary Worship (S) 9:15 AM Children's Sunday School 11:00 AM Traditional Worship (S) 2:00 PM Christmas Play Practice (FH)
27
9:00 AM Beatitudes(L) 10:30 AM Fit &
Flexible Class (FH) 7:00 PM Ephesians
Study(L)
28
11:00 AM Soup
Fellowship (FH) 12:30 PM Ephesians
Study (L) 2:00 PM Ephesians
Study(L) 7:00 PM Moms In
Prayer (CR)
29
10:00 AM Intercessory
Prayer (CR) 6:00 PM Classic
Chimers (L) 6:00 PM Praise Band
(FH) 7:00 PM Choir (MR)
30
5:30 PM
LASP
Parent
Workshop
(FH)
1
Christmas Bazaar
set up(FH-SH-WC) 11:00 AM
Congregational
Fellowship/
Outreach Mtg (MR)
2
Christmas Bazaar
(FH-WC-SH)
2:00 PM Christmas
Play Practice (MUR)
3
1st Sunday of Advent 8:00 AM Communion Worship (S) 8:15 AM Faith in Action Study(CR) 8:45 AM Nursery 9:00 AM Adult Sunday School (L) 9:00 AM Contemporary Worship (S) 9:15 AM Children's Sunday School 11:00 AM Traditional Worship (S) 5:00 PM Advent Dinner (FH)
4
9:00 AM Beatitudes(L) 10:30 AM Fit &
Flexible Class (FH)
5
11:00 AM Soup
Fellowship (FH) 3:30 PM Mission
Committee (MR) 7:00 PM Moms In
Prayer (CR)
6
10:00 AM Intercessory
Prayer (CR) 6:00 PM Classic
Chimers (L) 6:00 PM Praise Band
(FH) 7:00 PM Choir (MR)
7
5:00 PM
Heart to
Heart
Dinner
(1776)
8
6:00 PM Kids For
Christ(FH)
9
10
2nd Sunday of Advent Nickels for Hunger Sunday 8:00 AM Communion Worship (S) 8:15 AM Faith in Action Study(CR) 8:45 AM Nursery 9:00 AM Adult Sunday School (L) 9:00 AM Contemporary Worship (S) 9:15 AM Children's Sunday School 11:00 AM Traditional Worship (S) 2:00 PM Christmas Play Practice (FH) 6:00 PM Youth Group Christmas Party(SH)
11
9:00 AM Beatitudes(L) 10:30 AM Fit &
Flexible Class (FH) 12:30 PM Kelly Class 5:30 PM Crosswalk
(FH)
12
9:00 AM Finance
Committee (MR) 11:00 AM Soup
Fellowship (FH) 7:00 PM Moms In
Prayer (CR)
13
10:00 AM Intercessory
Prayer (CR) 6:00 PM Classic
Chimers (L) 6:00 PM Praise Band
(FH) 7:00 PM Choir (MR)
14 15
12:00 PM M.A.A.M.
16
17
3rd Sunday of Advent Newsletter Deadline 8:00 AM Communion Worship (S) 8:15 AM Faith in Action Study(CR) 8:45 AM Nursery 9:00 AM Chancel Choir Cantata (S) 9:15 AM Children's Sunday School (SH) 11:00 AM Traditional Worship (S) 2:00 PM Christmas Play Practice (FH)
18
9:00 AM Beatitudes(L) 10:30 AM Fit &
Flexible Class (FH)
19
11:00 AM Soup
Fellowship (FH) 7:00 PM Moms In
Prayer (CR) 7:00 PM Session (MR)
20
10:00 AM Intercessory
Prayer (CR) 6:00 PM Classic
Chimers (L) 6:00 PM Praise Band
(FH) 7:00 PM Choir (MR)
21
1:00 PM
Men's
Luncheon
22
10:00 AM Christmas
Play Practice (FH)
23
24
4th Sunday of Advent CHRISTMAS EVE 8:45 AM Nursery 10:00 AM Cantata & Combined Service(S) 5:00 PM Children's Christmas Play (FH) 7:00 PM Candlelight Service (S)
25
CHRISTMAS - Office
Closed
26
Christmas Holiday -
OFFICE CLOSED 7:00 PM Moms In
Prayer (CR)
27
10:00 AM Intercessory
Prayer (CR) 6:00 PM Classic
Chimers (L) 6:00 PM Praise Band
(FH) 7:00 PM Choir (MR)
28 29 30
31
8:45 AM Nursery 9:15 AM Children's Sunday School 10:00 AM Combined Worship Service (S)
