1 Presbyterian ‘Connection’ December 2018 Volume 25 Issue 62 Pastor Cindy is studying A Jewish and Christian commentary on Luke’s gospel The Gospel of Luke, New Cambridge Bible Commentary, By Amy-Jill Levine and Ben Witherington III Amy-Jill Levine and Ben Wither-ington III have written a unique commentary on Luke — the one I’ll turn to first for the foreseeable future. The first major commentary cowritten by a Jew and a Christian, it is thorough and engaging. The authors clearly explain their positions while engaging alternative perspectives, never losing sight of the theological implications of their work. The book’s collaborative nature adds enormous value to Levine and Witherington’s interpretive work. During the flow of the commentary, they engage one another in conversation. The result is a nuanced interpretation of every passage in Luke. They also model dialogue: where they disagree, they say so, and they spell out their reasons. Their aim, according to the book’s dedication, is to share their love of the Bible and to foster “better Jewish -Christian relationships.” The authors alternate primary writing responsibilities according to Luke’s chapter divisions, so Levine’s wit comes through in odd chapters and Witherington’s genial explication in even ones. Each chapter’s commentary concludes with a brief reflection that aims at “bridging the horizons.” The authors are both highly accomplished. Levine’s blend of Jewish and feminist interpretation has led to multiple best sellers. Countering those who magnify Jesus by vilifying Jews and Judaism, she humanizes ancient Jews and particularly ancient Jewish women. Wither-ington is respected by his peers and is especially influential among evangelical Christians. His multidisciplinary social-rhetorical criticism brings out a text’s literary and cultural texture.
Transcript
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Presbyterian ‘Connection’ December 2018 Volume 25 Issue 62
Pastor Cindy is studying A Jewish and Christian commentary
on Luke’s gospel
The Gospel of Luke, New Cambridge Bible Commentary, By Amy-Jill Levine and Ben Witherington III
Amy-Jill Levine and Ben Witherington III have written a unique commentary on Luke—
the one I’ll turn to first for the foreseeable future. The first major commentary cowritten by a Jew
and a Christian, it is thorough and engaging. The authors clearly explain their positions while
engaging alternative perspectives, never losing sight of the theological implications of their
work.
The book’s collaborative nature adds enormous value to Levine and Witherington’s interpretive
work. During the flow of the commentary, they engage one another in conversation. The result is
a nuanced interpretation of every passage in Luke. They also model dialogue: where they
disagree, they say so, and they spell out their reasons. Their aim, according to the book’s
dedication, is to share their love of the Bible and to foster “better Jewish -Christian relationships.”
The authors alternate primary writing responsibilities according to Luke’s chapter divisions, so
Levine’s wit comes through in odd chapters and Witherington’s genial explication in even ones.
Each chapter’s commentary concludes with a brief reflection that aims at “bridging the
horizons.”
The authors are both highly accomplished. Levine’s blend of Jewish and feminist interpretation
has led to multiple best sellers. Countering those who magnify Jesus by vilifying Jews and
Judaism, she humanizes ancient Jews and particularly ancient Jewish women. Witherington is
respected by his peers and is especially influential among evangelical Christians. His
multidisciplinary social-rhetorical criticism brings out a text’s literary and cultural texture.
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From the Pastor’s Desk Advent begins December 2 and along with that a change to Year C of the three-year cycle of
the Revised Common Lectionary.
What is the Revised Common Lectionary?
The Revised Common Lectionary is a three-year cycle of weekly lections used to varying
degrees by the vast majority of mainline Protestant churches in Canada and the United
States. The RCL is built around the seasons of the Church Year, and includes four
lections for each Sunday, as well as additional readings for major feast days. During
most of the year, the lections are: a reading from the Hebrew Bible, a Psalm, a reading
from the Epistles, and a Gospel reading. During the season of Easter, the Hebrew Bible
lection is usually replaced with one from the Acts of the Apostles. The lections from
the Hebrew Bible are sometimes chosen from the Apocrypha.
The seasons of the Church Year reflect the life of Christ. Consequently, the gospel
lections for each Sunday provide the focus for that day. The other lections for a given
day generally have a thematic relationship to the gospel reading for that day, although
this is not always the case. In Ordinary Time, the Revised Common Lectionary offers
two sets of readings for the lessons from the Hebrew Bible. One set proceeds mostly
continuously, giving the story of the Patriarchs and the Exodus in Year A, the
monarchial narratives in Year B, and readings from the Prophets in Year C. In the other
set of readings for Ordinary Time, the readings from the Hebrew Bible are
thematically related to the gospel lections. Denominations or local churches generally
use either the semi-continuous readings or the thematic readings during Ordinary
Time. They do not typically move back and forth between the two over the course of a
single season. Our church uses the thematic readings during Ordinary Time.
The gospel readings for each year come from one of the synoptic gospels according to the
following pattern:
Year A - Matthew
Year B - Mark
Year C – Luke, and
The Gospel of John is read throughout Easter, and is used for other liturgical
seasons including Advent, Christmas, and Lent where appropriate. Where does the Revised Common Lectionary originate?
The Revised Common Lectionary, first published in 1992, derives from The Common Lectionary of
1983, both based on the Ordo LectionemMissae of 1969, a post-Vatican II ground-breaking
If you would like to read the “Connection” newsletter
online, go to our website;
http://www.presbyterianchurchofbullshoals.com
Click on the ‘Info Center’ tab at the top, then on the
drop-down menu, click on “Presbyterian Connection”,
then choose the month of the newsletter you would
like to read. The most recent newsletter will be at the
top.
Coffee & Fellowship
Be sure to drop in for coffee, maybe a
Danish or cookies and wonderful fellowship
on Thursday mornings at 10:00 a.m. in
Memorial Hall!
October Income - $1,965.00
October Expenses - $3,383.59
THURSDAYS, FROM 11:00 A.M. TO NOON IN
MEMORIAL HALL. MEN & WOMEN WELCOME.
CHURCH CHUCKLES
The Pastor came to visit the other day. He said that at my advanced age I should be thinking of the hereafter. I told him, "Oh, I do it all the time." "No matter where I am - in the living room, upstairs, in the kitchen, or down in the basement, I am always asking myself: 'Now, what am I here after?’
Luke 2:11-14 11 For unto you is
born this day in the city of David a
Saviour, which is Christ the Lord.
12 And this shall be a sign unto you;
Ye shall find the babe wrapped in
swaddling clothes, lying in a manger.
13 And suddenly there was with the
angel a multitude of the heavenly host
praising God, and saying,
14 Glory to God in the highest, and on
earth peace, good will toward men.
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WORSHIP IN DECEMBER
DECEMBER 2nd
1 Thessalonians 3:9-13 & Luke 21:35-36
COMMUNION
DECEMBER 9th
Philippians 1:3-11 & Luke 3:1-6
POT LUCK FOLLOWS WORSHIP
December 16th
Philippians 4:4-7 & Luke 3:7-18
BLESSING OF THE FOOD PANTRY
December 23rd
Hebrews 10:5-10 & Luke 1:39-45
CHRISTMAS JOY OFFERING
MINUTE FOR MISSION
December 24th
Christmas Eve Service - 6:00 p.m.
December 30th
Colossians 3:12-17 & Luke 2:41-52
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CHURCH USHERS/GREETERS COMMUNION SERVERS
December 2 - Irene Bere & Dr. Simons Irene Bere & Dr. Simons
December 9 - Sandy Erickson
December 16 - Irene Bere
December 23 - Sandy Erickson
December 30 - Sandy Erickson
PRAYER LIST FOR CONGREGATIONS, PRESBYTERY OF AR.- 2018
December 2 - First, Paragould Church Custodians
December 9 - Mountainburg Church, Mountainburg Active & Retired Ministers
December 16 - Laotian Ministry, Ft.Smith First, Stuttgart
December 23 - Memorial Church, Atkins First, Walnut Ridge
December 30 - Kirk of the Hills, Fairfield Bay Church Pre-Schools
PLEASE NOTIFY PAT ERLEWINE IF YOU KNOW OF ANYONE WHO SHOULD BE ON OUR PRAYER LIST.
BIRTHDAYS
December January December 5 - Lee Powell January 9 - Mary Kerr December 8 - Linda Allensworth January 19 - Bob Hobbs December 11 - Diane Leden December 20 - Bruce Powell
ANNIVERSARIES
December 30 - Bob & Gloria Wiles January 28 - Ray & Pat Erlewine
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PRESBYTERIAN WOMEN & MEN
PWM General Meeting, Tuesday, November 13, 2018, 9:30 am
Seven women were present, including guest Diana Squier, for our November meeting. Thanks to Peni Lloyd and Irene Bere for providing coffee cake and coffee for the ladies. Moderator Peni Lloyd brought the meeting to order at 9:30 am and Pastor Cindy Saul opened in prayer from Psalm 103. Ada Jeffrey read “All I Ever Really Needed To Know I Learned In Kindergarten” for our devotion.
Reports: Secretary, Amy Johnson asked for any changes, corrections or additions to the October meeting minutes. A correction was made on the spelling of our guest's last name (Squier), which has been noted and corrected. There were no others, so the minutes will be placed on file and on the PWM bulletin board. She asked for a volunteer for December's meeting devotion, and Ada was willing to serve in this capacity again. Amy read three thank-you cards and letters from ministries we supported earlier this year, including Mtn Home Christian Clinic, Flippin Schools, and Bull Shoals Food Pantry.
Treasurer, Mary Kerr presented her October treasurer's report with a beginning balance of $1076.24 with a total of $801.00 in receipts and $103.06 in disbursements for an ending balance on Oct. 31 of $1774.18. There were no changes or corrections so the report will be placed on file.
Missions: Mary Kerr suggested we pay out our last two pledges for the 2018 year: $150 to Bull Shoals Christmas Baskets project and $200 to Flippin Schools Backpack Program. We have paid out $1050 to date and this will bring the total to $1400 for our year. We have approximately $657 to work with for the remainder of 2018. We still have our Christmas Backpack Project to fund in December. Linda Allensworth is still out of town and had no report on the Best Choice barcodes.
Announcements: Pastor Cindy reminded us of the community Thanksgiving Service on Sunday evening, November 18 at 6 pm at Christ by the Lake Lutheran Church. All city churches are invited.
Publicity: Vicky Bair was unavailable for a report. Peni reported on the Christmas Backpack project that is covered in New Business.
OLD BUSINESS: The Baked Potato Bash fundraiser brought in a total of $652.94 after expenses.
NEW BUSINESS:
Flippin Schools Elementerary Backpack PMW Christmas Project: Peni reported that she has tried to reach the school to get some details on number of children in the backpack project for kindergarten through fourth grade. She has yet to receive a call back with the information. We can figure on approximately 130 children, looking at the past two years' numbers. We do know we have approximately 120 child-size hand-crocheted caps and a few neck scarfs from Norma Taylor, Betty Aaron and Lori Sliker. There was discussion as to what else we could contribute with the funds we have remaining. The decision was to purchase one-size-fits-all gloves to go along with the crocheted items and possibly a Scripture-based booklet or card. Peni will research what is available for the cards. Also Peni wants to check with Friend's Orchards on a price for enough apples to put in the backpacks, as well. Amy and Mary will check out the gloves and purchase at least 120 for now. It was suggested by Peni that we gather after the December pot-luck dinner on our second Sunday to stuff bags for the gifts. Peni will find out the exact number of children we'll be providing for and the date the school needs the items for distribution. It was suggested and agreed that we should give information regarding our project in the monthly Connection newsletter so any members and friends of our church have the opportunity to give a monetary donation to this project if they choose. Peni offered to write up a paragraph for the Connection, due in just a day or two.
December Meeting/Christmas Party – Since Vicky is unable to meet with us on Tuesdays, Peni will talk with her to see if she still wants to host the Christmas Party as in the past. Changes may have to be made in the date or the hostess. Peni will send out an information memo once she knows the plan. If we do have a party, Peni suggested and all agreed that all attending the meeting/party should bring a box of instant oatmeal rather than jars of peanut butter as in past years, to be donated to the BS Food Pantry after the party.
PWM Officers for 2019 – Peni opened up discussion regarding officers. It is noted that all current officers are willing to serve in the same capacity for 2019. Those are Peni Lloyd, Moderator; Amy Johnson, Secretary; Mary Kerr, Treasurer. Irene Bere made a motion that we bring to a vote Peni for Moderator, Amy for Secretary and Mary for Treasurer for 2019 officers. Ada Jeffrey seconded the motion. All voted in favor.
Other Business:
Next meeting, December 11, 2018, 9:30 am with Ada Jeffrey giving the devotion.
Moderator Peni adjourned the meeting at 10:55 am and Pastor Cindy closed in prayer.
Respectfully submitted by Secretary, Amy Johnson
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COLOR ME
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LIBRARY LINES - DECEMBER 2018
"David Baldacci's THE CHRISTMAS TRAIN is filled with memorable characters who have packed their bags with as much wisdom as mischief...and shows how we do get second chances to fulfill our deepest hopes and dreams, especially during this
season of miracles.
Disillusioned journalist Tom Langdon must get from Washington, D.C., to L.A. in time for Christmas. Forced to travel by train, he begins a journey of rude awakenings, thrilling adventures, and holiday magic. He has no idea that the locomotives pulling him across America will actually take him into the rugged terrain of his own heart, as he rediscovers people's essential goodness and
someone very special he believed he had lost."
"THE GLORY OF CHRISTMAS by Max Lucado and Charles Swindoll, have combined their own touch of inspiration with the true Spirit of Christmas—the birth of Jesus Christ—and created this classic collection of stories and excerpts to be
treasured for years to come."
These books and many more wonderful Christmas books are displayed on the Library cart in the Children's Library. There are also Christmas music CD's and Christmas movies. Take time to get in the Christmas spirit by reading some
Christmas books.
Faye Brackett, Librarian
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MISSION MINUTE
DECEMBER - 2018
By supporting the Board of Pensions (BOP), the Christmas Joy Offering honors the faithfulness of current and retired church workers and their families in need. Thanks in part to support from this Offering, church workers can receive critical financial assistance to support them through life’s challenging circumstances. These generous actions bear witness to our faithful response to
God’s charge to love one another as Christ commanded.
$1.1 million of gifts from 2017 are being used to provide critical financial support and grants for
current and retired Presbyterian church workers in their times of need.
Income supplements from the BOP helped 312 households, assisting retired church workers and
surviving spouses with the means to provide for themselves.
Housing supplements from the BOP helped 255 households remain in their homes, afford
assisted living, or long-term care.
Shared and Emergency Grants from the BOP helped 362 households facing times of great
financial need or uncertainty due to unforeseen circumstances.
The PC(USA), with its historic commitment to higher learning, has long promoted education and leadership development through the establishment and support of Presbyterian-related schools and colleges equipping communities of color. Our future church leaders of color can receive much-needed assistance while they discover and pursue their professional goals at these schools and colleges. Your gifts allow these ministries to continue — sustaining a tradition
Presbyterians have carried out for nearly 140 years.
$1 million of gifts from 2017 are being used to provide education and leadership development
skills at Presbyterian-related schools and colleges equipping communities of color.
Many of the students attending Presbyterian-related schools and colleges equipping
communities of color are the first in their families to enroll in higher education.
THE CHRISTMAS JOY OFFERING SUPPORTS THESE INSTITUTIONS Menaul School | Albuquerque, NM • 98% of graduates go on to college • Ranked best Christian High School and 5th best private school in New Mexico by Niche (niche.com) in their February release of “2016 Best Private Schools in America” Presbyterian Pan American School | Kingsville, TX • 100% of graduates are accepted into colleges and universities in their home countries or in the United States • Welcomes a diverse international student body, with 26 countries represented in the last 25 years Stillman College | Tuscaloosa, AL • 84% of faculty hold terminal degrees • Ranked
among top tier schools in U.S. News and World Report for more than a decade.
We will be supporting the Christmas Joy Offering starting Dec. 2nd through Dec. 23rd. The donation envelopes will be located in the pews. We will also have the Christmas Card Tree again this year. It will be located in the Narthex. Those who wish to use the Card Tree instead of sending cards may put a Christmas ball on the tree. The donation for the Christmas ball will go to the Food Pantry. Please mark you donations for the Christmas Card Tree. Thank you all for you support.
Submitted by the Mission Committee
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Till We Speak Again DECEMBER 2018
Anticipation is a hard thing. Especially when you’re young and you are waiting on
Christmas. The tree is so pretty with the decorations & lights on it and the presents under it.
I remember one Christmas when I was about 14 years old, I made my younger sister her
Christmas gift. I was so proud of myself. I’m not crafty in the least, but we got extra credit in
Home Economics class if we did. I made her a pair of fringed moccasins from a Tandy
leather kit. If you ordered the kit through the class you got a discount.
When they were done they turned out great. I knew she’d like them, so I put them in a shoe
box with a rock so it would rattle when she shook it. Believe me, she shook it plenty trying
to figure out what my gift was. Finally, after a couple of weeks, I blurted out “you’ll never
guess there’s a pair of moccasins in there!” The anticipation was too much to bear for both
of us, and I caved. We were both surprised at my big goof, but she did love her moccasins
and wore them for years until she wore holes in the leather. To this day we laugh at that
incident many, many years ago.
Just imagine how the people felt when Isaiah prophesied about the coming of Christ 700
years before it happened. There were prophets that came after him who repeated God’s
promise yet to come, but the anticipation was great and way off. There were expecting a
mighty King and Warrior in the World, but got a Savior and a Servant; One who would
sacrifice his own life for the sins of many.
Anticipation can be a hard thing when it goes on for too long. You expect one thing (in your
own mind) but get another. It can lead to heartbreak, disappointment, or great joy and
happiness.
Merry Christmas,
Millie
Thought for the Day: Now is the time to anticipate the coming of the Christ Child!!
Be still and listen….
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DECEMBER PUZZLE
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RECIPE FOR DECEMBER
LEMON BLUEBERRY SCONES WITH GLAZE
USE A HALF SCONE PAN IF you don't have one this makes about 8 SCONES prep time: 20 MINUTES cook time:
total time: 45 MINUTES
Ingredients:
* 2 cups (240g) all-purpose flour (measured correctly), plus more for hands and work surface
* 6 Tablespoons (75g) granulated sugar1
* 2 and 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
* ½ teaspoon salt
* zest of 1 large lemon
* 1/2 cup (115g) unsalted butter, frozen
* 1/2 cup (120ml) heavy cream
* 1 large egg
* 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
* 1 cup (190g) blueberries (fresh or frozen)
GLAZE
* 1 cup (120g) confectioners’ sugar, sifted
* 2-3 Tablespoons (30-45ml) fresh lemon juice
Directions:
1. Preheat oven to 400°F (204°C). Adjust baking rack to the middle-low position. Line a large baking sheet with
parchment paper or a silicone baking mat. Set aside.
2. In a large bowl, whisk the flour, sugar, baking powder, salt, and lemon zest. Grate the frozen butter (I use a box
grater....and toss the grated butter into the flour mixture and combine it with a pastry cutter, a fork, or your fingers
until the mixture resembles coarse meal. Set aside.
3. In a small bowl, whisk the cream, egg, and vanilla together. Drizzle it over the flour mixture and then toss the
mixture together with a rubber spatula until everything appears moistened. Slowly and gently fold in the blueberries.
Try your best to not overwork the dough at any point. Dough will be a little wet. Work the dough into a ball with
floured hands as best you can and transfer to a floured surface. Press into a neat 8″ disc and cut into 8 equal wedges
with a very sharp knife. Place scones at least 2 inches apart on the prepared baking sheet.
USE A SCONES PAN *I LIKE THE CAST IRON ONES
4. Bake for 20-25 minutes or until lightly golden and cooked through. Remove from the oven and allow to cool for a
few minutes. To make the glaze, simply whisk the confectioners' sugar and 2 Tablespoons lemon juice together until
smooth. Add another Tablespoon of lemon juice to thin out, if necessary. Drizzle glaze over scones right before
serving.
5. Make ahead tip: Scones are best enjoyed right away, though leftover scones keep well at room temperature for 2
extra days. Scones freeze well, up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator and heat up to your liking before
enjoying.
Recipe Notes:
1. Usually I use around 1/2 cup of granulated sugar, but fresh blueberries in the summertime are already so sweet, so
I reduce to 6 Tablespoons total or many times none at all the glaze is enough for me. It's all up to you and your likes
here. ❤️ If using frozen OR if your blueberries are on the tart side, increase to 1/2 cup total.
2. My amount is usually closer to 1 and 1/4 cups. I like a little extra blueberries......but who doesn't! Do what makes
you happy and enjoy with your friends!
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THIS WE BELIEVE FOR DECEMBER
“For I know the plans I have for you,” says the Lord. “They are plans for good and not for disaster, to give you a future and a hope.”
“Jeremiah 29:11”
“We will be scripture-based to spread the Gospel of Jesus Christ
and spiritually led to guide all people to be active doers of the Word”
Approved by Session on November 16, 2007
CHURCH STAFF
Pastor: Rev Cindy Saul, Clerk of Session: Vicky Bair, Church Treasurer: Meg Simons,
Church Secretary & Financial Secretary: Christi Partee
