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First United Presbyterian Church
695 E. Calvin Street, Fayetteville 72703
The FOCUS deadline is Friday, December 18, for the December, 2015 issue.
PRESORTED
NON-PROFIT ORGANIZATION
U.S. POSTAGE PAID
FAYETTEVILLE, AR 72703
PERMIT NO. 151
Phil and Jan Butin, Co-Pastors
PASTORS AND STAFF
Leslie Belden, Parish Associate
Kristi Button, Director, Christian Education
Carol Essen, Office Manager
Cathy Hairston, Director, First School Katie Jackson, Director, Children’s and Handbell
Choirs
Jeannie Lee, Organist
Amy McCann, Childcare Coordinator Heidi Nash, Membership Secretary/Food Events
Coordinator
Michael Shuman, Director, Music Ministry
Laura Winburn, Financial Administrator
FUPC VISION STATEMENT
Reaching out as a visible expression of God’s grace,
we will meet people where they are,
inviting all into Christ’s family
through engaging worship, fellowship, learning, and service.
F FIRST UNITED PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH
OCUS
ADVENT, CHRISTMAS AND EPIPHANY
Can it really be Advent already? That’s a question we all are asking as we turn the calendar
page to December. Although we are not ready for the hustle and bustle of the season or its
commercialism, we wait with hope for the advent (coming) of Christ into our lives again. “Let
Every Heart Prepare Him Room” is the theme of our celebration. How will you prepare for
this holy season?
As a congregation, we will be shining Christ’s light from this Hill to members, friends, and
neighbors as we celebrate Jesus’ birth. Our church family will be enjoying several Christmas
events that will surely delight and warm all ages. We hope you’ll be here as often as you are
able.
The Hanging of the Greens As Advent begins, we will be adorning the sanctuary with a Chrismon tree, poinsettias,
wreaths, candles, and the crèche. Please plan to attend this special service—ONE service—on
November 29. The schedule is modified:
9:15 a.m. Choir Rehearsal 9:45 a.m. Worship
11:00 a.m. Advent Conversations Noon Covered Dish Meal
Our Advent Conversations will focus on these topics:
God is in the Manger (Bonhoeffer), led by Phil Harrington in Calvin 201
Sacred Gifts and Holy Gatherings, led by Dennis Brewer in Calvin 203
Christmas in a Few Words, led by Rev. Jan Butin in the Library
The Word is Hope, led by Rev. Phil Butin in Upper Witherspoon
Children and youth will meet (in two separate classes) on this holiday weekend.
We’re asking each individual/family to bring one or two dishes to share. Please take them to
the Main Kitchen before worship. Members of the Fellowship Committee will be present to
set up this meal.
Special Music The Adult Choir will be singing selections from J.S. Bach’s “Nun Komm, der Heiden Heiland,
BWV 61” at the late service on December 6. This work will guide our worship. On December
13, the children’s and bell choirs will present Sounds of Christmas. Throughout the season, we
will sing the carols—old and new—found in our Glory to God hymnals. The Doxology will
be a regular part of our worship for families who are teaching it to their children.
OUR MISSION
Called to be a light
on the hill, we
boldly proclaim and
serve Christ, the
Hope of our changing
world.
695 E. Calvin St.
Fayetteville,
Arkansas 72703
479-442-4411
DIRECTIONS
We are near the in-
tersection of Mission
Blvd. and Old Wire
Rd. From Old Wire,
turn up either Birwin
Street or Calvin
Street. We are at the
top of the hill.
SUNDAY
WORSHIP
8:30 & 11:00 a.m.
SUNDAY SCHOOL
FOR ALL AGES
9:30 a.m.
OFFICE HOURS
8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
Monday-Friday
Volume 49
Issue 11
December, 2015
T he
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DAILY BIBLE READINGS FOR DECEMBER
12/1 Amos 3:1-11
12/2 Amos 3:12-4:5
12/3 Amos 4:6-13
12/4 Amos 5:1-17
12/5 Amos 5:18-27
12/6 Amos 6:1-14
12/7 Amos 7:1-9
12/8 Ps. 33; 146
12/9 Ps. 50, 147:1-11
12/10 Ps. 18:1-20
12/11 Ps. 102; 148
12/12 Ps. 90; 149
12/13 Ps. 24; 150
12/14 Ps. 122; 145
12/15 Zech. 2:1-13
12/16 Zech. 3:1-10
12/17 Zech. 4:1-14
12/18 Gen. 3:8-15
12/19 Zeph. 3:14-20
12/20 1 Sam. 2:1b-10
12/21 2 Sam. 7:1-17
12/22 Luke 1:57-66
12/23 Luke 1:67-80
12/24 Matt: 1:18-25
12/25 1 John 4:7-16
12/26 Acts 6:1-7
12/27 Luke 2:22-40
12/28 Matt. 18:1-14
12/29 Ps. 96; 146
12/30 Ps. 93; 147:1-11
12/31 Ps. 98; 147:12-20
Presbyterian Women’s Christmas Tea All FUPC women and girls and friends are invited to come for fellowship on December 6 around delicious
homemade savory and sweet Christmas recipes and a hot cup of tea! Come any time between 2:00-4:00 p.m.
Celebration at the Manger This is an invitation for members and friends to experience
FUPC. A lasagna and mac’n’ cheese dinner will be served at
5:30 p.m. (at no cost, but please make a reservation). Our
beloved Christmas program stars the children of the church
and First School. Afterwards, we go outside to enjoy our life
-size nativity scene created by acclaimed local artist, Leilani
Law, and a few live barnyard friends (brought to us by the
Hewat Family). The nativity is located between the Sanctu-
ary and Calvin (not far from the circle bell). It may be
viewed nightly throughout the Christmas season.
Cocoa, Cookies, and Carols All are invited to share Christmas carols and holiday cheer with our homebound members on December 13.
We’ll meet in the Fellowship Hall at 2:30 p.m. to get warm and toasty first. Homemade cookies (we still need
bakers for these deliveries), hot cocoa with marshmallows, and fellowship will be provided before we leave in
groups. Yum! Let the fun begin!
University Choral Concert We are fortunate to host a special Christmas Concert given by the UA Master Chorale, joined by our FUPC
Chancel Choir, on December 15 at 7:30 p.m. in the Sanctuary. Please plan to attend.
Christmas Brunch and Birthday Party for Jesus On December 20, please be sure to come for brunch in Fellowship Hall. Everyone is asked to bring one or
two favorite breakfast dishes to share. If out-of-town family members or friends have arrived, bring them
along! All are welcome! See more about the Birthday Party on the Education page of this newsletter.
Christmas Eve Candlelight Service On December 24, we’ll sing the carols of Christmas at a Hymn Sing at 5:00 p.m. The Candlelight and Com-
munion Service follows at 5:30 p.m. for the whole family. This is a very meaningful time as a church family.
Christ our Savior is born!
Please plan to attend and invite your extended family, friends, and neighbors.
Get excited! It’s going to be quite a season!
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SESSION MEETING HIGHLIGHTS
Stated Session Meeting – November 8, 2015
Session approved......
Update of Church Rolls
Transfer of Membership: Logan Woodruff to transfer to Trinity Presbyterian Church, Ogden, Utah
Deacons (elected on October 25, 2015):
Sun Boon Kim and Larry Stubbs—Board of Deacons (Class of 2018)
Anne Booth, Kurt Gastrock, Cathy Irwin—Commissioned Deacons (one-year renewable term)
The Revised Building Use Policy and Request Form.
The Clerk’s Annual Questionnaire 2015.
The renewal of the charter for Boy Scout Troop and Venture Crew 142.
Session noted…..
The hiring of Dan Essen as Interim Facilities Manager,
Continued efforts to alleviate use of handicapped parking spaces during Sunday worship by guests
without official placards.
The beginning of installation of solar panels on Calvin Building.
Session Minutes are available to members of the congregation by request in the church office and will be
provided through the Clerk of Session.
Janet Clausen
Clerk of Session
Please keep these congregations and individuals in prayer on Sundays in December
December 6 — Mountainburg Presbyterian Church and our retired Teaching Elders and Educators
December 13 — Laotian Ministry, Fort Smith and First Presbyterian Church, Stuttgart
December 20 — Memorial Presbyterian Church, Atkins and First Presbyterian Church, Walnut Ridge
December 27 — Kirk of the Hills, Fairfield Bay and One-O-One Church, Gamaliel
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DECEMBER DIRECTORY UPDATES
Chris Harris — 1240 Adelaide, Fayetteville, AR 72703
Phone: 479-442-8172
Cell Phone: 479-530-8829
John and Gwen Mattice — new home phone: 218-877-7654
Bill and Sabra Martin — Please send all mail to:
P.O. Box 1847, Fayetteville, AR 72702
[email protected] (sshassel, then 2 NOT 12)
Tyrone and Melissa Welch — 1255 Rambling Rose Way, Farmington, AR 72730
Tyrone Cell Phone: 708-684-1428
Melissa Cell Phone: 708-620-9409
Allen Wood — 1299 Electric Avenue, Springdale, AR 72764
Cell Phone: 479-249-1856
DECEMBER BIRTHDAYS AT FUPC
12/1 Sam Warren
Ridley Weeks
12/4 Phil Wilson
12/5 Don Cox
Reid Johnson
Mary Mann
12/7 Ellen Smith
12/8 Beth Stockdell
12/9 Sandy Davies
Valerie Harlan
Benjamin Koeppe*
Susan Watkins
12/10 Heidi Nash
12/11 Ted Belden
12/11 Jon Fagg
Angie Hewat
12/12 Colin Dixon
12/13 Hannah Leal*
12/14 Bonny Stitt
12/15 Ed Clausen
12/17 Kristen Curry
Rick Harvey
Eunice Millett
Arrow Willis*
12/18 Molly Saxon
12/19 Larry Stubbs
12/21 Elliot Eichmann*
Russell Johnson
12/21 Vic Parkerson
Dick Oliver
David Swain
Diane Warren
12/23 Ann Roberts
12/27 Jessie Cox
Betty Ezell
Mary Ann Townsend
12/28 Adam Watkins
12/30 Cindy Andersen
12/31 Amy Brand
Lin Oliver
* indicates children and youth
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Migration and Immigration Study Group in December
Representatives from Northwest Arkansas share their knowledge about how our community is addressing
the needs presented by the change in demographics in our area. We’ll look at the needs of our Spanish-
speaking brothers and sisters in Christ, and the challenges that we all face in living into God’s will.
Where Is God Leading – Where Is Hope?
November 29 Thanksgiving Break — Group meets again NEXT week.
December 6 The Dream Act (Bill Schwab and Donna Davis)
December 13 Other Hope – Conversation about possibilities
ADULT CHRISTIAN EDUCATION DURING ADVENT
The Bonhoeffer class and the Sacred Gifts and Holy Gatherings (see front page for description) continue
through December 13. Carol Van Scyoc will also teach an Advent elective in the Library, if there is interest.
The Migration and Immigration Study Group meets in Upper Witherspoon (details and schedule below).
On December 20, all are invited to the Christmas Brunch!
Adult Christian Education Classes will not meet on December 27 or January 3. Classes will resume
their regular schedule on January 10.
WANT TO KNOW MORE ABOUT FUPC???
On December 6, the Welcoming Committee will be offering “LOOK BEFORE YOU LEAP.” If you’ve
been visiting the church for a while, we hope you’ll want to attend. It is a morning of inquiry and an oppor-
tunity to consider whether you would like to join this congregation in worship and service. We will meet in
the Library (come to the Calvin Building) from 9:30-10:45 a.m. for refreshments, a PowerPoint presentation,
a quick overview about what Presbyterians believe, and time for your questions. It is always a wonderful
morning.
After attending the class, if you would like to join the church, please come to the Parlor (Sanctuary Building,
left of the Narthex) on Sunday, December 13, at 8:00 a.m. (for early-service attenders) or at 10:20 a.m. (for
late-service attenders) to briefly share your journey of faith with a few of the members of our Session. New
members will be received in worship at both services that day.
CHRISTIAN EDUCATION FOR CHILDREN
AND YOUTH, DURING ADVENT
There are classes through December 13 for children and youth, and they come to the Birthday party on De-
cember 20. We break on December 27 and January 3 and resume on Jan 10.
All the children are invited to a Birthday Party for Jesus following the Christmas
Brunch (December 20, 10:15—10:45). Please bring gifts to share with Peace at Home
Shelter, in honor of Jesus’ birthday. Helpful items include: diapers, baby soaps and lo-
tions, socks and underwear for children, socks and underwear for women, basic toilet-
ries for adults.
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Sing a Song of Christmas! Several parents have asked for help with their children learning Christmas carols. Parents are a child’s
best teacher, so we are equipping you with what you need this Advent and Christmas. We have a daily
devotion for children available on the Advent resources table in the narthex. It is a daily walk through the
themes of Christmas carols with the first verse of each hymn carol. We also have a CD of versions of
many of the songs for you to take and play. You can download it to your preferred musical source this
Advent and play it for your children to hear more than just the songs on the radio.
You will also find Advent Devotionals for adults, and youth, as well as an Advent countdown tree and
book with stickers for each day in the Narthex.
United Presbyterian Youth in December (all 6th-12th graders)
December 6: Youth Handbells 4-5 pm; Important Rehearsal
UPY Annual Christmas Party 5-8 pm
5 pm Depart for two different homes, 6th –8th and 9th-12th
6:30 pm Gather back together for dessert and gift exchange
8 pm Parent pick-up
Please bring a gently-used or hand-made item for the gift exchange as well as
$5 for a charity
December 13: Youth Handbells play in worship at 11:00 am
UPY Together 2:30 pm, UPY is participating in the congregation-wide
Cocoa, Cookies and Carols. We will sip some cocoa together at the church and
then head out in groups to carol for a wide variety of people who are homebound
or in need of a visit.
December 20: UPY Together 5-6 pm
Study Break UPY — We will eat dinner together and work on a creative activity
for your study break needs. What you create can become a gift for someone. Stress
relief and Christmas gift preparation: a two-for-one!
December 27: No Youth Handbells or UPY
January 3: No Youth Handbells or UPY
“Under the guidance of…”: a pondering about what that means… Brianne and Jacob arrive in about 40 days. In worship on dedication Sunday, Phil Butin said that we
look forward to youth ministry “under the guidance of Jacob and Brianne.” Think about what this
means. It means to me that congregation members of ALL sorts are going to be called on to help in
this ministry. Brianne and Jacob have plans to begin a small group ministry for our youth and this
will be done with the help of about 8-10 adults working with them. People who should consider
saying yes include…. those who have raised children, those who are raising children right now,
some who are within ten years of the age of the youth, most who are over 20 years older than the
youth, and some are the parents of youth right NOW. Brianne and Jacob will plan and help guide the
leaders. You may very well be asked to share in ministry with our youth. Prayerfully consider your
call and be ready to say yes!
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FIRST FELLOWSHIP
You’re invited to First Fellowship on Thursday,
December 10 at 11:30 a.m. in the Butterfield
Trail Village Lodge for a program presented by
International Students from the University of Ar-
kansas. They will be sharing about “Christmas
Traditions in Other Countries.” For more infor-
mation, contact Nancy Denn (443-3002 or nan-
Fellowship Groups at First United Presbyterian Church
FUN ‘N’ FELLOWSHIP GROUPS
Christmas is a perfect time to meet with your small groups to enjoy dinner or a community event. If you’d
like to be part of one of these groups, it’s never too late. Please give the church office a call today (442-
4411) and we’ll be happy to include you.
MOMS’ GROUP
Our Moms’ Group is growing!!! This month we are
finishing The Blessing of a Skinned Knee by Wendy
Mogel, Ph.D. You are welcome to come on Decem-
ber 3 and 17 at 8:30 a.m., in Calvin 201. Discussion
are always interesting and helpful for parenting.
Childcare is provided. First School parents, FUPC
parents and others are invited attend.
We have some “no guilt” guidelines:
1) you don’t have to own the book to attend,
2) you don’t have to have read the chapter to attend,
3) you don’t have to be able to attend every week to
be part of the group. Just come!
MEN’S BREAKFAST
The Men’s Breakfast Group meets every
Wednesday at 6:30 a.m. at Village Inn, 3364 N.
College Ave., Fayetteville. All men are invited
to join us for fellowship, scripture, a brief medi-
tation and prayer (especially for those on our
congregational intercessory prayer list).
MEN’S LUNCH GROUP
The Men’s Small Group will not meet in Decem-
ber but looks forward to getting back together in
January.
FRIDAY NIGHT FUN
Friday Night Fun is an early– to mid-career group
that gets together once a month for fun and fellow-
ship. Please plan to join us Friday, December 10,
6:00 p.m. Amy Blanz (236-6148 or ak-
[email protected]) will be sending out info to those
who come often and you’ll see more about this in the
December bulletins if you are new to FUPC. Child-
care is provided. We’d love you have you at this
event.
PRESBYTERIAN WOMEN
Presbyterian Women (PW) offers women in the church meaningful ways to live out their faith in the midst of
a caring community of women. FUPC currently has six PW Circles meeting each month and studying a vari-
ety of materials. A more complete description of PW at FUPC along with the current Circle schedule is
available online (http://www.fupcfay.org/fellowship/presbyterian-women/).
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Ways to Help this Advent Season
Please call the Church Office (442-4411) this week if you can:
Bake cookies. (We need 500 over the next two weeks.)
Set-up for Christmas Eve Communion (with a team) on December 23 from 1:00-3:00 p.m. (We need six
people in order to use brass trays for communion on December 24.)
Clean-up after Christmas Eve communion (with a few others). This usually happens the morning of De-
cember 26. (We need four people in order to use brass trays for communion on December 24.)
Helpers at 5:45 for Christmas Eve Service (welcoming visitors and handing out candles). Come and help
us be friendly to our guests.
Stewardship Update
Our 2016 Stewardship Campaign, “Beyond the Wood and Stone,” is well underway. Early news regarding
2016 pledges is very encouraging! Thank you so much for trusting God to give more than you are sure you
can afford! As of earlier this past week, we had received 91 operating pledges totaling $426,092. So far, this
includes 11 new pledges totaling $39,156 and 50 pledge increases totaling $29,219. The Building and Main-
tenance Fund has received 31 pledges totaling $25,046 so far.
If we have not yet received your 2016 pledge, we will be deeply grateful if you can mail it in, or drop it by
the church office as soon as possible. Stewardship committee members will begin making calls to those who
have not yet returned their pledges just after Thanksgiving. In order to meet our 2016 challenge budget goal,
we need an additional $140,000. If everyone who pledged and gave last year pledges at a similar or higher
level for 2016, we should be well positioned to achieve our goal! Our deepest thanks to all of you who pre-
sented your pledges on Dedication Sunday to support God’s work through FUPC!
If you have any questions or need to make special arrangements through a gift of appreciated assets or recur-
ring bank draft, please call our Financial Administrator, Laura Winburn (442-4411 or
With Thanksgiving,
Steve and Brittany Adair, 2016 Stewardship Campaign Co-Chairs
Poinsettias will be available in December The church will distribute poinsettia plants for designated members of the congregation during the first
weekend in December. The plants will be available for pickup outside the church office for those volunteer-
ing to deliver on Friday, Dec. 5, from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.; Sunday, Dec. 7, from 9:30 a.m. to 1 p.m., and Mon-
day, Dec. 8, from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Please write your initials by your name on the poinsettia delivery list when
picking up the plants that you have signed up to deliver.
Poinsettia Dedications and Donations Dedications will be listed on an insert on Christmas Eve. If you want to honor or remember a loved one
in this beautiful way, please contact the church office (442-4411 or [email protected]). Poinsettia
forms and will be available the first two Sundays of Advent in the Narthex. You may place your gift in the
offering with the form.
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Gifts for Others this Advent Season
As you are giving gifts this Advent and Christmas season, please consider giving to one of our ongoing
outreach ministries: Cooperative Emergency Outreach, Life Styles, Peace at Home, Vera Lloyd Pres-
byterian Family Services. For ideas of what would be helpful, please check the Wish Lists on the bul-
letin board in the hallway near the office.
Presbyterian Women Hat and Mitten Tree
The Presbyterian Women Hooks and Needles group will be sponsoring the Hat and Mitten tree in the Nar-
thex. Please leave your donations or hats or mittens on the tree and take an ornament with you. The donated
items will be given to needy children in the Fayetteville Public Schools.
Helping Hands Wreath
The Presbyterian Women’s Outreach Committee is sponsoring the 2nd Annual Helping Hands Wreath this
Christmas. The wreath will be in the back of the Sanctuary. Please take a paper hand off the wreath as a re-
minder to make a donation to the Helping Hands Initiative. You may use the envelopes to put donations of
cash or gift cards in the offering plate (please label these donations as Helping Hands donations). The
money raised will be given to those in need within our extended church family. If you have any questions
please contact Christi Cox ([email protected]) or Jan Butin ([email protected])
Gifts for Children living at Vera Lloyd Homes in Monticello
Please join the FUPC youth in shopping for Christmas gifts for the children living at the Vera Lloyd Home
in Monticello. Our youth will be purchasing stockings and stuffers for the 24 boys and 16 girls who live
there, and there are many other gifts that will enhance their Christmas.
If you would like to provide other items from their wish list, please contact the Church Office for ideas and
return these items to the church office by December 10.
We are all invited to attend a Christmas brunch for Vera Lloyd at First Presbyterian Church, Rogers
on Saturday, December 12, from 9:00-11:00 a.m. when the gifts will be collected. This is a great op-
portunity to celebrate Christ’s love for all of God’s children in this holy season.
Special Offering Opportunities On the first Sunday of each month we receive an offering for Cooperative Emergency Outreach (CEO)
to benefit those in our community with immediate needs for food, help with their utilities and assistance get-
ting back on their feet.
On December 20, we receive the Christmas Joy Gift Offering
which supports giving back to those who have spent their lives in
the service of the church, through the Assistance Program of the
Board of Pensions. The program provides grants for housing sup-
plements, income assistance, and pastoral vocational leadership
needs. This offering also supports the education and development
of our future leaders at Presbyterian-related racial ethnic schools and colleges. These schools are dedicated
to nurturing opportunity and creating environments where diverse students can succeed from a foundation of
Christian values. The Offering benefits Menaul School and Presbyterian Pan American School, two secon-
dary schools that ready students for a path of higher learning, as well as Stillman College, where graduates
are prepared for lives of leadership and service.
On Christmas Eve, the entire offering creates the 2015 Individual Assistance Fund of our congregation,
giving our pastors, deacons, and outreach members the opportunity to assist individuals in our church and
community.
6
Advent, Christmas and Epiphany at First United Presbyterian Church
We invite you to worship with us at any time during this special season.
Services and Special Events
The First Sunday of Advent—November 29
Hanging of the Greens
One Service Only—9:45 a.m.
Sermon: “Christmas in a Few Words” (John 3:16-21)
Advent Small Groups at 11:00 a.m. and Potluck Meal at Noon
The Second Sunday of Advent—December 6
Christmas Cantata—
Nun komm, der Heiden Heiland, BWV 61 by J. S. Bach
Sermon: “Come and Let Your Light Shine” (Isaiah 9:2-7)
Selections from the Cantata at 8:30 a.m.
Adult Choir with Musicians at 11:00 a.m.
Presbyterian Women’s Christmas Tea
2:00 p.m. - 4:00 p.m., Fellowship Hall
Wednesdays Together—December 9
Celebration at the Manger
Lasagna and Mac ‘n’ Cheese Dinner at 5:30 p.m.
Children’s Christmas Program at 6:15 p.m.
Animals at the Manger at 6:45 p.m.
7
Advent, Christmas and Epiphany Events continued...
The Third Sunday of Advent—December 13
The Sounds of Christmas
Sermon: “No Room in the Inn” (Luke 2:1-7)
Children’s Choirs and Bell Choirs at 11:00 a.m.
New Member Reception at Noon
Cocoa and Carols at 2:30 p.m. in Fellowship Hall
The Third Tuesday of Advent—December 15
Christmas and Advent Concert — 7:30 p.m.
The UA Master Chorale under the direction of Mark Haney,
joined by the FUPC Chancel Choir.
The Fourth Sunday of Advent—December 20
Familiar Christmas Hymns
Sermon: “You Will Find a Baby” (Luke 2:8-14)
Worship at 8:30 and 11:00 a.m.
Christmas Brunch at 9:30 a.m.
Birthday Party for Jesus with Gifts for Peace at Home, 10:15 — 10:45 a.m.
Christmas Eve—December 24
Christmas Hymn Sing, A Collection of the New and the Old—5:00 p.m.
Candlelight Communion for All Ages—5:30 p.m.
Sermon: “Christmas Changes Everything” (John 1:1-14)
The Sunday after Christmas—December 27
More Familiar Christmas Hymns
Sermon: “’Twas Just Days after Christmas…” (Luke 2:21-38)
One Service—9:45 a.m.
Epiphany Sunday—January 3
The Visit of the Magi
Sermon: “Star-Gazing” (Matthew 2:1-15)
One Service—9:45 a.m.
First United Presbyterian Church Events for
December 2015
December 1 Stewardship Committee, 6:00 p.m., The Commons
December 2 Men’s Breakfast, 6:30 a.m., Village Inn
Staff Meeting, 9:30 a.m., The Commons
Chancel Bells, 6:00 p.m., Sanctuary
Chancel Choir, 7:00 p.m., Sanctuary
December 3 Intercessory Prayer, 3:30 p.m., Butterfield Trail Village
Session Meeting, 6:00 p.m., Library
December 4 Sunday Supper Prep, 8:30 a.m., Kitchen
Hooks and Needles, 10:00 a.m., Upper Witherspoon
December 6 Advent Cantata, 11:00 a.m., Sanctuary
Look Before You Leap, 9:30 a.m.,
Presbyterian Women’s Christmas Tea, 2:00 p.m.
Sunday Supper, 3:30 p.m., Trinity United Methodist Church
Christian Education Committee, 4:00 p.m.
Youth Handbells, 4:00 p.m.
Butterfield Trail Village Vespers, 4:30 p.m., Butterfield Trail Village
United Presbyterian Youth Christmas Party, 5:00 p.m.
December 7 Staff Christmas Party, 5:30 p.m.
December 8 Properties Committee, 5:00 p.m., Calvin 201
December 9 Men’s Breakfast, 6:30 a.m., Village Inn
Staff Meeting, 9:30 a.m., The Commons
Celebration at the Manger, 5:30 p.m.
December 10 First Fellowship, 11:30 a.m., Butterfield Trail Village
Intercessory Prayer, 3:30 p.m., Butterfield Trail Village
December 11 Hooks and Needles, 10:00 a.m., Upper Witherspoon
Friday Night Fun, 6:00 p.m.
December 13 New Member Reception, 12:00 p.m., Fellowship Hall
Cocoa, Cookies and Carols, 2:30 p.m., Fellowship Hall
Session and Deacon Christmas Party, 6:00 p.m.
December 15 Butterfield Trail Village Worship and Communion, 4:00 p.m.
Christmas and Advent Concert, 7:30 p.m., Sanctuary
December 16 Men’s Breakfast, 6:30 a.m., Village Inn
Staff Meeting, 9:30 a.m., The Commons
Chancel Choir Rehearsal, 7:00 p.m., Sanctuary
Continued on the next page...
December 17 Intercessory Prayer, 3:30 p.m., Butterfield Trail Village
December 18 7 Hills Meals Prep, 8:30 a.m., Kitchen
Hooks and Needles, 10:00 a.m., Upper Witherspoon
December 20 Christmas Brunch, 9:30 a.m., Fellowship Hall
Birthday Party for Jesus, 10:15 a.m., Upper Witherspoon
United Presbyterian Youth, 5:00 p.m., Lower Witherspoon
December 23 Men’s Breakfast, 6:30 a.m., Village Inn
Staff Meeting, 9:30 a.m., The Commons
Chancel Choir Rehearsal, 7:00 p.m., Sanctuary
December 24 CHRISTMAS EVE CHURCH OFFICE CLOSES AT 12:00 p.m.
Christmas Eve Hymn Sing, 5:00 p.m., Sanctuary
Christmas Eve Candlelight Service, 5:30 p.m., Sanctuary
December 25 CHRISTMAS DAY CHURCH OFFICE IS CLOSED
December 27 One Worship Service, 9:45 a.m.
December 30 Men’s Breakfast, 6:30 a.m., Village Inn
Staff Meeting, 9:30 a.m., The Commons
Chancel Choir Rehearsal, 7:00 p.m., Sanctuary
December 31 NEW YEAR’S EVE CHURCH OFFICE CLOSES AT 12:00 p.m.
Intercessory Prayer, 3:30 p.m., Butterfield Trail Village
January 1 NEW YEAR’S DAY CHURCH OFFICE IS CLOSED