“Opening Doors, Living God’s
Word”
E-CHIMES
A Weekly Update of Joys,
Concerns and Ministry with
FIRST PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH
Sunday Worship Hour
10:30 a.m.
Church Office Hours: Monday
- Thursday: 9:00 am - 2:00 pm
Pastor's Office Hours: Monday
– Thursday 9:00 am – 2:00 pm
(Fridays: Pastor's day off,
office closed)
OUR MISSION
As followers of Jesus,
we will
open our doors
to glorify
God and do God’s work
in our
community and beyond.
November 24, 2011
HAPPY THANKSGIVING!
Church Phone:
989-773-9609
Our email is churchoffice@fpcmp.org
Our website is www.fpcmp.org
Facebook: www.facebook.com/groups/FPCMP/
Pastor Miller’s phone
502-609-6171
Email address: andrewlmiller1@gmail.com
In This Issue:
· Prayer
concerns:
· Thanks to
our Presbyterian Friends (NEW)
· The Season
of Advent Anticipation and Hope (NEW)
· 10 Tips
for a Simpler More Meaningful Christmas (NEW)
· Thank You
from the American Red Cross (NEW)
· PW Thank
Offering Report (NEW)
· PW Silent
Auction Report (NEW)
· A Thank
You (NEW)
· We Still
Hold the Golden Shoe (NEW)
· Toys and
Children’s Books for Christmas Outreach (NEW)
· Christmas
Pageant (NEW)
· Recipe for
Happiness
· Homeless
Awareness Month
· Free
Thanksgiving Dinner
· Deacons
Mitten Sorting
· Help
Needed for Christmas Outreach Move
· Bennigan’s Fundraiser (ICDC)
· Advent
Festival
· Deacons
Christmas Delights
· Christmas
Poinsettias
· Christmas
Outreach
· Christmas
Caroling
· Lectionary
Readings
· A Glimpse
at The Week Ahead
· Looking at
Events in the Church, Around the Town and Beyond
· Birthdays
and Anniversaries
· Web Links
of Interest
PRAYER CONCERNS
Prayers of Concern John Kingsnorth
(Nancy Klunzinger’s brother), Sue Blodgett, Lucille Wysong, Hilary Burns (Heidi Rocha’s sister, Nancy
Enders, Liz Hubbard, Clarice Miller, (Rev. Miller’s mother, Lois
Austin, Graham Tillotson, Veha Chamichian, Mary Jo Cox, Howard Richardson, The Committee
searching for a Director of Music and the IEPC Mission Team who will be
traveling to Costa Rica next summer.
Prayers of Sympathy to Megan Goodwin and family for the
death of Megan’s father, Francis Maurice Goodwin who died November 12, 2011 at
the age of 79.
Prayers of Sympathy to the
Lewis Johnson and family for the death of Jane F. Johnson who died November 19,
2011 at the age of 93 in Naples Florida.
God we give thanks for the watchfulness of children. Help us
to stay awake during this Advent season as we await the arrival of the Christ
child. Amen.
Prayer taken from the 2011
Mission Yearbook for Prayer and Study.
Thanks to our Presbyterian Friends
Thank you for including the CMU Saxophone and Tuba studios in your
Harvest Dinner Event. The students speak of it as one of the most
memorable events they experience during their time in Mount
Pleasant. Planting seeds that grow into beautiful plants is an
age-old endeavor. My hope is that the goodwill you have shared will surface
in projects they create in their future. You are excellent models
for these talented young musicians, of people that care and work together to
help others.
John Nichol
Professor of Saxophone
CMU
President - North American Saxophone Alliance
The Season of Advent Anticipation and Hope
The word Advent means “coming” or “arrival”. The Season of
Advent focuses on the celebration of the birth of Jesus the Christ in his First
Advent, and the anticipation of the return of Christ the King, in his Second Advent.
Advent is far more than a 2,000 year-old historical event. It is a time
of celebrating the truth about God, the revelation of God in Christ where by
all of creation might be reconciled to God. Therefore, Advent is a season
of celebration, anticipation, preparation, and waiting.
10 Tips for a Simpler More Meaningful Christmas
By Gary Cook
from Whose Birthday is it
Anyway?
1.
Plan ahead. Instead of going on auto-pilot the day after
Thanksgiving, hold a family meeting to decide what the group really wants to do
and who’s going to do what.
2.
If you need a symbol for giving (in addition to Jesus and the
Three Wise Ones), learn about St. Nicholas. Santa Claus has been
completely taken over by commerce.
3.
Avoid debt. Refuse to be pressured by advertising to
overspend.
4.
Avoid stress. Give to yourself. Don’t assume that
things have to be the same way they’ve always been.
5.
Draw names rather than everyone giving something to everyone else
in your giving circle. Set a ceiling for each recipient. Give
children ONE thing they really want, rather than so many gifts. If need
be, pool funds.
6.
Give appropriate gifts. Get to know the recipient.
Give what they want to receive, not what you want to buy.
7.
Give alternative gifts. Give 25 percent of what you spent
last year to the needy…individuals or groups locally, nationally or
internationally. Buy crafts and clothing from developing countries at
alternative gift markets, not from commercial importers, so that the artisans
receive a fair price for their work. Give of yourself, not just “stuff”—a
coupon book for future services (such as baby-sitting or a “enchanted evening”);
something baked, sewn, handmade, composed, etc.; or a family service project,
such as working together at a soup kitchen.
8.
Celebrate Advent for four weeks before Christmas.
9.
Put gifts under the tree shortly before opening them. Then
take turns opening them around the tree, not all at once, so that each gift can
be admired and each giver thanked.
10.
10. Make changes slowly but
persistently. Don’t try to change everything and everybody all at
once. The resistance will make you feel defeated and lonely
Thank You from the American Red Cross
On behalf of the Board of Directors, I want to thank you for the
recent contribution to the Central Michigan Chapter of the American Red
Cross. We appreciate your trust in us to be there for the residents of
Isabella County. Your donation to the chapter allows us to meet the needs of families
using our Emergency Food Pantry Services. Because of your generosity, our
Food Pantry will be there, when “Help Can’t Wait!”
Sincerely Deb Birkam, Executive
Director
PW Thank Offering Report
The PW Thank Offering collected a total of #302.00. This
offering is sent in its entirety to Presbytery where it is used to support new and creative projects that meets the needs of hurting
people- the aged, homeless, disabled, refugees, children and youth.
PW Silent Auction Report
Returns on the Silent Auction brought a total of
$484.00. Part of this will go to savings toward refurbishing the
kitchen. Part will be used for operating expenses such as supplies and
also to cover the cost of our Ecumenical Tea. Many thanks to all who
participated in any way—donors and buyers!
A Thank You
Dear Mary Jo and the whole Wed @ First bunch: Andrew
brought your amazing basket of goodies and thoughtful items to Howard in the
ICU. Theres a whol lot of
love there and we thank you very much! Howard
and Norma Richardson.
We Still Hold the Golden Shoe.
As the church with the most walkers in the CROP Walk for hunger this
year our church still holds the Golden Shoe award. Great work everyone!
Toys and Children's Books for Christmas Outreach
We will collect unwrapped toys and books on Sunday, December 4
during the morning worship service. These will be given to Christmas Outreach
for distribution to those in need. Help brighten a child's Christmas morning!
Christmas Pageant
The Christmas Pageant will take place during the intergenerational
worship service on Sunday, December 11. All children are welcome to take part!
Join us on this special Sunday as we hear the Christmas story and consider its
impact on our lives today.
Recipe for Happiness
2 heaping cups of patience
1 heart full of Love
2 handfuls of generosity
1 dash of laughter
1 head full of understanding
Sprinkle with kindness and add faith
Mix well – spread over a lifetime
Serve everyone you meet!
November is Homeless Awareness Month
Free Thanksgiving Dinner
The families of Immanuel Lutheran Church of Mt. Pleasant cordially
invite you to join us for Thanksgiving Dinner with all the trimmings and
prayer. Dinner will be served at NOON on Thursday, November 24, 2011
Will you be joining us? Please help our planning by making reservations
by calling the church office at 773-4204 by November 18. Thank you.
There is no charge; dress is very casual.
Immanuel Lutheran Church 320 S. Bradley St. (next to West
Intermediate School)
Deacons Mitten Sorting
The Deacons will be sorting mittens for Christmas Outreach on
November 29 and December 6 at 6:00 p.m. Many hands will make for a quick
sort. Please lend a helping hand.
Help Needed for Christmas Outreach Move
Sunday afternoon, November 27 at 1:30 is move - in day for
Christmas Outreach from Immanual Lutheran to
Finch. There is a need for two strong people from the church to help with
this move. Please contact Mary Lu Yardley if you are willing to assist.
Bennigan’s
Fundraiser (ICDC)
The Dolly Parton Imagination Library is a non-profit organization
that funnels money through the Gratiot- Isabella Regional School
District. The money given is for the purchase of children’s books for
children 0-5 years old. Each child that is registered will receive a book
in the mail each month until they turn five. Bennigan’s
is generously helping raise funds for this worthwhile program on November 30,2011. Take the attached flyer with you on November 30th
and 20% of your total bill will be donated to the Dolly Parton Imagination
Library of Gratiot and Isabella counties.
Advent Festival
On Sunday November 27 at 11:30 am we will be having our annual
Advent Festival. Come share in the good times as we prepare God’s house
for the Birth of Jesus Christ. We will decorate trees, hang garlands,
assemble the nativity scene on the lawn and in the sanctuary and enjoy
Christmas Crafts. We will begin with a lunch in the Fellowship Hall (free
will donation).
Deacons Christmas Delights
Join us in the Witherspoon Room December 11, right after worship
for a Wonderland of Holiday treats. Admission is a generous donation with
proceeds going to Member Care Fund/Local Missions.
Christmas Poinsettias
You are invited to help beautify the sanctuary for Christmas!
The Worship & Music Committee is planning to purchase poinsettias for the
floral display.
Those who wish to honor or remember someone may do so by enclosing
a donation and filling out the form which will be an insert in your Sunday
bulletin and must be returned to the church office by Sunday, December 5th.
The flowers will be in the sanctuary on Sunday, December 18th
and Christmas Eve. If the donor so desires, their name will be included
in the Sunday bulletin insert listing the donors and those being honored.
Those wishing to purchase plants please take them with you after the service on
Christmas Eve or pick them up during the week to share with a friend of your
choice.
Christmas Outreach
Christmas Outreach is expecting a large increase in clients this
year due to a Social Services cash cut
off date as of October 1st. We are in great need of new
or gently used linens, such as towels, blankets, sheet sets, pillows, rugs,
kitchen items, etc.
We would greatly appreciated it if you
could conduct a linen drive at your church.
Drop off dates are Nov. 30., December 1,2,5 and 6 from
1:00 pm to 7:00 pm, except for Friday from 1:00 pm to 3:00 pm at Finch Fieldhouse, on the campus of Central Michigan
University. There is a collection box for these items in the
Narthex. The collection box will be picked up Nov. 30.
If you have any questions, please call Co-Chairs Jane Butcher at
772-1443, Molly York at 560-3359 or Kathy Parks at 772-3087.
Thank you in advance.
Christmas Caroling
First Presbyterian will be doing their annual Christmas Caroling
on Sunday December 18th at 2:45 pm. The trolley will need to be back
in the garage by 5:00 pm. There will be a chili supper at the church
afterwards. So reserve this date on your calendar if you want to enjoy the
blessings of the Season as we sing to members of our church some of whom are
shut-in.
LECTIONARY READINGS for Sunday November 27, 2011
Mark 13: 24-37
Isaiah 64: 1-9
A GLIMPSE AT THEWEEK AHEAD (Thursday -
Thursday)
All events are at First Presbyterian Church unless otherwise noted
Thursday November 24
HAPPY THANKSGIVING!
Sunday November 27
9:30 am Adult Bible Study
Worship Service
“Look, Be Aware, Keep Alert, Keep Awake” by Rev. Andrew L. Miller
11:30 am Advent Luncheon in the Fellowship Hall and the decorating
of the church following afterwards
Monday November 28
9:00 am Monday Morning Men
10:00 am Staff Meeting
6:30 pm ICDC Positive Discipline Workshop
Tuesday November 29
Noon Domestic Violence Task Force Meets
6:00 pm Deacons Mitten Sorting
6:00 pm Prayer Ministry Team meets in the Parlor
Wednesday November 30
8:00 pm AA
Thursday December 1
6:30 pm Handbell Choir Rehearsal
7:30 pm Chancel Choir Rehearsal
LOOKING AHEAD AT EVENTS IN THE CHURCH, AROUND THE TOWN AND BEYOND
Mobile Food Pantry 2011 Schedule
December 10 TBD
BIRTHDAYS AND ANNIVERSARIES
November Birthdays
26 Jerry Tuma
27 Martha Riggs
28 Kyle Kennett
December
1 Tom Hall
2 Giselle Montross
Wedding Anniversaries
18 Shaun and Nichole
Pardy
LINKS
Presbytery of Lake Huron www.presbylh.org
Presbyterian Church USA www.pcusa.org
Presbyterian Disaster Assistance http://pcusa.org/pda/response/usa/hurricanekatrina-index.htm