At First - First Presbyterian Church Bloomsburg

At First
December 2014
A Monthly Newsletter of First Presbyterian Church, Bloomsburg
MERRY CHRISTMAS!
From the Staff at FPC: Steve, Helen, Lisa, Holly, Harry, and Joyce
I N S I D E
T H I S
FAITH GUIDES
I S S U E :
Happenings at First
1
From Pastor Steve
2
Breakfast news
3
Church Calendar
4
Mission News/
Christmas Joy Offering
5
Presbyterian Women
6
Staff and Church Duties
7
Birthdays and
Anniversaries
8
ATTENTION ALL
MINISTRY
CHAIRPERSONS!
ANNUAL
REPORTS ARE
DUE BY JANUARY
8. THANK YOU!
Join all of us at First Presbyterian
Church this Advent season as we
prepare our hearts for the coming of Christ.
Nov. 30
9:15 a.m. Sunday School
10:30 a.m. Worship, lighting the First Advent Candle
Dec. 4&5
CAROLS BY CANDLELIGHT CONCERTS - 7:30 p.m. both nights Bloomsburg University Choirs will present their annual Christmas
Concerts under the direction of Dr. Alan Baker and Dr. Amelia
Garbisch in our church sanctuary. Admission is free but you must have
a ticket.
Dec. 7
9:15 a.m. Sunday School
10:30 a.m. Worship, lighting the Second Advent Candle, Communion
Dec. 8
5:30 p.m. THE PRESBYTERIAN WOMEN’S CHRISTMAS DINNER - Please
call the church office to make your reservations. Gifts for Danville
State Hospital residents will be received. Suggested gift items include:
socks, watches, or phone cards. Join us for some delicious food and
desserts (pies, etc.) as we begin the Christmas season.
Dec. 14
9:15 a.m. Sunday School
10:30 a.m. Worship, lighting the Third Advent Candle
Dec. 21
9:15 a.m. Sunday School
10:30 a.m. Worship, lighting the Fourth Advent Candle. During
worship we will receive the Christmas Joy Offering to assist
Presbyterian- affiliated racial ethnic schools and colleges.
Dec. 24
Christmas Eve Worship
7:15 p.m. Pre-Service Music. Come enjoy the sounds of carols and
serenity of sanctuary.
7:30 p.m. Worship, lighting the Christ Candle (please note new time)
Dec. 28
9:30 a.m. - 4th Sunday Breakfast in Fellowship Hall
10:30 a.m. Worship
Nursery care for infants through age 3 is provided at all our services. Sunday
morning services include Worship Workshop for children ages 4—grade 3.
Page 2—December 2014
HIGHLIGHTS FOR
THE
MONTH OF DECEMBER
Once again, I would like to express my joy in being back with all of you
again through this time of transition. There is so much going on here at First
Pres. that I want to make sure we don’t miss a single event. So, please take a
look through this newsletter to see and learn about all that is happening in
and around our church this Advent and Christmas Season.
Just to highlight: Our 4th Sunday Breakfasts are back and I’d love to break bread with you all
this Sunday, November 30th. Helen is stringing the lights and the Deacons are gearing up and
getting ready to decorate the church and light the candles once more. Presbyterian Women are
preparing their annual dinner at which they hope to see many of the ladies of the church in
attendance, the university choruses will soon be visiting to share their great gifts of music, and
there are numerous giving opportunities this Advent season and you will read about a couple of
those in the pages ahead.
Advent and Christmas Eve lighters and readers are being assembled and this year our
Christmas Eve Service of Lessons and Carols will begin at 7:30 p.m. (one half hour later) so
please, please mark that on your calendars.
All that information and many more items, activities, and events are featured in the pages of
this newsletter, so please check them out and I look forward to sharing this wonderful and
blessed season with you all.
- Steve
LGBT WORKSHOP
First Presbyterian is hosting a workshop, "Respectful and Effective Conversations about
LGBT Equality" on November 30, from 1-3 p.m. in Fellowship Hall. A light lunch will be
provided.
One on one conversations can be a simple, but powerful tool for social change -- knowing
what to say can be a challenge. Learn what you need to know about LGBT realities and get tips
for holding effective conversations. It is important to be able to put our faith and values into
action and to speak powerfully and effectively, but with love and respect, to others even when
we disagree.
Ammon Ripple MLS M.Div, Faith Organizer from Equality Pennsylvania, will facilitate the
workshop. A graduate of Union Theological Seminary in New York City, Ammon is the VicePresident of the Open and Affirming Coalition in the United Church of Christ. If you would like
to attend please let the church office know.
MEMORIAL FLOWERS UPDATE
Thank you to all who continue to donate Sanctuary flowers in memory of, honor of, and
to the Glory of God. After each Sunday service, the flowers are delivered to shut-ins,
hospital patients, and people with birthdays and anniversaries. It helps to brighten their
day.
As of January 1, 2015, the price of the flowers will increase from $24.00 to $26.00.
Please help us continue this ministry to so many of our church family. Thank you!
Page 3– December 2014
"EVERY TIME I THINK OF YOU, I GIVE THANKS TO GOD...WITH
A HEART FULL OF JOY!" (Philippians 1:3-4).
An amazing cooperative effort by many individuals from among various ministries in the
church--Presbyterian Women, Mission Ministry, Deacons, Staff, Session, Music Ministry--all
helped to make sure the November 15 Northumberland Presbytery meeting ran smoothly.
Many thanks for each one who did his or her part to successfully host this meeting.
Blessings,
Velma A. Burrows, Elder and Host Coordinator
***************************************
Dear Friends at First Presbyterian,
Thank you for the lovely flowers given to us in memory of Terry’s father, Jack Rynhart. They
were greatly appreciated along with the many cards and notes of condolences. We are truly
blessed to be part of such a loving and caring congregation.
Terry and Jan Rynhart and Family
4TH SUNDAY BREAKFAST Sunday Breakfast!
NOVEMBER 30
4TH SUNDAY BREAKFAST DECEMBER 28
(fifth Sunday)
Come for 4th Sunday
breakfast on November 30, at
9:15 a.m. in the Fellowship
Hall. If you’re interested in
helping to cook one month, you can contact Jim
Lapinski at mrjim@yahoo.com. Come for the
fellowship, come for the good food. It’s 4th
Come for 4th Sunday breakfast on Sunday,
December 28, at 9:15 a.m. in the Fellowship
Hall. If you’re interested in helping to cook one
month, you can contact Jim Lapinski at
mrjim@yahoo.com. Come for the fellowship,
come for the good food. It’s 4th Sunday
Breakfast!
WORSHIP WORKSHOP
Worship Workshop, FPC's version of Sunday School for our younger children, is
offered to children from age 4 to 4th grade, during the regular worship service.
Following each Sunday's children's message, they will be escorted to the Worship
Workshop room for an engaging, Christian learning experience tailored just for
them. This time will be spent learning about different aspects of worship, the Bible, and what
it means to be a Christian. Activities may include, crafts, songs, games, mission projects, or
even short field trips around the church. Children will rejoin their families before the end of
worship. Come join us!
DAILY DEVOTIONS
FOR
ADVENT
Pick up the advent devotional, “Joy in Jesus” by Jerry Castleman, today. Copies are
available in the back of the sanctuary and in the fellowship hall in the literature rack. One
per family please. Thank you.
Page 4 - December 2014
December 2014
Sunday
November 30
9:15 4th Sunday
Breakfast
Monday
1
Helen and Joyce
out of the office
Tuesday
2
12:30—5:00 PM
BU Concert Choir
Rehearsal
10:30 AM Worship
followed by
Fellowship
Wednesday
3
9:30 AM Staff
Meeting
6:00 PM Trustees
7:30 PM Sanctuary Choir
1:00 to 3:00 p.m.
LGBT Workshop
Deacons setting up
for Christmas
7
Communion Traditional
9:15 AM Sunday
School
10:30 AM Worship
followed by
Fellowship
14
9:15 AM Sunday
School
10:30 AM Worship
followed by
Fellowship
6:00 - 9:00 PM
Bonnie Crawford
Student’s Recitals
8
9
5:30 PM PW
Christmas Dinner
7:00 PM Womens 7:30 PM Civic Club
Sanctuary Choir
Meeting
7:00 PM Ministry
Meeting Night
10
15
16
Joyce out of the
office
9:30 AM Quilters
4
12:30—5:00 PM
BU Concert Choir
Rehearsal
5
7:30 PM BU
Carols by
Candlelight
7:30 PM BU Carols
by Candlelight
Helen out of the
office
17
9:00— 1:00 PM
Salvation Army
7:00 PM
Service Unit
Seasoned Sounds Christmas
Distribution
22
9:15 AM Sunday
School
At First
Deadline
23
29
9:15 AM 4th Sunday
Breakfast
Helen and Joyce
out of the office
30
6
11
12
13
9:30 AM - Grace
Circle Meeting
Helen out of the
office
10:00 AM
Fellowship Hall
reserved for
Birthday Party
18
19
20
9:00— 1:00 PM
Salvation Army
Service Unit
Christmas
Distribution
9:00— 1:00 PM
Salvation Army
Service Unit
Christmas
Distribution
9:00 AM
Poinsettias Set-up
Helen out of the
office
24
25
26
7:30 PM Christmas
Eve Service
Merry Christmas!
Helen and Joyce 4:00 PM Wedding
out of the
Rynhart/Bensinger
office.
10:30 AM Worship
followed by
Fellowship
28
Saturday
1:30 p.m.
Presbyterian
Women
Coordinating Team
7:30 PM Sanctuary Choir
21
Friday
4:30 PM - Eve
Circle Meeting
7:00 PM Public
Worship
6:00 PM Joint
Deacon and
Session Meeting
Thursday
Church Office
Closed
27
5:30 PM
Rynhart/
Bensinger
Wedding
Rehearsal
31
7:30 PM Sanctuary Choir
10:30 AM Worship
followed by
Fellowship
The January At First Newsletter Deadline is Sunday, December 21, at noon. It will
be mailed out on Wednesday, December 31.
Page 5 – December 2014
SNOW POLICY
When the weather outside gets
frightful, here is what we’ll do.
When Sunday activities need to be
cancelled or delayed tune in to one
of the following for information.

WHLM – Radio 930 AM
WFYY – Radio 106.5 FM
WBRE 28 – Television
WYOU 22 – Television
You can also call the church office
and check the church website for
updates.




Hopefully, we will not have to use these
services. Enjoy the winter season!
CELEBRATE THE TRUE MEANING OF THE SEASON WITH LIFE-CHANGING GIFTS!
The Christmas Joy Offering provides assistance for those who have dedicated
their lives to the service of the church and supports racial ethnic leadership
development at Presbyterian-related schools and colleges. Follow in the tradition
of the wise men, and give this Advent Season.
Some Facts:
1. In 2013, Income Supplements from the Board of Pensions helped 304
households.
2. The offering has been a cherished Presbyterian tradition since the 1930s.
3. In 2013, Housing Supplements from the Board of Pensions helped 287 households.
WE COOKED AND MANY WERE FED!
From: Marilyn Witherup
Special thanks to all who helped the mission ministry and the Presbyterian women prepare
and serve the Presbytery and the Community Friendship meals
last Saturday. Mary Ridgeway directed the food preparation on
Friday and on Saturday we served delicious mozzarella chicken
with salad and green beans and desserts for both meals. At the
Friendship meal we tied a record attendance with 114 sign in
people and 30 take outs. Ben Fuller served as the dishwasher in
chief and we managed to be done by 1:30 p.m.
A special blessing at the Friendship meal were the college
student volunteers (whom I attribute to the power of prayer for help!!) and one group of 8
contacted me the Wednesday before the meal. They were willing to help set tables, serve, and
clean up and stayed until we were done. I have sent them thank you notes and invited them to
Sunday worship services, so if you notice any college students with us on Sundays, please
welcome them as God’s messengers!
If you would like to order a poinsettia in memory or in honor of a loved
one to decorate the sanctuary on Christmas Eve, please hand in the
poinsettia order form by Tuesday, December 2. The order forms are in
the back of the Sanctuary and in the literature rack in the Fellowship
Hall. Thank you.
Page 6 - December 2014
PRESBYTERIAN WOMEN NEWS
from various members
CATCH THE HOLIDAY SPIRIT!
PRESBYTERIAN WOMEN BANQUET DECEMBER 8, 2014, AT 5:30 PM.
We're trying something new for our Christmas dinner this year.
We've moved the dinner to ministry night and hope more women can
join us and then attend a ministry if they need too. All women in the
church are invited. This year we are letting Balzano's do the cooking
except for the homemade pies we'll provide for dessert. We will be
charging $6.00 for dinner to help defray the cost. Please bring a
favorite Christmas ornament that you are willing to share a story about.
Contact the church office by Monday, December 1 at 570-784-2322 or Kathy Baker at 570-7846549 to RSVP.
CHRISTMAS NEEDS FOR DANVILLE STATE HOSPITAL
Danville State Hospital likes to have every patient opening a gift on
Christmas morning. The following items are needed: shirts, sweatsuits,
socks, underwear, pajamas and nightgowns, Large sizes. Wallets, hats,
gloves, watches and puzzle/activity books are also appreciated.
Some members of our congregation will be asked to purchase specific
items in the color and size for a client with a wish-list. It is wonderful to
have a gift that fits because it was bought for you!
Often at Christmas patients need specific items that are not pledged. Hospital volunteers
must buy them so financial contributions are appreciated. Donated funds are also used for
refreshments at holiday parties and hospital wide leisure activities. If you wish to help, please
make the memo on your check Danville State Hospital.
First’s gifts must be delivered by the 10th of December. Please bring yours to the office or put
them on a designated table in Fellowship Hall. If you have any questions, please contact Arline
Johnson (570-764-1919). Thanks for your generosity.
“WANT NEWSY EMAIL UPDATES?
From time to time the FPC office sends out news of soon-coming events or new
prayer concerns. If you do not receive these currently
and would like to, please send Joyce Rex your email
address and request to fpcbloom@verizon.net.
Additionally, if you receive your At First in standard mail
but would prefer to get it emailed to you, please also let
her know that. Also, if you have a new phone number
please include that too as we update our files. Thank you for your help!
Page 7 - December 2014
First Presbyterian Mission Statement:
“Proclaim the grace of God; Share the Word of God; Serve the Children of God.”
CHURCH STAFF JOB TITLE
NAME
EMAIL ADDRESS
Supply Pastor
Administrative Assistant
Financial Secretary
Director of Music
Organist
Sexton
Rev. Steve Cureton
Joyce Rex
Lisa Padner
Holly Lapinski
Harry Martenas
Helen Fester
sdcureton@msn.com
fpcbloom@verizon.net
rlpadner@epix.net
hollypiece@hotmail.com
harry.martenas@gmail.com
fpcbloom@verizon.net
SUNDAY SCHEDULE - See Calendar Insert for more details
December 7 Communion
9:15 Sunday School
10:30 Morning Worship
followed by Fellowship
6:00 to 9:00 Recital in FH
December 14
9:15 Sunday School 10:30
Morning Worship
followed by Fellowship
10:30 Morning Worship
followed by Fellowship
December 21
9:15 Sunday School
10:30 Morning Worship
followed by Fellowship
Moderator,
Rev. Steve Cureton
Millard Manning,
Clerk
Jason Bombard
Velma Burrows
Brian Johnson
Bob Koval
Jim Lapinski
Martha Manning
John Polhill
Megan Prezioso
Brenda Rupert
Marilyn Witherup
Debra Yablonski
Craig Young
Trustees
William Baillie
Bruce Bowman
David Boyd
Larry Mack
Dave Yablonski
December 28
9:15 4th Sunday Breakfast
Deacons
Mod. Jan
Rynhart
Gene Alwood
Jim Burrows
Joan Cole
Lillian Fields
Kim Hill
Judy Hunchar
James Lapinski
Carol Laudermilch
Chuck Laudermilch
Larry McGurl
Lisa Padner
Jim Patterson
Helen Patterson
Terry Rynhart
Albert Schutz
Karen Thrasher
Church Duties
December 7
December 14
December 21
December 28
Liturgist (s)
Wendy Miller
Linda Krause
Dave Kline
Jim Lapinski
Greeters
Megan Prezioso and
Karen Thrasher
Jason and Jenelle
Bombard
Bob and Emma Ross
Beth Larson and
Michael Fritz
Flower
Delivery
John and Jeananne
Scrimgeour
Carolyn Baillie and
Jean Underwood
Emma and Robert Ross
Ben and Christine Fuller
Deacons
Karen Thrasher and
Helen Patterson
Chuck and Carol
Laudermilch
Al Schutz and Larry
McGurl
Karen Thrasher and
Lillian Fields
Worship
Workshop
Tara Varner and Mac
Seidel
Jason and Jenelle
Bombard
TBD
TBD
M4YD
Pastor Steve
Marty Johnson
Ethan Krupp
Christine Fuller
Nursery
Madeline Polhill
Nathan Lincoln
Olivia McGaw
Jonah Crawford
Acolyte
Joseph Polhill
Hope Lapinski
Patrick Krupp
Brian Prezioso
Fellowship Hour
Spiritual Life and
Fellowship Ministry
Larry McGurl
Dee Franklin
TBD
Ushers
December - Joanne Berkheiser, Beth Larson, Mike Fritz, Helen and Jim Patterson, Kim Hill, and
Susan Webster.
January – Albert Schutz, David Kline, Robert Ross, Marilyn Witherup, Gene Alwood, Richard Smith,
and Nancy Schott.
Page 8 - December 2014
First Presbyterian Church
345 Market Street
Bloomsburg, PA 17815
(570) 784-2322
www.fpcbloom.org
fpcbloom@verizon.net
OFFICE HOURS:
Monday - Friday 9:00 a.m.-2:00 p.m.
Worship Hours
Sunday School 9:15 a.m.
Morning Worship 10:30 a.m. followed
by Fellowship
Bloomsburg
Presbyterian Church
hosts several AA/NA
Meetings on its property
every week.
For Information on area
Alcoholics Anonymous
meetings, Please call (570)
387-4940, 24 hours a day.
For Information on area
Narcotics Anonymous
meetings, Please call (877)
501-1246, 24 hours a day.
CAROLS BY CANDLELIGHT
On Thursday, December 4, and
Friday, December 5, at 7:30 p.m.
BLOOMSBURG UNIVERSITY CHOIRS
will present their annual "Carols by
Candlelight" under the direction of Dr. Alan
Baker and Dr. Amelia Garbisch in our
church sanctuary. Admission is free but
tickets are needed to attend. Please call
the church office at 570-784-2322.
THE 25TH OF EVERY MONTH IS ORANGE DAY!
The Presbyterian USA Mission Agency is asking people to wear orange on the 25th of each month to
take a stand on ending violence against women and girls. Orange ribbons are located in the back of the
church sanctuary and in the Fellowship Hall. So that you can respond factually to questions about your
ribbon, please go to the PC USA website and go to the Mission Agency page.
Happy December Birthday to: Marilyn Witherup,
Jim Lapinski, Joe Gillespie-Hill, Larry Mack,
Jim Burrows, Bonnie Crawford, Tim Yablonski,
Chris Bennett, Joanne Berkheiser, Dawn
Cureton, Jean Johnson, Paul Anderson, Aileen
Sorber, Beatrice Varner, Beth Kline, Patrick Krupp,
Craig Young, Carolyn Baillie, and Lanie Presswood.
Happy December Anniversary to:
Carrie and John Broadt, Mike Maydak
and Barbara Wilson, Amy and Chris
Bennett, Keiffer and Gene Alwood,
Maggie Gillespie
and Kim Hill,
Judy and Bill
Hunchar.