December 13 2015-January 16 2016

THE SPIRE LIGHT
First Presbyterian Church
100 Silver Creek Road, Morganton, NC 28655
828-437-1811
www.fpcmorganton.org
December 13, 2015January 16, 2016
December 13, 2015
Third Sunday of Advent
Rev. Adam C. Bowling
Lectionary
Zeph. 3:14-20; Is. 12:2-6
Phil. 4:4-7; Luke 3:7-18
Greeters
Anne Gamble, Mary Frances Young
December 20, 2015
Fourth Sunday of Advent
“A Service of Lessons and Carols”
Lectionary
Micah 5:2-5a; Luke 1:46-55
Heb. 10:5-10; Luke 1:39-45
Greeters
Jerry and Barbara Norvell, Restels
MERRY
CHRISTMAS
AND A
HAPPY NEW YEAR!
December 24, 2015
Candlelight Communion Service
December 27, 2015
Carol Sing Worship Service
Lectionary
1 Sam. 2:18-20, 26; Ps. 148
Col. 3:12-17; Luke 2:41-52
Greeters
Henry and Penina Ramseur
January 3, 2016
Epiphany Service
Rev. Michael R. Bailey
Lectionary
Jer. 31:7-14; Ps. 147:12-20
Eph. 1:3-14; Jn. 1:1-18
Greeters
Kendrick and Rigsbee families
January 10, 2016
Rev. Michael R. Bailey
Lectionary
Is. 43:1-7; Ps. 29
Acts 8:14-17; Luke 3:15-17, 21-22
Greeters
Hewat and Vinay families
FROM
THE STAFF OF
FIRST PRESBYTERIAN
CHURCH
Member Giving Through November 2015
Budgeted
Received
Budget Shortfall
Pledged Giving
$487,254
$463,093
$24,161
$51,333
$30,970
$20,363
Non-pledged Giving
For a detailed analysis of revenues and expenses, please see the financial notebook located in the church library.
Elective Sunday School Class
9:45-10:40 AM in Room 102
December 13: “Advent Through the Eyes of Those Who Waited” led by Anne Wilson
December 20: “Update on Malawi and Dr. Barbara Nagy” by Tom Kilgore
December 27: “Sharing of Christmas Memories” by class members
Tree of Warmth
Now through December, we will be collecting clean, new, and gently used blankets, mittens, gloves, hats, coats,
and scarves (all sizes) for needy families and individuals here in Burke County. Look for the Tree of Warmth
outside the fellowship hall and please give generously.
Invite a Friend!
With all of the special events and activities coming up during the Advent and Christmas seasons, it's a great time
to invite someone to church. Special invitation cards are available on tables around the church. Please feel free
to take some of these cards and invite your friends. neighbors, and co-workers to come and experience Christ's
love during this meaningful time of the year.
Children’s Christmas Pageant: “His Name Is Jesus”
We hope you can attend this year's Children's Christmas Pageant, “His Name Is Jesus,” on
Wednesday, December 16. The pageant will start at 6:30 PM in the sanctuary. There will be a
meal in the fellowship hall at 5:15 PM ($6 adult, $4 child, $18 family cap). Transportation to
and from Grace Ridge on the church bus will be provided. Please call the church office to sign
up for the bus and/or to RSVP for the meal by noon on Monday, December 14.
Church Directory Photo Day—Sunday, December 20
On Sunday, December 20 we will have two photo sessions:
•
•
Before worship: 9:30-10:30 AM
After worship: 12:15-1:15 PM
You do not need a specific appointment—just show up! Each family or individual
who has their photo taken will be entered to win a free photo package!
We want everyone to participate,
and we mean
everyone!
Wednesday Night Programs
December 9: Christmas Concert by Chancel Ringers
December 16: “His Name Is Jesus” Children's Christmas Pageant (6:30 PM)
December 23: No Wednesday Night Meal (Wednesday night meals will resume February 10, Ash Wednesday.)
Youth and Children’s Sunday School on December 27
On Sunday, December 27, at 9:45 AM, the children and youth Sunday school classes will
see the movie, “A Charlie Brown Christmas” in the chapel. (There is no traditional Sunday school for children and youth on December 27; regular Sunday school classes will resume on January 3.)
Sunday, December 13, 2:15 PM—
Student
The Best Christmas Pageant Ever" Play
Ministries
Parents are asked to drop their student(s) off at the Old
Rock School in Valdese at 2:15 PM. Students will need Rev. Adam Bowling
828-448-8914
$10.00 for a ticket, and we will gather in the lobby beadam@firstpresmorganton.org
fore the show. RSVP on the church website and/or
email Pastor Adam today to reserve your ticket!
Friday, December 18, 7:00 PM—MIPSO in Concert at the CoMMA
Join your youth group friends in support of Taylor and Jacob Sharp as MIPSO
(mipsomusic.com) puts on a concert at CoMMA in support of Casting for Hope. This
organization helps local Western NC women fighting cancer. Tickets through us cost
only $12.00. RSVP on the church website and/or email Pastor Adam today to reserve
your ticket!
Sunday, December 20, 6:00-8:00 PM—Caroling on the Ridgeline Trolley
Christmas Caroling on the Ridgeline Trolley on Sunday, December 20, 6:00-8:00 PM, for
all ages! Join First Presbyterian Church for an evening of caroling to shut-ins and friends
of the church. Also, we will visit the J. Iverson Riddle Christmas lights and have hot
chocolate, coffee, and treats when we return! Cost is $3.00 per person to cover fuel and
supplies. Space is limited, so you must go to the church website, print out a form, and
turn it in with payment to reserve a spot! Hope to see you there!
Sunday, December 27—No PM Youth Group
Sunday, January 3—TBA
Scholarship Availability
Presbyterian Women of WNC wish to announce for
church members that a $1,500 annual scholarship is
available to high school seniors who will be enrolled in
a 4-year degree program at an accredited college by autumn of 2016 and to students of any age who will be
enrolled in an accredited 4-year college in 2016. For
more information, call Adam Bowling or Gwen Veazey.
Thank You
The children and I want to thank everyone for the kindness shown
to our family these last few months when Wayne was in declining
health. All of the calls, cards, visits, and food were so appreciated. I am truly blessed to be loved and supported by this church
family. I look forward to again becoming more involved in the
life of the church.
Thanks so much,
Janice Smith
The Spire Light Deadline
The next issue of The Spire Light will cover January 17February 6 events. Please submit information to the
church office or email to lori@firstpresmorganton.org
by noon on Monday, January 11.
In Sympathy
“I am the resurrection and the life.”
Congregational love and sympathy are extended to Barbara Wall
and family at the death of her sister-in-law, Eleanor Bounous, on
November 13, 2015.
Congregational love and sympathy are extended to
Janice Smith and family at the death of her husband,
Wayne Harrington Smith Sr., on November 20, 2015.
First Presbyterian is a connectional church; let us therefore
pray for other congregations within our Presbytery:
Ryburn Memorial Presbyterian Church, Shelby, NC
Prayer
Give us faith, O God,
that we may live the life that
your Son has opened up for us. Amen.
Stewardship
The Stewardship Committee would like to thank all who have submitted pledges to support the 2016 Annual
Budget of First Presbyterian. As of December 7, we have received 133 pledges totaling $497,291. If you have not
submitted your pledge card yet, please do so as soon as you are able so that our Administration Committee can
prepare the budget. Extra pledge cards can be found in the narthex and friendship pads.
“For thou, O LORD, hast made me glad by thy work; at the works of thy hands I sing for joy.” Psalm 92:4
Supporting the Church is supporting the works of God’s hands.
New Hymn of the Month
The New Hymn of the Month for our December
worship services is My Soul Cries Out With a Joyous
Shout/Canticle of the Turning (Glory to God Hymnal, #100). By employing an energetic Irish folk song
for its melody, this ballad-like paraphrase of the
Magnificat, Mary’s song at her meeting with her
relative Elizabeth from Luke 1:46–55, recaptures
both the wonder and the faith of the young woman
who first recognized what God was doing. “My soul
cries out with a joyful shout that the God of my heart is great,
and my spirit sings of the wondrous things that you bring to
the ones who wait.”
SESSION NOTES
Summary for November 19, 2015, Session Meeting
Session approved recommendations on updating church rolls and received a report from the October meeting of Presbytery. Administration: The financial report shows current expenditures exceed income by about $23,000. Options for dealing with the
loose, uneven slate walkways are being explored. Some wood from the oak tree will be dried, stored, and made into mementos at
a later date. The Methodist Church firewood ministry will use the remainder. Session expressed gratitude for Church Treasurer
Mark Buff. Christian Education: The Confirmation Class, God’s Backyard Bible Club, and adult elective classes are going
well. Helpers for the Bible Club are needed. Congregational Care: In the past month, the committee made over 300 contacts
to church members—visits, calls, cards, meals. Fellowship: The Progressive Christmas Party, Christmas caroling, and other Advent events are planned. Good News: Every prospective member was sent an invitation to attend Advent activities. Photos for
the church directory will be taken before and after worship on December 20. Missions and Outreach: Session approved distribution of the Christmas Eve offering to Burke United Christian Ministries (50%) and Malawi Hunger Aid (50%). Although the
Nickel-a-Meal Hunger Program is stressed on Communion Sundays, donations are welcome any Sunday. There were 110 books
received for the Read-Me-a-Story program of the prison ministry. Sweet Delights Bakery program has received a grant from the
Community Foundation of Burke County and has also applied for another grant. Seven participants are eligible for scholarships
this year. Christmas Cheer needs volunteers to assist with distributing toys. Participation in the Alternative Gift Market has declined greatly, and the Committee will determine whether to continue next year. Presbytery is conducting a capital campaign,
“Building Hope,” which will focus on health care at Nkhoma Hospital in Malawi ($1 million), Guatemala Ministry ($240,000),
Vital Churches Ministry—support to congregations and leadership development ($509,000), and Camp Grier facility upgrades
($500,500). Nearly $1 million has already been raised in this $2.25 million campaign. Session approved using the remainder of
the Inscoe gift designated for Malawi for this campaign. Personnel: Adam Bowling has returned to full duties and will resume
his monthly preaching in December. Wyatt Aiken continues to assist with pastoral visits. Jean Bolton’s recovery has progressed
more slowly than hoped for. Stewardship: Thanks to those who have returned pledge cards. To date, $451,000 has been
pledged. Worship: Plans for Advent are well underway, including Christmas memorials, and the Handbell Concert. Patton High
School Chamber Singers will join the Chancel Choir for the Service of Lessons and Carols. Session approved the November 29
baptism of Lainey Smith. Nominating: The committee continues to seek those willing to serve as elder or deacon. Presbyterian
Women: The Thank Offering will benefit 32 projects, 22 national and 10 international. Funds for benevolences have been distributed, including to three children’s homes. Staff Announcements: Adam Bowling reported that the church nursery is staffed,
but often there are no children needing care. To better use personnel and funds, in 2016 a RSVP form for nursery care will be
implemented. Adam also thanked everyone for their support when he was on leave. Michael Bailey noted a number of pastoral
concerns and requested prayers and support for these members.
As always, if you have any questions, affirmations, or concerns to express to the Session, please contact any Session member.
Submitted by Elsie Bartlett, Clerk
Wednesday, December 23
12:00 PM Al-Anon
5:00 PM Chancel Ringers
No Meal/Program
7:15 PM Chancel Choir
Tuesday, December 22
7:00 AM Men’s Breakfast
1:30 PM Staff Meeting
Saturday, December 19
8:00 PM Al-Anon
8:00 PM AA
Friday, December 18
7:00 PM Youth Trip—
Mipso at CoMMA
Saturday, December 26
8:00 PM Al-Anon
8:00 PM AA
Saturday, January 2
8:00 PM Al-Anon
8:00 PM AA
Friday, January 1
Thursday, December 31
Church Office Closed
Wednesday, December 30
Church Office
Is Open Today
12:00 PM Al-Anon
No Meal/Program/Choirs
Tuesday, December 29
Church Office Closed
7:00 AM Men’s Breakfast
Monday, December 28
Church Office Closed
6:00 PM Churchwide
Christmas Caroling
Lessons and Carols
Sunday, December 27
9:45 AM “A Charlie Brown
Christmas” Movie—Chapel
10:55 AM Carol Sing
10:00 AM Chancel Choir
No PM Youth
Sunday, December 20
Fourth Sunday of Advent
Church Directory Photo Day
9:30 AM Sunday School
10:00 AM Chancel Choir
10:55 AM A Service of
Thursday, December 24
Wednesday, December 16 9:00 AM Soup Kitchen
5:30 PM Christmas Eve
12:00 PM Al-Anon
Candlelight
3:15 PM Backyard Bible Club
Communion Service
5:00 PM Chancel Ringers
5:15 PM Fried Chicken Meal
Friday, December 25
6:30 PM Children’s
Christmas Pageant
7:15 PM Chancel Choir
Tuesday, December 15
7:00 AM Men’s Breakfast
8:30 AM Primetimers Trip
1:30 PM Staff Meeting
7:00 PM FHS Choir
Concert—Sanctuary
Monday, December 14
3:00 PM Circle 3—Parlor
Sunday, December 13
Third Sunday of Advent
9:30 AM Sunday School
10:00 AM Chancel Choir
10:40 AM Session Meeting
10:55 AM Worship Service
2:15 PM Youth Trip—“The
Best Christmas Pageant”
5:00 PM Combined Choirs
Concert—1st Baptist Church
Saturday, January 9
8:00 PM Al-Anon
8:00 PM AA
Friday, January 8
8:30 AM Administration
Committee
Meeting
Thursday, January 7
9:30 AM Primetimers’
Board Meeting
7:00 PM Ladies’ Bible
Study—Parlor
Wednesday, January 6
12:00 PM Al-Anon
5:00 PM Chancel Ringers
No Meal/Program
7:15 PM Chancel Choir
Tuesday, January 5
7:00 AM Men’s Breakfast
1:30 PM Staff Meeting
7:00 PM Circle 6—Parlor
Monday, January 4
11:00 AM Circle 1—
Grace Ridge
7:00 PM Circle 2—Parlor
Sunday, January 3
9:30 AM Sunday School
10:00 AM Chancel Choir
10:55 AM Epiphany Service
Youth TBA
FIRST PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH CALENDAR
Saturday, January 16
8:00 PM Al-Anon
8:00 PM AA
Wednesday, January 13
10:30 AM Spire Light
Volunteers
12:00 PM Al-Anon
5:00 PM Chancel Ringers
6:15 PM Committee Night
7:15 PM Chancel Choir
Tuesday, January 12
7:00 AM Men’s Breakfast
9:00 AM Soup Kitchen
1:30 PM Staff Meeting
Monday, January 11
12:00 PM Spire Light
Deadline
3:00 PM Circle 3—Parlor
6:30 PM C.E. Meeting
Sunday, January 10
9:30 AM Sunday School
10:00 AM Chancel Choir
10:55 AM Baptism of
the Lord Service
5:00 PM Youth—
Bread Sunday
Christmas Memorials and Honoraria
The Chrismon tree is given in loving memory of Helen Ragan Kirksey
by her parents, Charles and Lee Kirksey,
and her brother and sister, Marshall and Virginia.
Poinsettias Given in Memory of:
Gerry Udstuen and Amy Sharp by Elaine Udstuen
Charlie and Aileen Marranca by Charles and Nanette Marranca
Captain F.R. Petiprin and Emily H. Petiprin by Charles and Nanette Marranca
Dr. and Mrs. Edward Phifer by Edward and Becky Phifer
Shirley Roll by Edward and Becky Phifer
Martha Avery Phifer by Edward and Becky Phifer
Dr. and Mrs. Harry P. Miller, Janet L. Peck, and D. A. Randolph by Dick and Quay Peck
Pat Baily by Wil and Lena Kenan
Katherine Craig Wilson by John and Anne Wilson and Family
Bob McDaniel by Mary Lou McDaniel
Mr. and Mrs. Robert M. McDaniel Sr. by Mary Lou McDaniel
Mr. and Mrs. Morris G. Goforth by Mary Lou McDaniel
Amy Sharp by Will, Josh, Jacob, and Taylor Sharp
Gerry Udstuen by Will, Josh, Jacob, and Taylor Sharp
Lois W. Lowry by Robert L. Lowry
Paul and Ibby Hutchins by David and Betsy Rader
Atwood Erwin by David and Betsy Rader
Pat Baily by George Baily
Patricia Baily by Dr. J. Christopher, Debbie, Nichols, and William Leonard
Bob Thompson by Mark Buff
Braxton Gooch by Mark Buff
Otto Woerner by Mark Buff
Sterling Collett III by Mark Buff
William and Violet Harris and Charles and Pauline Hauck by William and Linda Harris
R. M. and Jean C. McAdams by Robert C. McAdams
Milton Gaskill Sr. by Dr. and Mrs. James Gaskill
Otis Morse by Dr. and Mrs. James Gaskill
Lillian Gaskill by Dr. and Mrs. James Gaskill
Sterling R. Collett III by Martha, Ruffin Smith, and Toddy Collett
Marjorie Beem by Martha Collett
Dick and Betty Conway by Elizabeth Cadenhead and Family
Milton Stuart Kenan by Circle 2
Evelyn Calhoun Ray by Sam and Laura Aycock
Mary Helen Jones by Sam and Laura Aycock
Wayne Smith by Mitzi Price
Livingston and Anne Vernon and Bill Franklin by Molly Catharine Franklin
Elizabeth Bowers by Carolyn Atwell
Katherine Wilson by Wil and Lena Kenan
Poinsettias Given in Memory of (cont.):
Robert Angus Ray Sr. by Sam and Laura Aycock
Ernest Oscar Aycock by Sam and Laura Aycock
Sadie Aycock Lyon by Sam and Laura Aycock
W. Pope Lyon by Sam and Laura Aycock
David Woodall Aycock Jr. by Sam and Laura Aycock
Mr./Mrs. C. V. Walton and Mrs. Frank S. Thomason by the Hewat Family
Dr. Ray Antley by Mills and Lisa Antley
Mr. and Mrs. Carl Kestel by Mills and Lisa Antley
Mrs. E. G. McSwain by Mills and Lisa Antley
Terry Collins by Erin Shannon
Doug Thurman by Erin Shannon
Dick and Betty Conway by the Conway Family
Poinsettias Given in Honor of:
Amanda Peck and Richard S. Peck by Dick and Quay Peck
Todd Rader by David and Betsy Rader
David and Betsy Rader by Todd Rader
Ed and Abby Redman by Mark Buff
Alva Morse by Dr. and Mrs. James Gaskill
Mr. and Mrs. Scott Bumpus and Family by Dr. and Mrs. James Gaskill
Rev. Dr. James Christopher and Family by George E. Baily
The Clower Class by George E. Baily
Elsie Bartlett by Circle 2
Janice Smith by Circle 2
George Baily by The Clower Class
David Rader by The Clower Class
Janice Smith by Mitzi Price
Patricia Franklin by Molly Catharine Franklin
Wreaths Given in Memory of:
Stuart Kenan by Wil and Lena Kenan
George and Nell Clark by Robert and Diane Clark
William and Eleanor Kuenzel by Robert and Diane Clark
Otto Woerner by Betty Woerner
William and Violet Harris and Charles and Pauline Hauck by
William and Linda Harris
Mr. and Mrs. Robert P. Phifer Sr. by Ben and Libba Belton
Mr. and Mrs. Clarence C. Belton by Ben and Libba Belton
Sarah Kathleen Cobb by Elizabeth and Gary Cobb, Jennifer and Tyler, and
Barbara and LeRoy Wall
Wreaths Given in Honor of:
The Bailey Family by Betty Woerner
Mr. and Mrs. Robert P. Phifer Sr. by Ben and Libba Belton
Mr. and Mrs. Clarence C. Belton by Ben and Libba Belton
Edward Locke Hogan by Ben and Libba Belton
for All Ages on the Ridgeline Trolley and Church Bus
Sunday, December 20, 2015
6:00 PM - 8:00 PM
Join First Presbyterian Church for an evening of
caroling to shut-ins and friends of the church.
Also, we will visit the J. Iverson Riddle Christmas lights and have hot chocolate, coffee, and
treats when we return!
Space is limited*...RSVP today!
*Youth will be asked to stand.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------Name(s): ________________________________________________
Email: _________________________________________________
Phone: ______________________________________
Number of Tickets ($3.00 each): ______ Total: $________ (Cost covers fuel/supplies.)
Instructions: Return this form with payment to the church office by Sunday, December 13. Please
make all checks out to First Presbyterian Church with Christmas Caroling on the memo line. Spots
on the Ridgeline Trolley will go to those who register first.