January 2016 - First Presbyterian Church of Highlands

First Presbyterian Church
of Highlands
FROM THE PASTORS
JANUARY 2016
MEET OUR FOOD
COORDINATOR..................2
CHRISTMAS TREE
LIGHTING………………...2
GIFT WRAP……………….3
CAROLSING………...….....3
LESSONS & CAROLS...........4
CHRISTMAS EVE.................4
CHOIR NEWS…………..…5
BOLIVIA TRIP …………….5
NEW MEMBERS………..…5
BIRTHDAYS &
ANNIVERSARIES….……....6
Here in the month of January the days of winter can be dreary and cold. In January the sun
shines low on the horizon. The sun comes up too late and sets too soon. Plus, frosty mornings and frosty
nights remind us it’s “the dead of winter.” January has the feeling of being a rather empty month. The
colors of Christmas have faded and the flowers of Easter are a long way from blooming. Springtime
seems long away.
If all these remarks make you melancholy, listen to this story about a man who was living a kind
of January month. He had reached a sense of spiritual emptiness. He felt cold, dry, and lifeless. Overworked. Over-pressured by demands. Exhausted. He described himself as feeling like a hand-operated
water pump. Too many demands and too many people needing his help had left his well dry.
In trying to replenish the well he went to a spiritual director for advice, a nun. He expected she
would offer soothing words. He expected her to boost his ego by telling him how he had lived a life of
sacrifice as an unselfish person. When you feel low it helps to hear words that describe you in positive
terms. Such words can lift you up. He also thought she might suggest he take some time off, even take a
vacation.
But no, she said none of that. She didn’t say anything positive about his character. Nor did she
recommend a vacation. What she said was this, “There’s only one thing to do when your reservoir runs
dry. You have to go deeper.”
The prophet Jeremiah gives this same advice. He says those who trust in God are like a tree
sending roots deep down into the soil where the water lies. Then, when the drought comes, its leaves
are green and it still bears fruit (Jer. 17:8). Without deep roots, the tree would wither and die. Going
deeper, trusting deeply in God, gives life in the empty, cold seasons of life.
God does not promise to let us live only in springtime. Every life has grey, empty winter days.
To endure such days, it is important to have a faith that goes deep. A faith that drinks deeply from the
living God. Such a faith is tenacious. Such a faith never gives up. Such a faith goes deeper. As the
Apostle Paul says, faith in the love of God “bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, endures all things” (I Cor.13:7).
CHURCH CALENDAR…….7
LECTIONARY..…...........…..8
2016
WHAT WOULD WE DO WITHOUT YOU?
As we reflect on the fullness of the Christmas
season, we give thanks for so many hands that
made each event and activity of our ministry together beautiful, poignant, and incredibly special.
The Worship Ministry Team continued to provide
a beautiful space and services for us, the Congregational Care Ministry Team provided a lovely
reception and two wonderful luncheons. Behind
the scenes, the staff continued to work so hard to
keep the office in good order and to look out for
the needs of all who walked through the door. We
also give thanks to Marty Boone and Pat Mulherin
for so many wonderful photos throughout the year
– the pictures speak volumes!
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WELCOME MARTY, NEW FOOD COORDINATOR
We are delighted to announce that Marty Rosenfield will be joining the staff of FPCH as our Food
Coordinator, beginning in January. Marty has been
cooking for most of his life, but most recently
owned Lakeside restaurant in Highlands with his
wife, and FPCH member Donna Woods. He has
also recently started serving as Executive Director
of the Highlands Food Pantry. We are so pleased
for Marty to join us and share his wonderful talents
with us!
CHRISTMAS TREE LIGHTING
The annual Highlands Tree Lighting Ceremony took place on Saturday, November 28th on the lawn of
Highlands United Methodist Church. Members of our Chancel Choir and Sacred Sounds Handbell
Choir participated in the ecumenical service, which this year drew record crowds.
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GIFTWRAP & LUNCHEON
The Women’s Study Group met on Wednesday, December 9th at 10am in the church library
to wrap Christmas gifts for their sponsored Christmas family.
Immediately following, the group enjoyed a luncheon and fellowship in Coleman Hall.
CAROL SING
Our annual Carol Sing, open to the community, was held on December 5th after the Highlands Christmas
Parade. Stell Huie was the song leader, and Angie Jenkins accompanied on piano.
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Lessons & Carols
Our annual Festival of Nine Lessons & Carols service took place on December 13th,
with guest musicians Valerie Whitcup, harpist; Linda Lancaster, flutist; and Emily
Scheider, oboist; participating in the service along with the chancel choir. Choir member
Mary Lou Worley opened the processional hymn with a solo, and
John and Sandy Barrow offered the litany for the lighting of the Advent candles.
Christmas Eve Service
Our Christmas Eve service featured harpist Valerie Von Pechy Whitcup, who offered a prelude of Christmas
carols, and Dr. Michael Lancaster
singing O Holy Night as the
offertory. The Lancaster family led the
Call to Worship and Litany for the
Lighting of the Christ Candle.
Rev. Curtis Fussell gave a children's sermon on the light that shines
in the darkness, illustrated with flashlights for the few who were
brave enough to come forward!
As the finale for the service, the sanctuary lights were gradually
dimmed as the congregation sang Silent Night.
NEW MEMBERS
CHOIR NEWS
The Chancel Choir is sad to lose choir members Kelder Monar
and Mary Lou Worley. Kelder moved to Sylva, NC several
months ago, but has continued to make the lengthy drive to
Highlands to attend weekly choir rehearsals and worship services. He and his fiancé, Heather Cruickshanks feel it is best for
them to find a church home in the community in which they live.
Kelder and Heather will be married in the spring. Mary Lou is
moving to Prescott Valley, Arizona. Kelder and Mary Lou will
be greatly missed - we wish them both the best!
The Chancel Choir is taking a well deserved break during the
month of January. During this time, vocal soloists will be featured in weekly worship services.
You've seen their faces for quite some time
now, as the two have already made themselves an integral part of our church
family, but Gary Kaplan and Celia
McCullough officially joined the church on
December 6th. Celia recently became a
member of the chancel choir.
Our baritone , Stell Huie sang a beautiful rendition of
Sweet Little Jesus Boy during the December 27th
worship service .
Watch for additional information in our
next newsletter on new members,
Delaine Langston, Tom Nelson, and
Don & Leslie Stewart.
BOLIVIA MISSION TRIP, JANUARY 4-15
Please keep Skip Taylor, Ann Greenlee, and Emily
Wilmarth in your prayers as they embark on a trip to
visit our partners in Bolivia. The team is traveling to
provide continued support to our covenant communities
in San Lorenzo, San Juan de Yapacani, Villa Amboro,
and El Chore, to check on their water systems, and
follow through on our covenant agreements. The team
will also be meeting with the Executive Director of
CSRA, a well-established community health
organization based in Montero. CSRA provides many
levels of public health care to local neighborhoods and
communities in the Montero area. The hope is to explore
the possibility of partnering with them to provide better
education about clean water use. We also want to discuss how FPCH might continue to provide the most efficient
and cost effective water filtration and cleaning solutions for the communities in dire need. The team will be
commissioned on Sunday, January 3rd. Godspeed!
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February Birthdays
January Birthdays
Jan. 1
Jan. 5
Jan. 6
Jan. 8
Jan. 13
Jan. 14
Jan. 17
Jan. 18
Jan. 20
Jan. 21
Jan. 22
Jan. 25
Jan. 31
Mike Campbell
Hilda Patrick
Frances Brasfield
Rick Demetriou
Boyd Letcher
Dottie Wise
Judy Mergler
Sandra Ballentine
George Lott
Lynne Browne
Angie Jenkins
Beth Greenlee
Jim Ashford
Sandy Barrow
Gay Graves
Mary Jo Askew
Jeff Cox
Bob Tietze
Teeter Smith
Karen Leabo
January Anniversaries
Jan. 20
Jan. 21
Jan. 23
Jan. 29
Nancy & Jimmy Lowe
Deborah & Jim McKnight
Marge & Duane Meeter
Janice & Dan Topping
BIRTHDAYS
&
A
N
N
I
V
E
R
S
A
R
I
E
S
Feb. 4
Feb. 6
Feb. 8
Feb. 9
Feb. 11
Feb. 12
Feb. 15
Feb. 16
Feb. 18
Feb. 20
Feb. 21
Feb. 22
Feb. 25
Feb. 27
Feb. 28
Marge Meeter
Betty Fisher
Russell Jobson
Ann Herbert
Jim Bean
Bob Wright
Janet Connell
Carroll Peacock
Nancy Chandler
Bennie Jo Murray
Keturah Paulk
Dallis Copeland
Bill Zeller
Bill Gaston
Joan Berryhill
Jackie Hills
Timothy Perry
February Anniversaries
Feb. 5
Feb. 6
Feb. 10
Feb. 14
Feb. 24
Feb. 28
Dee & Gary Carnes
Kay & Teeter Smith
Ann & Claude Sullivan
Jennifer & Billy Creswell
Suzanne & Bruce Sloan
Triddy & Carroll Peacock
November 2015Treasurer’s Report
Budget
Actual
744,742.00
797,706.00
(52,963.00)
716,633.00
779,496.00
(62,863.00)
Operating Income and Expenses
YTD Income
YTD Expenses
Net Income
Please keep your pledges current!
Please keep in your prayers
these members and friends of the congregation:
Kitty Byers, Nancy Cox, Ed Dietrich,
George M. Dowdle (Nancy Lowe’s brother), Trisha Graves,
Anna Griffin, Madaline Huie, Phil Leabo, Bill Myers
(Doris Dietrich’s son-in-law), Bev Quin, Veda & Jimmy Sherard,
Martha Spruill, Mary Thompson,
PJ Torres (Jon & Janey Swift’s son-in-law), Erin Tulley,
Veronica Vogt, Valerie Whitcup.
Please keep in your prayers
these members in the community and beyond:
Evie Byrnes, Hugh Clark, Arde Gutierra, K.C. Hembree,
Frank Jemison, Cherry Martin, Dennis Ostema, Jim Shearon,
Sandra Simmons, Jonathan Whitcup (Valerie’s brother-in-law)
and Lil Waller.
WOMEN’S STUDIES
The Morning Study Group will meet on Wednesday,
January 6 at 10:15 in the library. We will study the 6th
lesson in "Growing Older and Wiser". Bring a sandwich and something to share for lunch. All ladies of
the church are welcome.
The Thursday Circle of Friends will meet January 7,
2016, at 7:00 P.M. in the church parlor. We will
discuss Lesson Five, “Stormy Water—Faith” from
Come to the Waters. All ladies of the church are invited to attend.
The Fourth Thursday Fellowship potluck dinner
will be held on January 28, 2016, at 6:00 P.M. Come
and meet some of our new elders: Deborah
McKnight, Gerri Tulley, and Carol Hughes.
Church School 9:30
Worship 11:00 am
Annual Meeting of the Congregation
& Luncheon
31
Church School 9:30
Worship 11:00 am
24
Ordination & Installation
of Ruling Elders
Church School 9:30
Worship 11:00 am
Guest Musician:
Garrett Whipkey, saxophonist
17
Church School 9:30
Worship 11:00 am
Guest Musician:
Mindy Cook, soprano
10
2:00 Memorial Service
12
26
25
8:00 Men’s Prayer Breakfast 3:00 Sonshine School
3:00 Sonshine School
5:30 AA
5:30 AA
Sonshine School Closed
Teacher Workday
19
Sonshine School Closed
Martin Luther King Jr
Holiday
8:00 Men’s Prayer Breakfast 5:30 AA
4:30 Session Meeting
5:30 AA
18
8:00 Men’s Prayer Breakfast 3:00 Sonshine School
9:00 HCCDC Board Mtg
5:30 AA
3:00 Sonshine School
5:30 AA
11
5
10:00 Land Stewards Meeting
10:00 Personnel Ministry
Team
5:30 AA
4
8:00 Men’s Prayer Breakfast
5:30 AA
Mission Team
leaves for Bolivia
TUES
3
MON
Church School 9:30
Worship 11:00 am
Communion Sunday &
Ministry of the Farthest Pew
Guest Musician:
Cameron Nixon, bagpiper
SUN
7
13
11:40-12:00 HCCDC Music
12:00 AA
3:00 Sonshine School
3:00 Staff - Library
5:30 Choir Rehearsal
27
11:30 Children’s Church
11:40-12:00 HCCDC Music
12:00 AA
3:00 Sonshine School
3:00 Staff - Library
20
10:00 Finance Meeting
11:30 Children’s Church
11:40-12:00 HCCDC Music
12:00 AA
3:00 Sonshine School
3:00 Staff - Library
8
Bridal Luncheon—Coleman
Hall
12:00 AA
4:30 Wedding Rehearsal
Office Closed
New Years Day
Sonshine School Closed
1
FRI
3:00 Sonshine School
6:00 Potluck Dinner
28
3:00 Sonshine School
21
3:00 Sonshine School
14
11:15-11:45 HCCDC Music
12:00 AA
3:00 Sonshine School
Session Retreat
29
11:15-11:45 HCCDC Music
12:00 AA
3:00 Sonshine School
22
Mission Team
returns from Bolivia
11:15-11:45 HCCDC Music
12:00 AA
3:00 Sonshine School
15
3:00 Sonshine School
11:15-11:45 HCCDC Music
7:00 Circle of Friends Wom- 12:00 AA
en’s Studies— Parlor
3:00 Sonshine School
6
11:30 Children’s Church
11:40-12:00 HCCDC Music
10:15 Women’s Studies —
Library
11:30 Children’s Church
12:00 AA
3:00 Sonshine School
3:00 Staff - Library
THU
WED
JANUARY 2016
Session Retreat
Presbytery Meeting
30
23
16
9
4:00 Wedding
2
SAT
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First Presbyterian
Church
Of
Highlands
471 Main Street
P. O. Box 548
Highlands, NC 28741
828-526-3175
Fax: 828-526-0784
E-Mail: fpch@frontier.com
Web Page: fpchighlands.org
Sanctuary hours for meditation are
9:00 to 4:00 p.m.
Office hours are 9:00 to 4:30
Monday—Friday
Church Sunday School 9:30 a.m.
8:30 a.m. Church Services
June through Labor Day weekend
Communion served every Sunday
11:00 a.m. Communion served the first
Sunday of every month
Session
Class of 2016
Children’s Ministry, Delaine Mehder
Clerk of Session, Claude Sullivan
Congregational Care, Carol Hughes
Mission, Ann Greenlee
Class of 2017
Adult Education, Chad Lucas
Congregational Care, Deborah McKnight
Property, Bob Tietze
Vision 20/20, Tom Joyner
Class of 2018—Incoming
Finance, Stewart Manning
Membership, Gerri Tulley
Personnel, Mike Campbell
Worship, Kat Evans
Ministers
The Congregation
Staff
Jennifer Creswell, Administrative Manager
Steve Mehder, Church Treasurer
Michael Lancaster, Director of Worship/
Music
Angie Jenkins, Organist/
Music Coordinator
Marty Rozenfield, Food Coordinator
Kyle Clark, Property Manager
Janice Mathis & Keri Raby,
Nursery Assistants
Mozelle Edwards, Judy Mouchet and
Rita Paoletti,
Sonshine School Directors
Briana Jenkins, Sonshine Assistant
Pastors
Curtis Fussell
Emily Wilmarth
Lectionary Texts for January
As you prepare to come to worship, here are the scripture texts
that will make up the services during the month of January:
January 3
Jer. 31:7-14
Ps. 147:12-20
Eph. 1:3-14
John 1: (1-9) 10-18
2nd Sunday after Christmas Day
January 6
Isa. 60:1-6
Ps. 72:1-7, 10-14
Eph. 31:1-12
Matt. 2:1-12
Epiphany of the Lord
January 10
Isa. 43:1-7
Ps. 29
Acts 8:14-17
Luke 3:15-17, 21-22
Baptism of the Lord
January 17
Isa. 62:1-5
Ps. 36:5-10
1 Cor. 12:1-11
John 2:1-11
2nd Sunday After Epiphany
January 24
Neh. 8:1-3, 5-6, 8-10
Ps. 19
1 Cor. 12:12-31a
Luke 4:14-21
3rd Sunday After Epiphany
January 31
Jer. 1:4-10
Ps. 71:1-6;
1 Cor. 13:1-13
Luke 4:21-30
4th Sunday After Christmas
Sympathy
The First Presbyterian Church family
extends prayers and sympathy to the
following during their time of loss: Donna
Philips and family upon the death of Jim
Philips who died on Dec. 8, 2015 in
Highlands. Sympathy is also extended to
the Matson family upon the death of
Yvonne Matson who died on Dec. 2, 2015
in Cumming, GA and to the Paulk family
upon the death of Don Paulk who died
December 24, 2015.
To provide flowers for a loved
one, please fill out a flower leaflet located upstairs next to the
flower calendar or downstairs
located at the Receptionist’s
desk.