First Presbyterian Church NON-PROFIT ORG.

300 South Main Street, P. O. Box 1038 US POSTAGE

Greensburg, Pennsylvania 15601-5038 PAID

Phone: 724.832.0150 fax: 724.832.0152 GREENSBURG, PA

Email: fpcgreensburg@comcast.net PERMIT NO. 428

Website: www.firstpresbyteriangreensburg.com

SUNDAY MORNING SCHEDULE Sunday School at 9:00 a.m.

Worship 10:00 a.m.

Nursery Care provided

ADDRESS SERVICE REQUESTED

DEADLINE FOR FEBRUARY ISSUE: MONDAY, JANUARY 21, 2018

Email submissions to fpcgreensburg@comcast.net or mail to church office.

The Coulter Society asks that you please consider remembering our church in your will!

CHURCH STAFF

Rev. Dr. Martin R. Ankrum, Pastor / Head of Staff

Rev. Nicole C. Atkinson, Associate Pastor for Youth and Educational Ministries

Dr. John B. Salveson, Minister of Music / Organist

Jill Linsz, Children’s Music Assistant

Lu Ann Peters, Financial Secretary

Kimberly A. Stoner, Executive Secretary

Keith L. Huey, Sexton

Shannon M. Reid, FPC Preschool Supervisor

Wendy H. Matchett, FPC Preschool Teacher

Wendy McCann, FPC Preschool Teacher

Ron Vorel, Housekeeper

Richard P. Fabery, Assistant Sexton

Matthew B. Cohen, Assistant Sexton

Julia Schaming, Arianne Winkleblech, Nursery Care

Mr. Edgar B. Highberger, Minister of Music, Emeritus

January 2019

FIRST NEWS: A MONTHLY NEWSLETTER

A WORTHWHILE CHALLENGE

The Christmas Eve services are all over, from the lovely Children’s Service held in the early evening,

through the charmingly intimate Communion Service to the big finale of our late evening Lessons and

Carols Services, all are now done. The Christmas Day Dinner has come and gone and over 300 persons

have received hot meals, Christmas cheer and hopefully, a bit of a lift to their spirits and souls during this

season of the year. The old year has wound down and a new one, filled with promise and new hope

dawns.

As this new year dawns for us here at First Presbyterian Church we are presented with a challenge in a

fiscal form. The old year ended in a budget deficit and the budget passed by our Session contains the

possibility of a deficit again. This congregation has been tremendously generous in many ways over the

years, supporting the ministries of this church, the maintenance of our incredible building, and the

furthering of the gospel within and outside this congregation. Much has been done and all of it has

required the financial support of the people of God.

As a congregation, we have come to expect our worship and our ministry to be done in certain ways.

These ways are marked with traditional expressions of the Christian faith that profoundly touch the

human heart and raise the human spirit. Along with these expectations, come responsibilities of support

and personal commitment. What would First Presbyterian look like if we could no longer meet those

expectations? All of us enjoy the wonderful music program, are touched by the ministry of the Word,

find some satisfaction in our mission work of outreach to others and are buoyed by the compassionate

care that is offered to our members of the congregation. What would our church look like or be like if we

were no longer able to meet these commitments?

This is the challenge that you will soon be hearing about from our Session – a challenge that will if met,

will certainly be worthwhile. Please bear with us as we, the leadership of this congregation, communicate

to you the challenge that face us – a challenge that we face not alone, but together as God’s children.

Grace and peace,

-Martin

OUR CHURCH FAMILY NEWS

PRAYER LIST: Linda Anderson, Rona Beluschok, Raeann Berger, Dorcas

Brown, Lisa Bulger, Carolyn Carr, Edna Mary Cox, Michelle King Cushey,

George DeCaro, Chris Dieck, Anna DiPalato, Gregory Dolan, Janie

Dowdy, Joanne Doyle, Richard Enterline, Elizabeth Felice, Charles Hart,

Ruth Hershey, Edgar Highberger, Grace Howard, George Hritz, Hubie,

Jody, Juniper, Anna Kostrick, Ray and Reta Kuyat, Jake Manallo, George

Maser, Dorothy Matusiewicz, Beverly Ross McClung, Ed Murphy,

Barbara Nash, Alex Noel, Bill Noel, Denise Ohr, Nancy Pallitta, Kathleen

& Norbert Piekut, John Pollins IV, Gary Pricer, Marcia Remaley, Ron Russell, Lucas Sanders,

Nico Salvio, Rich Schall, Sean, Liz Sember, Pat Sheridan, Dave Stucker, Janet Sutherland,

Linda Turin, Lynda Turin, Elsie Vanetta and Gealy Wallwork.

BIRTHDAYS: Each month we observe the VIP and fourscore or more birthdays: If you are 80 or

older, and would like to be listed in the monthly newsletter, please contact the church. January

birthdays are: Leo Porterfield, 668 Lee Street, Gbg (19)

Sally Turley, 19 Overview Drive, Gbg (31)

CONTRIBUTION ENVELOPES – If you don’t receive contribution envelopes and would like a set

or if you currently receive envelopes for yourself or a family member and do not wish to receive

them please let me know. Lu Ann Peters, Financial Secretary.

2019 CONTRIBUTION ENVELOPES WILL BE MAILED THE FIRST WEEK OF JANUARY!!! Many folks

have already picked theirs up … this saves us greatly in postage. If you can get in very soon, you can

pick yours up.

MEMORIAL CONTRIBUTIONS since November 26, 2018 – Ronald and Janice Heming, Evelyn

Houser

Stewardship Report

Total Disbursements through 11/30/18 $602,209.03

Total Receipts through 11/30/18 $492,412.30

Total Income over/under Expense ($109,796.73)

If you would rather receive an electronic version of the First News, please let us

know at fpcgreensburg@comcast.net and we’ll add you to our email list and

remove you from the paper copy list. Then you will receive the First News through

your computer rather than the mail box, but you’ll have to let us know!! A copy of

the latest First News can also be found at our website:

www.firstpresbyteriangreensburg.com

VIPS ARE MEMBERS of our congregation who are unable to attend church services on a short-

term or long-term basis. The Board of Deacons, along with the pastors, provide these members

with visits, phone calls, cards and reminders of their connection to our congregation, including

the sacrament of communion, as requested. Please contact the church office (724-832-0150) for

more information and/or to request to be added to our list.

A NEW ARRIVAL in the family is amazing, exciting and can be overwhelming. The Deacons are

offering a meal for the family on a busy day with appointments, etc. The new mother, or a

family member, can contact Darlene Nagrosky (724-837-4157), Gretchen Lowry (724-838-9726)

or the church office. We do not have a formal network to know of births at the regional

hospitals; however, the church office will forward information as received. Anyone wishing to

provide a meal may also contact Darlene or Gretchen. Thank you for your help with this

ministry.

THE PASTORAL CARE COMMITTEE of the Board of Deacons is asking church members with

family or friends who are hospitalized, have health conditions that have changed, and/or have

other concerns that you wish the church to know about, please inform the church office at 724-

832-0150 and your concern(s) will be directed to the proper person(s).

HAVE YOU CONSIDERED SPONSORING A COFFEE HOUR? Provide your own cookies, muffins

or pastries or underwrite the refreshments for $35. Use the sign-up sheet on the Dining Room

bulletin board. Your contributions and participation are greatly appreciated.

STEPHEN MINISTRIES AT FPC: Is there someone you know or you yourself who could use a

little encouragement? Our Stephen Ministers have been trained to be a good listening ear and

caring heart. If you would like to suggest someone to the care of our Stephen Ministry, please

see either Sandra Beauregard or Rev. Atkinson.

LOOKING FOR US ONLINE? Not only do we have a Facebook page

(facebook.com/firstpresbyteriangreensburg) but we also have a BRAND NEW website! Check it

out and let us know what you think! You can find it at www.firstpresbyteriangreensburg.com.

ATTENTION!!!! When sending mail to the church office, please be sure to include “P. O. Box

1038” on the address line to assure delivery. Though we have had this P.O. box for many years,

new policies at the post office have enforced the use of this designation.

SECOND SUNDAY SUPPER VOLUNTEERS FOR 2019 – The mission committee is seeking volunteers to

prepare and assist in serving of a Second Sunday

Supper during the upcoming year (2019).

Volunteers can sign up to host a particular month

in 2019 with Scott Sucke after worship, during the

coffee hour, on December 23, 2018 and January

06, 2019. (See below …)

Interesting Information About Second

Sunday Suppers

Which You Might Not Know

§ Second Sunday Suppers are hosted on the Second Sunday of each month and is an outreach

program of FPC and its Mission Committee.

§ Who can host a Second Sunday Supper?

· Just about anyone can host a Second Sunday Supper. Certain restrictions apply to those

who are under 18 years of age. Those under 18 need to be supervised by an adult / parent or

guardian. Many groups like “Faith and Family”, “FPC Youth Group” and “FPC Deacons”

host Second Sunday Suppers collaboratively. Consider partnering with some of your

families and friends to make the day more enjoyable for all!

§ Where Is Second Sunday Supper Held?

· Second Sunday Suppers are always held at First Presbyterian Church in the dining room.

The use of the kitchen for preparation is available . . . See Scott Sucke for details.

§ What Am I Responsible For When I Sign Up To Host A Second Sunday Supper?

· The host is responsible for preparing three courses (small first course such as salad,

coleslaw, soup, etc. / main entrée with side(s) / dessert) to begin service at 3pm.

· Also, the host should plan to have some additional assistance for positions which might

not be filled by volunteers (examples include washing dishes, service of food, etc.) Note:

We have volunteers who help throughout many facets of the event from set up to tear down;

but, any help is always welcome!

§ What About Costs?

· Many hosts choose to donate all the cost of the dinner; however, you don’t need to feel

that this is the only option. The mission committee has funds allotted should you choose to

not donate or partially donate the costs. Again, complete donation of the costs is not

required to host a Second Sunday Supper.

Notes from the Loft

How about we just go back to Christmas and rest

there a while. I’m not sure what anybody else thinks, but I

think that would be so much easier. If I could just keep

Jesus as a baby, it would be so much easier. Babies are

easy. Sing a lullaby, maybe even a “Glory to God.” The

baby sleeps, all is right with the world, and I can go about

my business with a warm glow in my heart and a relatively

unchanged me.

But ever since those wise people went home by another

route, this Jesus has been causing problems. He challenges

the scholars at the temple - while scaring poor Mary and

Joseph. He keeps calling in the lowest of the low -

fishermen, shepherds, tax collectors - people we wouldn’t

even want to have lunch with - and says “come and follow

me.” This Jesus grows up and changes everything - calling

out the religious elite and welcoming women, children,

lepers and people who did (or do ) THAT. (You decide what

that is)

It’s true, I want to go back to the stable with its warm glow, but this Jesus refuses to leave me

there. Maybe as we explore the revelation of this Jesus, who saves in ways we didn’t expect, is

part of the reason so many of us take on New Year’s resolutions - for Jesus not only calls us, but

invites us to grow too. Perhaps, like Jesus, our growth is to welcome. . . Them. Maybe, for us,

that growth is to learn compassion, or challenge abusive authority, or bind the broken hearted.

I’m not sure yet where this Jesus is challenging me in this new year, nor am I positive where he

is challenging this congregation. But even in challenges, there’s amazing news - A light has

shown in the darkness, and the darkness cannot overcome it. Knowing that, I suppose I can stray

away from the manger, and trust that this Jesus will be with me (and you), as we face the joys

and challenges of a new year.

Peace be with you,

John Salveson, Minister of Music and Organist

WANT TO IMPACT THE LIVES OF OUR KIDS? How about helping them grow in faith!? In this

format, a Bible story is taught for 4 weeks using a variety of methods (art, drama, cooking,

music, games, science, & video.) Our kids love it, teachers enjoy the flexibility, and most

importantly, our children are growing in their faith! Want to help out this year? Talk to Niki!

OUR CHILDREN ARE HAVING A GREAT TIME GROWING IN FAITH! For January, join us as we

learn about “Daniel & the Lions!” We’ll then get to hear all about “Jonah & the Big Fish!” In

this format, a Bible story is taught for 3 weeks using a variety of methods (art, drama, cooking,

music, games, etc.) Want to help our kids grow in faith? Talk to Niki to learn more!

K-2nd

Grade 3rd

-5th

Grade

January 6th

“Daniel & the

Lions”

Large Group Gathering Storytelling Room

(3rd

Floor, Room #1)

January 13th

Art (1st Floor, Room #2) Games (Fletcher Room)

January 20th

Games (Fletcher Room) Art (1st Floor, Room #2)

January 27th

“Jonah & the Big

Fish”

Large Group Gathering Storytelling Room

(3rd

Floor, Room #1)

AUGUSTINE ON THE CHRISTIAN LIFE - SUNDAY

MORNINGS AT 9 A.M. On the Christian Life is a

well-attended Sunday morning adult education

class that seeks to provide a greater understanding

of the Christian faith through examination of the

life and thought of a great theologian. Our group

has studied Dietrich Bonhoeffer, John Calvin,

Jonathan Edwards and Martin Luther in the past.

This year, we will be reading about and discussing

the faith of one of the earliest theologians,

Augustine of Hippo. Dr. Ankrum leads this class.

NEXT GATHERING: JANUARY 13TH

– SPECIAL BOOK STUDY…What is poverty? Can we end

poverty, or is its presence in the world inevitable? What is our responsibility as Christians to

the poor among us? Join the conversation as we read the book: “Always Among Us? What Jesus

Really Said About the Poor,” by Rev. Liz Theoharis. The book can be ordered on Amazon or

BN.com, or purchased via Niki. We meet on the Second Sunday of each month at 11:30 a.m.;

bring your own bagged lunch.

THRU THE BIBLE … Are you interested in learning the whole story of the Bible? Have you ever

read the Bible in its entirety or at least wanted to? Then this adult study group is for you!! We

will gather in the Assembly Room for an hour a month to go through the Bible from Genesis to

Revelation! We will meet on Monday, January 28, 2019 at 7 p.m. to discuss the Book of

Numbers.

LAST TUESDAY BOOK CLUB is always looking for readers of fiction willing to discuss what they

find in the novel assigned for the month! We are a very friendly group who enjoy getting

together to talk about the meaning and significance of good literature and Christian faith. Dr.

Ankrum usually leads our discussion. We will meet on Tuesday, January 29, 2019 at 7 p.m.

when we will discuss All Quiet on the Western Front by Erich Maria Remarque.

THE MEN’S BREAKFAST & BIBLE STUDY meets at Eat’n Park on Rt. 30 E. each Wednesday

morning at 7:45 a.m. for a time of fellowship, study and, of course, breakfast. We are now

studying the Book of Acts under the leadership of Dr. Ankrum.

THE FAITH & FAMILY GROUP meets on the third floor of the CE Wing at 9 a.m. every Sunday

during the academic year (Sept. – May) to discuss topics related to our faith and family

relationships. The group is composed of young couples, singles and any in the church who are

concerned about issues related to faith and family. Join us!

Congregational Activities from the

Membership & Evangelism Committee

CORNERSTONE GATHERING: ALL ARE INVITED!

SATURDAY, JANUARY 12, 6:00 P.M. Cornerstone is a gathering of folks from FPC on a monthly

basis for dinner and conversation. Rodney’s in Irwin has been

picked as our next Cornerstone dinner outing. Rodney’s began

many, many years ago as a pizza shop and has expanded into

an area favorite full service restaurant, bakery and bar. Sign up

during coffee hours, call Sandy Beauregard or call the church

office before January 9. See you there!!!

THE LUNCH BUNCH - TUESDAY, JANUARY 8 – 11:30 A.M. WE ARE MOVING - LUNCH BUNCH – The lunch bunch will be moving to the Boulevard in January. We

thought we would try a different restaurant for our group. Same day (2nd

Tuesday) and same time (11:30

a.m.). Sign up at Coffee Hour or call the church office to reserve your place.

JOHNSTOWN TOMAHAWKS GAME SUNDAY, FEB. 10 AT 3 P.M. Celebrating its 43

rd anniversary season, the NAHL,

boasting 24 teams across North America, prides itself on

the development of student-athletes ages 16-20 with

aspirations of advancing to collegiate and/or professional

hockey. NHL players such as Patrick Kane, Phil Kessel,

Brandon Saad and Ryan Miller came out of the NAHL.

Former Philadelphia Flyer Danny Briere’s son Carson and

current Winnipeg Jets Jacob Trouba’s brother Chris both currently play for the Johnstown

Tomahawks!

Join us for an afternoon of fun on Sunday, February 10 at 3:00pm as the Johnstown Tomahawks

take on the Maryland Black Bears (Odenton, MD)! We will meet at the church at 12:45pm,

departing at 1:00pm for our trip to Johnstown. Tickets are $14.00/EA for adults and kids 12 and

under are $7.00/EA. We’ll take the church van and have overflow carpool to the Cambria

County War Memorial Arena. Sign-up in coffee hour to reserve your tickets immediately (Chop,

chop)!

Circle Meetings for Presbyterian Women ABIGAIL CIRCLE MEETS WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 9 @ 10:30 A.M. Our Bible study this year is God’s Promise – I am With You. We

meet in the Refectory (the small dining room just off the Dining

Room). If you have any questions, please see Peg Carpenter, Circle

Chairperson or call the church office.

REDSTONE HIGHLANDS CIRCLE – JANUARY 10 @ 10:00 A.M.

The members of the former Lois Circle are reconvening as a new

circle to be held at Redstone Highlands in Greensburg on the

second Thursday of each month at 10 a.m. The circle will meet in

the Highlanders Room and will be led by the Rev. Bobbie Hineline.

You do not need to be a resident of Redstone to participate. If you are interested in this new

circle, please call Linda Turin or the church office.

AN OPEN INVITATION to members and friends of First Presbyterian Church to join the Monday

Morning Sewing Circle that meets at 9:00 a.m. Monday mornings in the Fletcher Room. You

don’t have to be an expert tailor to hem the cotton flannelette baby receiving blankets or to sew

the “little dresses for Africa”. If you are interested, please contact Sylvia Carlson at 724-755-

2288 for information. Membership at this church is not a requirement. Anyone is welcome.

SPRING RUMMAGE SALE: The Presbyterian Women’s annual

rummage sale will be held Friday and Saturday, April 12 and 13,

2019. Please keep us in mind for donations. We had a very

successful sale last year and look forward to your support in

2019. If you have any questions, please contact Barbara

Burchill (724-838-1546) or Lynne Rain (724-672-6738), Co-

Chairs. We will have more detailed information at a later date.

A NOTE ABOUT OUR VOLUNTEER OFFICE STAFF: For many years, the work of our church

office has been supplemented by various volunteers from the congregation, answering the

phones and providing help for light clerical work. Gerry Pricer, Peg Carpenter and Margi

Carlton have served in this position for many, many years. Gerry comes in on Tuesday

afternoons, Peg spends all of Wednesday with us and Margi is with us on Thursday mornings.

Joining them are Judy Breon on Monday morning, Gretchen Lowry on Monday afternoon, Karol

Elmore on Tuesday mornings, Nora Kemp on Thursday afternoons and Karen Manning on

Friday mornings. Thanks for all the good work that has been done and will continue to be done

by this kind-hearted volunteers!!

Y-FI Y-Fi is now on the 1

st & 3

rd

Sundays from 12pm-2pm

(unless otherwise noted.)

Stay Tuned for Our Winter

Topics!

-Jesus Yells At A Tree

-The Donkey That Talked

(before that movie made it

funny)

-Questionable Ingredients

for Homemade Bread

-Tonight’s Special: Quail

Tomorrow’s Special: Still

Quail

The Next Day’s Special:

Just Get Used to Quail

A Report on the Capital Campaign Pledges totaling $729,913!

Donations received $605,175!

New Sanctuary Sound System – COMPLETED Sanctuary Roofing – COMPLETED Sanctuary Masonry Work – COMPLETED* Stained Glass Restoration – TWO WINDOWS COMPLETED Interior Restorations – In Progress Sanctuary Air Conditioning – COMPLETED Donation to Pine Springs Camp – Second installment COMPLETED *The contracted masonry work has been completed, but we have discovered additional work for which we are currently receiving bids

LAIRD MEMORIAL LIBRARY NEWS

Listed here are some of the books recently added to the library. They are currently on display in

the library or on the book cart in the dining room.

Mitch Albom Have a Little Faith: A True Story

Julia Cameron The Artist’s Way: A Spiritual Path to Higher Creativity

Sally Clarkson The Lifegiving Home: Creating a Place of Belonging & Becoming

Shannan Martin The Ministry of Ordinary Places: Waking Up to God’s Goodness Around You

Richard J. Mouw Wonderful Words of Life: Hymns in American Protestant History and

Theology

Henri J. M. Nouwen The Return of the Prodigal Son: A Story of Homecoming

Gary L. Thomas Preparing Your Heart for Marriage: Devotions for Engaged Couples

FOR YOUNG PEOPLE

Laurie P. Mendoza Super George and the Invisible Shield

Jan. 6 @ 12 p.m. - Y-Fi is continuing its weird journey in

our series “THAT’S IN THE BIBLE?!” You thought you

knew all of the stories in the Bible from Sunday School?

Think again! Today you’ll get to hear the story about the

time that Jesus yelled at a tree. Yes…a tree. We look

forward to seeing you at our first Y-Fi after the break!

Jan. 6 @ 4 p.m. – 7 p.m.…Young Adult Dinner @ the

Atkinson home! Join us for a homecooked meal and a

wonderful time of catching up with each other and looking

forward to what’s in store for the spring! Home for the

break?

This

dinner is

a great

opportuni

ty to join

us!

Jan. 20 @ 11:30 a.m. – Make a joyful

noise w/your friends and Dr. John

Salveson! Join the youth choir for practice

until Y-Fi at 12 p.m.!

Jan. 20 @ 12 p.m. - Y-Fi is continuing its weird journey in our series “THAT’S IN THE

BIBLE?!” You thought you knew all of the stories in the Bible from Sunday School? Think

again! Our story for today brings us back to the Old Testament with the prophet Ezekiel,

specific instructions on how to sleep, and a VERY questionable recipe for bread. We’ll make

some bread (not with that recipe) and enjoy time together!

January 27 @ 12 p.m. – Games w/Geoff…are you interested in learning how to play role

playing games? Come and join with this group to make up a character and solve problems with a

group of your friends! Bring your own snacks, your imagination, and a sense of adventure!

Coming in February…More gaming, more weird Bible stories, and an extra long Y-Fi

outing! Stay Tuned for next month’s growing and fun-ning!

PRESCHOOL HAPPENINGS… Check us out at www.fpcgpreschool.weebly.com The website

contains lots of information about our preschool, including upcoming events, our education

methods, and more! Know someone looking for a preschool next year? Open Enrollment

begins on January 3rd

! Recommend us to a friend!

Saturday, January 26, 2019

9 a.m. - Noon The annual joint meeting of our Session and the Board of Deacons will be held on Saturday,

January 26, 2019 from 9 a.m. – 12:00 noon. If you are a member of either board, please mark

your calendars and plan to be present for this all-important gathering to plan for the coming year.

ORDINATION & INSTALLATION SERVICE On Sunday, January 6, at 10:00 a.m., in worship, our new ruling elders & deacons will be

ordained and installed for the term of service. Please join us to celebrate this holy moment both

in the lives of the officers and our congregation.

ANNUAL MEETING OF THE CONGREGATION

SUNDAY, JANUARY 27, 2019 – 11 A.M. The Session has called for the Annual Meeting of the Congregation to

be convened immediately following the conclusion of the 10 a.m.

worship service on Sunday, January 27, 2019. The Annual Report will

be shared with the congregation and the membership will be presented

the pastoral Terms of Call for approval. As well, Church Officer

Nominating Committee will present a partial slate for 2019.

A NOTE TO THE CONGREGATION CONCERNING JANUARY 2019

Brothers and Sisters in Christ:

I plan to be away from the church and out of the country from January 11 – 22, 2019.

Julie and I will be accompanying Hadley, our daughter who is a junior at Fordham University,

to Spain to “drop her off” for a semester abroad at the University of Granada. I will be

unavailable during that time period, but Rev. Atkinson and the rest of the staff will be around

and able to assist anyone with any pastoral or practical concerns related to the church. I thank

you for the opportunity to take some vacation time to spend with my family on this important

trip.

-Rev. Dr. Martin R. Ankrum

A Gift for the King

Though the appeal to help retire the deficit for 2018 is over and

at the time of this writing, the year had not yet ended, we

thought it good to reproduce the remarks of the last Gift for

the King Appeal in December. Dr. Ankrum delivered these

words to the congregation:

By now you are well aware of the appeal that the Session has placed before you as a way to

reduce the deficit that we are facing as this calendar year closes. We have called this appeal “A

Gift for the King” and styled it, obviously, upon the tremendous story of the Wise Men and their

gifts for the Christ child – gold, frankincense and myrrh. The Session has sought to encourage

over-and-above giving that would emulate the characters of a story that we know so well.

I stand here to say a hearty thank you, for indeed the congregation has responded to date. We

have not swallowed up this deficit by any means, but many have certainly heard this appeal and

answered. For that, on behalf of the Session and myself, allow me to say thank you.

However, a hefty portion of that deficit remains and still there is time to provide for the ministry

of this congregation so that we might resist the urge to whittle away at the endowments that we

possess from gifts of earlier generations. In fact, such forethought and action is what is at the

heart of our giving to the church – an investment in the work of a congregation.

In our rather consumer-minded society, we are often tempted to view even our charitable acts as

somehow buying a product. We might give to charitable organizations because we know that

they will provide goods and services for those in need. We might contribute to educational

institutions from which we hold degrees because we feel the pull to give back to a cherished

college that provided the education by which we earn our living. We might even drop a ten

dollar bill in the Salvation Army kettle because if makes us feel good about ourselves.

Giving to the church should not fall into these categories, for here there is no product produced.

We are not paying our way so that we might enjoy a well sung anthem by the choir or sit in a

warm and cozy, but magnificent soaring cathedral like this one or because a sermon every once

in a while might provide an inspirational lift to your world-weary soul.

No, our giving to the church is about our response to the grace of God in Jesus Christ. It is

here that we have together met the Lord and have been fed upon the bread of life. We have been

bathed in the waters of baptism and have comprehended what it means for us to claim to be what

has been claimed for us – that we are the children of God. We give because we wish to support

the work of this congregation that reaches out to the person who sits beside us in the pew and

reaches those who receive assistance from local food banks and as far away as India, where our

support is helping to build a church building in a place that had none before.

In our responding to the good grace of God in our giving, we are not buying any product from

God, nor are we providing in some way for God. The old children’s Sunday school song, “He’s

Got the Whole World in His Hands,” certainly puts to rest any doubts about God’s ownership of

all things. No, we are providing for the work of God’s church to go on in this place and around

the world. We are merely assuming the place that God calls us to assume as mature Christians –

we are giving that the work of Jesus Christ may flourish and grow in this place – in the hearts of

others we know or may never meet and, of course, in our hearts as well.

CHRISTMAS DAY DINNER AT FIRST CHURCH

A BIG THANK YOU!!! Thank you to all of the people who made this year’s Christmas dinner a resounding

success! Together, as a congregation, you made it possible for more than 300 people to have a

wonderful Christmas dinner of ham, scalloped potatoes, green bean casserole, stuffing and gravy,

(plus corn for the folk ‘dining in’ at the church) fruit cup, rolls and butter, and cake for dessert.

Gretchen Lowry distributed the flyers in many locations so that people would know about

their options for Christmas dinner. Alice Erling and her crew set the tone with beautifully

decorated tables. Vance Booher and Scott Sucke and their wonderful staff of volunteers

prepared, packaged for delivery, and served the delicious dinner. Kathy and Greg Martinko took

charge of the delivery and takeout “department.” Holly and Craig Hallman coordinated the

delivery list and provided every volunteer driver with detailed directions and contact information

for the 236 recipients. Dr. Paula Purnell provided wonderful seasonal music for the more than

80 dinner guests. Rev. Dr. Martin Ankrum opened the church at 6:30 a.m., answered all of the

last- minute phone calls, greeted all of the people who came to dine at the church, and stayed

until the last pot was washed to lock up the church.

Thanks to Texas Roadhouse for providing 400 rolls and cinnamon butter. Thanks to all

of the people who contributed candy and fruit for the tables and baked the wonderful variety of

cakes that people enjoyed for dessert. Any leftover food was taken to the Welcome Home

Shelter for the people there to enjoy!

Thank you to everyone who helped to bring the love of Christ into the community this

Christmas. This was a Blessed Christmas, indeed!

With deep gratitude,

Sylvia Carlson

AND A SPECIAL THANK YOU TO REV. SYLVIA CARLSON FROM ALL OF US FOR PREPARING,

DELIVERING AND SERVING THE CHRISTMAS DAY DINNER!!! SYLVIA WORKED TIRELESSLY TO

MAKE THIS ANNUAL DINNER POSSIBLE AGAIN! - THANK YOU SYLVIA!!!