advent & christmas services - clover...

The NewsVolume 45 Number 12 | First Presbyterian Church | December 2013

Sunday, dec. 1 10:00 am 1st Sunday in Advent - Lighting the 1st Advent Candle

Sunday, dec. 8 10:00 am 2nd Sunday in Advent - Lighting the 2nd Advent Candle

11:30 - 2:30 pm Christmas Fair-Trade Holiday Market with Lunch in Blair Hall

WedneSday, dec. 11 6:15 pm The Star- Child: Children's

Christmas Pageant

Friday, dec. 13 7:00 pm Longest Night Christmas

Service, with Communion & Candlelight (see more info inside)

Sunday, dec. 15 10:00 am 3rd Sunday in Advent - Lighting the 3rd Advent Candle

11:30 - 2:30 pm Christmas Fair-Trade Holiday Market with Lunch in Blair Hall

WedneSday, dec. 18 5:00 pm Family Mission Night

Sunday, dec. 22 10:00 am 4th Sunday in Advent, Lighting the 4th Advent Candle,

Worship led by the Choir

TueSday, dec. 24, chriSTmaS eve 5:00 pm Christmas Eve

Candlelight Service

9:00 pm Christmas Eve Candlelight & Communion Service

Advent & Christmas Services


Happy Birthday!John Barber will celebrate his 90th birthday on December 28th.

In Memoriam Jack Beverly, Jr., a member of this congregation since March 24, 1945, died November 5th. Sympathy is extended to his daughter, Gina Addison and husband, David, of Covington, Louisana, and his son, Jack Beverly III, Salina, and his three grandsons.

Sue Coller Interim Lead Pastor / Head of Staff [email protected] Austin Ashenbrenner Associate Pastor for Youth & Mission [email protected] Ashenbrenner Director of Children’s Education [email protected] Koshgarian Director of Music [email protected]

Angie Koshgarian Organist [email protected] Pearson Office Manager [email protected] Arnder Nursery Supervisor [email protected] Andersen Volunteer Coordinator [email protected]

Chealsea Weaver Communications Coordinator [email protected] Swindler Book Keeper [email protected] Zoch Head Custodian [email protected] Tony Griggs Relief Custodian [email protected]

Personals:First Presbyterian Church December 2013

Do you have information you'd like to have listed in the "Personals" section of the newsletter? Contact Mary Andersen at [email protected] today!

FPC Staff

Christmas can be a painful time for some. It may be the first Christmas without a loved family member who has recently died. It may be the first Christmas after a difficult move. It may be a difficult time, with uncertain employment or ill health. It may be a lonely time. We may simply have moments of sadness or quiet that we want to acknowledge in the midst of the preparations and celebrations.

For all who wish to remember what Christmas is all about in a quiet and contemplative way, we are offering a special “Longest Night” Christmas service on December 13th at 7:00 p.m.

Come and join with us in sharing and hearing prayers, scripture, and music that acknowledge that God’s presence is for those who mourn, for those who struggle, for those who are lonely, for those seeking peace -- and that God’s Word comes to shine light into our darkness. We will conclude the service with communion and candlelight as we sing Silent Night. Even if you do not feel the sadness some feel at this time of year, come experience Christmas in a unique way, and support those who feel a special burden at Christmas.

Please share this with your friends. Everyone, regardless of church or faith background (or lack of it) is welcome.

Longest Night Christmas ServiceFriday, December 13, 7:00 p.m.

A Service for Wholeness and Peace



Happy BirthdaysSocial Justice & Mission:

Guatemala 2014 Mission Trip: Informational Meeting

Have you heard the buzz around FPC about how the mission trips to Guatemala have been incredible and eye opening? Want to experience this opportunity for yourself? Well, here’s your chance! Registration materials are available for the 2014 Spring Guatemala Mission Trip (March 15-22). The registration deadline is December 8th.

If you have questions about any aspect of this trip please join us for our Mission Trip Informational Meeting on Sunday, December 1st at 11:30 a.m. in the conference room.

First Presbyterian Church December 2013

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Jim Cram Mac Steele Chuck Elsea Emily Weaver

David Atherton

Connie Stevens Pete Peterson Graham Smith

Marilyn Holgerson Heather Barr

Greg Senseman

Dan Norman

James Hall

Willie Hilton Bridget Koshgarian

Jimmie Lewis Brynne Atherton

Sue Wehrmeister Christopher Wilson

Patty Landes Steve Hawley Mandy Stephenson Jessica Wyatt Lindsey Berg Riley Counts

Judy Irvin Monte Shadwick

Mary Gay Wenger Judy Morrison Bill Cathcart-Rake Pat Neustrom

Chloe White

Curt Carpenter Katie Lidgett Annie Shadwick Colin Rupe

Madeline Rohrer Carson Ann Jett

Jocelyn Palmer

Scott Ryan Jack Elsea Nathan Farmer Andie Rhea

Casey Leister Betty Garrison Madisyn Ehrlich

Harrison Jett

Linda Henson

RaMona Parks Zachary Ketcher

Cassidy Egan

John Barber Katie Jarvis Annie Taggart

Dennis Lull Linda Johnson Matthew Anderson

Eleanor Smith Fraser Egan Brittany Blackim Olivia Johnson Azbey Peckham Maddox Keyser

Kelly Hall Thomas Struble

Christmas Fair-Trade Holiday Market

December 8th & 15thGet ready for the best Christmas shopping opportunity

in the entire world!!! This December FPC is hosting a Fair Trade Holiday Market with our retail partner, Connected, of Lindsborg. All products for sale are made by workers who are paid a fair wage. These are products that you can feel good about buying and giving, as they are of the highest quality.

On Sunday December 8th and 15th from 11:30 – 2:30 come join us in Blair Hall for this fantastic sale! Lunch will be available for a small donation. Tell your friends!

STEWARDSHIP 2014

Happy Birthdays


Upon the unanimous recommendation of the Worship Ministry, Session unanimously voted at its November meeting to purchase the new Presbyterian hymnal, Glory to God!

The Psalms are constantly calling us to sing new songs to the Lord. Music is a vital piece of our worship, and as such, our hymnals are important to our worship. About once a generation, the Presbyterian Church puts out a new hymnal, seeking to keep the best and favorites of what we’ve had, and adding some newer hymns. The new Presbyterian Glory to God hymnal follows that tradition, keeping about 60% of familiar hymns, and adding 40% new hymns. Included in that are our favorites from the current Presbyterian Hymnal, and our favorites from the Sing the Faith hymnal. They have also added in some old favorites from previous hymnals that were not included in our current Presbyterian Hymnal.

Some of the things that impressed us about the new hymnal was how much easier it was on the eyes, the brief notes on each hymn’s meaning, and the organization of the hymnal. It also comes with an online version that will allow us to hear audio clips of hymns and to search for keywords, which will be a great help to those who choose hymns for worship.

In case you are wondering, yes, this means we will be replacing BOTH the Presbyterian Hymnal and the Sing the Faith Hymnal with the new Glory to God! So we will no longer have two hymnals in the pews.

We have purchased 400 hymnals, at a cost of $18.50 ($17.50 + $1 freight) per hymnal. As we have done with past hymnal purchases, we want to encourage you to provide funding for one or more hymnals in memory of or in honor of people who have touched your life. So go ahead and begin to think about people you might want to honor in this fashion – family members past and present, teachers, special friends, mentors, and others. On Sunday November 24th we will have a display at the back of the sanctuary for you to see them and forms so you can contribute to the hymnals. Look for more information soon in worship about when we will retire our old hymnals and dedicate the new ones.

Sing to the Lord! Interim Pastor Sue

• Rooted in God • Open to Grace • Filled with Joy •

Family Mission Night: Wednesday, December 18th 5:30 - 8:30 PM

On Wednesday, December 18th EVERYONE at FPC is invited to join us for our 3rd annual Family Mission Night. This is an opportunity to spread some Christmas joy. We will collect donated items to benefit the Ashby House residents and hand deliver them along with some Christmas Carols.

Join us for dinner, hot-cocoa, cookies, and caroling as we brighten the night of many in our neighborhood. See you then.

Sing a New Song! (and a lot of old ones too!)

December 2013First Presbyterian Church

The Star-Child:FPC Children’s Christmas Pageant

(Wednesday, Dec. 11)

We hope you and your family will be able to join us on Wednesday, Dec. 11 for our Children’s Christmas Pageant: The Star-Child. Come at 5:30pm for dinner and stay for the pageant (6:15pm) as we discover, along with the prophet Isaiah, how the Prince of Peace came to earth. There will also be a special birthday dessert afterwards! It will be a very special night as we prepare to receive the Star-Child into our hearts again this Christmas.

The Best Teachers on HospitalityI am constantly amazed at the ways I am taught by

the children of our church. If you’ve ever witnessed a Children’s Time during Sunday worship, then you know, too, how thoughtful, insightful, and wonderful the children of our church are. As the Director of Children’s Education, I understand that it is MY job to educate our children. However, I constantly find myself in the position of the one being taught. One of the main lessons I learn from our kids is the lesson of hospitality and service.

This fall, each of our grade groups has had the opportunity to prepare, serve, and host a Wednesday night dinner. Now, for most people, the thought of hosting a meal for 50-70 people can be daunting, exhausting, and perhaps something to be added to the “must-do” or “get-through” list.

But not for our kiddos. Each of them, from Pre-K through 5th grade, relishes the opportunity to frost a cupcake, hand out a bag of chips, or wipe down a table. They eagerly await their turn to host dinner and are full of energy and life when it arrives. They’re quick to volunteer and offer a hand. The phrase, “What else can I do to help?” is repeated over and over. They take such pride in

creating a sign or offering a cup of water; no job is too little or unimportant. To them, hospitality is a serious business. And again, I find myself learning from them.

What if we all approached serving others with such enthusiasm and selflessness? What if we took the business of hospitality seriously and treated and included others the way Jesus did? What would our own lives look like? How would our church be different? It’s a powerful thought and hard to wrap our minds around. But we get a glimpse of what could be when we’re handed a sandwich from a proud preschooler or a scoop of corn from an enthusiastic 4th grader.

I am so thankful we have such wonderful teachers.

-Erika AshenbrennerIf you have not had the pleasure of experiencing a

dinner hosted by the children of our church, watch for dates in the spring and plan to come! The meal may be simple, but the love with which it is served will be great.

EducationChildren, Youth, and Families


Youth + Young Adult Ministry EducationSr. HigH Summer

miSSion Trip + informational meeting

Attention Parents and all students currently in grades 8 – 12. We are busy getting ready for our 2014 Summer Mission Trip and we want you to get ready with us. This trip promises to be an amazing opportunity…but only if you are a part of it.

The registration deadline for this trip has been moved to January 12th.

Have questions or concerns about this trip? We’ve got just the thing for you. On Sunday, January 5th at 11:30 a.m. you are all invited to a Mission Trip Informational Meeting in the Conference Room! Come learn everything you want to know about the trip and then sign up.

Celebrating FPC YouthThis year our amazing FPC students are taking the

lead! Beginning this year four students have stepped up to serve their church as Student Youth Leaders. Matt Grammar, Madi Carlgren, Ellie Cobb, and Nick Salem are this year’s leaders. Working alongside the Youth Committee these students have been helping to plan special events, lead weekly youth group games or prayers, and work with Austin to develop engaging curriculum that connects with student’s questions. In the coming months you will hear from these students directly, but for now, we wanted you to be aware of the great work that they are doing so that you could cheer them on. Way to go!

Mid HigH Progressive Dinner: Friday, december 20th at 5:30 p.m

Grab your craziest Christmas Sweater and come join us for another fun Progressive Dinner. On December 20th we’ll meet at FPC and tour Salina in search of an amazing Christmas dinner. This is a great event to invite your friends to and a great way to kick-off your Christmas vacation.

*parents…we are in search of four homes to host one of the four courses of our meal. If you are interested please contact Austin.

Sr. HigH Holiday BruncH: Friday, December 20th at 9:00 a.m.It is your first day of Christmas vacation. What better

way is there to start your long break than to enjoy an awesome breakfast with your friends at the Ashenbrenner’s home? Role out of bed, and come join us for this fun Holiday Brunch. We will also have a White Elephant gift exchange…so wrap up a silly gift ($5 or less) and come.

Wednesday Ce sCheduleOur regularly scheduled Wednesday CE ends for the year on Dec. 11th. We’ll all meet

back on Wednesday, Jan. 8th at Starlite Skating Rink (3:45 – 5:15pm) to kick off the new year with a skating party! Regular classes resume on Wednesday, Jan. 15th.


September: The Session agreed to host the Presbytery of Northern Kansas Annual Meeting in 2015. The Session approved finding someone to take the non-functioning organ from the chapel, free of charge. The Session approved the baptism of Lucy Olivia Dunn-Vigare, daughter of member Shanna Vigare, at an as-yet-to-be-determined date.

October: The Session approved a partnership with Circles of the Heartland, which will include weekly use of the building. The Session agreed with a Worship Committee request to hold a Longest Night Service on December 13, 2013, including communion service. A change to the bylaws in regards to Nominating Committee and the elimination of the Pastor of Congregational Care and Discipleship position were recommended to the congregation and a congregational meeting was called for October 27, 2013, following worship. The transition team that is meeting with Sue has crafted a rough transition timeline with the bulk of the work beginning after the first of the year so the church can enjoy a more tranquil Advent season.

November: The Session approved a Worship Committee request to replace the Presbyterian

Hymnal and Sing the Faith Songbook with the new “Glory to God” hymnals with the idea of ordering the new hymnals before the end of the year to save significantly on the costs. See elsewhere in the newsletter on how you can participate in this process.

The Session also agreed to experiment with changing the late Christmas Eve service to 9 p.m. Attendance at the 11 p.m. services has been declining significantly in recent years and choir participation has been a challenge.

The Session approved taking a special offering during the December 11th Children’s Program to support Sandra, a child the children are sponsoring through World Vision.

The Session supported a proposal from the Congregational Care and Nurture Committee to organize a family ski trip in January or February.

The Session removed from the membership rolls, at the request of their parents, Jaych Rhea, David Reid and William Reid. We wish these fine young members well in their future lives in Christ.

The Session scheduled the annual meeting of the Congregation for January 26, 2014, and the Installation of Officers for January 5, 2014.

SeSSion HigHligHtS: September, October, November

Three Ways to Give• Through your congregation Sunday, Dec. 15 & 22 envelopes will be available in the pews.

• Text JOY to 20222 to give $10• presbyterianmission.org/give/christnasjoy

ONE TRUE LIGHTThis holy season, let the love represented by the birth in

Bethlehem illuminate our hearts and shine in our actions. By giving to the Christmas Joy Offering you’ll provide opportunities for students to attend Presbyterian-related racial ethnic schools and colleges. Also through your contributions, you’ll be helping the families of active and retired church workers through the Assistance Program of the Board of Pensions. For more details visit:www.presbyterianmission.org/christmasjoy.

Three Ways to Give• Through your congregation Sunday, Dec. 15 & 22 envelopes will be available in the pews.

• Text JOY to 20222 to give $10• presbyterianmission.org/give/christnasjoy


IT’S TIME TO ORDER POINSETTIAS!

The Board of Deacons invites you to share in providing poinsettia plants as Christmas gifts to nursing home and homebound members of the church. Plants will decorate the sanctuary during Advent and Christmas Eve. The cost is $13.00 per plant.

You may pick up your plant for your own use following the Christmas Eve services if you designate on the form below that you wish to do so. If you do not want to pick it up, the plant will be assigned for delivery to a member or friend of the congregation.

Please complete the form below and return it, with your payment, to the church office no later than Monday, Dec. 9. Please note on your payment that it is for a poinsettia plant.

If you wish, you may order your poinsettia by emailing [email protected].

FIRST PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH Poinsettia Order Form

I would like to purchase ____ poinsettia(s) at a cost of $13.00 per plant.

I want to donate my plant for delivery to a member or friend of the congregation: YES____ NO ____

I want to pick up my plant on Dec. 24th:YES ____ NO ____

NAME of DONOR(S)________________________________________________

GIVEN in MEMORY OF _____________________________________________ OrGIVEN in HONOR OF _______________________________________________

Return this form, with your payment of $13.00 per plant, to First Presbyterian Church, 308 South 8th, Salina, KS 67401 no later than Monday, December 9.

IT’S TIME TO ORDER POINSETTIAS!

The Board of Deacons invites you to share in providing poinsettia plants as Christmas gifts to nursing home and homebound members of the church. Plants will decorate the sanctuary during Advent and Christmas Eve. The cost is $13.00 per plant.

You may pick up your plant for your own use following the Christmas Eve services if you designate on the form below that you wish to do so. If you do not want to pick it up, the plant will be assigned for delivery to a member or friend of the congregation.

Please complete the form below and return it, with your payment, to the church office no later than Monday, Dec. 9. Please note on your payment that it is for a poinsettia plant.

If you wish, you may order your poinsettia by emailing [email protected].

FIRST PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH Poinsettia Order Form

I would like to purchase ____ poinsettia(s) at a cost of $13.00 per plant.

I want to donate my plant for delivery to a member or friend of the congregation: YES____ NO ____

I want to pick up my plant on Dec. 24th:YES ____ NO ____

NAME of DONOR(S)________________________________________________

GIVEN in MEMORY OF _____________________________________________ OrGIVEN in HONOR OF _______________________________________________

Return this form, with your payment of $13.00 per plant, to First Presbyterian Church, 308 South 8th, Salina, KS 67401 no later than Monday, December 9.

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The News (UPS708-620) is published monthly by First Presbyterian Church, P.O. Box 585, Salina, KS 67402. Periodical postage paid at Salina, Kansas.

PERIODICALPOSTAGE

PAID

The next newsletter will be mailed December 19. The Sunday service is broadcast each week at 10:05 AM on KINA, 910 AM, or streamed live at www.910kina.com.

If there is something you would like included in The News, email [email protected], by December 9.

Address: 308 S. 8th Street P.O. Box 585 Salina, KS 67402

Phone: (785) 825-0226E-mail:[email protected]:www.fpcsalina.org

SueColler—InterimLeadPastor/HeadofStaffAustinAshenbrenner—AssociatePastorForYouth&Mission

FirstPresbyterianChurch

Wednesday Dinner!Join us every Wednesday Night! Children’s classes

start at 3:45pm, youth group at 5:00pm, dinner at 5:30pm and Worship to follow at 6:15pm.

Every week a different group throughout the Church serves the meal. Watch the calendar

to know who is cooking each week.

advent & christmas services - clover...

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