december 2013 link newsletter

8/13/2019 December 2013 LINK Newsletter

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Pastor...........................Andy Gans

Visitation Pastor (Ret.) Tom McNeil

Music Director .............Rick Roberts

Executive Assistant .....Chris Muramatsu

Nursery Attendant ......Tammy Keeslar

Proofreaders ............ ............ ...... Susan M. Jensen a

John Stewart

Contributors ........... ............ ........ Members of Ft. Ki

Assembling ........... ............ .......... Kay Dahlen, Joyce

Gauntt, Eleanor Hayesmore, Pat Merrill, Caro

Office: (352) 694Office: (352) 694Office: (352) 694Office: (352) 694----4121412141214121

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Worship: Sundays 10:30 a.m.Worship: Sundays 10:30 a.m.Worship: Sundays 10:30 a.m.Worship: Sundays 10:30 a.m.

10:30 a.m. - 1st Sunday in Advent. Hanging of the Green

5:30 p.m. - Advent Wednesday Dinner and Study

10:30 a.m. - 2nd Sunday in Advent Service

5:30 p.m. - Christmas Dinner and Christmas Pageant

6:00 p.m. - Advent Wednesday Study and Reflection

10:30 a.m. - 3rd Advent Service and Christmas Cantata


10:30 a.m. - 4th Sunday in Advent Service

4:00 p.m., 7:00 p.m., 11:00 p.m.

Christmas Eve Services

Merry Christmas,

I have often heard people talk about miraclesaround the Christmas season. First and fore-most people will say Jesus birth was a mira-cle, or that Jesus is the miracle baby. Peoplewill say the happiness and joy that is experi-

enced during the holidays is the miracle.Why are we hopeful for, more attuned to, orseeking miracles during this season that issupposed to bring joy into peoples hearts?Maybe its the hope of seeing a miracle takeplace and experiencing the anticipated joythat keeps us seeking.

Just a few weeks ago I was blessed to witness

one of these miracles. The miracle was therecovery of Tom McNeil. God did an amazingthing in healing Tom and I am thankful forall of the prayers that were lifted up for him,Nilsa, and the care givers. Many people wereamazed he survived his ordeal and more peo-ple were amazed that he is almost fully recov-ered. I had one Intensive Care Unit nurse tellme in regards to Toms amazing recovery, Idont know what you all are doing, but keepit up because its working amazingly well. Itold her I know what it is prayer by a lot ofpeople and an amazing God!

As I look back on what I consider a miracle, Iwonder what other miracles are out there. Iwonder how each one of us can be instru-ments of a Christmas miracle. How can webring the gift of joy, hope, love, forgiveness,ustice or peace to someone we know; or bet-

ter yet someone we have never even met?

This Christmas season allow God to use youas an instrument of a Christmas miracle. Seehow it changes you and see how it changesthe world.

Merry Christmas,

10:30 a.m. - 1st Sunday in Advent. Hanging of the Green

5:30 p.m. - Advent Wednesday Dinner and Study

10:30 a.m. - 2nd Sunday in Advent Service

5:30 p.m. - Christmas Dinner and Christmas Pageant


10:30 a.m. - 3rd Advent Service and Christmas Cantata


10:30 a.m. - 4th Sunday in Advent Service

4:00 p.m., 7:00 p.m., 11:00 p.m.

Christmas Eve Services


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Fort King Presbyterian Church

Financials Effective 10/31/13

Month Year-To-Date

BudgetOct

2013

ActualOct

2013

BudgetCompared

toActual

BudgetJan-Oct

2013

ActualJan - Oct

2013

BudgetCompared

toActual

ActualJan-Oct

2012

2013 YTDCompared

to2012 YTD

Income

Estimateof Giving

24,639 25,401 762 246,387 236,205 (10,181) 229,308 8,89

OtherIncome

0 3 3 0 6,425 6,425 20.899 (14,47

TotalIncome

24,639 25,404 766 246,387 242,630 (3,757) 250,207 (7,57

TotalExpense

24,847 22,006 (3,841) 246,189 241,039 (7,150) 200,213 40,82

NetSurplus/Deficit

-1,208 3,398 4,606 (1,802) 1,592 (211) 49,995 (48,40

Endowment 0 500 500 0 600 600 675 (7

ADMINISTRATION AND FINANCE

CONGREGATIONAL CARE

Thank You

Dear Church Family,

Dan and I would like to thank everyone for all the calls, cards, visits and prayers we have received during his ill-ness. We feel truly blessed and humbled by the support and kindness that has been sent our way. We will con-tinue to need your prayers as he will be undergoing intensive chemotherapy and radiation in the coming months.

Thank you all and God Bless, Chris & Dan Berryhill

Thank You

Jean Stewart would like to thank everyone for their calls and cards. They are truly appreciated.


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December Birthdays

CONGREGATIONAL CARE (continued)

Thank You

Dear beloved Ft. King family,

Dave and I wanted to express our heartfelt thanks for the many prayers, cards, telephone calls, emails, flowers,food, prayer shawls, and visits to each and every one of you. Your prayerful concerns have boosted Dave's spiritsand given him encouragement to seek the treatment his doctor has suggested in order to live as long as Godwills it. We are thankful for every day we have and believe that your continued prayers will bring peace andcomfort to us. God bless you all and we are praying for you too!

Marianne and Dave Fullarton

Thank You

Dear Faith Family,

My family and I are overwhelmed with everyones generosity and compassion. Thank you for the prayers, cards,phone calls, visits, flowers, the delicious food, and the wonderful recliner and all the love and support.

The Livingston Family


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CONNECTIONS

Dinners For Eight

Dinners for Eight is a fun way to get to know your church family. Each month from January through April, 4 coples (8 people) join together for dinner. Single people are welcomed and will be matched up with another partipant to form a couple. Each month you and your partner meet as part of four different couples. Each month yprovide a different portion of the meal as described below.

Couple A - Hostprovides meat and beveragecalls others in your group to confirm date and time. Dinnerheld in the home of the host (in some instances hosts may use the home of another member with mospace)

Couple B Provides vegetableCouple C Provides salad and breadCouple D Provides dessert

A sign-up sheet can be found in the Narthex to indicate your interest in participating. A schedule will be designto mix up the groups each month and you will be provided a schedule for the entire four months. In May, we whave a special event to include everyone that has participated.

If you have any questions, or want to register by phone, please call Bernice Henry at 694-6798


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DISCIPLESHIP

Annual Christmas Pageant and DinnerDecember 8that 5:30 p.m.

The camel and the donkey are having a great dispute over which one of them is the bestest part of the ChristmStory. You dont want to miss this twist to the traditional story written by our own Rick Roberts and directed

Sheletha Strawder and Niki Tripodi. The cast includes the children, the choir and the congregation.

As usual the members of the session will provide the turkey and stuffing and the congregation will bring your vorite side dishes and desserts.Dinner will begin at 5:30 p.m. in the Fellowship Hall, followed by the pageant to be presented in the sanctuary.

Childrens Sunday School for December

Parents and elementary children please note that the schedule for Sunday School for the month of December wnot follow the usual schedule. The following represents the special schedule.

December 1December 1December 1December 1Communion - children will remain in the Sanctuary during worship. December 8December 8December 8December 8children will attend Sunday School as usual after the Childrens Sermon, teachers will

Sally and Steve Layendecker. December 15December 15December 15December 15children will remain in the Sanctuary during worship to hear the Christmas Cantata p

formed by the choir. December 22Sunday School will take place at 9:15 a.mDecember 22Sunday School will take place at 9:15 a.mDecember 22Sunday School will take place at 9:15 a.mDecember 22Sunday School will take place at 9:15 a.m. in the CE Building for the Birthday Party for Jesu

The children and youth will be making fruit baskets to be distributed to shut-ins that evening by the youtHarvey and Kathy Bohner will direct this activity. Please note the time change.Please note the time change.Please note the time change.Please note the time change.

December 29December 29December 29December 29No Sunday School.


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DISCIPLESHIP (continued)

High Tide

On Sunday, December 15th High Tide will be going caroling. Plan to wear some warm clothes and come ready

to sing to our home bound members. Parents are welcome to join us for this festive evening from 5- 7 p.m.

Cheryl, Niki, Amy and Doris.

Library Corner

If you know anyone with autism or just want to understand more about it, then youmust read The Reason I Jump: The Inner Voice of a ThirteenThe Reason I Jump: The Inner Voice of a ThirteenThe Reason I Jump: The Inner Voice of a ThirteenThe Reason I Jump: The Inner Voice of a Thirteen----YearYearYearYear----Old Boy WithOld Boy WithOld Boy WithOld Boy WithAutism.Autism.Autism.Autism.

This one-of-a-kind memoir demonstrates how an autistic mind thinks, feels, per-ceives, and responds in ways few of us can imagine. Parents and family memberswho never thought they could get inside the head of their autistic loved one at last

have a way to break through to the curious, subtle, and complex life within. Theauthor, Naoki Higashida of Kimitsu, Japan, is now 21 years old and is an advocate,motivational speaker and the author of several books of fiction and nonfiction.The book, originally written in Japanese, has been translated by David Mitchell andhis wife KA Yoshida. Mitchell, a bestselling novelist, writes in his Introduction thatNaokis words allowed him to feel, for the first time, as if his own autistic child wereexplaining what was happening in his mind.

Several other new books recently added to the library are Zealot: The Life andZealot: The Life andZealot: The Life andZealot: The Life andTimes of Jesus of NazarethTimes of Jesus of NazarethTimes of Jesus of NazarethTimes of Jesus of Nazareth by Reza Aslan; The New Testament and the PeopleThe New Testament and the PeopleThe New Testament and the PeopleThe New Testament and the People

of Godof Godof Godof God by N.T. Wright; and My Beloved WorldMy Beloved WorldMy Beloved WorldMy Beloved World by Sonia Sotomayor. Checkthe New Items shelves for other new books which are added as they becomeavailable, either by purchase or more often through the generous donations fromchurch members.

As the Christmas season is once again upon us, dont forget the fifty or so Christ-mas items in the library ranging from best-loved childrens stories to craft ideas forthe whole family and even a few videos and CDs. Many of the books are beautifullyillustrated. The library is open every Sunday morning. You may access the libraryat other times by asking Chris in the Church Office to let you in.


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Moderator Bernice Henry Treasurer Keay Forman

Vice-Moderator Anne Hill Historian Margy Marshall

Secretary Judy Harriss

Spiritual Life & Worship Louise Olivarez Deborah Circle Leader Judith Simonin

Mission Interpreter Kathy Bohner Esther Circle Leader Judy Bowman

Leadership & Resources Judy Bowman Anne Hill

Christian Community Action Nell Blumel At Large Member Onalee Mease

Church Women United Contact Elena Whitaker Jo Ann Parramore

GROUP ACTIVITIES

Presbyterian WomenCircles

All women of Fort King are Presbyterian Women and are invited to participate in all the activities of Presbyteria

Women. This years Bible study is An Abiding Hope: The Presence of God in Exodus and Deuteronomy.

If you are interested in attending a Circle meeting, come join us in December. Deborah Circle meets at the churcduring the day and Esther Circle meets at night in members homes. Esther Circle will meet on Monday, December 9th, at the home of Margie Hodges at 6:30 p.m. Each member will bring a heavy hors doeuvres and a ChinesGift Exchange present. Deborah Circle will meet on Tuesday, December 17th, at 10:00 a.m. in the Session RoomFollowing the meeting, Deborah Circle will have lunch at Bob Evans. Please contact the church office if you neea ride.

Presbyterian Women Slate of Officers for 2014

Coordinating TeamCoordinating TeamCoordinating TeamCoordinating Team

CoordinatorsCoordinatorsCoordinatorsCoordinators

Annual Gathering of Presbyterian Women

The Annual Gathering of Presbyterian Women of our Presbytery will be held on January 25th, in St. Augustine atMemorial Presbyterian Church. Please contact Anne Hill at 368-2491 to receive information and a registrationform.

Domestic ViolenceDont forget items for the Domestic Violence basket. Check the basket for a list of items that are needed.

Prayer Shawl Ministry Need

Prayer Shawl Ministry needs our help. They can use donations. It takes 3 skeins of the same dye lot of Lion BranHomespun for each shawlabout $15 at Walmart.


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Mens Night OutMens Night Out will meet at 6:30 p.m. on Monday, December 9th. Brian Lavery will be

your host. Please call Brian at 694-8264 to RSVP.

Crafty Ladies

Crafty Ladies meet on Thursdays from 11:00-3:30 p.m. in Fellowship Hall. Hope to see all

of you there. If you would like to join our group, come for a visit some Thursday and see

what we are doing and how you can help. We welcome new people and new talents!

Sassy Seniors

All widows and single ladies are welcome to join Sassy Seniors on Wednesday, Decem-ber 11th at 1:00 p.m. This months luncheon will be at Boston Market at 2650 SWCollege Rd. (SR-200) near Burlington Coat Factory and Burger King.

GROUP ACTIVITIES (continued)

MISSION

Angel Tree

Just a reminder.. Please return your unwrapped gifts to the church no later than December 8th. They may beplaced under the Angel Tree or in the Church Office. Thank you once again for helping to meet the wishes ofour most vulnerable children.


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MISSION (continued)

Blood Drive December 8th

The Mission Ministry announces that the "Big Red Bus" will be at Fort King on Sunday December 8th from 9:00

a.m. to1:00 p.m. We need your prayers and Marion County needs blood. Regardless of what you may have heard,

blood is needed. Remember, we now have a trauma center and the need for blood always spikes during the holi-

days.

FKPC Habitat for Humanity Work Day

Those of us that are interested in helping Habitat for Humanity should keep January 4th open as the Mission Min-istry is planning a Habitat for Humanity work day. More details to follow.

Staff Gift

It is the time of the year that we have the opportunity to show Andy and the staff how much we appreciate efforts on our behalf throughout the year. Their hours are many and their effort is tireless. We are askindonations for staff Christmas bonuses. If you would like to contribute, please note Staff Gift on your check anit in the offering plate or deliver to the Church Office. We would like to present the staff Christmas bonusDecember 23rd. Thank you in advance.

PERSONNEL


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SESSION

SessionNovember 19, 2013

Celebrations:Celebrations:Celebrations:Celebrations:Church Family CelebrationsChurch Family CelebrationsChurch Family CelebrationsChurch Family Celebrations Tom McNeil is recovering after a near death heart incident. Cleanup Day was a great success with 25 plus participants. Thanks to all who helped. The Chili Cook-off was a hot item and the many who attended thoroughly enjoyed it! 32 women of the church attended the womens retreat at Camp Montgomery and all women should look

forward to attending next Octobers. The Crop Walk raised some $4000 for Interfaith Food Services. The youth groups can or treat collected a narthex full of food. Boy Scout Troop 196 began to prepare to move here by cleaning up the Youth House on the inside

during our Cleanup Day. Twyla Carolynn Martin, daughter of Catherine and Michael Martin, was born October 24, 2013.

Motions and Other Session ItemsMotions and Other Session ItemsMotions and Other Session ItemsMotions and Other Session Items----

Election of Clerk of Session and Associate Clerk of Session:Election of Clerk of Session and Associate Clerk of Session:Election of Clerk of Session and Associate Clerk of Session:Election of Clerk of Session and Associate Clerk of Session: Upon motion, duly made and seconded, RobertSchlegel and Kathy Kuhns, respectively, were elected Clerk and Associate Clerk.Inquirer Melanie Marsh Baum:Inquirer Melanie Marsh Baum:Inquirer Melanie Marsh Baum:Inquirer Melanie Marsh Baum: Upon motion, duly made and seconded, the Session unanimously recom-mends to the Presbytery that she be advanced to the status of candidate for ordination as a Teaching Elder inthe PCUSA.

Finances:Finances:Finances:Finances: The Treasurers report shows Income: YTD Actual as: $ 243,230 versus YTD budgeted of: $246,350 and Expenses as YTD Actual of $241,038 versus budgeted $248,188. The end-of year totals looklikely to be about even.The committee reported that the budgeting process for 2014 is well underway and they asked the variouschurch committees to look at reducing their estimate to reflect the expected giving levels and increase in

fixed expenses for 2014. The revisions to each ministrys budget are due at the office NLT December 10th.

It was moved and duly seconded and the Session voted to receive the Treasurers report.

Other actions/Reports:Other actions/Reports:Other actions/Reports:Other actions/Reports:Upon motion, duly made and seconded, Doris and Stephen Charleston were added to the mission ministry.

Upon motion, duly made and seconded, the Session approved a Scout Sunday service on February 9, 2014..


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WORSHIP (continued)

Advent Wednesdays

What is the meaning of Gods coming into the world? Take a little time for reflection during the Christmas sea-son. Cheryl Gans will be leading us in study and preparation on three Wednesday evenings during Advent: De-cember 4th, December 11th, and December 18th.

She will help each of us prepare for the journey of Advent by using our senses to engage in Gods incarnation. On December 4th we will seeseeseesee Gods presence in ourselves and in others. On December 11th we will hearhearhearhear Gods presence in the ordinary experiences of our lives. On December 18th we will seek to discern Gods touchtouchtouchtouch in our unconscious minds.

On the first evening, December 4th, the study time will be preceded by dinner together at 5:30 p.m. No need tocontribute anything! It will be provided by the Worship Ministry.

On the succeeding Wednesdays, December 11th and 18th, come at 6:00 p.m. for reflection together.

Poinsettias in the Sanctuary during the Christmas Season

One beautiful expression of our joy at Christmas is to have the sanctuary decorated with poinsettias. We inviyou to help with this. Please consider ordering a poinsettia in honor of someone or in memory of someone tbe displayed during the Christmas season in our sanctuary. After worship on December 29th, you can then take thpoinsettia home and enjoy it there. Each poinsettia is $10.00. The order form is on the reverse. You can plac

your order in the offering plate on a Sunday, or drop it off in the Church Office. All checks should be made payable to Fort King Presbyterian Church with poinsettia written on the notation line. Thank you!

Poinsettia Order(Please Print)(Please Print)(Please Print)(Please Print)

_______ Number of poinsettias @ $10.00/each $_______________

given by____________________________________________________________________________________

in honor/memory of: __________________________________________________________________________

circle one

(Please place order and payment in the offering plate or turn into the Church Office.)


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WORSHIP (continued)

Worship Calendar for December

Make your Christmas season one of worship, reflection, and deep joy. Join us for worship throughout thmonth of December.

Sunday, December 1 ~Sunday, December 1 ~Sunday, December 1 ~Sunday, December 1 ~ Worship in the Sanctuary10:30 a.m.10:30 a.m.10:30 a.m.10:30 a.m. The First Sunday of AdventThe First Sunday of AdventThe First Sunday of AdventThe First Sunday of Advent

Liturgical Hanging of the GreensCommunion will be celebrated.Guest Minister The Rev. Glenn Dixon

Wednesday, December 4 ~Wednesday, December 4 ~Wednesday, December 4 ~Wednesday, December 4 ~ Time of Study and Reflection in5:30 p.m.5:30 p.m.5:30 p.m.5:30 p.m. Fellowship Hall

5:30 Supper6:00 Study and Reflection, led by Cheryl Gans

She will help us seeseeseesee Gods presence inourselves and in others.

Sunday, December 8 ~Sunday, December 8 ~Sunday, December 8 ~Sunday, December 8 ~ Worship in the Sanctuary10:30 a.m.10:30 a.m.10:30 a.m.10:30 a.m. The Second Sunday of AdventThe Second Sunday of AdventThe Second Sunday of AdventThe Second Sunday of Advent

The Rev. Andy Gans, preaching

5:30 p.m.5:30 p.m.5:30 p.m.5:30 p.m. Christmas DinnerOrganized and cooked by Bob and Bernice HenryTurkey, provided by SessionBring your favorite side dish to share.

6:00 p.m.6:00 p.m.6:00 p.m.6:00 p.m. Christmas Pageant in Fellowship HallWritten by Rick Roberts and Directed bySheletha Strawder and Nikki Tripodi.


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WORSHIP (continued)

6:00 p.m.6:00 p.m.6:00 p.m.6:00 p.m. Cheryl Gans will guide us to hearhearhearhear Gods presence

in the ordinary experiences of our lives.

Sunday, December 15 ~Sunday, December 15 ~Sunday, December 15 ~Sunday, December 15 ~ Worship in the Sanctuary10:30 a.m.10:30 a.m.10:30 a.m.10:30 a.m. The Third Sunday of AdventThe Third Sunday of AdventThe Third Sunday of AdventThe Third Sunday of Advent

Christmas Cantata, Behold the Star, presentedby the Choir under the direction of Music Director,Rick Roberts

Wednesday, December 18 ~Wednesday, December 18 ~Wednesday, December 18 ~Wednesday, December 18 ~ Time of Study and Reflection in Fellowship Hall6:00 p.m.6:00 p.m.6:00 p.m.6:00 p.m. Cheryl Gans will help us to discern Gods touchtouchtouchtouch

in our unconscious minds.

Sunday, December 22 ~Sunday, December 22 ~Sunday, December 22 ~Sunday, December 22 ~ Worship in the Sanctuary10:30 a.m.10:30 a.m.10:30 a.m.10:30 a.m. The Fourth Sunday of AdventThe Fourth Sunday of AdventThe Fourth Sunday of AdventThe Fourth Sunday of Advent

The Rev. Andy Gans, preaching

Tuesday, December 24 ~Tuesday, December 24 ~Tuesday, December 24 ~Tuesday, December 24 ~ Three Worship Services in the Sanctuary4 p.m., 7 p.m., 11 p.m.4 p.m., 7 p.m., 11 p.m.4 p.m., 7 p.m., 11 p.m.4 p.m., 7 p.m., 11 p.m. Christmas EveChristmas EveChristmas EveChristmas Eve

At all three services: Carol singing, CommunionCelebration, The Rev. Andy Gans will preach.At only the 7 and 11 Services: Candle Lighting

Sunday, December 29 ~Sunday, December 29 ~Sunday, December 29 ~Sunday, December 29 ~ Worship in the Sanctuary10:30 a.m.10:30 a.m.10:30 a.m.10:30 a.m. Guest Minister, The Rev. Terry Robertson

Wednesday, December 11 ~Wednesday, December 11 ~Wednesday, December 11 ~Wednesday, December 11 ~ Time of study and reflection in the Fellowship Hall


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WORSHIP (continued)

Something To Think AboutIIIIIIII

Love Your EnemiesLove Your EnemiesLove Your EnemiesLove Your Enemies

Matthew 5:44Matthew 5:44Matthew 5:44Matthew 5:44aaaa//Luke 6:27//Luke 6:27//Luke 6:27//Luke 6:27aaaa

Yes, only Jesus of Nazareth said these words, only Jesus of Nazareth said these words, only Jesus of Nazareth said these words, only Jesus of Nazareth said these words. The Jewish scholar, David FlusserDavid FlusserDavid FlusserDavid Flusser, observed:The commandment to love ones enemies is so much his (i.e. Jesus) definitive characteristic that his are

the only lips from which we hear the commandment in the whole of the New Testament (David Flusser1969Jesus70); and, This was no sentimental doctrine(op cit. 74).

TheJesus Seminaragrees because It cuts against the social grain and constitutes a paradox: those who love theirenemies have no enemies (R. Funk et al. 1993 The Five Gospels147). This certainly needs to be thought about.Professor Flussers observation is on target:

* Early Christian writings changed the commandment to Pray for* It is not until +/- 250 CE that the Apostolic ConstitutionsApostolic ConstitutionsApostolic ConstitutionsApostolic Constitutions VII, 1 refers to love enemies, without

commentary! Nowhere else may Jesus saying be found. In the NT, the Apostle Paul in Romans 12:20quotes Proverbs 25:21-22:If the enemy is hungry, feed him, thirsts, give him to drink.

You will heap burning coals upon his head!It is quite obvious that Love your enemieswas notnotnotnot a priority for the early church!

Matthew/Luke prefaced Jesus commandment:* The use of the verb to hear/Shemahear/Shemahear/Shemahear/Shema (used in different ways).* The hearing/Shemaof first century CE Judaism was this:

Hear, O Israel, the Lord your God is one(Deuteronomy 6:4).* When Jesus announced for the hearinghearinghearinghearingof the people: Love your enemies, he is setting forth a ne

ShemaShemaShemaShema for Israel. Jesus, by his commandment,is releasing his disciples from the political associations of thOld Israel.From now on there can be no more wars of faith!From now on there can be no more wars of faith!From now on there can be no more wars of faith!From now on there can be no more wars of faith!The only way to overcome our enemy is byloving him(Dietrich Bonhffer 1995 The Cost of Discipleship147, my emphasis).

Did anybody hear/listen then? Do we listen today to Jesus of Nazareth, Lord and Christ(Acts2:36)?

Jesus Shemaneeds specific clarification.A. Acommandment(whether in Moses, Deuteronomy, Leviticus, or Jesus of Nazareth) cannotMoses, Deuteronomy, Leviticus, or Jesus of Nazareth) cannotMoses, Deuteronomy, Leviticus, or Jesus of Nazareth) cannotMoses, Deuteronomy, Leviticus, or Jesus of Nazareth) cannot betransformed into a morality, a dogma, a religious belief or behavioral expectation. To do so is to make itautomatic and mechanical, a habit, not a choice. A commandmentcannot fit into a scheme, a program,nor does it have an agenda. Because,B. Any biblical commandment is oriented to a specific concrete human, person-to-person relationshipwhich means this: I must decide in each human encounter how I will respond to my enemy! The re-sponse of loveis without illusion or sentimentality (G. Quell and E. Stauffer1951 Love in Bible KeyWords44).Jesus added: without expectation, i.e. reward!C. To love ones enemylove ones enemylove ones enemylove ones enemy is to announce that a new order in human relationships has begun. Jesus madethis absolutely clear: The kingdom of God is in your midst(Luke 17:21)!


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WORSHIP(continued)Precisely what did the biblical writers and Jesus of Nazareth mean by love?love?love?love?Love EntailsLove EntailsLove EntailsLove Entails

A. Going beyond ones own selfGoing beyond ones own selfGoing beyond ones own selfGoing beyond ones own self----interest,interest,interest,interest, what I can get for me, what s/he can do for me; and,B. Going beyond functional social relationshipsGoing beyond functional social relationshipsGoing beyond functional social relationshipsGoing beyond functional social relationships in which my social role and my social relation-ships are defined by institutional functions and expectations.

Love Means precisely this:Love Means precisely this:Love Means precisely this:Love Means precisely this:To affirm the life of the other:To affirm the life of the other:To affirm the life of the other:To affirm the life of the other: my life, your life, the life of creation, the life of my enemy. It is achoice I must make in each concrete situation as the world of the otherconfronts me and I engage it.I engage it.I engage it.I engage it.

What Love Does is this:What Love Does is this:What Love Does is this:What Love Does is this:A. Love for the other declares the end of pastpastpastpast debts, i.e. forgiveness (See the Lords Prayer!).

What our relationship in the past was, the offenses of the past, all that is forgiven. The past is dead, notnotnotnotthe person. WE, the enemyand I, are both liberated from the past.

B. Love opens a futurefuturefuturefuture in which our relationships are defined in terms of human-person ratherthan social-function or role; that future is open, not programmed or controlled. Recent studies from the neu-rosciences are showing that research does notnotnotnot suggest that brain mechanisms underlie the relationships thatexist in a social structure(Michael Gazzaniga 2005 The Ethical Brain [Dana Press] 89). And, Brains areautomatic, rule-governed, determined devices, while people are personally responsible agents, free to make

their own decisions (Ibid.), a point Noam Chomsky makes in his Language and the Mind(3rdEd. 2006).

To Love ones enemies, to affirm his/her life, is a choice I must make in each concrete specific human en-counter. I must make the decision to use, to retaliate, to hate, or to affirm the life of the other, to love. Thereare three important points:

A. Jesus made it perfectly clear that we are not to expect anything in return (Luke 6:35), be-cause the relationship is not based on whats in it for me!B. It is only in loving ones enemies that we become the Body of Christ,because we are goingbeyond the parameters of a social role and function to encounter the otherin terms of life-

affirmation, rather than death.C. Dietrich Bonhffer, in 1937 (The Cost of Discipleship152), said this:The fatal mistake of the false Protestant ethic diluted Christian love into patriotism, loyalty to

friends and industriousness, which in short, perverted the better righteousness into justicia civilisjusticia civilisjusticia civilisjusticia civilis.

This is precisely what happened in the German Evangelical Church in 1933, which required the re-sponse of the Barmen ConfessionBarmen ConfessionBarmen ConfessionBarmen Confession of 1934. And, America in 2013?

While so much of what is said here may seem to be abstract and over-my-head, it is absolutely essentialthat we do think about this. This isisisis a choice we must make because Jesus of Nazareth lived and he died do-ing what he said: loving the enemy that crucified him: loving the enemy that crucified him: loving the enemy that crucified him: loving the enemy that crucified him. He did not play word games.

Something we need to think about, because our choice will say who we really are in the world and in thiscommunity.

Shalom,

Tom


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WORSHIP (continued)

Sailing in the Great Sea of Life

While in England in 2007, we visited Bath Abbey. There are many outstanding features of the Abbey. Thearchitecture, stained glass windows, the lace ceiling throughout the Abbey and, of course, the magnificentKlaus Organ. One of the stained glass windows that caught my attention was a depiction of Jesus and the Dis-ciples at the Sea of Galilee. Another item of interest was the number of notable sea-faring individuals whowere members of Bath Abbey, among them Admiral Horatio Nelson. I could not help but think of the greathymn Eternal Father, Strong to Save.

The words were written by William Whiting in 1860. Interestingly, he wrote the lyrics as a poem for a studentabout to sail for America. William Whiting (1825-1878) was born in Kensington, England, and educated atChapham and Winchester. Because of his musical ability, he became master of Winchester College Choristers'School. While best known for Eternal Father, Whiting also published two poetry collections: Rural Thoughts,and Edgar Thorpe, or the Warfare of Life. He died at Winchester

The tune was written by John B. Dykes in 1861. Dykes fittingly named the tune after a locale associated with aBiblical shipwreck. Melita was the island the Apostle Paul reached after his ship went down (Acts 28:1); todaywe know it as the isle of Malta.

John Bacchus Dykes (1823-1876) was born in Hull, England, and by age 10 was the assistant organist at St.John's Church, Hull, where his grandfather was vicar. He studied at Wakefield and St. Catherine's College,earning a B.A. in Classics in 1847. He cofounded the Cambridge University Musical Society. He was ordainedas curate of Malton in 1847. For a short time, he was canon of Durham Cathedral, then precentor (1849-1862). In 1862 he became vicar of St. Oswald's, Durham. He published sermons and articles on religion but isbest known for over 300 hymn tunes he composed. John Bacchus Dykes was born in Hull, Yorkshire, in 1823.His father was a bank manager. His grandfather was the well known old-school evangelical priest, the Rev'd.Thomas Dykes. The musical talents of the young John Dykes came out early. He could play by ear even beforehe received any instruction in music. He played the organ in his grandfather's church at the age of ten. John

Bath Abbey Stained Glass Window The Lace Ceiling of Bath Abbey


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WORSHIP (continued)Dykes received his education at Wakefield Proprietary School and Cambridge University. He graduated withMathematical Honours in 1847 the same year that he was made Deacon. He was priested the following year.He served his curacy at Malton in Yorkshire and in 1849 he became at once Minor Canon and Precentor of Dur-ham Cathedral as well as gaining a Doctorate in Music in the University of Durham. He married Susan Kingstonin 1850 and together they had two sons and four daughters. Dr. Dykes Precentorship ended in 1862 when he

accepted the Vicarage of St. Oswald's in Durham. His musical ability and loving character had strongly influ-enced the Cathedral both musically and morally. His time at St. Oswald's led to a remarkable raising of the stan-dards in the presentation of services. His preaching drew people from all over the city. Sadly, after some 12 yearshe came into conflict with his Bishop. These were the years when 'ritualism' was strongly resisted by many bish-ops. Dr. Dykes struggles to maintain this great parish, now of course with no assistance from curates, led to abreakdown of both physical and mental health. He was finally laid to rest in his own churchyard of St. Oswald'son January 28th1876. His music is not found only in Anglican hymnals both Presbyterian and Congregationalbooks contain some of his work. Among others are ones which we frequently use in our own worship: LeadKindly Light, Praise to the Holiest in the Height; The King of Love My Shepherd Is; Jesus, Lover of My Soul;Our Blest Redeemer; Holy, Holy, Holy, and Eternal Father, Strong to Save. Our worship would be much thepoorer without these powerful messages of hope and love. He died in Sussex at age 53.

The first verse refers to God the Father's forbidding the waters to flood the earth as described in Psalm 104(Psalm 104:5-9). The second verse refers to Jesus miracles of stilling a storm and walking on the waters of theSea of Galilee (Matthew 8:23-27, Matthew 14:22-33).The third verse references the Holy Spirits role in the creation of the earth in the Book of Genesis (Genesis 1:1),while the final verse is a reference to Psalm 107 (Psalm 107:1, 23-29) O give thanks to the Lord for his mercyendureth forever (vs.1) and They that go down to the sea in ships, that do business in great waters; These seethe works of the Lord, and his wonder in the deep. For He commandeth, and raiseth the stormy wind whichlifteth up the wave thereof. They mount up to the heaven, they go down again to the depths: their soul ismelted because of trouble. They reel to and fro, and stagger like a drunken man, and are at their wits end.

Then they cry unto the Lord in their trouble, and he bringeth them out of their distresses. He maketh the storma calm, so that the waves thereof are still. (vs. 23-29)

In America, "Eternal Father" is often called the "Navy Hymn," because it is sung at the Naval Academy in Anna-polis, Maryland. It is also sung on ships of the British Royal Navy and has been translated into French. It was thefavorite hymn of U.S. President Franklin Roosevelt and was sung at his funeral in Hyde Park, New York, in April1945. The Navy Band played it in 1963 as U.S. President John Kennedy's body was carried up the steps of theU.S. Capitol to lie in state. Roosevelt served as Secretary of the Navy, and Kennedy was a PT boat commanderin World War II. The hymn was played by the Navy Band and the Coast Guard Band during the funeral of U.S.former President Ronald Reagan. The hymn was also played at the Memorial Ceremony in Norfolk, VA for theUSS Cole (DDG-67) after the bombing of the ship in October 2000. It was performed by the U.S. Navy Sea

Chanters at the State Funeral of U.S. former President Gerald R. Ford, who had served in the Navy duringWorld War II in the Pacific Theater.

As I travel through this wonderful life I, like you, encounter storms that cause my sailing to falter, instill doubtand fear of the future and its outcome, concerns of health and aging, and my ability to continue to serve our Fa-ther in music ministry. During those times, I often contemplate this beautiful hymn and its reassuring words.My soul is calmed just by the Fathers whisper, Peace, be still.

With a song in my heart,Rick


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18

WORSHIP (continued)

Flower Calendar

Please note:Please note:Please note:Please note: I am trying to work ahead on the flowers, so if you would like to provide flowers to commemorate special event/occasion/memory etc. for a specific date, please call me as soon as possible. Thank you.

Please also note:Please also note:Please also note:Please also note: It is never too early to call me to select your chosen date. Dates in 2014 are already being selected, so please dont hesitate to call me if there is a Sunday you would like to commemorate by sharing with thechurch some type of flowers or plant of your choice. ( It could be fresh, silk, dried, etc. from your yard, a supermarket, a florist, etc.)

As of this mailing, the following people will be providing flowers in January, February, and March 2014. If youwould like to provide flowers on a date of your choice, please call Nancy Hall at 694-3221. Thank you.

Thank you to these people as they share in donating the flowers for the following worship services:

December 1 - 29, 2013---Poinsettias in the Sanctuary

January 5, 2014---From Jim and Donna Johnson in celebration of their 29th wedding anniversaryJanuary 12, 2014---OPENJanuary 19, 2014---OPENJanuary 26, 2014---From Harold and Roselle Pringle in celebration of their 19th wedding anniversary

February 2, 2014---From Buddy and Anne MacKayFebruary 9, 2014---In celebration of our 58th wedding anniversary on February the 11th from

Steve and Janet Mitchell

February 16, 2014---OPENFebruary 23, 2014---In celebration of Nan Andrews 92nd birthday from Bruce, Gouley,

Cody, Tom and Linda

March 2, 2014---OPEN



March 23, 2014---From Jean Brown, Hal, Douglas, Bruce, and Lynn in loving memory of

husband and father, Halowell E. Brown

April 6, 2014---In memory of my dear friend, Peggy Wiechens from Mary Ellen Vowinkel

April 13, 2014---OPEN

April 20, 2014---Easter (Easter lilies in the Sanctuary)

April 27, 2014---OPEN


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Italicized items are non-FKPC activities using FKPC facilities

December 2013

9:00 - 11:45 Library

9:15 Adult Ed. &Youth

0:00 Choir Practice0:30 Worship

1:30 Discipleship

Youth Ministry

:00 PYC

2

7:30 Mens Bible

Study

5:00 TOPS (FH)

5:30 Mission Ministry

3

9:30 Prayer

ShawlMinistry

5:30 Connections

Ministry

4

10:00 PW Council

5:30 Advent

Wednesday

7:00 Choir Practice

5

11:00 Disciple-

ship Adults

Ministry11:00 Crafts

6:00 WorshipMinistry

6:00 - 8:00

Marions United

(FH)

6 7

Set-up fo

Christm

Dinner

(Fellows

Hall)

8

9:00 - 10:15 Blood

Drive

9:00 - 11:45 Library

9:15 Adult Ed. &

Youth

0:00 Choir Practice0:30 Worship

1:30 Congrega-

ional Care Ministry

1:30 - 1:00 Blood

Drive

2:00 Faith Leaders

5:30 Christmas

Dinner &

Pageant

9

7:30 Mens Bible

Study

5:00 TOPS (FH)

6:30 Mens Night Out

(off-site)

6:30 Esther Circle

(off-site)

10

6:00 Finance

Ministry

7:00 Discipleship

Ministry

Children

11

1:00 Sassy Seniors

(off-site)

6:00 Advent

Wednesday

7:00 Choir Practice

12

11:00 Crafts

13 14

5

9:00 - 11:45 Library

9:15 Adult Ed. &

Youth0:00 Choir Practice

0:30 Worship

2:00 Faith Leaders

5:00 PYC & High

Tide

16

7:30 Mens Bible

Study

5:00 TOPS (FH)

17

10:00 Deborah

CircleDeborah Circle

Lunch (off-site)

6:00 Session

18

3:00 Pastoral CareTeam

6:00 Advent

Wednesday

7:00 Choir Practice

19

11:00 Crafts

20 21

22

2 Cents A Meal &

Food4Kids

Christmas JoyOffering

9:00 - 11:45 Library

9:15 Adult Ed. &

Youth

0:00 Choir Practice

0:30 Worship

5:00 PYC

23

7:30 Mens Bible

Study

5:00 TOPS (FH)

24

OFFICE CLOSED

NOON

4:00 Christmas

Service

7:00 ChristmasService

11:00 Christmas

Service

25

OFFICE

CLOSED

26

11:00 Crafts

27 28

29

9:00 - 11:45 Library

9:15 Adult Ed. &

Youth

0:00 Choir Practice

0:30 Worship

5:00 PYC

30

7:30 Mens Bible

Study

5:00 TOPS (FH)

31


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