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FIRST PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH 410 Second Ave, Box 441 Sterling, IL 61081

Rev. Christina Berry

First Presbyterian Church

410 Second Ave.

P.O. Box 441

Sterling, IL 61081

(815) 625-0452

A heart for God in the heart of Sterling. FirstPresbyterianSterling@live.com

www.firstpresbyteriansterling.org

Look for us on Facebook!

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Dear Friends,

As we enter into the liturgical season of Advent after a tumultuous

year in the world outside our doors, I find myself feeling somewhat

relieved. The season of Advent, for me, offers a sanctuary of calm amid

the frantic activity of the secular and commercial season of “Christmas

time.” The secular season of Christmas seems to begin sometime after

Halloween, hits a feverish peak from mid December to Christmas day,

then gasps sadly and vanishes on December 26th. For some people, by

the time December 25 arrives, they are finished with the whole thing

and glad to have it over. In the different rhythm of the church year,

Christmas begins December 24th and rocks along in merry celebration

until January 6, the feast of the Epiphany.

Along with most church leaders, I’ve long since given up any notion of

getting the rest of the world to conform to the church’s sequence of

seasons and days. Besides, all those Christmas parties and decorations

and songs are fun! But I do think it is worthwhile to attend to the

season of Advent when we gather for worship. There is something about waiting, preparing,

praying, and watching for the coming of Christ that gives our Christmas celebrations deeper

meaning and weight.

This year, our Advent season worship will include some very familiar elements and some fairly new

traditions. We will again open our worship with a “threshold moment,” an invitation to enter into

worship with poetry, music, and some thoughts to ponder. Of course we will be lighting the advent

wreath, and we will be singing a new Advent hymn, written for this church and this season. I wrote

the words, and our friend John Anschutz, organist at Grace Episcopal, composed the music. We will

celebrate the Lord’s Supper each Sunday of Advent, and again on Christmas Eve. Another new/old

element is that each week’s central image will be an original work created by my dear friend and

colleague, the Rev. Meg Rift. Meg and I are collaborating on a book of poems, art, and liturgy that I

began on my sabbatical.

I hope that you will be present in worship throughout Advent this year, and that you will find some

moments this December to pause, wait, watch, and prepare so that when Christmas arrives, you will

be delighted and amazed once again at the fact that God comes to us, in the form of an infant, one of

us, and in that moment, a new world is born.

Peace,

Christina

Christina’s Letter 2

Nan’s Letter 3

Devotionals 4

Events 6

Thank You’s & Opportunities

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Birthdays & Anniversaries Prayer Requests

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Volunteers 9

Calendar 10

Inside this issue:

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Greetings Friends,

“It's The Most Wonderful Time Of The Year” is one of the first Christmas songs I sing at

this time of year. I actually started singing this song as I prepared Thanksgiving

dinner. We were expecting a houseful of family and friends, and I was brimming with

excitement to spend time with them all. Lately, I am stuck wondering, “Is it really the

Most Wonderful time?” Songs of happiness and glad tidings will be playing all around

us. We will be gathering together with family and friends, sharing gifts, food, and making new

memories. Many of you will spend time watching children perform at school holiday concerts, and

perhaps, our very own Christmas program at church. Our houses and neighborhoods will be

twinkling with brightly colored lights.

All of this IS Wonderful! But really, what is it that makes this time of year so special? Here’s what

I think. It’s the magic! The awe and wonder of Christ's love for us! Every day during Advent,

I encourage you to keep an eye out for the wonder of the season. When you gather with friends,

listen to their stories of waiting and preparing for the season. Perhaps these friends help a family in

need with their shopping. Or you may find that others can’t wait to unpack a beautiful nativity

scene handed down from generation to generation. You may be given the opportunity to a help

friend who is mourning the loss of someone dear by listening as they share their precious

memories. And maybe, you’ll learn of others who take time to quietly sit and reflect on Mary and

Joseph’s journey to Bethlehem and Jesus’ birth in a stable.

There will be many ways to reflect on the beauty of this season, and we hope you’ll join us! We’ll

have Advent devotionals available; they will be on the table in the Narthex. Please help yourself

and share with friends as there are plenty to go around! A special note for our little ones: we are

sprucing up our activity bags. They’ll be packed with fun things to do, so be sure to check them

out!

It all begins in worship on December 3rd as we begin our Advent journey together. The children and

I will be upstairs after worship hearing the stories of Advent. This is a precious opportunity to open

our children’s eyes, ears, and hearts to how God was preparing his people for the birth of Jesus.

We will also be preparing, practicing, and fine tuning our Christmas Program. It’s an exciting time

for them, and they are anxious and eager to perform for you all!

Mark Your Calendars! Tell all your family and friends! They won’t want to miss our

children’s program on Sunday December 17th during worship. Join us as the children

add their distinctive, whimsical touch to this Advent season.

Friends, there are many, many opportunities for you to be involved in this season of

Advent. Join us! Let’s take this Advent journey together. There’s Bible study, prayer

breakfast, and as always, worship on Sunday mornings!

Peace,

Nan

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Weekly Devotionals

December 3—One small light in a weary, waiting world

December 10—Waiting and Not Ready – the flame of hope

Reading Isaiah 40:27 – 31; Psalm 42:1 – 6a

Wondering When your spirit is weary and thirsty, to whom do you turn?

Doing Relying on God’s strength, reach out in kindness to help someone who is

weary. Offer support to someone who needs it, whether in prayer,

financial gifts, or time and listening.

Closing God will renew your strength.

Praying God of hope, help us to wait patiently for your light to come. Amen.

Reading Haggai 1:3 - 9, 2:6 – 9, Psalm 63:1-8; Luke 12: 35 – 40

Wondering Why would the prophet say, “you drink, but you never have your fill;

you clothe yourselves, but no one is warm”?

Doing So often, we are busy but there seems to be nothing accomplished. This

week, find one small thing each day that you can do for someone else. A

kind gesture, a word of praise, a parking space farther away from the

door. It’s like lighting a small lantern each day.

Closing The gospel reading reminds us to keep our lamps lit, to be ready.

Praying Faithful God, help us to keep the small flame of hope lit in a dark world.

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December 17—Pregnant with Hope

December 24—The Coming Birth

Reading Psalm 130; Luke 1:46-55

Wondering What new life is quickening within you this Advent season?

Doing Read Mary’s song, and prayerfully consider how you will join in with

what God is doing in the world right now.

Praying Our souls magnify you, O God, and our spirits rejoice in our Savior! Amen.

Reading Isaiah 9:6; Psalm 100; Matthew 1:18-23

Wondering Which of Isaiah’s names for “the one born to us” speaks strongly to you?

Doing Stop for a moment today and let the spirit of Advent slowly bloom into

the joy of Christmas. Let this feeling stay with you in the days, weeks,

and months to come.

Closing In the morning, it is Advent, but by evening, it is Christmas Eve! May the

joy of this world-changing birth fill your heart.

Praying Glory to God in the highest! Amen.

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The Longest Night Service is a quiet, centering

time of song, scripture and prayer.

It is especially for those who may be tired,

grieving, or seeking a quiet respite from the

busyness of the holidays.

December 21, 6:00 PM

Our Christmas Eve worship combines all the

wonder, joy and reverence of the Christmas

season in one service at 5:00 PM on December

24. The service includes familiar carols and

choir anthems, and beautiful instrumental

music. You will hear once again the familiar

story of the birth of Christ, and all who gather

will receive the Lord’s Supper. Then, the light

of candles fills the church as we begin to sing

“Silent Night.” Carols, communion, and

candlelight – the perfect start to your

Christmas celebration.

A Very Whirl Christmas

FREE show! December 17 at 9:30am

First Presbyterian Church Presented by FPC Kids

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A big T hank You to everyone who baked cookies for the Hospice Festival of Trees general store. Also T hank You to my husband Ron, who helps me when we deliver them to the mall. God Bless! Jackie Williams

My doctoral robe is in! And it looks gorgeous! T hank you, thank you, thank you for all your gifts that made this possible! And of course for all your support that allowed me to accom-plish this goal. Rev. Dr. Christina Berry

PADS—Volunteers Needed PADS is the local agency that provides temporary housing for the homeless of the Sauk Valley. They are open from October 1st till April 31st. The guests are provided with a dinner and breakfast meal. There are bathroom facilities where they can clean up, laundry facilities to clean clothes, and a sleeping area. The shelter’s hours are from 7 pm to 7 am. First Presbyterian Church staffs the shelter on the 1st Saturday of the month. The volunteers work one of three 4 hour shifts: 7pm to 11 pm, 11pm to 3am, and 3 am to 7 am. There also is a volunteer that prepares the dinner meal and delivers it before 7 pm. The 1st shift serves the meal and does the dishes. The 2nd shift monitors the facility. The 3rd shift makes breakfast, wakes up guests and does dishes. There is a sign up sheet for volunteers in the Church narthex. As soon as they let me know about training for the volunteers I will pass it on. First Presbyterian PADS Coordinator—Bryan Etter

New Member Class

After Worship on December 10, 2017.

Have you been attending church for a while, but you are not a

member?

Would you like to learn more about what it means to be a

member?

On December 10 following worship and fellowship, we will have a “New Member Class.” This is an

opportunity to find out more about Presbyterians, about our congregation, and about what it takes

and what it means to be a member. There is no obligation – you don’t have to promise to join! – just a

chance to ask questions, learn more, and consider whether you might want to be an official member

of the congregation.

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Attendance Report

November 2016

6…..………..…74

13....………..…68

20....……..…….60

27.……………..87

Sunday Average 72

November 2017

5…..………..…71

12....………..…77

19....……..…….72

26.……………..62

Sunday Average 71

Please pray for: At Morningside (Good Neighbors) - Fay Densmore, Ann Musgrove At Parkway Center - Bill Griswold, Warren Jahnke (Gail Dancey’s father), Lois Steiner In the Service - Jonathan Berry, Brad Gericke, Brandon Shultz, Nick Foley, TJ Lowe, Tym Quigg Prayers for - Fran Breitweiser, Ole Pace, Phil Sinroll, Phil & Marilyn Ward, Liz & Gordon Speer, Guy Edge, Jessie Witt, Jerry & Elissa Quigg

Men’s Prayer Breakfast Thursday, December 14

7:00 AM Red Apple Restaurant, Sterling

Men’s Prayer Breakfast is the second Thursday of each month for about 30-45 minutes. The food is good, the people are friendly and the formula is as easy as ABC:

Attend Be trustworthy Commit to Prayer See you there!

December

12/2 John Haglund

12/5 Samantha Whiles

12/8 Dorothy Keperling

12/9 Philip Sinroll

12/10 George Mobarak

12/11 Nancy Weber

12/14 Rex Neff

12/15 Carla Connelly

Tym Quigg

12/17 Richard Aggen

12/19 Sky Arenz

12/20 Nancy Newman

12/22 Mary Amsbaugh

Eric Pease

Richard & Judy Aggen (A)

12/23 John Austin Dick

12/24 Gail Dancey

12/25 Gordon Speer

12/27 Jacqueline Williams

Hannah Mobarak

12/30 Marilyn Ward

2018 Flower Chart is up and ready!

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Counters Flowers Fellowship

December 3 Barry Flint Nancy Weber

White Poinsettias Wanda Martens

December 10 Gail Dancey Bob Sutkay

White Poinsettias PFLAG

December 17 Rod Weber Mike Hemminger

White Poinsettias Ice Cream Social

December 24 Al Connelly Julie Yemm

White Poinsettias OPEN

December 31 Dorothy Keperling Jay Nesbitt

White Poinsettias OPEN

You know those parts of church that make it great? Seeing your friends when you walk in the

door, checking out the gorgeous flowers in our sanctuary, snacking and chatting after worship

has finished? Well, those things aren’t possible without volunteers!

Help us out—it’s easy:

Like providing snacks? Sign up for Fellowship!

Think Flowers provide a beauty to our worship? Sign up for Flowers!

Saying “Hi!” to your friends your thing? Sign up to be a Greeter!

Flower and Fellowship sign-up sheets are in the narthex,

and talk to Julie Yemm (815-626-9638) if Greeting is more your style.

Or, call the office (815-625-0452) and Samantha can sign you up!

Greeters Head Usher Sound

December 3 Phil Sinroll & Mary Snavely

Emma Boze Brad Zacharski

December 10 OPEN Darcie Read Al Connelly

December 17 OPEN Marlene Jennings Mike Hemminger

December 24 OPEN Segue Doering Rob Boze

December 31 OPEN Kayla Hemminger Brad Zacharski

Worship Assistant Schedule for December 2017

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Sun Mon Tue Wed Thu Fri Sat

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9:30a-Worship

10:30a-Fellowship

11:00a-Sunday

School

11:00a-Choir

Rehearsal

5:30p-Scouts

4

4:30p-ACT

6:00p-Cub

Scouts

5

11:30a-Organ

Lesson

7:00p-AA

6

9:30a-Fellowship

10:00a-Bible

Study

7

6:00p-Youth

Outlook

1

8

2

10a-Hanging

of the Greens

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10

9:30a-Worship

10:30a-Fellowship

11:00a-Sunday

School

11:00a-Choir

Rehearsal

11:00-New Member

Class

2:00p-Piano Recital

6:30p-Scouts

11

4:30p-ACT

6:00p-Cub

Scouts

12

11:30a-Organ

Lesson

7:00p-AA

13

9:30a-Fellowship

10:00a-Bible

Study

14

7:00a-Men’s

Prayer

Breakfast

6:00p-Youth

Outlook

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Kids Program

9:30a-Worship

10:30a-Fellowship

11:00a-Sunday

School

11:00a-Choir

Rehearsal

6:30p-Scouts

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4:30p-ACT

6:00p-Cub

Scouts

19

11:30a-Organ

Lesson

7:00p-AA

20

9:30a-Fellowship

10:00a-Bible

Study

21

6:00p-Longest

Night Service

6:00p-Youth

Outlook

22 23

24

9:30a-Worship

10:30-Fellowship

11:00a-Choir

Rehearsal

5:00p-Christmas

Eve Service

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26

27

No Bible Study

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6:00p-Youth

Outlook

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31

9:30a-Worship

10:30-Fellowship

11:00a-Choir

Rehearsal

Office Closed

Office Closed