FIRST PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH OF HIGHLANDS

FROM THE PASTOR

SONSHINE SCHOOL…………2 DECEMBER EVENTS……...….4 ORGAN..………………..……5 BIRTHDAYS & ANNIVERSARIES………..…...6 LECTIONARIES…………..…..8

JANUARY 2014

I t’s easy to understand how this month was named for

the two-faced god Janus. January is indeed a time when we look back to the accom-plishments of the year past even as we strain forward to what lies ahead. In all this our faith tradition promises that we are held today and always in the context of God’s provi-dential care. As author Fre-derick Buechner says so well, The question is not whether the things that happen to you are chance things or God’s things because, of course, they are both at once. There is no chance thing through which God cannot speak—even the walk from the

house to the garage that you have walked ten thousand times be-fore, even the moments when you cannot believe there is a God who speaks at all anywhere. Buechner continues: God speaks, I believe, and the words God speaks are incarnate in the flesh and blood of ourselves and our own footsore and sacred journeys. We cannot live our lives constantly looking back, listening back, lest we be turned to pillars of longing and regret, but to live without listening at all is to live deaf to the fullness of the music…. God promises to be with us on our journeys—and has been since each of our jour-neys began. Listen for God. Listen to the sweet and bitter airs

of your present and your past for the sound of God. “Be not afraid,” says one voice. Did you know that ad-monition not to fear appears 365 times in the Bible? You might think of that as God’s provision for you to be re-minded of God’s love for you each day of this New Year. “For, lo I am with you even to the end of the world,” says another voice. At the begin-ning of this New Year my prayer for us all is that we will have the wit and the wisdom to listen for the sound of God—even in unexpected places.

Lee

WHAT WOULD WE DO WITHOUT YOU?

W hat a beautiful Advent and Christmas we have

had! So many thanks to all of the faithful crew who made the Hanging of the Greens a reality! Under the supervision of Kathy Evans, our Elder for Worship, and Teeter Smith, our Elder for Property, we had a morning of joyful pro-ductivity. Thanks also to Kyle Clark, Kathy’s daughter Sarah Evans, Mozelle Edwards, Duncan Greenlee, Jill Hill and Bill Strunk. Second, I want to say a

very special word of thanks to Pat Moore. Pat is our Elder in charge of the Vision 20/20 pro-gress. He has done a terrific job of shepherding that vision-ing plan into the future. But another ‘hat’ that he wears is Chair of our Finishings Com-mittee. This is the faithful group that has finished what was left unfinished at the end of our capital project. Some of those projects have been small in nature and some have been larger. One to which Pat has given a great deal of time and

energy is the initial planning and preparation for our Me-morial Garden. Please read Pat’s article about it in this newsletter and say a word of thanks that this dream that has been a long time in the gesta-tion process is on its way to becoming a reality for our church! I also want to thank our amazing staff. There is so much that happens during our special liturgical seasons that most of us take for granted—

CONTINUED ON PAGE 4

PAGE 2

SONSHINE AFTER SCHOOL PROGRAM

I n August of 2009, Mary Anne Creswell, Mozelle Edwards and Patsy Mullen first met to respond to a community need for an after-school program for elementary-aged children. From their delib-

erations and through the leading of the Holy Spirit, we formed the Sonshine After-School Program to provide a safe, creative and faith-based after-school option for the children of working parents in our community. In addition to receiving help with their homework, our students go to the Bascom on Tues-days at 4:00 for art adventures and on Fridays, Rev. Hunter Coleman leads a worship service in our Sanctuary. We also have volunteers who do music lessons and programs once a week. Our main focus is on homework, reading, learning the books of the Bible and the Lord’s Prayer. Great im-provements have been noticed in many, many ways the last four and a half years with our stu-dents.

Mozelle Edwards

LOOK HOW WE HAVE GROWN—IN EVERY WAY

2009

2013 WITH SANTA 2013 WORSHIP SERVICE

PAGE 3

FPCH MEMORIAL GARDEN

I t is an exciting time at First Presbyterian Church of Highlands for many reasons. For one, this month construction will begin on what will be our new Memorial Garden. Work on the project

started a couple of years ago when our leadership became aware of several things coalescing in the life of the church. When Patrick Brogan died, his family renewed his and their desire for a Memorial Garden. As we in-vestigated what a Memorial Garden entailed, we realized there is a growing trend for cremation as a final disposition of a loved one. In addition we learned that during Hunter Coleman’s tenure there were three or four occasions when human cremains (ashes) were ceremonially spread on the church’s grounds. No announcements were made nor records kept. There was only a quiet ceremony. How many times such a ceremony has oc-curred on our grounds in the history of the church is unknown. But after garnering all this information, the Session gave the Finishings Committee the task of evaluat-ing the feasibility and design considerations for a potential Memorial Garden. The Committee hired Hank Ross to assist in the architectural and landscape design elements. Additional background information about the Memorial Garden will appear in the February newslet-ter. Watch for construction to begin this month! We are scheduled to complete the project by mid-May. The dedication of our new Memorial Garden is currently scheduled for Sunday, June 15, 2014. For further information, see ‘Church News’ at www.fpchighlands.org.

Pat Moore

Chair, Finishings Committee

PAGE 4

DECEMBER CHURCH HAPPENINGS

MEET OUR CHOIR INTERNS!

O NE OF THOSE ANGELIC VOICES YOU'VE RECENTLY BEEN HEARING FROM THE CHOIR LOFT BE-

LONGS TO NATALIE SAVOY, A WESTERN CAROLINA UNIVERSITY SOPHOMORE FROM LAKE CHARLES, LOUISIANA. A VOCAL MUSIC EDUCATION MAJOR, NATALIE ENJOYS MUSICAL THEATRE AND HAS BEEN INVOLVED IN SEVERAL PRODUCTIONS, INCLUDING BEAUTY AND THE BEAST AND OLIVER TWIST. SHE BEGAN SINGING IN HER CHURCH CHOIR IN THE FIFTH GRADE, AND HAS SUNG IN HONOR CHOIR AND ALLSTATE CHOIR FOR SEVERAL YEARS. SHE TELLS US THAT WHAT SHE LOVES MOST ABOUT MUSIC IS "THE OPPORTUNITY TO EXPRESS EMOTION AND FEELING THROUGH SONG IN OUR OWN UNIQUE WAYS." FOR OUR PART, WE ARE HONORED TO HAVE HER ENHANCING OUR SOPRANO SECTION!

ON SUNDAY, DECEMBER 15TH THE CHOIR PRESENTED "LESSONS AND CAROLS" WITH GUEST MUSICIANS LINDA LANCASTER, TERRY ARMFIELD AND VALERIE WHITCUP, AND DONNA PHIL-

IPS, KATHERINE LANCASTER, PAT MULHERIN AND MARTY BOONE AUGMENTED ON HANDBELLS.

WE ALSO CELEBRATED WITH OUR CHRISTMAS LUNCHEON

CONTINUED FROM PAGE 1

decorating the church, year-end financial accounting, extra bulletins, excited children, lovely meals and beautifully prepared musical presentations—just to name a few. To all our staff—Kyle Clark, Jennifer Creswell, Mozelle Edwards, Valerie Shelton, Angie Jenkins, Mike Lancaster, Kathy Maps and Joel Por-ter—a sustained applause for all you do so well and so generously. We are grateful to each of you!

Lee

WHAT WOULD WE DO WITHOUT YOU?

PAGE 5

ORGAN PIPES REPAIR

UPDATE ON “LITTLE CHILDREN OF THE WORLD”

L CW's ministry in Leyte, Philippines is beginning to receive information slowly regarding dam-age from the typhoon. Communication is very difficult, and the roads are almost impassible in

most cases. Today we learned there are homes in LCW Leyte project that were destroyed by the typhoon as well as the LCP-Leyte Multi-Purpose building, a vital asset for the ministry. LCW-Leyte also helps a village on the outskirts of Taclaban with a church and homes. So far they have not been able to reach anyone from Abuyag but continue to try. We know there will be great needs there, and as soon as information is available, we will be assisting with those needs. Thankfully, Dumaguete City was spared, but Little Children of the Philippines Ministry is ac-tively involved with Silliman Presbyterian University and the Philippine Army in receiving dona-tions of food and packaging it into individual family packages. Each package will include 3-5 Kilos of rice, 3 cans sardines, 2 bottles (350ml) water, 5 packages noodles, 3 candles. The cost of each package will be $8 to $10. The Philippine Army will fly the food packages to Tacloban and Samar this coming week. Little Children of the World is now actively raising funds to help with this great need. Anyone can give a gift for the Typhoon Relief Fund on our website or call the Little Children of the World office at 770-358-2771 and we will channel it to meet the needs as soon as possible. On the website (www.littlechildren.org) select "Urgent Needs" in the payment window and write "typhoon relief" in the comments box. Thank you for caring and sharing.

O ur Wicks pipe organ is approaching its 10th birthday at which time our warranty will expire. We have discovered some pipes which are bending slightly due to a

higher than needed lead content. The pipes are made of an alloy of zinc and lead. Wicks Pipe Organ Company has agreed to make the necessary repairs under our warranty. The work will begin in January 2014. You will notice some missing pipes in the organ façade for a month or so. Bruce Berryhill is taking the lead in talking with Scott Wick, presi-dent of the company, to work out the logistical problems involved. The pipes will be repaired in the Wicks factory. Then they will have to be repainted and carefully matched with the pipes that do not need repair. Integrated Sign and Graphic of Lexington, KY who painted the pipes initially will do the painting. We established an Organ Maintenance Fund 10 years ago with funds initially raised to purchase the organ. It does not appear that we will need to use any of these funds for this work because it will all be covered by the Wicks warranty; however as the organ ages we can expect to have additional costs – and there will be no warranty. If you would like to contribute to the organ maintenance fund, please contact the church office or me.

Stell Huie

W e hosted a luncheon to thank those helping on the Congregational Care team this year. On December 11th, Joel prepared a wonderful lunch. We had approximately 20 people in atten-

dance. Besides the CC team members, also included were the staff and both morning and night la-dies Bible study groups. On Sunday, December 15, Joel prepared the Christmas lunch for the congregation. As always it was delicious. We had approximately 75 in attendance with 14 take outs. A special thanks to Betty Fisher who did the lovely table decorations and settings. Betty and Carol Marotti have done the decorations for all of our luncheons this year. Thanks also for those who helped clean up-- Betty Outerbridge, Darlene Scott, Mary Anna McClendon, and Susan Duncan.

CONGREGATIONAL CARE

PAGE 6

WOMEN’S STUDIES

The Morning Study Group will meet on Wednesday, January 8th at 10:15a.m. in the Li-brary. We will be studying the “Lost Par-ables”—the lost sheep, the lost coin, and the lost son, taken from Luke 15:1-32. Bring a sand-wich and something else to share for lunch. All ladies of the church are invited to join us. The Thursday Circle of Friends will meet on January 2nd at 7:00p.m. in the Parlor. We will be discussing Lessons 5 & 6 of Abiding Hope: The Presence of God in Exodus and Deuteronomy.” All women of the church are cordially invited to participate in this meaningful study.

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NOTICE TO OUR CONGREGATION

In order for us to keep better records, please call the church office (828-526-

3175) and let us know the dates when you plan to return home and plan on

returning to Highlands.

NOVEMBER 2013 TREASURER’S REPORT Budget Actual

Operating Income and Expenses

YTD Income 781,009.00 681,198.00

YTD Expenses 747,85926.00 645,053.00

Net Income 33,150.00 36,146.00

To provide flowers for a loved one, please fill out a flower leaflet located upstairs next to the flower calendar or downstairs located at the Receptionist’s desk.

January Birthdays

Jan. 1 Hilda Patrick

Jan. 5 Frances Brasfield

Jan. 6 Rick Demetriou

Boyd Letcher

Dottie Wise

Jan. 7 Judy Mergler

Jan. 8 Sandra Ballentine

Jan. 13 George Lott

Jan. 14 Lynne Browne

Jan. 17 Angie Jenkins

Jan. 18 Beth Greenlee

Jan. 20 Jim Ashford

Jan. 21 Gay Graves

Jan. 22 Mary Jo Askew

Jeff Cox

Bob Tietze

Jan. 23 Kelly McDuff

Jan. 25 Teeter Smith

Jan. 26 Don Paulk

Leslie Randolph

Jan. 28 Dick Rodgers

Jan. 29 Nancy Greiser

Jan. 31 Karen Leabo

January Anniversaries

Jan. 20 Nancy & Jimmy Lowe

Jan. 21 Deborah & Jim McKnight

Jan. 23 Marge & Duane Meeter

Jan. 21 Janice & Dan Topping

February Birthdays

Feb. 4 Marge Meeter

Feb. 6 Betty Fisher

Feb. 8 Russell Jobson

Feb. 9 Ann Herbert

Feb. 11 Jim Bean

Feb. 12 Bob Wright

Feb. 15 Janet Connell

Carroll Peacock

Feb. 16 Nancy Chandler

Feb. 18 Bennie Jo Murray

Feb. 20 Keturah Paulk

Feb. 21 Dallis Copeland

Bill Zeller

Feb. 22 Bill Gaston

Feb. 23 Richard Betz

Feb. 25 Joan Berryhill

Feb. 27 Jackie Hills

Feb. 28 Tim Perry

Gary Vogt

February Anniversaries

Feb. 5 Dee & Gary Carnes

Feb. 6 Kay & Teeter Smith

Feb. 10 Ann & Claude Sullivan

Feb. 14 Jennifer & Billy Creswell

Feb. 24 Suzanne & Bruce Sloan

Feb. 28 Triddy & Carroll Peacock

Does your life go into a funk after Christmas? If so, please consider wholesome mental and physical exercise at our Mod-ern Western Square Dance classes which will begin on Sun-day, January 12 at the Environmental Center in Franklin. Our excellent professional caller, Jim Duncan, makes our classes fun and worthwhile. Call Don or Betty for more information and free rides to Franklin--787-2324.

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PAGE 8 FIRST PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH

OF HIGHLANDS

828-526-3175 FAX: 828-526-0784

E-MAIL: FPCH@FRONTIER.COM WEB PAGE: FPCHIGHLANDS.ORG

471 MAIN STREET P. O. BOX 548

HIGHLANDS, NC 28741

Lectionary Texts for January

As you prepare to come to worship, here are the scripture texts that will make up the services during the month of January:

January 5 Jeremiah 31:7-14 2nd Sunday after Christmas Psalm 147:12-20 Ephesians 1:3-14 John 1:(1-9) 10-18 January 6 Isaiah 69:1-6 Epiphany of the Lord Psalm 72:1-7, 10-14 Ephesians 3:1-12 Matthew 2:1-12 January 12 Isaiah 42:1-9 Baptism of the Lord Psalm 29 Acts 10:34-43 Matthew 3:13-17 January 19 Isaiah 49:1-7 2nd Sunday after Epiphany Psalm 40:1-11 1 Corinthians 1:1-9 John 1:29-42 January 26 Isaiah 9:1-4 3rd Sunday after Epiphany Psalm 27:1, 4-9 1 Corinthians 1:10-18 Matthew 4:12-23

PLEASE KEEP IN YOUR PRAYERS

THESE MEMBERS AND FAMILIES OF THE

CONGREGATION:

The Pastor Nominating Committee, Annette Coleman,

Mary Anne & William Creswell, Haley Fisher (Don Fisher’s great niece),

Fran & Bill Gaston, Johan Van der Merwe (Heather Mangum’s cousin),

Martha Lamb, Eva Montano, Lyla Theoharides (Heather’s cousin),

Don Paulk, Martha Spruill, Gary Vogt and Peggy Watkins.

PLEASE KEEP IN YOUR PRAYERS THESE MEMBERS

OF THE COMMUNITY AND BEYOND: Jane & George Jerry, Sally Hershner, Frank Jemison, Cherry Martin (Bill’s wife),

Jim Shearon and Sandra Simmons.

Sanctuary hours for meditation are 9:00 to 4:00 p.m.

Office hours are 9:00 to 4:30 Monday—Friday

Church Sunday School 9:30 a.m.

8:30 a.m. Church Services June through Labor Day weekend Communion served every Sunday

11:00 a.m. Communion served the first Sunday

of every month

Class of 2014 Congregational Care, Chris Boltz

Adult Education, Sheryl James Vision 20/20, Pat Moore

Property, Tom Smith

Class of 2015 Congregational Care, Sally Copeland Stewardship/Finance, Rock Curlee

Worship, Kathy Evans Membership/Outreach, Donna Woods

Class of 2016

Delaine Mehder, Children’s Ministry Obie Oakley, Personnel

Hillrie Quin, Mission Claude Sullivan, Clerk of Session

Ministers The Congregation

Staff

Jennifer Creswell, Administrative Manager Kathy Maps, Administrative Assistant

Steve Mehder, Treasurer Michael Lancaster, Director of Worship/Music

Angie Jenkins, Organist/ Music Coordinator

Joel Porter, Food Coordinator Kyle Clark, Property Manager

Eva Montano, Nursery Attendant Karen Reyes Cuevas & Janice Mathis,

Nursery Assistants Mozelle Edwards & Valerie Shelton,

Sonshine School Directors

Pastor Lee W. Bowman