The Paoli Press Knowing Christ. Making Christ Known.

I officiated at a wedding in an open air chantry chapel on the Brandywine. It was a glorious celebration in a beautiful setting. At the end of the service, as the couple was walking out of the chapel, together they grabbed the rope for the bell and rang out their joy for all to hear.

The psalmist writes, "Make a joyful noise to the Lord, all the earth. Worship the Lord with gladness; come into God's presence with singing" (Psalm 100:1-2). Throughout the Advent season, we will be gathering in worship to make a joyful noise and celebrate God's greatest gift to us, God's son Jesus. Join us in worship as we ring bells and sing wonderful words of praise and thanksgiving.

By Jeff Conway, Pastor at Paoli Presbyterian Church

IS HERE

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Thank You Notes

PRAYER OF THE CHILDREN

Can you hear the prayer of the children? On bended knee, in the shadow of an unknown room Empty eyes with no more tears to cry Turning heavenward toward the light

Crying, Jesus, help me To see the morning light of one more day But if I should die before I wake I pray my soul to take

Can you feel the hearts of the children? Aching for home, for something of their very own Reaching hands, with nothing to hold on to, But hope for a better day, a better day

Crying, Jesus, help me To feel the love again in my own land But if unknown roads lead away from home, Give me loving arms, away from harm

Can you hear the voice of the children? Softly pleading for silence in a shattered world? Angry guns preach a gospel full of hate, Blood of the innocent on their hands

Crying, Jesus, help me To feel the sun again upon my face, For when darkness clears I know you’re near, Bringing peace again.

At the conclusion of this year’s World Communion Service, with a theme of Peace, the choir presented a moving benediction in song. In response to requests, here are the lyrics above. This was written in the late l980s as the author/composer sensed the deep feelings of children struggling in the midst of a tragic civil war in the Middle East. Prayer Of The Children has become an anthem of peace to give expression to the feeling of isolation for those innocents in the midst of many kinds of suffering.

We would like to give a heartfelt thank you for all the prayers, cards, and gifts we received during the bereavement period following the death of Skip’s brother, Anthony. We sincerely appreciate everyone’s generosity.

The Tunnell Family

To the PPC Family, thanks to everyone for the thoughts, prayers, and cards following my recent surprise surgery. You are the ‘great cloud of witnesses’ in Paoli that clearly helped me through those several weeks in October. You are the greatest!

Bob Spencer

8 Children & Families

9 Youth

10 Young Adults

11 Music & Ministry

IN THIS ISSUE WINTER

5 Egypt Update

6 & 7 Churchwide Winter

Events

3 Adults at PPC

4 Alaska Recap

& YOU ARE PPC

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Adult

Education

Prepping for Lenten Devotional We will be offering a Lenten Devotional booklet for the 6 weeks of Lent (Feb. 18th – April 2nd). In order to have these booklets out in time for Lent we need to start now! We will be asking staff, elders, deacons, and congregation members to participate by submitting personal testimony entries. If you are asked for a submission, please say yes!

Adults at PPC

Groups and Studies:

Women’s Monday Evening Bible Study: 2nd and 4th Mondays of the month at 7:00 p.m. in Streeter Lounge. Questions? Email Linda Hassett at linda.hassett@verizon.net Women’s Tuesday Morning Bible Study: 9:00 – 11:30 a.m. in Churchill Hall. Studying “Upside Down Living”, a fascinating examination of the book of Acts. Free childcare and light refreshments. • No meetings Nov. 25th,

Dec. 23rd or 30th. • We’re planning a

special Upside Down Christmas event on December 16th.

Questions? Contact Charlotte Fitzpatrick: 484-202-8374 or char7fitz@comcast.net Men’s Wednesday Night Bible Study: 6:45 p.m. in the Reception Room Questions? Call Chuck Moore: 610-296-5442. Men’s Breakfast Group: Thursday mornings at 7:00 a.m. in Churchill Hall. Questions? Call Bob Zimmerman: 610-644-2974 FABS (Seniors) Events: • FABS Breakfast Club:

Nov. 19th and Jan. 28th at Our Deli in Paoli at 9:00 a.m. (no December meeting)

• Other Events: contact Judy Smaltz at 610-688-8076 or jmsmaltz@verizon.net

Nov. 16th & 23rd – Two-week hunger series led by Phoebe Kitsen-Davis and Kim Smedley in Churchill Hall Christmas break for all Adult Education classes from Nov. 30th – Dec. 28th Classes resume Jan. 4th at 9:30 a.m..

o Special Time Note: Jonathan Mikesell will lead a 7-week series on Joshua at 8:30 a.m. in the Gould Library on Sundays.

o Jan. 4th at 9:30 a.m. in the Gould Library - Bob McKemey on Japan For cultural reasons, Japan is one of the most difficult places in the world for Christian evangelism. Retired PPC missionary Bob McKemey, who shared the Gospel for 45 years in an alpine village west of Tokyo and who loves the Japanese people dearly, will present a one-hour discussion on this fascinating topic.

Small Group Study led by Phoebe Kitsen-Davis & Jill Laufenberg Beginning Jan. 4th at 9:30 a.m., we will begin a DVD series called Promised Land by Ray Vander Laan in Churchill Hall. Just as the time and place of our birth and life shapes our journey, so the land and culture of the Hebrew people shaped their story. In these lessons, discover how God guided His people to a specific place - the Promised Land - to impact the world both in ancient times and today! Don't miss it!!

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McGrath Alaska Work Camp Recap by Jim Nolan

Info

By now, you’ve experienced “We Are PPC,” honoring the time and talent of our Worship and Music ministries. In January, the focus will be on the time and talent of the Children and Families ministry, and

on Fellowship in February and Mission in March.

However, time and talent alone are not sufficient to support PPC’s programs. The church also needs your generous gifts.

Caring and Sharing: Count me in! You may be surprised to learn

that 24% of the gifts a church receives each year come during December. That’s when each of us makes choices about which

organizations will receive our year-end charitable giving. This year you have a new, important opportunity to make our church your choice for year-end giving.

Called Caring and Sharing: Count me in! we’re asking 100% of PPC members to make an additional

gift beyond their 2014 pledge. Your gift will fund programs, provide opportunities for sanctuary upgrades, and support missions.

Gifts of any size will be an honor to receive.

You may mail your check to PPC or drop it in the offering plate (please indicate Caring and Sharing). You can even give online at www.paolipres.org. Contact Jonathan Mikesell (610-644-8250) regarding gifts of stock.

Blessings, Your PPC Stewardship Committee

“To whom much is given, much is required.” - Luke 12:48

On August 8, 2014, the PPC work team arrived in McGrath, Alaska to help members of the McGrath Community Church continue their work building a parsonage. They want to call a new pastor, but need a place for the pastor to live. McGrath is a remote village of about 300 people located on the Kuskakwim River, about 275 miles northwest of Anchorage. Work on the parsonage began in 2010 and PPC sent work teams in 2011 and 2013. This time, our team from PPC included Paul Archibald, Kathy Ericson, and Jim Nolan, and we were joined in McGrath by a team of 5 from Alabama and Mississippi led by Mike Mason of Momentum Ministries. Various McGrath church members generously offered to host us in their homes, enabling us to enjoy a true Alaska experience. While there, we participated in the Sunday worship service, painted walls, completed installation of wood shingle siding on the exterior walls, installed floors in two bedrooms, installed an underground water line, and rebuilt the entrance stairs to the church. We also learned a lot about life in a small wilderness Alaskan village. We saw moose, beavers, and numerous small airplanes, a primary mode of transportation in rural bush Alaska. We ate unique and interesting food prepared by church members including eskimo ice cream, pulled moose, and barbecued black bear ribs. Throughout the week we were inspired by what a small, resourceful, and dedicated group of believers can accomplish for their church, and, as a team, felt thankful to be able to share our skills in support of God’s work in McGrath.

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Highlights of PPC Ministry Partners in Egypt:

Info

1. The Presbyterian Seminary is celebrating its 150th Anniversary. In the past 10 years it has grown from 80 to close to 400 students in the MDiv ordination track, MTS track and many programs for Ministry and Leadership. Last year the Seminary launched a World Class Center for Middle East Christianity following the scholarly work of Dr. Kenneth Bailey. We at PPC were instrumental in the many capital improvement programs. We are currently working with the Seminary to launch a Doctor of Ministry Program (in partnership with Fuller Seminary) to equip Pastors in facing the ever-changing needs of the Church in Egypt, the Middle East and Northern Africa. PPC & WPC support the Seminary, Darren Kennedy, and a couple additional PCUSA missionaries (The Gormans) who are teaching alongside the 14 full-time and over 30 Adjunct Professors. 2. PPC is a regular supporter of the ministry of Magda Iskandar (PCUSA missionary). Magda is a one woman army. 12 years ago she left her Radiology practice to volunteer for one year and fell in love with mission work and decided to dedicate her life to establishing two major ministries from scratch: 1) Care With Love, an organization that trains hundreds of young men and women as in-home care givers for the elderly. This was a critical need since there is little capacity for the growing and aging population. 2) Magda has been able to successfully launch a most ambitious program for Children with Cancer, The Health and Hope Oasis in Natrun Valley. This model facility of over 60 units hosts children with cancer and their parents, helping the children to build strength during cancer treatment. 3. Fowler Orphanage for Girls is run by another one-woman army. Thirteen years ago Sister Marie volunteered for a year to help an almost failing orphanage of 30 girls. She stayed, and transformed the Orphanage to a combination of an extended family and first-rate boarding school for girls. Most of the 86 girls are trilingual and are enrolled in prestigious private schools. Sister Marie runs the whole facility with only 3 paid employees and little budget. Yet, one can definitely see the hand of God in that place. 4. We at PPC have a partnership with a small Church in Kolali, a blue-collar neighborhood near the

center of Cairo. This church of 50 families has an outreach program in the community that draws more than 200 children and youth weekly, and a food bank that supports 300 families. This little church is working on building a community health center annex to serve its neighborhood. This initiative was launched by support from PPC in the late 1990's and the Kolali church is in the process of constructing a permanent facility for community services. 5. Another impressive organization is Refuge Egypt, a ministry of the Anglican Church in Egypt. That church has about 300 members and is currently providing critically needed services to over 30,000 refugees from Africa and lately from Syria. Dr. Eman is a young, vibrant Medical Director and has been instrumental in establishing and running five clinics in Cairo and Alexandria. Many Presbyterian congregations support and partner with Refuge Egypt. 6. Although the Protestant Churches had little partnering with the larger minority Coptic Orthodox, the past couple of years they started working together to face the rise of Radical & Militant Islam. The new Pope, Tawadros, is another example of a uniting leader, like Pope Francis. 7. It is an enriching experience to visit the historic Monastery of St. Macaruis in Natrun Valley and the Cave Churches on top of Garbage City. One can see the fruits of the ministry of Mama Maggie, called the Egyptian Mother Teresa. She has been able to rescue 25,000 children from working as garbage sorters to enroll in schools and move into the heart of Egyptian Society. 8. Both Christians and the majority of Muslim Egyptians consider it a major miracle that the Islamic regime of the Muslim Brotherhood was toppled by popular uprising. The new Government under Al Sisi is supporting the rebuilding of Churches and Christian Ministries that were burned down by the Radical Islamists in August of 2013. The current Political Climate is very open to Christian Ministries and Initiative. This is a clear and positive change that has not been seen in Egypt since the 1952 Revolution.

- Amir A. Metry

Egypt Update from Amir Metry Written October 2014

Dear PPC Mission Leaders, As we prepare for a visit to Egypt in November, it would be appropriate to give you an update on PPC Ministry Partners in Egypt.

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PPC Winter

Dec. 21 Lessons & Carols at 9:30 and 11:00 a.m.

Worship

Dec. 24 Christmas Eve

Services: 4:00 p.m. (Pageant)

7:00 & 9:00 p.m.

Dec. 28 One Blended

Worship Service at 10:00 a.m.

(no 7:30 or 11:00 services)

Jan. 9-10 Session Retreat

Dec.3 Evening of

Comfort & Joy

Dec. 12 5:00 p.m.

Winter Wonders

Dec. 14 Children’s Christmas

Pageant at 9:30 a.m. Worship

Nov. 23 Bach Cantata at

9:30 and 11:00 a.m. Worship

Nov. 30 Advent Family

Fun Day 12:15-2:00 p.m.

A fun afternoon of crafts, treats, and

decorating the Sanctuary.

Crafts will be in Churchill Hall. A light lunch will be

served in the Narthex.

We continue to be in need of ushers at 9:30 & 11:00 a.m. worship. To help, contact Lou Perrone: 610-933-8429 or lhperrone@verizon.net

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Ladies you won’t want to miss this opportunity to break away from the business or emptiness of life, and enjoy a spectacular dinner with old and new friends, to be treated like a queen for a night, and to be refreshed to enjoy the Christmas season. I enjoy this event so much that I am the co-chair with Maribeth Hacker. Join us for this unforgettable evening. Our second year at PPC, my family was living at 215 South Valley Road next to the Horns. When Kathleen Horn and I first became friends, she mentioned that the house we lived in and the mission house had so many different occupants over the years that it made it hard because just when they’d get to know someone they’d move away. As such, I decided to invite the neighborhood ladies to be my guest at the table I decorated. It was such a nice evening and a great opportunity to get to know them and extend a little bit of Christian love. The next year Kathleen hosted a table, passing on the gift of hospitality, friendship and Christian love.

It is hard to really get to know people just in passing at church on Sunday mornings. One of the perks of the Evening of Comfort and

Joy is truly getting to know people better. It is a wonderful time to make new friends and spend some time with old friends. I am glad the Horns gave one more family a chance and welcomed us! It is such a blessing to call them friends. Even though we were neighbors for only a short time, it made for a wonderful friendship. This year I will be decorating a table in Kathleen’s memory to celebrate her generous, kind, welcoming, and loving spirit. It is an honor to call Kathleen my friend and even though we only knew each other four years, my life is blessed having met her. I am grateful she extended her loving arms across the street to me and my family. She will be missed. I encourage you to “reach across the church pews” to get to know some of your church family a little better. And I hope this year you’ll decide to take time to nourish your soul at an evening of comfort and joy, things we all could use more of every day.

Peace, Patti Conway

Schedule

Evening of Comfort and Joy Wednesday, December 3rd

6:30 - 9:00 p.m. • The suggested donation is $10.00 a person. • The speaker is Debbie Perkins, regional director for Young Lives. • Please sign up or contact us if you’d like to decorate a table, make

a casserole, help at all, or if you’ll need free-childcare. • To reserve your spot sign up in the church Narthex.

Patti Conway: 484-320-8571 or email pattio323@sbcglobal.net

or Maribeth Hacker: mb.hacker27@gmail.com

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Orange Conference in Lancaster, PA

- October 7, 2014

1. Talk to your children about it before they use it. If you didn't START TODAY!

2. Be curious - you don't have to be an expert. Ask questions like: What social sites are you using? What do your devices do? What do your profiles do? Which of your friends have devices? What are your friends posting? Have you seen anything funny?

3. Leverage its potential for good: Post fun church events. Practice a healthy passion - daily devotional, nutrition, connect to a cause.

4. "Go dark" as a family after a certain time in the evening. TURN ALL DEVICES OFF!

5. Remember what is at stake! Your child's future!

ADVENT FAMILY FUN DAY Sunday, Nov. 30th from 12:15 - 2:00 p.m.

A fun afternoon of crafts, treats, and decorating the Sanctuary. Activities for all ages! Crafts will be in Churchill Hall. A light lunch will

be served in the Narthex after the 11:00 a.m. Worship Service.

CHILDREN’S CHRISTMAS PAGEANT

This year we will hold the pageant 2 times! - December 14th at 9:30 a.m. - Christmas Eve at 4:00 p.m.

All children are invited to participate. If you would like your child to participate, contact Daphne Hager: d.hager@paolipres.org

Rehearsals on Saturdays Nov. 22nd and Dec. 13th.

5 Tips Regarding

Social Media from John

Acuff

AFFD

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Young Adults Building Community at PPC

Jeff Piscitello aka Chef Jeff Michaels

(Personal Chef/Professional Musician/Export Operator

for an International Chemical Tank Company)

- West Chester “I love making music and there's a really great, relaxed vibe at The 505. I think the fast pace of society has streamlined what is important to people, and with everyone being so hectic the ‘easiest’ part of life to neglect without tangible consequence is going to church. I think that creating discussions that involve real life situations in our current time would help people to connect and feel like part of the discussion and able to relate.” What’s your favorite book? “Anything by Vince Flynn.”

student /chaplain intern- Princeton, NJ

“Amanda Huels got me coming to PPC, I came to see her preach, and then I interned here and became highly involved. After my internship ended, I couldn't tear myself away. PPC has become my church, and the 505 my community. I love that every aspect of the 505 service is geared intentionally towards us becoming discipled in our faith and sent out into the world. We experience our faith in Jesus alongside one another, supporting one another in our triumphs and failures, and witnessing to our hopes and our fears.” If you could choose one super power, which would you choose? “The power to heal.”

Matt Mayer Education Savings Specialist

- Chesterbrook, PA “I started coming to the 505 because I wanted a service where the atmosphere allowed me to not just learn more about my savior, but experience Him. I like the music and the message, and the fact that I get to meet new people every week. It's been a godsend. I think people find church to be irrelevant and dated, like Shakespeare (who is still really awesome, and totally relevant). We can reach them by making an effort to relate to common culture, even if we fail and look foolish.” What’s your favorite book? “Heart of Darkness by Joseph Conrad”

Janice Reigel Preschool Teacher at

Preschool in the Valley & Keyholder at City Sports

- Wayne, PA “Heather Norcini invited me to come over the summer and I've been coming back since then. I like the message it brings and the people. I think a lot of people my age don't go to church because they don't feel connected. I think we can best reach this generation by being ourselves and being welcoming to all.” The Shore or The Poconos? “Poconos. I attended a camp that is located there during my high school days over the summers and fell in love with the place. There is always that sense of peace and stillness being in the mountains.”

• Saturday, Dec. 13th - 505 Goes Out: Ugly Sweater 5k $25 per person. Sign up at: http://theuglysweaterrun.com/

• Tuesday, December 16th - 505 in Service Packing Adopt a Family Toys at City Team

• Saturday, December 20th – 505 in Service Gift Distribution at City Team: 8:00 a.m. - Noon

• Sunday, December 21st – A 505 Christmas Christmas Eve-Eve-Eve Worship & Dinner

Upcoming 505 Events Welcome Tim Owen! We’re stoked to have Tim Owen join our 505 team as our new college intern! Tim is a senior at Eastern University, majoring in youth ministry. He feels called to work with young adults after he graduates, so he’s excited to be a part of what God is doing at the 505!

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Music Ministries at Paoli Presbyterian Church

The Bell Choir • 9:30 a.m. - Choral Scholar Michael

Dubois will offer special music. • 11:00 a.m. - Choir will sing the

spiritual I Got Shoes arr. Parker/Shaw

Nov. 16th

Nov. 23rd

Dec. 21st

Lessons & Carols Christmas Celebration A unique festival of music and scripture

• PPC’s Sanctuary Choir will leads our morning worship services (9:30 and 11:00 a.m.) through word and music of the season, accompanied by a full orchestra. Join us for this special worship.

• Early seating is suggested.

We look forward to seeing you in worship!

The Sanctuary Choir • J. S. Bach’s cantata 80, Ein Feste Burg,

(A Mighty Fortress is Our God), • 9:30 a.m. and 11:00 a.m. • accompanied by a chamber orchestra.

PAOLI PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH 225 SOUTH VALLEY ROAD PAOLI, PA 19301 OFFICE: 610-644-8250 WWW.PAOLIPRES.ORG

RETURN SERVICE REQUESTED

Mailed November 13th

Postmaster: DATED MATERIAL Please deliver by November 17th

In Ministry Together: Susan Alloway (Communications Specialist), Chuck Baker (A/V Coordinator), Becca Bruner (Associate Pastor for Young Adults and Families), Jeff Conway (Pastor), Vickie Foti (Custodian), Gail Glass (Financial/Membership Secretary), Daphne Hager (Director of Christian Education), David Hall (Parish Associate), Virginia Iacone (Executive Assistant), Tom Infield (Mission Coordinator), Bryan Jones (Director of Youth Ministries), Jonathan Kreamer (Music Ministries Director), Daniel McFarlin (Custodian), Jonathan Mikesell (Pastoral Associate of Administration), Jenifer Murray (Childcare), Adam Ruggieri (Associate Director for Contemporary Music Ministries), Richard Streeter (Pastor Emeritus), Wes Thomas (Custodian), Marcia Woodruff (Parish Associate).