Pasadena Presbyterian Church |
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December 2008 Go to:
“For a child will be born to us, a son will be given to us; And the government will rest on His shoulders; CHRISTMAS means different things to different people. What, though, does it mean to God? Lest we forget, Christmas is God’s idea: it was His plan, even before He created the world, to come to us and become one of us (Ephesians 1:4; Galatians 4:4). It was our need to truly know God’s love, be forgiven, and be brought back to God, that made His coming in the flesh necessary (1 John 4:9; Hebrews 2:14; Philippians 2:6-7). It was our sin that sent Jesus to a cross to die in our place, and shed His precious blood, give up His perfect, sinless life, for us and our forgiveness (1 John 1:5-2:2; 1 Peter 3:18). And it is by believing in Him, accepting God’s free gift of forgiveness, new and eternal life in Christ, we are saved! (John 1:12, 3:16; Romans 6:23). That’s wonderful news! It’s the Gospel—the Good and Gracious message of God’s love for us in His Son, Jesus Christ! But Christmas isn’t just about what God did for us in Jesus; it really is about celebrating—worshipping—God Himself. The “names” the Holy Spirit through the prophet Isaiah gives to the to-be-born-500-years-later Messiah, Jesus, describe just who it is—who God is—who dwelt among us. The four titles in Isaiah 9:6 are the reasons Jesus is entitled to be glorified and worshipped—not just on the day we celebrate His birthday (aka “Christmas”) but every day! “Wonderful Counselor”—Jesus is shown throughout the four Gospels as living and declaring the amazing truth and wisdom of God. Consider the incredible, life-saving and transforming wisdom of God given to us in the “sermon on the mount” (Matthew 5ff). Let’s see Dr. Phil match that! To a broken world, and into our broken lives, God speaks His all-powerful healing, renewing, and transforming Truth in Christ: He “counsels” us—literally comes alongside and even into our lives by His Holy Spirit and Word, to save us, and make us new creations in Christ! (John 14:16, 17; 2 Corinthians 5:17). “Mighty God”—Too often we see our problems and challenges as bigger than anything; we feel helpless, isolated, abandoned in the face of overwhelming trials and threats, especially death. In Jesus, though, God shows up and shows us that He is mightier than everything! Jesus rose from the dead, in victory over our greatest enemies: sin, the devil and death! (Romans 6:8ff; 1 Peter 1:3ff; Ephesians 2:4ff). He is with us, and He will never let us go! (John 10:29; Matthew 28:20). No matter what we are facing, God is greater—Jesus shows and promises us that! “Eternal Father”—the Gospel of Luke features a story about a father and his lost, runaway son. We often refer to it as the parable of the prodigal son; it is, though, really a story about the unending, unchanging love of the father for his renegade child: it is a story that shows us God’s real love for us in Christ. Isn’t it incredible to know that nothing we can ever do will make God love us any less (or more)? His love for us is unchanging and unbreakable—unlike so much of the so-called love we experience in a selfish world and through too often broken families. God loves us just as we are; and it is His love in Jesus that makes us into who He made us to be! “Prince of Peace”—the world suffers and cries out for true, lasting peace. Our lives often lack peace inside and out. We try all sorts of substitutes—from comfort foods to numbing drugs—seeking peace amidst our going to pieces. Jesus is the only one who can truly help: His is the One who makes us one—whole, inside and out, again! Fear, worry, suffering and brokenness all are no match for faith in Jesus, the Prince of Peace! Celebrating the joy of Jesus with you, His beloved family at PPC, as we worship Him together this Christmas and every day! In Christ, Carl Session Digest: October 28, 2008 The stated meeting of the Session was opened with prayer by the Moderator, Carl Crawford, at 7 p.m. Elder Edwards led a devotion centered on the thought that everything we do should be to God's glory from 1 Corinthians 10:31,32. (Session Minutes are public records and are available for review by PPC Member in the Church Office) Our next Family Night Dinner is scheduled for 6:00 PM on December 3 Please come join us for another opportunity to experience Lucio and Sherry’s creations. Lucio and Sherry will be preparing a special menu: Homemade Butternut Squash Soup Roasted Beef Au Jus Mashed Potatoes Green Beans Almandine Bread Sticks Seasonal Mixed Green Salad Apple/ Pumpkin Pie & Brownies Punch Fountain *********************************************************************** We are looking for Breakfast Food Coordinators to enlist individual volunteers or small groups to provide breakfast foods on Sundays to be served outside Fellowship Hall. Volunteers provide bagels, donuts, fruit, milk or O.J. Once the list of volunteers and their assigned Sunday is compiled, the coordinator will contact the volunteers to remind them that their assigned Sunday is approaching. If you are interested in this opportunity to become a Breakfast Food Coordinator, please contact Threse Hammond at 344-0223.
Please consider becoming a Covered Dish Dinner Coordinator by contacting Threse Hammond at 344-0223. Coordinators are generally responsible for organizing the Covered Dish Dinner by recruiting volunteers for the following duties: In addition to recruiting volunteers for the day of the dinner, coordinators also ensure the dinner is listed in the Sunday bulletin. Coordinators also help the hosting ministry keep an eye out for all of the “little things” when programs are held in Fellowship Hall during the dinner as well as alert Vicki when paper/plastic supplies need to be refreshed. Threse Hammond, Fellowship Chair We Need YOU!!! We have many needs in the church for your time and talents. Are you handy with a hammer, screwdriver, paintbrush or shovel? Are you available to help set up church facilities for church functions? We need you! “Like good stewards of the manifold grace of God, serve one another with whatever gift each of you has received.” 1 Peter 4:10. Please speak with your elder-shepherd or contact the church office, 345-0148. If you have any suggestions or questions about Stewardship matters, feel free to contact a member of the ministry. We thank you for your support as we work in all things for God’s glory.
2009 pledges are now being received. Pledge cards are available on the tables in the sanctuary and in the church office. Please contact Sergio Gonzalez or Bob Bates, if you have any questions. Your response to God's grace in the form of your pledge will allow the Stewardship Ministry to prepare a budget which can maintain and grow the various ministries at PPC. Our giving help us grow in God's grace. Financial Secretary's Report to Session: October 10, 2008
There were 3 Pay Periods in October Contribution income continues below actual operating expenses.
What's Happening in the Youth Group
Rob Taylor Volunteer Youth Leader The pre-school children have had a wonderful November. We held our own election here at Pasadena. The children had two candidates. Tutti is a giraffe that has Jesus in The children learned about Native Americans and Pilgrims, and how they shared and celebrated together to give thanks to God for all He had given to them. We prepared our own Thanksgiving feast and celebrated together and gave thanks to God. Our Thanksgiving family night was a success with 300 in attendance. We had a pizza dinner followed by a slide show presentation of the children. After the slide show the children walked down the center aisle in the sanctuary with the Samaritan’s Purse shoeboxes that they prepared with their parents and placed them at the “foot of the cross.” Next they sang songs of Thanksgiving. It was a wonderful evening. It is an important part of our ministry to provide educational opportunities to help our families continue to develop their parenting skills using Godly principles. We hosted a parent educational seminar to assist our parents in achieving their goals. The seminar was much appreciated by the many parents who attended. You are all invited to come to our Christmas Pageant on Wednesday December 17th at 6:30 p.m. in the sanctuary. Come and see the children tell the Christmas story and sing praises to our Newborn King. Wishing you a blessed Holiday Season as you prepare for and celebrate the Birth of our Savior. - Laura Woodard, Director
The children will be rehearsing the songs they will be singing during the Christmas Eve service. They will be provided with music so that they can practice the songs at home, as well. "For to us a child is born, to us a son is given, and the government will be on his shoulders. And he will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace." Isaiah 9:6 "Thanks be to God for His indescribable gift." Have a Christ-filled Christmas. Leslie Hughes Pasadena Presbyterian Women: Activities for Month of December Activities for Month of December November 16th was a blessed Sunday. Our Thank Offering was $1,586.00, which was fantastic. Our speaker, Shirley Bragdon, challenged all to take a step forward in missions. We dedicated the newly remodeled kitchen and know that Ruby Bortz would have been happy with all that was done. A special thanks to Dave Terhune, who contributed a lot of time and energy and to Vicki Danz for overseeing the whole project. Look elsewhere in the newsletter and on our bulletin board for information on the Christmas Card Greeting Tree and the Sock Tree, both sponsored by Presbyterian Women . July 11-15, 2009 – Churchwide Gathering of Presbyterian Women in Louisville, KY. Following are 5 of the 10 reasons YOU should attend! 1. To Nurture Your Faith; 2. To Be In Community With Other Women; 3. To Broaden Your PW Involvement; 4. To Gather Resources and Learn Skills As A PW Leader, and 5. To Learn About Current Issues In The Church And The World. (Look for the next 5 in the January Alleluia Newsletter) Registration begins in January. MERRY CHRISTMAS AND A HAPPY NEW YEAR Volunteers are needed to help in the production of " Second Love," a full-length drama scheduled for sometime early next year. Jobs are simple, tasks lighter than you think. The cast—all from the congregation—is just about set and practice will begin shortly after the beginning of the year. Phone Bob Chick (347-5710) or the church (345-0148). Advent & Christmas Event Schedule December 6th, 9:00pm Hanging of the Greens Position Title: Director of Family Ministries (DOFM) from Infant to Senior Saints Purpose: To develop and equip leaders; to engage the community; to pass on faith; and to live well in Jesus Christ. Responsibilities: In coordination with the Discipleship Ministry the DOFM will perform strategic planning and coordinate family ministries from infant to adult: 1.Recruit, Train and Coordinate teachers/volunteers for all age levels of Christian education(adult small groups, Sunday school, mid-week Christian education ministries, VBS, Youth, etc.) within the church. 2.Secure background checks for all teachers, substitutes and others involved in working with youth or children, including nursery staff and volunteers. 3.Research and select teaching materials, with the approval of the Discipleship Ministry. 4.Evaluate family ministries within the church at least every six months with the Discipleship Ministry. 5.With the chair and members of the Discipleship Ministry, keep track of budget expenditures, and make recommendations for further budget needs, including assisting in preparing the annual discipleship budget. 6.Communicate programs and opportunities through the church newsletter, bulletin boards, brochures and radio announcements. 7.Coordinate with the church office the joint utilization of all educational classrooms with other programs and uses of church facility. 8.Provide opportunities for families to grow in their faith. Plan and conduct family activities, develop workshops for parents and children. Skills: In addition to having leadership ability, the DOFM should have both credentials and experience in family ministry and teaching. IF YOU WOULD LIKE TO VIEW THE COMPLETE JOB DESCRIPTION, PLEASE CONTACT THE CHURCH OFFICE (The congregation is asked to pray for and give to fund this position in 2009) How Did Thomas Kinkade Become the Famous "Painter of Light" ™? Find out in the DVD Thomas Kinkade's Christmas Cottage-Love is the Brightest Light of All. The cover says this is the true story in which he "not only discovers his calling as the 'Painter of Light'TM but also helps the town rediscover the true spirit of Christmas." Thom has just returned from college for Christmas and finds his hometown not doing well and his mother "dangerously close to losing the family cottage to foreclosure." A famous artist, played by Peter O'Toole, helps him to help the town and discover his calling.
The first is Michael Nahrwold. He blesses us every Sunday in our praise band with his musical gifts and his banjo. But did you know he will be going to Kenya this coming January on a medical mission trip? Mike is a doctor, an anesthesiologist, and a teacher. And although he is retired, he is still working to serve God and his fellow man on the mission field. He will be in Kenya for about 4 weeks working with a small hospital there. Please keep him in your prayers as he prepares for this trip. Please pray that all of the required documents needed and requested will be delivered in the proper time. Please add him to your prayer list as he prepares to be used by God in Kenya. You will hear more about Mike’s upcoming trip on Sunday, December 7th. The second is Rex Almquist of South East Asian Relief (S.E.A.R.). He writes: Dear friends and supporters of the Mission SEAR: Normally, SEAR has a little extra mission support to help at times needy families, but now SEAR is struggling to raise support to keep things going at minimal level in Vietnam and there is nothing to help with needs locally. The real solution is to help families find work so they can support themselves, but SEAR is not an employment agency. Numerous phone calls have been made trying to find work for needy families, but jobs are extremely hard to find. Hotels and other businesses that normally hire extra individuals this time of year are not hiring. SEAR really needs prayer that some funds would come in from somewhere to help local families. Support is also needed for Christmas programs planned for S.E. Asian and other children living locally. Pray also for SEAR's work among children in Vietnam. The needs continue among street children, critically ill children, those with heart disease, and farming children facing severe poverty. NEEDS ARE INCREASING AMONG CHILDREN IN VIETNAM. These needs include: school scholarships, vocational training for poor street children, food, shelter, medical needs, heart surgeries, church planting, and youth ministries. This is a special letter requesting prayer for SEAR and for the children SEAR serves, that the love of the Lord could continue to be put into their lives as a witness among those who still do not know HIM, the Lord Jesus who died for them. Pray for a special openness to the Gospel during Thanksgiving and Christmas. BLESSINGS, working together for HIS Kingdom, God Bless You Paul Rivard EM chair Presbyterian Women's Sock Tree will be available to hang your socks, begining Sunday, November 30th through Sunday, December 14th. The Tree will be located in the hallway next to the santuary. These socks will be taken to the Beth-El Mission to be distributed among the Children and Adults. Thank You For Your Contributions Presbyterian Women Cristmas Card Greeting Tree
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“JOY TO THE WORLD,THE SAVIOR REIGNS!” The Christmas Joy Offering is one of the four special, PCUSA offerings received yearly: Pentecost (seven Sundays after Easter) As God’s Love was made visible among us, so we, each year, express that Love in our gifts. The Christmas Joy “helps support unmet needs of Families who have given their lives to the mission of the Presbyterian Church (USA), some in retirement, some while they continue to serve.” Because we know His Love, we give with Joy! "Hanging of the Greens"
Furniture Needed For CASA A few of our parents at Pasadena Fundamental School are teaming up to furnish transitional apartments in one of our local shelters. They need your help!! If you have any furniture that you do not need...they do need it!!! Linda Burrows, Dena Minning, Robin Sams, Alison Payne and other moms are teaming together to furnish a CASA apartment. Items such as end tables, dining table and chairs, a couch, loveseat, double or queen bed, dressers, pots and pans, TV stands, TVs, and bar stools are needed. If you have anything to donate, please call Alison Payne 798-2129. Thank you so much. Prayer Request E-mail List Our PPC e-mail praise/prayer list is being revised. If you would like to be included on our e-mail list to receive current Prayer Requests, please send your e-mail address to the church office at esmith@pasadenapc.com. Please be sure to put Prayer Request E-mail List in the Subject line. Ronald McDonald House
Thanks!!! Pam |
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