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SoundingsNovember 2008
ALL SAINTS SUNDAY
On Sunday, November 2, during the 10:30 AM worship service, First Presbyterian Church of Easton will observe All Saints Sunday. It is on this day that we in the church celebrate the witness of all who have gone before us in faith. This is a day we remember that we are one in the “communion of saints” with the Church through the ages.
“For we know that if the earthly tent we live in is destroyed, we have a building from God, a house not made with hands, eternal in the heavens.” (2 Corinthians 5:1)
SEMINARIAN TO PREACH
Seminarian Patti Smith will preach on Sunday, November 9, at the 10:30 AM service.
WELCOME LEHIGH PRESBYTERY
On Saturday, November 15, Lehigh Presbytery will meet at the First Presbyterian Church of Easton. The stated meeting and worship will be held in the sanctuary. Luncheon will be served in Legacy Hall.
PEACEMAKING OFFERING
This year's annual Peacemaking Offering totaled $363.00; many thanks to all who contributed. One-quarter of the monies will be used for the 2009 summer Vacation Bible School program.
INQUIRERS' SEMINAR
Interested in learning more about the Christian faith in general, the Presbyterian Church, or First Presbyterian Church, Easton? Have you been thinking about making First Presbyterian Church your home? These are all good reasons to attend our next Inquirers' Seminar on Sunday, November 16, when we will address all those questions and more. We will meet from 11:45 AM – 1:45 PM and a light lunch will be served. Professional nursery and child care is available but needs to be arranged in advance by calling the Church Office, 610-253-3579. Please call the Church Office or Rev. Holm, and let us know you will attend the November 16 get-together.
NO CHURCH SCHOOL
Sunday Church School will not be held on Sunday, November 30. Children and youth are invited to sit with their families in worship. Nursery care will be available.
NEW MEMBERS TO BE RECEIVED
New members will be received into the life and fellowship of the First Presbyterian Church of Easton on Sunday, November 23, during the 10:30 AM service.
FROM THE MISSION TEAM...
November 9th is Stewardship Commitment Sunday. We ask that all members consider their annual financial commitment to the church and especially so in these tumultuous financial times. Your church is no less affected by the uncertainty in the financial markets. You might want to consider using a bill pay vehicle to complete your pledge, which will easily help both the church and you by keeping your financial commitment up to date.
The Mission Team has agreed to participate in the Adopt- a- Family program over the Christmas season. This is a wonderful program coordinated by the Third St. Alliance and Spring Garden Children’s Center for needy families. Becky Bartlett coordinates this effort for our church. Please look for details in Soundings and the Bulletin.
Our congregation, in its tradition of embracing diversity, is welcoming two guest preachers this month: Rev. Roger Purce from Northern Ireland, and Moufid Khoury, Commissioned Lay Pastor of Arabic-Lebanese descent.
The Safe Harbor meal for November will be provided by the Property Team and in December by the Gifts and Growth Team.
- Pat Stanek, Member Mission: Interpretation and Stewardship Team
NEW PICTORIAL DIRECTORY
We are excited that we are going to create a new pictorial directory of our church family. The directory will help us to connect names with faces. It will be an ideal outreach tool and will capture the history of our church congregation.
If you have not already signed up to have your picture taken, please do so ASAP. Although the sign-up sheets in the narthex are almost all filled up, there are still MANY times available for all three days if you sign-up online at www.signup.olanmills.com
The scheduled Dates for Photography and Portrait Viewing Are: Monday, November 10, from 3:00 – 9:30 PM Tuesday, November 11, from 1:00 – 7:30 PM Wednesday, November, from 12 2:00 – 8:30 PM
Sign up in the narthex or online at www.signup.olanmills.com. Use the church phone number (610-253-3579) or the contract number (36243) to log in. If you have questions, please contact Susan Mackay, Leader, Membership Team, 610-438-4627.
THE ADVENT WREATH: A GERMAN CUSTOM
Advent begins four Sundays before Christmas Day. The Adventskranz (Advent wreath) is part of the Advent celebration in Germany.
This wreath is made from pine, fir, or cedar branches, four purple candles and one white candle. One purple candle is lighted each Sunday, and the white one is lighted on Christmas Eve. The custom of suspending the wreath from the ceiling or placing it on a table comes from northern Germany.
It is not known how this custom of using the Advent wreath started. Early people thought the “ever green” fir tree would give them strength to face the coming winter. Or perhaps the fir tree would get rid of winter altogether. At the time when the days were short and the nights long, they thought the hanging of the fir tree branches would protect them against the gloomy darkness. In the eighteenth century, candles were added to the wreath. It is believed that the first Advent service was celebrated at Rauben Haus near Hamburg, Germany. A new candle was lighted at the daily service.
Four candles were used, it is thought, from the medieval belief that the world was created four thousand years before the birth of Christ. The candles stand for the time the people had to wait for the coming of the Messiah.
Of course, today we use the candles to mark the Sundays before Christmas. Usually, a large white candle is added to the center of the wreath to light on Christmas Eve.
NEWSLETTER DEADLINE
The deadline for the December “Soundings” is Monday, November 10. Articles can be mailed, dropped off or e-mailed to the church office, office@eastonfpc.org
POINSETTIAS AND GREENS
Each Christmas season our sanctuary is beautifully decorated. If you would like to contribute towards the poinsettias, greens and decorations, please fill out the form below and return to the church office before Friday, December 12. You may have a listing in the bulletin in memory or honor of a loved one. The cost of one listing is $9.00.
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AMOUNT ENCLOSED $________________
GUEST PREACHER
The Rev. Dr. Roger Purce, pastor of the Presbyterian Church of Groomsport, County Down, Northern Ireland, will be our guest preacher on Sunday, November 16. He has also agreed to meet with interested persons following worship that day for an informal discussion on the present state of affairs in Northern Ireland. After years of internal dissension, known to the Irish as “the Troubles,” peace has finally come to this lovely green country. We want to know how the agreement is holding, and what the changes have brought.
Dr. Purce also knows the United States very well. As a Princeton Seminary Field Education supervisor he has visited the USA annually to interview students for Groomsport’s highly regarded Internship Program. He also spent time traveling in the USA when he pursued a Doctor of Ministry degree at Princeton Seminary. He was also involved in pastor exchanges which took him to various parts of our country. He may be persuaded to offer a comment on our presidential election.
Roger Purce is a native of Belfast. He took an honours degree in history and philosophy at Queen’s University there. He studied theology at Union Theological College, Belfast and at Princeton Theological Seminary. He began his ministry as an assistant minister in Fisherwick Church in Belfast, and then served for twelve years as minister of two country congregations, Loughbrickland and Scarva. For the last sixteen years he has been minister of Groomsport Presbyterian Church, twenty miles from Belfast.
Rev. Purce has also served his denomination as the Presbyterian Church's World Development Convener; and as a trustee of Christian Aid, the aid and development agency of over forty British and Irish denominations. He is the chair of Christian Aid, Ireland. He is also the Secretary of the Christian Education Movement Northern Ireland which organizes conferences for students aged 16 and 17 between the state schools which are largely Protestant, and the Roman Catholic schools. These conferences focus on helping students to get to know each other and to hear each other's understanding of faith and politics. His wife Doreen is a teacher, and they have two daughters, one son and a grandson. He greatly enjoys hunting and fishing.
When asked about the major issue facing the church today he said, “How to speak of faith to a world that increasingly does not care about such matters.” He noted that these present times may be preparing the world to listen once again.
Please extend a warm welcome to our guest.
ADOPT-A-FAMILY
First Presbyterian Church of Easton will be participating in the Adopt-a-Family program again this holiday season. Adopt-a-Family is organized by the Spring Garden Children's Center and Third Street Alliance. It seeks to provide local families in need with gifts and clothes for Christmas.
For every child in our assigned family we will collect a sweater, pants, hat and mittens, a book and a toy. Monetary donations are used to buy gift cards to Wal-Mart or a local supermarket. A Christmas tree will be placed in the Narthex with paper ornaments. Each ornament will include the family member's age, and gift request. Choose an ornament, buy the gift indicated and bring the present, wrapped or unwrapped, to church by December 7.
Thank you in advance for your donations to this local mission. If you have questions, or would like to help wrap gifts, contact Becky Bartlett, 610-746-3192.
Stewardship Commitment Sunday November 9, 2008
PRAYER LIST
First Presbyterian Church has a prayer list which is updated and printed weekly. Prayer lists are available from an usher on Sunday morning, on the back table in the sanctuary, or on the Deacons' information table in Legacy Hall. You may also receive this prayer list weekly by email just by calling the church office. Also, you may add the name of anyone for whom you have prayer concerns to this list by calling the church office. Names will be automatically removed after six weeks unless the office is notified otherwise. Please consider obtaining this list and supporting those in need of prayer.
- Board of Deacons
BRUNCH BUNCH
On Sunday, November 9, the Brunch Bunch will go to Charlie Brown's Restaurant in Alpha, New Jersey. Meet after worship for directions and car pooling. Everyone is welcome to join this group for a time of good food and fellowship. Contact Rose Marie Leone, 610-258-3063, for more information.
ADVENT
“The people who walked in darkness have seen a great light” (Isaiah 9:2)
As the days grow shorter and winter darkness surrounds us, we begin the season of Advent. Advent means “the coming” of the Light of the Christ Child into the darkness of the world around us. As we watch and wait for that Light in this season of long shadows, we light special advent candles in our worship. As each week we light one more of the four candles of the Advent wreath, the light increases and strengthens as we draw nearer and nearer to lighting the Christ candle on Christmas Eve.
PROPERTY CORNER
Restroom Repaired: Thanks to Al Rutherford for tackling a tough plumbing project by repairing the toilet in the restroom outside the narthex.
Sanctuary Side Door Lock: For security reasons, the sanctuary side exit door lock has been changed. Contact the church office or head usher if you need to unlock that door. Thank you.
-Carl McGloughlin, Property Team
LOCAL MISSION
Every second Sunday of the month envelopes are in the bulletin for contributions to ProJeCt of Easton. These monetary gifts benefit the Interfaith Food Pantry ($1.00 allows ProJeCt to distribute $15.00 worth of food). ProJeCt of Easton also offers comprehensive emergency assistance and language and literacy services. Please continue to give generously to this local mission.
Thanksgiving Community Choir Festival
“That With Our Neighbor, We May Be Fed”
Sunday, November 23 4:00 – 6:00 PM at Good Shepherd Lutheran Church 2115 Washington Blvd, Wilson Borough Ample Parking Available
A special and inspirational experience! Choirs from the greater Easton faith communities gather to celebrate their distinct legacies of faith expression through song. Everyone is invited to attend this unique celebration of gratitude and thanksgiving. “One with another, so that, rejoicing with us, all others may know God's care.”
Offering to benefit ProJeCt of Easton
“Praise and Thanksgiving”
Book Club Selections
The FPC Book Club will meet on the following Mondays in the Brainerd Gathering Area to discuss and reflect upon the following books. The meeting time has changed to 1:00 PM. Everyone is invited to join us even if you never attended before. You may obtain a copy of the books at your local public library, or call/see Cathy Burnet 610 588- 6738 as there are several copies circulating throughout the membership. Books the club has previously read are in Legacy Hall for members to borrow.
Nov. 10 The Gift by Richard Paul Evans Fiction The Bible says that God has chosen the weak things of the world to confound the things which are mighty. Evans’ book is about one of God’s weak things - a frail, little boy with a very special gift of healing. This is a classic story of faith, hope and healing.
No Meeting in December
Jan. The Wind is My Mother by Bear Heart Bear Heart, one of the world’s last Native American medicine men, demonstrates how traditional tribal wisdom can help us maintain spiritual and physical health in today’s world. This book is an easy read, entertaining, and inspirational.
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The 2008 Easton area CROP Walk for the Hungry is now history! $12,000 was raised for the hunger fighting efforts of Church World Service/CROP. Twenty-five percent of the total receipts will remain in Easton and benefit the hunger work of ProJeCt. Thank you to everyone who walked and to those who sponsored walkers! Walkers from First Presbyterian Church, please see that your collected monies are turned in no later than October 31.
Daytime Meeting: Monday, November 3, 1:00 – 3:00 PM in the Brainerd Gathering Area Evening Meeting: Monday, November 17, 7:00 – 9:00 PM in the Brainerd Gathering Area
Donation Donna Bradbury took approximately 10 shawls to Fox Chase Hospital in Philadelphia. The many cancer patients will find warmth, love and comfort in these items.
New Project for October and November An article appeared in the Easton Express-Times by Bill and Barbara Arp of Emmaus expressing the need for handmade knitted or crocheted scarves for soldiers fighting in Iraq and Afghanistan. The temperature is quickly dropping in that part of the world. The daytime group thought it was a good idea to pursue. Fran called Bill and he suggested items be made in colors that would go with the soldiers' camouflage uniforms. Many skeins of yarn have been bought and are in the Shawl closet. Yarn can be picked up on Sunday or ask Nancy Penman for a key during the week. The deadline for mailing will be the end of November. The Arps will do the mailing.
Nut Sale If you haven't ordered nuts yet, please do so by November 3. Contact Fran Dean or send orders to the Church Office. All proceeds go toward purchasing yarn and supplies. Remember, these nuts make great gifts for the holidays: baking, snacking, gift giving, and stocking stuffers!
Come to the November meeting with ideas for a Christmas party. Last year we did a narrated walking tour of downtown Bethlehem and ate dinner at the Bethlehem Hotel. Anyone for a lunch or dinner at Hunterdon Hills Playhouse with a holiday musical review? Other ideas?
November 9 is the Westminster Village Lemon Tree Holiday Bazaar. Westminster Village is on Wahneta Street in Allentown. It's a nice event with many items to buy and lunch is served in their dining room. The hours are 9:00 AM-3:00 PM. We will have a table with Shawl Ministry items to sell for the benefit of the Presbyterian Home. Hope to see you there.
For more information, contact Fran Dean at 610-838-7779 or email fidean@ptd.net.
Shawl Ministry continues to bring God's love to those in need of comfort!
NOVEMBER BIRTHDAYS
1 Helena Hill, Gregory Peil 2 Patricia Martin, William Rush 3 Lauren Gygax 5 Kathy Wagner 7 William Dorko 8 Ruth Lippy 9 Sofia McGloughlin 10 Barbara Canfield, Carol Freebairn, Leigh Gygax, Luke McGloughlin, Kari Kirchgessner Noah Oliva, Maddox Oliva, Dorothy Wheelen 12 Laura Hill, Charles Keim, David Rister, Martha Schermerhorn, Chris Wagner 13 David Hill 14 Wendell Smith 15 Kylie Dicker 17 Marion Slater 19 Joyce Cordts 20 Beth Ann Vaughn, Greg Washburn 21 Jeffrey Haldeman 22 Lucinda Bennett, Bernice Wortman 24 Virginia Henderson-Stout, Albert Jackson, Jade Oliva 25 Kelsey Dicker 27 Jacob Bruce 28 Olivia Dorko
Floral Design Workshops with LeRoy Cooper
The classes will be limited to 20 participants, so sign up early. Both workshops will be held in Legacy Hall, First Presbyterian Church of Easton. Cost is $10.00 for each class as a donation to the Capital Fund. Cost of materials, approximately $12.00-$18.00, will be collected at the time of the sessions.
Fall Harvest Centerpiece Learn how to make a Thanksgiving table arrangement using fresh fall flowers, gourds and wheat. Date: Wednesday, November 19, 2008 Time: 7:00 PM Register: By November 11 Bring your own container, or one will be provided.
Fresh Pine Wreath and Holiday Bows Learn how to make holiday gift bows and bows for home decorating. Decorate a pine wreath for your home.
Date: Saturday, December 6, 2008 Time: 9:30 AM Register: By November 21 Ribbon will be included in materials fee, but please bring your own decorations, such as balls, berries, cones, etc.
Call/Contact Cathy Burnet for additional information – 610-588-6738.
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2008 Floral Design Workshops with LeRoy
To Register: Return this form to the Church Office. Please include a check for $10.00, payable to First Presbyterian Church, with Capital Fund on the memo line. Additional materials fee of approximately $12-$18 will be collected at each class. Check below the class or classes for which your are registering.
______Fall Centerpiece, 11/19
______Pine Wreath and Bows, 12/6
Name_____________________________Phone No._____________ Amount enclosed_________________ Check #______________
THANK YOU! Dear Friends, Thank you very much for all your prayers, cards, calls, and visits following my surgery. Thank you for the beautiful flowers and the lovely shawl from the Shawl Ministry. All your thoughtfulness is appreciated and helps me get through the rough days of exercise. The shawl wraps me in your love. Yours in Christ, Lorraine Fugere
SAFE HARBOR
The serving of meals at Safe Harbor on the first Monday of the month has been an enduring mission of this congregation. For many years we have fed, eaten with and talked to homeless people of our area. It is a “hands-on” ministry.
There are several dates available in 2009: January, February and April. A team, family or group of people can volunteer to prepare a meal. Please contact Pat Stanek, 610-253-3735, for more information.
THANKS FOR A JOB WELL DONE!
A very special 'thank you' to member Fred Hubscher who recently refinished the large wooden wall cross that for many years hung in the downstairs fellowship hall. The oak cross has been re-hung in the first floor Church House hallway across from the entrance to Ridgway Lounge. Thank you, Fred, for beautiful work and a job well-done!
SANCTUARY FLOWERS
The beautiful flowers that grace our sanctuary on Sunday mornings serve several purposes. Of course they add to the beauty of the church on Sunday mornings and symbolize many things including life, Jesus' sacrifice, purity, and God's dominion over the earth. But they also have a very important purpose that goes far beyond their presence in the sanctuary for an hour on Sunday morning. Following the service, the flowers are taken by the Deacons to shut-ins, the sick, or those in the hospital. These flowers then brighten the days of those in need of cheer, and also serve as a way for the Deacons to manage their ministry of caring.
The cost for flowers has been increased this year to $45 for two arrangements; if the cost for the pair of arrangements presents an issue, please consider teaming up with another member to donate flowers. If you have questions, or would like to donate flowers, please contact our flower coordinator, Rose Marie Leone (610-258-3063), or Bill Bartlett (610-746-3192) Leader, Worship Team. The following dates are available to donate flowers: November 30, December 28, as well as dates in 2009.
MUSIC NOTES
There is still time to join the Chancel Choir to learn music for the Thanksgiving service on November 23 and Christmas music service on December 7. Rehearsals are Thursdays at 7:30 PM and Sunday mornings at 9:30 (November 2 and 9). All singers are welcome!
- Beth Ann Vaughn Director of Music
CHURCH FAMILY NEWS - CONGRATULATIONS!
* Rev. Dr. David Chen's book, “Calvin's Passion for the Church and the Holy Spirit,” was recently published by Xulon Press.
* Member Pat Stanek celebrated a recent birthday by parachuting out of an airplane over Hazleton, PA airport.
Advent Luncheon and Carol Sing
Everyone is invited to an Advent luncheon and carol sing in Legacy Hall on Sunday, December 7, immediately after worship. The Deacons will provide the meat, rolls, desserts and beverages. You are invited to bring a hot or cold side dish to be shared. Bring food items to the kitchen before worship. Following lunch, our program will conclude with the singing of Christmas carols. Please join us as we begin the Advent season.
SOUNDINGS (permit #480) published monthly by First Presbyterian Church, 333 Spring Garden Street, Easton, PA 18042-3573 Email: office@eastonfpc.org
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SHAWL MINISTRY
Rev. Charles F. Holm, Pastor First Presbyterian Church, Easton, PA
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