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FIRST NEWS & VIEWS is published weekly (except monthly in July and August) by the First Presbyterian Church, 2330 S. Main Street, Findlay, OH 45840-1199.

Vol. 48, No. 43 December 17, 1999

First Presbyterian Church

Worship Notes for the

Fourth Sunday of Advent

This Sunday, the 4th Sunday of Advent, has been traditionally associated with the Second Coming of Christ. This seems odd, since we are usually into last minute preparations for celebrating Christmas in just a few days.

In times past however, Christmas was not celebrated with all the tinsel and trappings to which we have become accustomed. But as the last Sunday of Advent, the day could well remind us that the Christ who came long ago in Bethlehem will come again. Perhaps we prefer to focus on the babe in the manger rather than the judge of the world. Join us this Sunday in worship, when we light the fourth candle in the wreath, in preparation for Christ’s coming – in judgment.

Church School Winter Program this Sunday

The children in our preschool classes through Grade 6 will be a part of this year’s Church School Winter Program at 10 a.m. in Fellowship Hall this Sunday, December 19.

Class presentations will be given by Grade 5, Grade 3, Grade 1 and the 4 & 5 Year Olds. The 2 Year and 3 Year Olds will be singing a special song for the season. The 6th grade class will serve refreshments, while the 4th Grade class will serve as greeters. Everyone is invited to attend this special day as our Church School children present what they have been learning this semester.

Mission Study Report

Approximately twenty-five persons participated in the small group discussions involving processes last Sunday. The Mission Study Committee will meet this week, and the responses from the groups will be gathered and the analysis of those responses begun. Thank you to those who participated.

The next major event sponsored by the MSC will be a study of our biblical calling during the Church School hour in Fellowship Hall on January 9, 2000. All members are invited to join in an examination of First Presbyterian Church’s theological roots. A survey for members of the congregation to complete and return is slated for mailing in early January.

Book of Order Changes Proposed

The most recent proposals for amending our Presbyterian Book of Order have been received. Maumee Valley Presbytery will vote on changes at its January 18th stated meeting. The booklet of proposed changes is available in the church office for anyone wanting to review it. This year’s proposals focus attention on clergy/parishioner confidentiality, retired pastors, and who shall moderate session meetings, among others.

Worship Telecast Changes

As a result of arrangements made by the Communications Committee with Time-Warner Cable, the following is our new schedule of worship telecasts on Channel 33:

Mondays-9 a.m.

Wednesdays-1 p.m.

Sundays-11 a.m.

This means that the worship service of December 12, for example, will be aired on December 13, 15 and 19. Though we are still unable to provide same-day telecast, we hope this new schedule, which provides next-day telecast, will meet the spiritual needs of our homebound members.

Poinsettias and Flower Charts

Persons wishing to provide poinsettias for worship on Sunday, December 19, are urged to contact the church office by Wednesday, December 15.

Be sure to indicate how you would like your poinsettia dedicated and whether or not it may be delivered to a shut-in. Please arrange to have your florist deliver your poinsettia by noon on December 18.

Flower Charts for Chancel and Entry Way flowers for the year 2000 have also been posted on the bulletin boards in the main hallway.

Moms, Mark Your Calendars!

M.U.G.S. will meet Tuesday, December 21, from 9:30 - 11:30 a.m. for an informal holiday gathering. Plan to take some time out for yourself during this often hectic season and join us as we share holiday traditions and memories and enjoy an exciting ornament exchange! Child care will be provided. Contact Doris Mapes with any questions.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Dear friends,

Presbyterian theologian Letty Russell has suggested congregations use simple models as they think about their identity. The old model, she suggests, is more like an oblong table, with a head and a foot, at which it is clear where authority may be found. She offers as alternative model, the vision of the round table, where no one can be head. At the round table, there is mutuality of voices, identities, and people, sharing in the challenging task of building the new community of God’s presence in the world – a presence we celebrate in this holy season.

This year’s celebration of God’s great gift in the Incarnation finds this congregation asking about its identity. Who are we? And whose are we? Our identity is shaped by our common story as a congregation, the rituals we employ to express our faith, and the theological climate of the congregation. These and other issues are being raised by the Mission Study Team and will be discussed informally here and there. For now, we may want to ponder whether we sit at a square table, or round, and whether we will again confirm in this season of waiting the presence of Christ who is true head of the church.

Shalom!

St. Nicholas Party a Huge Success

The St. Nicholas Party was once again a huge success. The over 160+ young and young at heart enjoyed the evening of dinner, decorating cookies, a story, and a visit from a special visitor (St. Nicholas). It was so nice to see so many around the tables decorating the cookies. The cookies will be put to good use when the Christmas carolers take them to the shut-ins next week. You will also get a chance to enjoy them at the Winter Children’s Program. Thank you to all who helped make this a great night, and to all who baked cookies, made icing, etc. A special thanks to the Christian Education Committee for all their hard work!

Youth/Church Ski Trip

Plan now to be a part of our annual youth/church ski trip to Peek ‘N Peak Ski Resort the weekend of February 18-20. Information packets are available on the bulletin board outside the church office and include a complete price guide and reservation form. All reservations are due by Friday, January 14th, and must be accompanied by a $25 non-refundable deposit per skier (checks should be made out to the church). Balances must be paid in full by February 14th. *Note: Jay Zsembik has volunteered to drive the church bus, so anyone who would like to "make the trip but leave the driving to Jay" should contact Jody to reserve a spot (departure time will be 4:00 p.m.). Anyone wishing to participate in a caravan that will depart from the church at 5:15 p.m. sharp should also contact Jody. Think SNOW!!! J

Seminars

*Church School Winter Program 10:00 a.m. Fellowship Hall

Christian Doctrine 10:00 a.m. Parlor

From the book Christian Doctrine, Revised Edition, by Shirley Guthrie, the chapters to be discussed include Part #5, #17, Are You a Christian? The Doctrine of Justification. Jim Baker will be the facilitator this week.

Active Parenting & Young Adults 10:00 a.m. Room 109

We’ll attend the Church School Winter Program in Fellowship Hall today!

Character Builders 10:00 a.m. Room 108

On Sunday, December 19, our lesson will be "Time of Rejoicing," taken from the "Bible Discovery" quarterly. Our leader will be Elizabeth Linn.

*- Scheduled to be videotaped

Meet Our Teachers of Grade 5

NANCY BRUMBAUGH was born in Troy and raised in Piqua, Ohio.

She graduated from Miami University in Speech and Hearing Therapy. She also has a M.A. in TESOL (Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages) from the University of Findlay, as well as a school supervision certification from the University of Toledo. Nancy is a Special Education Supervisor for Seneca County in the North Central Ohio Education Service Center. Her church activities number many, but among her most important is delivering home communion to shut-ins. In her spare time, she enjoys reading, counted cross stitch, piano, cookbook collecting, walking, and traveling. Her family consists of two sons, Matthew (27) Kevin (20).

BOB McEVOY ("Dr. Bob") has taught several different Church School classes. This is his second year teaching with Nancy in the 5th grade. He is a graduate of Dartmouth College and the University of Cincinnati Medical School and is in private practice in Family Medicine. Bob has served the church as an elder and currently sings in the Chancel Choir. He enjoys playing the bagpipes. For relaxation he likes fishing, wilderness camping, kayaking, and gardening. He and his wife, Gene, have three daughters: Beth (freshman at Hope College), Christine (Gr. 11), and Trudie (Gr.9).

 

…FAMILY NEWS…FAMILY NEWS…

Our sympathy is extended to Dana Bourne & family on the death of her mother, Joyce Dean, on December 6 in East Liverpool, OH. Best wishes to Glenn Arbaugh & Ann Johnson who were married on Friday, December 10. Former resident of Findlay and member of First Presbyterian Church, Evelyn Brabson, died on November 15, 1999.

CIA (grades 4-8)

There will be NO CIA on December 22 or December 29 in honor of the Christmas holiday and to give our incredible adult volunteers a few weeks of rest. J Thank you to Deb Baker, Christopher Betts, Angela Bock, Jessica Harris, Debra Kepf, John Kilpatrick, Elizabeth Linn, Beth and Joe Niemeyer, Mike Noble, Matt and Melanie Romick, Harris and Jan Schultz, Patty Weiler, and Scott Younger for sharing your faith, love, and cooking talents with our CIA students this Fall (and Brady Romick for being so willing to be loved on)! We’ll resume our regular CIA schedule on Wednesday, January 5, at 6:00 p.m. in Fellowship Hall … look for details in next week’s newsletter.

God Squad (grades 9-12)

This Sunday, December 19, the God Squad will be cooking the dinner for our 4th (and final) Advent Supper. Please meet in the church kitchen at 5:00 p.m. to help prepare the lasagna, French bread, salad, fresh fruit and vegetables, and freshly baked chocolate chip cookies. After dinner we’ll head out together for Christmas caroling to some very special members of our church family, so bring a warm coat. J

CIA Mini Lock-In

When: Friday, December 31, from 8:00 p.m. until 12:30 a.m.

Cost: $5/student and your favorite snack food

Wear: Ball gowns, tuxedos, pajamas, a costume, or comfy clothes

RSVP: Call the church at 423-2112 by 5:00 p.m. on Dec. 30

**Note: Must attend a minimum of 3 CIA nights to attend the Lock-In

 

CALENDAR

SUNDAY, DECEMBER 19:

9:00 a.m. Worship S

10:00 a.m. Church School Winter Program FH

Character Builders 108

Christian Doctrine P

11:00 a.m. Worship Telecast of 12-12 Ch. 33

Joyful Noise S

11:15 a.m. Worship C

12:15 p.m. Gabriel Singers CR

6:00 p.m. Advent Supper/Program FH

MONDAY, DECEMBER 20:

9:00 a.m. Worship Telecast of 12-19 Ch. 33

10:00 a.m. Hope House Christmas Party FH

7:00 p.m. Boy Scouts 112-116

Millstream Singers CR

Church & Society 108

TUESDAY, DECEMBER 21:

9:30 a.m. M.U.G.S. 108

11:45 a.m. Hope House Board 108

3:30 p.m. Rainbow Club 111

7:00 p.m. Brownie Troop 94 111

CCBS George House

WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 22:

6:30 a.m. Men’s Breakfast Café Marie

10:00 a.m. B.I.B. 338

12:15 p.m. Prayer Service C

1:00 p.m. Worship Telecast of 12-19 Ch. 33

5:00 p.m. Joy Singers, Jubilate Singers,

New Creation CR

7:30 p.m. Chancel Choir Party Wilkins’

FRIDAY, DECEMBER 24:

6:00 p.m. Joy Singers, Jubilate Singers,

New Creation Warm Up CR

6:30 p.m. Family Christmas Eve Service S

10:00 p.m. Chancel Choir Warm Up CR

10:30 p.m. Candlelight Service Music Begins S

11:00 p.m. Candlelight Service S

 

 

Our Staff

Harris H. Schultz, Interim Pastor

Jane Van Valkenburg, Music Director/Organist

Jenna Kyle-O’Brien, Music Associate

Jan Schultz, Interim Christian Education Director

Jody Noble, Interim Youth & Young Adult Program Director

Stacy Stover, Crib Room Supervisor

Sharon Vaas, Nursery School Director

John Williams, Financial Secretary

Dana Bourne, Assistant Financial Secretary

Linda Lotz, Membership & Contribution Secretary

Elaine Malacos, Administrative Assistant

Skip Lamb, Building Superintendent

May Tate, Evening Custodian
  1. Terry Bard, Pastor Emeritus

Dean M. Carzoo, Associate Pastor Emeritus

CONNECT FOR ALL SEASONS

We are a Stephen Ministry Congregation

CHURCH PHONE: (419) 423-2112; FAX: (419) 423-2113

InfoLine: (419) 421-8888, Category 4500

Prayer Chain: (419) 423-2112

e-mail: fpc@friendlynet.com

www.findlayfpc.com