December 2017 Newsletter

Dec 1, 2017

Pastor’s Pen
Rev. David Horner

Since we are in the 500th year of the Reformation, it seems to be a good December to remember that the practice of having Christmas Trees in homes seems to have originated in the 1500s in Germany, and that Martin Luther himself is credited with being one of the first to attach lit candles to his tree (I had a friend who used to do that, and although he never caught anything on fire, I do not recommend it). 

In our times, the decorating of homes with lights has become a popular practice.  This has been made easier and less expensive with lights that require less electricity.  A few weeks ago I was startled by the lights on one of the homes in my neighborhood.  I drove around the corner and saw thousands of lights shining and flashing. 

I later thought of another instance of shining lights that occurred before my life began.  It had nothing to do with Christmas, in fact it occurred in the Pacific Ocean in June of 1944.  On June 19th the Air Planes of Pacific Fleet carried out an attack against the Japanese forces around the islands of the Philippines.  It was a great naval air victory, sometimes referred to as the “Great Marianas Turkey Shoot” (you can look that up).  But in spite of the victory, the US Navy was unable to ascertain the location of the enemy fleet.

The search for the fleet continued into the day of June 20th and it was finally located later in the day.
It was discovered to be in a location that would require the planes from the US fleet to use every drop of fuel to get there, attack, and get back to their carriers.  And, if they left at that point, they would be trying to locate their fleet in the dark, with no fuel to waste in searching for it.

The planes launched and they successfully attacked the enemy fleet.  But as radio silence and a “lights out” safety policy were in effect, the returning pilots were having a difficult time finding their ships and some were running out of fuel and ditching their planes in the dark Pacific ocean.

Admiral Marc Mitscher was a man who highly regarded his pilots and plane crews.  He was a pioneer in Naval Aviation and a pilot himself.  Taking account of the risks of being located by enemy submarines, he ordered that the lights of his Carrier Fleet be turned on, and the darkness became light, and many of the pilots and crews returned safely. 

The Bible says something about the Light shining in the darkness and it making a big difference to many.  Our Lord Jesus is described in the Gospel of John and the Epistles of John as being God’s light that shined in the darkness of this world.

Admiral Mitscher’s story is an adequate illustration of the difference that lights can make.  During this season most of us will shine lights in honor of Jesus, and at our Christmas Eve service we will light candles as a way of honoring our Lord.

But I hope that during this season and afterwards, we will also shine as living lights to our neighbors, friends, and others.  We can shine for Jesus by doing kind and loving acts, by speaking kind and helpful words, and by telling others why we love and serve Jesus.  There are many in our world who cannot find their way out of the darkness of their lives.  You may be able to guide them home to Jesus.

May we all shine our lives of faith into our world this month and for as long as our Lord leaves us here.

I would like to thank all of you who participated in our Church Work Day on November 11th.  It was a great success.  The gardens and grounds of the church were prepared for winter, and the chandelier lights in the sanctuary were cleaned, for which we will be grateful this winter, and especially this Christmas Eve.

On November 19th we had our annual Meeting of the Congregation.  During the meeting, the budget for our congregation was presented, and new officers were elected.  Those elected to serve as Ruling Elders are: Carol Goodrich, Kris Stith, and Josh White.  Those elected to serve as Deacons are: Emily Matthews, Jennifer White, Ann Freeman, and Dave Stith.  They will be ordained and or installed into their offices during a Sunday morning Worship Service in the near future.

On November 22nd we had our annual Thanksgiving Eve Service and we expressed our gratitude to God in song, the reading of Scriptures and the brief preaching of the Word, followed by refreshments of donut holes and cider.  I am grateful to all who participated and provided food.

During December, we will celebrate and prepare to celebrate Christmas with several special events.
On December 9th we will celebrate Jubilee Christmas by giving presents to parents so their children will receive those presents from their parents at Christmas.

On December 10th, immediately after worship, the children of our Sunday School will present a Christmas pageant.  I know the actors and I can guarantee that it will be a spectacular performance.

On December 17th, Diane and I are having a holiday open house from 2:00 to 5:00 p.m.  The lights will be lit, the trains will be running, and music will be playing.  Please stop in for a few minutes or longer, if you can.

On December 24th we will have two worship Services.  We will have our regular morning Worship Service at 9:30 a.m. and we will also have our Christmas Eve Service of Lessons & Carols.  Scott will be leading the 9:30 a.m. morning service and I will lead the Christmas Eve Service.

On the next day, Christmas, we will have our Christmas Day service at 11:00 a.m.

I pray that you all have a great December and a blessed Christmas season that honors the coming of our Lord.

May God bless you all,

Your Pastor,

Dave Horner

 

Clerks Corner

At its November 13, 2017 meeting the Session:

• Met with Ms. Carolyn Brissey, Ms. Nancy Linnemann, and Mr. Claudio Freitas who had indicated a desire to join Faith Church as members.  Following a lively discussion and question and answer period a motion to welcome them into fellowship with Faith Church carried unanimously.

• Agreed by consent to set the starting time of the Thanksgiving Eve service at 7:00 p.m.

• Considered the issue of security at worship services, in light of the recent tragedy at the Sutherland Springs Baptist Church in Texas. It was agreed to constitute a Session subcommittee that would include members from the Congregation, with instruction to consult with the Pastor and law enforcement officers, and to recommend active measures that maintain security during worship.

• Reviewed the proposed budget for 2018 that had been prepared by the budget committee consisting of Dennis Dunn, Don Gentry, Jerry Matthews, Ron Smith, Grieke Toebes, Dan Trinkle, Carol Gentry, Chair. The proposed remunerations for the Pastors are to be submitted for approval to the Congregation at its Annual Congregational Meeting on November 19th. The remaining part of the budget was adopted as presented and will be presented at the meeting for informational purposes.

• Was informed that a committee consisting of Carol Goodrich, Jan Hem, Jurgen Honig, David Horner, Mark Johnson, Chair, had recently been formed to oversee the organ renovation and expansion project.  The committee is to meet with representatives of two organ companies to study various options and associated costs.

• Learned that the Greening of the Sanctuary is to take place on December 2nd, 2017.

• Noted that the Christmas program is scheduled to be held immediately after worship on December 10th, 2017.

• Agreed that advertising of evangelism projects by postcard should be terminated and replaced by the use of Facebook, with the advice of the Communications Committee.

• Was informed that the Pastoral Nominating Committee, consisting of Deb Fleetham, Carol Goodrich, Deb Johnson, Jerry Matthews, Steve Varys, Jennifer White, Don Gentry, Chair, was diligently processing applications to fill the vacant pastoral position upon Pastor Horner’s retirement.

• Thanked Elders Hem and Housley for chairing the 2018 Nominating Committee which consisted additionally of Bert Chapman, Steven Varys, and Cameron Ward.  The following individuals have been nominated: For a three year term as Elders: Carol Goodrich, Kris Stith, Josh White . For a three year term on the Board of Deacons: Ann Freeman, Emily Matthews, Dave Stith, Jennifer White.

Set the next regular meeting date for December 11, 2017 if warranted, and for January 8, 2018.

Submitted by
J.M. Honig, Clerk of Sessions

 

Worship Information

December  3, 2017
The Word, the Light, and the Walk
1 John 1

December  10, 2017
The Human Side
Matthew 1:1-17

December  17, 2017
The Divine Side
John 1:1-18

December  24, 2017
What are You Waiting For?
Luke 3:25-38

December  31, 2017
Preparations
Matthew 27:57-66

Birthdays

December    1   SueAnne Bergmann
December    1   Vera Lee Castleberry
December  13   Carol Fillmore
December  13   Caryn Sidharta
December  13   Valentina Hinkel
December  14   David Czerwonky
December  15   Alexandra (Dubikovsky) Golden
December  15   Laura (Hersheberger) Wilcoxson
December  16   Jakob Housley
December  20   Sarah White
December  27   Alex Dale
December  27   Lillian Parker 
December  28   Myra Tschiegg
December  29   Elias Cress

Anniversaries

December  20   Rev. Stuart & Bonnie Robertson

 

Community Worship Services

Sunday, December 3
St. Mary’s Healthcare
2:30 p.m.

Sunday, December 10
Tippecanoe Villa
1:30 p.m.
Friendship House
3:00 p.m.

 

A heartfelt thank you to the greeters
and ushers for the month of November.

November    5   The White Family

November   12   The Kucik Family

November   19   The Kain Family

November   26   The Johnson Family

For the Deacons,
Andy Kirby

 

Greeters for December

December     3   Don & Carol Gentry

December   10   Steve & Mary Lou Varys

December   17   The Saputo Family

December   24   The Kirby Family

December    31   The Wagner Family

 

* Hanging of the Greens — The Greening of the Church will be Saturday, December 2nd at 9:00 a.m. Please come and help us decorate for Christmas! Many hands make light work.

 

* Sunday Evening Bible Study at 6:30 p.m. in the Fellowship Hall. In honor and celebration of the 500th anniversary of the beginning of the Reformation, we will be studying a book on the reformation.  We will close promptly at 8:00 p.m.  We hope you will join us!

 

* L2 Single Ladies Group is planning to have lunch at the Village Pub at Westminster Village Monday, December 4th at 11:30 a.m. All single women are invited to join our group. Questions?   Contact Jean McCoy.

 

* Adult Choir practice Wednesdays from 6:30-8:00 p.m.

 

* Thursday evening Bible study at 7:00 p.m. at the Horner’s. We are studying the Epistles of John. All are welcome to join us.

 

* Men’s breakfast Fridays, 7:30 a.m. at Christos New City Grill West Side. All men are invited to join us for food, fun, and fellowship. 

 

* Attention Parents! December 10th, the children of Faith Presbyterian will be presenting a Christmas program immediately after worship. Please make plans so that your child can participate. Sunday, December 3rd we will do a “dress rehearsal” after the worship service during coffee hour that will run through around 11:15ish. We love to celebrate our children and celebrate God with them, and this is another fantastic opportunity to do so. Questions? Contact Erin.

 

* Christmas poinsettias are available for purchase for $8.00 each. If you are interested in purchasing a poinsettia, please leave your money and name in an envelope on the church office desk with any information you would like included in the bulletin if you wish to note they are in memory or honor of someone. They will be placed in the sanctuary during the Christmas season and you are welcome to take them home after Christmas.

 

* Jubilee Christmas – Saturday, December 9th

We will be hosting 16 families this year. The parents will be invited to select gifts for their children, so they can be the “heroes” on Christmas morning. We will be celebrating Jubilee Christmas on Saturday, December 9th at 10 a.m. Breakfast will be served at 9:00 a.m. for guests and hosts, and all helpers are invited.

Here's how you can help:

Pray.  That it will be a day filled with love and blessings.

1.  Toys — There is a Christmas tree in the fellowship hall with tags representing large gifts ($25-$30 each). If the toy requires batteries please include 2 sets. There's also a bowl with tags for stocking stuffers ($1-$5 each). Attach the tag to the unwrapped gift and place it in the box in the fellowship hall no later than Sunday,        December 3rd.

2. Cookies and Refreshments*

3. Family Gifts* — Things like laundry detergent and paper products.

4. Volunteers*
a. Each family needs a host.
b. Setup, cleanup, and general help

5. Money — This helps us to pay for the hams and gift certificates provided by LUM, a hat and mittens for each child, and a gift for each family, as well as purchase any last-minute toys or supplies.  Place your gift in the morning offering or in the donations box in the fellowship hall.

Through Jubilee Christmas, we not only serve others in the community, but also grow as a community of believers in the Lord. We appreciate and eagerly anticipate your help – Thank you!

Questions? Carol Goodrich or Ron Smith

 

* Sunday, December 17th, The Horner's are having a holiday open house from 2:00 to 5:00 p.m.  The lights will be lit and the trains will be running, and music will be playing.  Please stop in for a few minutes or longer, if you can.

 

* Ladies… Please join me for a New Year’s Tea

with our members & friends of Westminster Village.

When:  Thursday, December 28th
2:00 P.M. – 4:00 P.M.

Where:  Cardinal Room
Westminster Village

Please  RSVP by Dec. 17th  to Diane Horner

There will be a sign-up sheet in Fellowship Hall

 

* Could you give a gift of a your time this holiday season? Our church is responsible for helping at the Tippecanoe County Food Pantry on Thursday, December 21st  from  3:45-6:15 p.m. and on Friday, December 22nd  from 11:45 a.m.- 3:00 p.m.

If you can make either of these times free in your busy holiday schedule please contact Ann Freeman or Marilyn Hinze 620-0056 before the 15th of December and learn how you can help.  We need three workers for each session.

 

* CHRISTMAS is coming! - A beautiful tradition at Faith Presbyterian Church is our Christmas Eve service of Lessons and Carols. Hopefully you’re planning to come and bring your family and friends.

AFTER the service, we also enjoy another tradition: A bountiful buffet of good things to eat!

Sign-up sheet will be in Fellowship Hall. 

Please let us know what you will be bringing for planning purposes.

Thank you bakers, cooks, candy-makers, and also, those of you who eat it all.

Season’s Greetings!
Congregational Life Committee

 

* The Building and Grounds Committee thanks all the people who volunteered for the fall clean-up on November 11th. Ten people worked outside, trimming bushes and trees, raking the ground cover along the front of the building, cleaning up the patio, and pulling weeds in the lower lot. Meanwhile four people cleaned the lanterns in the sanctuary in preparation for Advent. Many hands made the clean-up much more productive as well as pleasant. Thanks again for all the help.

Sergey and Ron 

 

* Calling All Piano Players!!!

Do you enjoy worshipping God through music? Do you love to play familiar hymns?

IF YES – PLEASE consider participating in our outreach mission at local Nursing Homes.

Two to three Sundays a month, Faith Church leads worship
at several nursing homes in Lafayette/West Lafayette.

The residents enjoy singing familiar hymns.

Our pool of pianists has dwindled due to moves and health issues.

Please contact Lonni Kucik or 765-412-6464 if you are able to help.

Many hands make “Light” work.