|
|
My World Needs You Right Now
|
Greetings First Church Family and Friends,
This Sunday we close out the Advent season of waiting and arriving, and we open the door on Christmas. For many of us, Christmas feels like we have arrived, like we have accomplished a major feat. But I agree with theologian and activist, Howard Thurman, that our real work begins at Christmas. Our work looks like politics to some, like social action to others, and like the love of baby Jesus to still others. It is the work of feeding the hungry, releasing the prisoner, healing the broken, and making music in the heart. It is the work of people who believe our world needs Jesus right now.
While we light all the candles on our Advent Wreath this Sunday morning, while we add the light of the Christ Candle at the evening worship, while the days begin to lengthen following the winter solstice yesterday, the birth story of baby Jesus is filled with darkness. The birth stories of too many babies are filled with darkness. And the real work of Christmas continues.
Continue to pray for the shalom of our nation and world every evening at 6 pm no matter where you are. Continue to support our church with your volunteer service and financial gifts. Prayerfully consider how you will partner with us in the work of Christmas that we do all year round. Continue to make space to be in the presence of Jesus. In this special time between Christmas and a brand-new year, I hope you will reflect on the one who is coming into the world and how your life will make Christmas real all year round for those who need to know him. I look forward to seeing you on Sunday. Blessed Advent and Happy Christmas.
You are loved,
|
|
|
|
|
Sunday, December 24th
Nursery is open, 2nd floor at top of stairs
10:00 AM - 10:55 AM
Sunday Morning Bible Study in the Thurman Study
11:00 AM
Worship in the Sanctuary
Sermon: Becoming Flesh - Rev Adriene Thorne, Preaching.
Sunday School
Following Worship
Fellowship Hour in the Elliott Room (2nd Floor)
5:00 pm
Christmas Eve Service
Sermon: My World Needs You Right Now - Rev. Adriene Thorne, Preaching
Monday, Decemeber 25th
Merry Christmas
7:30 AM - 8:30 AM
Park Plaza Diner, Cadman Plaza West
Thursday, December 21st
10:00 AM - 11:00 AM
|
|
|
|
Congregation and Community News
|
WINTER BLANKET AND COAT DRIVE
The Social Action Committee is coordinating our church's annual drive to collect winter blankets, coats, hats, scarves, gloves, mittens, socks, and boots to be distributed to people of need in our extended community. Outer wear can be for male and female, children and adult sizes. New and used items - in good condition and clean.
Please bring your donation items during open church office times, or Sunday morning, and leave them in the back, right hand pews. (If you are bringing items on Christmas Day or Eve, please take them up to the balcony pews as all seating will be needed for those services.)
This donation drive will continue throughout our cold weather weeks.
Please contact Jane Ehlke with questions or suggestions - jane.ehlke@gmail.com
|
|
Presbyterian Disaster Assistance
Presbyterian Disaster Assistance (PDA) is in touch with presbyteries in the affected areas from Hurricanes Harvey, Irma, Maria, and the Earthquakes in Mexico. PDA is standing by with resources and National Response Team members ready to deploy upon invitation and when it is safe to do so.
For those who wish to support PDA's emergency response and recovery efforts, gifts can be designated to specific disaster response, or where needed the most, via the form here. We need your help. Please give generously.
If you prefer to mail a check, you may send it to:
Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.)
PO Box 643700
Pittsburgh, PA, 15264-3700
You may also call Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. (EST), at 1-800-872-3283 to donate by phone. For updates, please go to pda.pcusa.org.
|
Focus on Hunger
The Mission and Social Action Committee has a goal to educate the entire congregation on the issues around food and hunger in our country and around the world, and why First Church is involved in alleviating the suffering associated with a lack of food.
Volunteers are needed Wednesday evenings from 7:15 PM - 8:00 PM to receive fresh fruits and vegetables for our food pantry. If you are available to come to First Church and receive donations from our partners at Brooklyn Bridge CSA and Sweet Pea CSA, please call the church office to be connected to pantry coordinator, Jane Woland.
|
Food insecurity exists in every county in America, ranging from a low of 3% in Grant County, KS to a high of 38% in Jefferson County, MS.
|
On Thursday, December 28th, our Food Pantry served 106 guests
with the help of 10 volunteers.
|
Worship services are streamed live over the Internet. We provide the worship bulletin on the website so that you can follow along. Tune in to worship at 11:00 AM Eastern time.
Missed a week, or want to hear a Sermon again? We have a podcast of Sermon audio. Click the "Sermon Podcast" icon below to subscribe.
|
Like us. Follow us. See us. Hear us.
|
Stay tuned for next week when we publish photos from our Christmas Eve morning and Candle Light Service at 5pm.
Happy Holidays everyone!
|
Reminders and Looking Ahead
|
Worship Leaders NEEDED for January
Would you like to read scripture or lead a prayer? Volunteers from the congregation are welcome to sign-up as Worship Leaders. Please e-mail Annie Solages with the Sundays you are available or call the church office at 718-624-3770. On Sundays, feel free to speak with Worship Committee Chair, Barbara Cummings.
|
Clark Street Subway Station Closure
The Clark Street (2 and 3 trains) subway station will be closed on weekends until Spring 2018. People who normally take the subway to First Church need to walk from Borough Hall or take the B25, B26, B38, B41, B52 or B103 bus.
|
CHILDREN, YOUTH, and FAMILIES (CYF)
Sunday School is in full swing, with additional programs available for younger members of our community. Those with school-aged children are encouraged to register for the separate CYF Weekly Updates newsletter at http://tinyletter.com/cyfdirector
|
Men's Fellowship Breakfast
Join us as we discuss the book, "A Cloud of Witnesses," edited by Joyce Hollyday and Jim Wallis. A collection of 35 short stories of exceptional people grouped by the 8 Beatitudes.
Come join us even if you are not reading the book.
|
First Presbyterian Church Social Action Committee
Criminal Justice Activities in Concert
With the Church of Gethsemane
First Church continues to be active in concert with the Church of Gethsemane.
- Sunday Lunch after Worship. We are looking for volunteers.
- Administrative Support: Ongoing administrative support has been provided by Jane and Dave Ehlke. The Project Connect database has been expanded to 225 members in 30 different prisons.
|
This week's eNewsletter was edited by Christina Adorno.
|
Online Donations: Set up a recurring gift to the church through a secure online account. To set up an account or to edit an existing gift, go to First Presbyterian Church's website.
Flower Donations. We welcome flower donations of $30 or more in memory or in honor of friends and loved ones. Call Annie Solages in the Church office at 718-624-3770 or see Barbara Cummings during fellowship hour on Sundays.
|
|
|
|
|
No comments:
Post a Comment