Hilltop Highlights Monthly newsletter of the Lower Providence Presbyterian Church Congregation established in 1730 “You are the light of the world. A city built on a hill cannot be hid.” ~Matthew 5:14 Volume 40, Issue 4 _________________________________________________________ December, 2014 TheSeasonoftheGreatestMiracle Advent is here! It is the most exciting time of year as we prepare for the birth of Christ. It is exciting but also at the same time it can be a stressful time of year. Our to-do-list gets longer and at times seem undoable. We go from one errand to the next and sometimes we forget that we are amidst the Advent Season. We get to Christmas and we are not even sure how we got there. We celebrate Christmas morning but the days prior seem to be a blur. My encouragement this Advent is to enjoy each day of the Christmas Season. Each day try to remember the reason for Christ coming into the world. Jesus said His purpose in the most spoken verse in all of scripture in John 3:16, “For God so loved the world that He gave his one and only son and that whoever believes in His name shall not perish but have eternal life.” Jesus came into the world so we might know the forgiveness and grace of God. God loves all of his children and He sent Christ to communicate that love in a sacri0icial way so that all of humanity might receive the gift of eternal life. Jesus Christ is the Greatest Miracle that our world has ever known and the gift of Christ should be celebrated not just December 25 but every day of Advent and every day of the year. In closing, take a moment each day of Advent to thank God for the gift of Christ and for all of the blessings that He has given to us. If we put Christ at the top of the to-do-list this Christmas Season we will unwrap the miracle of His love each day. InthemiracleofHisLove, Ted Page 2 Hilltop Highlights SessionNewsTheSessionofLowerProvidencePresbyterianChurchmeton Tuesday,November11,2014,at7:00pm.Belowisabriefsummaryofthereportsand actionsofthismeeting. Moderator’sReport:Completed0irst2weeksofcon0irmationclassesteaching9con0irmandswhoare excitedaboutgrowingintheirfaithinGod,co-ledtheget-awayweekendwith91folksattending,anincreasefrom lastyear,metwithPastorHollandofthePhiladelphiaPresbyterywhoisdoinginnercityministryinPhiladelphia asIwasaskedbyPresbyterytomentorthisnewpastor,ledadevotionalatSuburbanWoodsNursingHome,led lunchbunch(agroupofladieswhocometogethermonthlyforfellowshipandspiritualgrowth)devotionatLPPC, andhaveenjoyedleadingtheWednesdayNightontheHillHighSchoolBibleStudyandseeingouryoungpeople’s desiretogrowintheirfaithinGod.SpokewithPastorPhyllis,aministerinJonesport,Maine,aboutanLPPC intergenerationalsummermissiontrip.SheandIarebothveryexcitedaboutthepossibilitiesofushelpinginthis ruralcommunity. Clerk’sReport:RemindedthosegoingtoPresbyterymeetingonNovember18atCarmelPresbyterian Churchthatpre-presbyterysessionsbeginat1:30pmandbusinessbeginsat3pm. DeaconsReport:Approved2015Deaconbudgetaspresented,homeboundcommunionwaswell received,40peopledonatedbloodduringfallRedCrossblooddrive,will0illcollegegoodieboxesatnextmeeting, andthetransportationteam,cookingSamaritansandhometeamarethankfulforthenewvolunteersthatsigned upduringServantshipSonDay. ChristianEducation:ApprovedmotionsforJrHiyouthtobuytoysatWalmartforHopePrisonMinistries andforthechildreninMrs.Campbell’sSundaySchoolclasstobakeChristmascookiesatherhome.FROGSwent toMerrymeadCornMaze,0illedshoeboxes,andwillhaveaChristmaspartyinDecember.Con0irmands,JrHiand SrHiyouthrakedleavesandwillgotoRoyerGreavesChristmaspartyinDecember.PastorTedandMatt BrubakerledGetawayWeekendwith91peopleinattendance.JrHihad“movienight”innew“FiresideLounge” andwillhaveaChristmaspartyinDecember.SrHiheldan“ElegantDinnerParty”atCheesecakeFactory followedbylock-inatLPPCandwillhaveChristmaspartyinDecember.JrHiandSrHihadbon0ireafterleaf rakingserviceproject,SrHiyouthandleadersconstructedJeffReicheMemorialgardendirectlyoutsidethe Firesidelounge’swindows.TwonewadultSundaySchoolclassesarebeingheld:BeforeAmenandTheJourney andadultforumwillhavevideopresentationofSummerYouthMissionTripandGreatEscapeTrip. Property:Keenhousedemolitioninprogress,tunedupfourboilersandreplacedzonevalue,workingon removingCentrexphonelines,and“FiresideLounge”renovationsarecomplete. Nurture&Parish:ApprovedmotionforBazarproceedsdisbursementsof20%toUrbanPromiseandthe remaindertopewcushions/chairsfund,newof0icefurniture,safety&securityupgrades,SrHimissiontrip,and projectorlaptop.FinalizingplansforHarvestPotluck,planningcontinuesforWomen’sDayofInspiration,began planningAshWednesdaySacri0icialDinner,discussingpossibilityofCouple’sretreat,andwelcomednewmember -at-largeMegSparks. WorshipandMusic:DiscussedSonDayresultsandprogressofpewcushionandAVprojectsandstarted planningforAdventandAdventdecorating. Outreach&Evangelism:15menattendedMen’sbreakfastworkdayonNovember8afterbeingrained outtheweekbefore. Membercare:WillsendlettersalongwithAdventbrochurewelcomingbackthosememberswe’re missing.AsaresultofSonDay,severalmembersvolunteeredtobecomemembers-at-large. LongRangePlanning:Reviewingbidsfromengineering0irmsforparkinglotimprovementplans.Bill BenningtonrevisingstrategicplanafterreceivingfeedbackfromSessionmembers. Nominating:SeveralmembersexpressedinterestinservingasanElderorDeaconatServantshipSonDay. Hilltop Highlights Page 3 Serving&Missions:Over600boxesweredistributedtoLPPCmemberstobe0illedforOperation ChristmasChild!5membersparticipatedatUrbanPromiseworkday.ContributedtoThePhiladelphiaProjectso theycanpurchaseadjacentpropertytohousevolunteers.ProvidedThanksgivingmealsuppliesforSt.John’s SoupKitchen.MetwithCassellstodiscussBackpackProgramatEaglevilleElementary.Teddiscussedwith committeepreliminaryplansforintergenerationalsummermissiontrip. Financial Resources:Reviewedupdated2015budget.Servantshipcommitteehadgoodresponseto SonDayevent. GA Task Force:ApprovedmotiontosenddelegatestoPresbyterymeetingonNovember18. Statistical Report: Baptisms:SamanthaAnneMadara,bornAugust1,2013,baptizedNovember2,2014,daughterofScott& Shannon(#3935)MadarabyRev.TedMingle.TheodoreJamesBrubaker,bornNovember9,2013,baptized November9,2014,sonofMatthew(#4167)&Rachel(#4168)BrubakerbyRev.MatthewBrubaker,atCamp Innabah.ZoeyLeeDavis,bornOctober16,2013,baptizedNovember9,2014,daughterofDavid&Danielle (#3181)DavisbyRev.TedMingle,atCampInnabah. Communion: Served60participantsonNovember9atCampInnabahforGetawayWeekend. Next Session meeting will be on Tuesday, December 16, 2014, at 7:00 pm. Session Task Force Activity in Response to The 221st General Assembly of PC (USA) TheGeneralAssemblyofPC(USA)hasbroughtforthtwocontroversialissueswithinourdenomination: ----The221stGeneralAssemblyofPC(USA)passedadecisiontodivestcompaniessupportingIsraelinJuly2014. ----The221stGeneralAssemblyofPC(USA)proposedamendingthede0initionofmarriageinthebookoforder statingitisauniquecommitmentbetweentwopeople. Oursessionhasmetseveraltimesafterinformationwasprovidedviaataskforceofappointedelderswith regardtotheseissues.Thetaskforcemembersare:Chairperson-JoniCosgriff,JudyBaker,DaveBeach,Dean Knauss,LesKonkolyandBillLondon. ThefollowingactionshavetakenplaceandwerevotedonbythesessionofLPPC: -----LPPCSessionpassedamotion,onOctober21,2014,tosendaproteststatementrequestingGAtorescindthe divestmentofIsraeldecision,bywayoflettertothePhiladelphiaPresbytery.Thisvotepassedunanimouslyby LPPCsession.ThisstatementwassignedbytheeldersandsenttothePhiladelphiaPresbytery. ----LPPCsessionapprovedamotiontosendtenactingElders,asvotingdelegates,tovoteonamendingthe de0initionofmarriageinthebookoforder.VotingtakesplaceonNovember18,2014withthePhiladelphia Presbytery.Thevotingdelegatesare:DaveBeach,DaveBrandau,JoniCosgriff,BillCribbs,ChrisDrummond,Gary Engler,FredKammler,RalphKelley,DougNigroandFrankVibbert;withalternatesJudyBakerandBillLondon. ThetaskforcecontinuestomeetandprovideinformationtotheLPPCsession.Pleasebeprayerfulasa congregationforthetaskforceandsession.MorenewswillfollowafterthevotingresultsonNovember18. Blessingstoall, TheLPPCTaskForce Hilltop Highlights Page 4 GoldenAge Thismonth’sluncheonwillbeheldonMonday,December1,atnoonin WilliamsHall.GermantownAcademyStringEnsemblewillentertainus withbeautifulChristmasmusicafterweenjoyadeliciouslunchprovidedbyourawesomekitchencommittee. Pleaseconsiderinvitingyourneighborsandfriendsover55yearsofagetothiswonderfuloutreachevent.Afree willofferingwillbetakentocoverthecostoftheluncheonandentertainment. TheGoldenAgeprogramwillthentakeawinterbreakandreturnonMonday,April6atnoon. LPPCRetirees TheRetireeswillmeetonTuesday,January13at9amforaspecialprogramarrangedbyErnie Yocum.JoinusinRowlandParlorforblueberrymuf0insandcoffeeandatimeofuplifting fellowship.Considerbringinganeighbororfriendwithyou!TheRetireesisopentoallchurch membersandfriends. LPPC Retirees LPPCPresbyterianSeniorsandLPPCRetirees TheRetireesandthePresbyterianSeniorswillmeettogetherintheAtriumonTuesday,December9,at 9:30amfor“ChristmasCarolingforEveryonebytheBigGreenTree”.Sotuneupyourvoicesandcome toLPPCforahappyholidayevent!Foraspecialtreat,thechildrenofourownpreschoolwilldropinto singforus.EarleneKelley’sfamousblueberrymuf0insandcoffeewillbeserved.PleaseRSVPtoSamSeymourat 610-539-6635extension24orCaroleGauglerat610-539-6481orPatRittenhouseat215-362-3076. LPPCMen’sBreakfast ThenextMen’sBreakfastwillbeheldonSaturday,December6,between8-9am,intheAtrium.Afull breakfastwillbeserved-costis$8.00.Ifinterestedinattendingthebreakfast,pleasecontactMark [email protected],pleaseconsiderbringinganunwrapped toyfortheHopePrisonMinistryChristmascollectionforthechildrenofparentswhoareincarcerated. “Whoever welcomes one of these little children in my name welcomes me; and whoever welcomes me does not welcome me but the one who sent me.” ~Mark 9:37 (NIV) Crosspoint CrosspointisafellowshipgroupforyoungadultsatLPPC.Thismonthwewillbehavingourannual FellowshipReunion.ThiseventisforanyonewhowaseverinvolvedinLPPC’sYouthFellowship groupsaswellastheirfriends!Cometocatchupwithgreatfriends,makenewones,andreminisce aboutwonderfulexperiences!WewillmeetonMonday,December29at6:30pminWilliamsHall. PleasecontactJimandMaryRaudenbush,[email protected], [email protected]! PraiseandPrayerGathering GatheringforPraiseandPrayerwillNOTbeheldinDecember.Asalways,membersofthePrayer Teamwillbeavailabletopraywithyoufollowingchurchservices,andalsofollowingtheLongestNight ServiceonDecember21at4:30pmintheAtrium.OurtraditionalPraiseandPrayerGatheringwill resumeonMonday,January19from7:00-8:00pmintheAtrium. Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. ~Philippians 4:6 JobSearchAssistance Returningmembersofourmilitary,recentcollegegraduatesandanyoneelseinneedof assistancewithresumewriting,jobsearchstrategiesandinterviewingarewelcometocontact LeanneWentzoftheMemberCareCommitteeatleannewentz@gmail.comor610-489-4037. Hilltop Highlights Page 5 OntheVine OntheVineisafaithbasedsupportgroupthatisfreeandopentothechurchand community.RunbySueRyan,aclinicalpsychologist,itisasafe,con0idential,loving groupforpeoplewithchronichealthconditions,wherememberscansupportoneanother,laugh,have fun,sharewaystocopeandstrengthenourfaith.Fairwarning:thisgroupdoesincludephysicalexercise(within yourcomfort).WemeeteveryFridayat11aminRowlandParlor.(Pleasenotenewtime.) MatterofBalance DuringthemonthofDecember,MatterofBalanceclasseswillbeheldonWednesday,December10and December17only.ClasseswillbeheldinWilliamsHallfrom10:30to11:30am.MatterofBalance classeswillNOTbeheldinJanuaryandFebruary.ClasseswillresumeonWednesday,March4.Please staysafeandbecarefulwhentravelingduringthewintermonths.Ifyouhaveanyquestions,please contactthechurchof0ice. EmergencyPreparedness Theemergencypreparednesspresentationhasbeenrescheduled!Comeandjoinusduring theSundaySchoolhour(9:45-10:45)onSunday,January25,tohearapresentationon EmergencyPreparednessbyMichaelLatshawfromtheMontgomeryCountyDepartmentonPreparedness. PrayerShawlMinistry MayGod'sgracebeupontheshawl...... warming,comforting,enfoldingandembracing, Maythismantlebeasafehaven-asacredplaceofsecurityandwell-being. sustaining,andembracingingoodtimesaswellasintimesofstruggles, Maytheonewhoreceivesthisshawlbecradledinhope,keptinjoy,gracedwithpeace, andwrappedinlove. Callingallknittersandcrocheters!ThePrayerShawlMinistryneedsyou!Thisisagreatministryandwehave givenawaymanyshawlsandblanketstothoseinneedofcomfort.Ifyouareinterestedinthisministry,please [email protected]. ChristmasCardstoOurChurchFamilies BackbyPopularDemand!Thisyearwewillonceagaindesignatespaceonthechurchbulletin board(acrossfromthenursery)forChristmascardsfromthemembersandfriendsofLPPC. PostyourChristmascardonthebulletinboardandusethemoneyyousavedonpostageto participateinoneofourmanyAdventMissionProjects.Cardscanalsobemailedtothechurch of0iceorplacedonLindaHobbs’deskinthechurchof0ice. 2015GivingEnvelopes 2015givingenvelopesarenowavailableforpickupinWilliamsHall.Ifyouhavenotbeenassigned envelopesin2014andwouldlikethemfor2015orifyouprefertogiveinanon-routinemannerand wouldprefernottohaveenvelopes,pleasecontactWendyToddat610-539-6635extension11or [email protected],bypickingupyourgivingenvelopesand maybeevenyourneighborstoday.(Ifyoutakeyourneighbors,pleaseletthechurchof0iceknow.) Also,availableonthesametablearethe2014-2015directoriesthatwereprintedinSeptember,2014. Hilltop Highlights Page 6 OldNorritonNews Lookingback,wehadawonderfuleducationalpresentationfrom BruceHustisonNovember15at4:30pm.Heenlightenedustothe factthattherearemany“LibertyBells”. Lookingahead,Decemberwill0indusdressingupOldNorritonfortheOpenHouseon Saturday,December13from10amto2pm.Therewillberefreshments,musicandlights andthiswilltrulyputyouintheChristmasspirit.Wehopemanyofyouwillstopbyfora breakinyourChristmasshopping.Bringyourfriendsorneighbors;thosewhohavealwayswantedtoseethe insideofthishistoricchurch. Anddon’tforgettheveryspecialNewYear’sEveserviceonDecember31at4:30pm.RingintheNewYearat OldNorritonbycomingtotheCandlelightCommunionservicebeforegoingoutwithfriends.Lastyearwasthe 0irsttimeweheldthisserviceandsomanyfounditspirituallyupliftingandsetthetoneforthenewyear.Come- you’llbegladyoudid! MerryChristmasandHappyNewYear! GetawayWeekend-RuntheRace GetawayWeekendwastrulyanamazingweekend.Lotsofnewyoungfamiliesandsomenew seniors.5familygroupsincludedgrandparentsandgrandchildren.AndatworshiponSunday wenotonlycelebratedcommunionwith94people,wealsocelebratedthebaptismsofTeddy BrubakerandZoeyDavis(daughterofDanielle(Jolly)andAJDavis),the0irstbaptismsona GetawayWeekend.TedMingleandMattBrubakerdidawonderfuljobleadingtheprogram,andweallespecially enjoyedtheOlympicstylecompetitionwhichincludedhumanpyramidbuilding,bananaeating,acongaline,and “passingthebaby”.ManythanksalsotoJodiBohrandKippZimmermanwholedmusicforusthroughoutthe weekend.Acouplefolksmanagedtogetwetinthecreek(itwouldn’tbea“real”Getawayifnoonedid!)and pumpkinchuckinghasnowtakenitsplaceonthelistofGetawaytraditions.Icansummarizetheweekendby quotingsomeonewhocameforthe0irsttimeandsaidtomeassheleft…“youknow,wheneveryonewassaying“I LoveInnabah”onthe0irstnight,Ijustdidn’tgetit…nowIdo”.Whydon’tyoujointhefunnextyear? Hilltop Highlights Page 7 Christmas Mission Projects HopePrisonMinistries:Food&ToyCollection There is an overabundance of children whose fathers or mothers, and in some cases both parents, are incarcerated. These children will not be able to experience the joy of seeing toys under the Christmas tree on Christmas Day, because their families are too poor. Hope Prison Ministries helps to bring some cheer to these children. If you would like to donate, place a newandunwrappedtoy in the container marked for Hope Prison Ministries located in the Atrium. The deadline for donating toys is Monday, December 15. We are also collecting non-perishable food items for Hope Prison Ministries as an on-going mission project. F.R.O.G.S. will also have a “Happy Birthday, Jesus” party and donate toys for this important ministry, on Friday, December 5, at 6:30 pm. NorristownHospitalityCenter The Hospitality Center requests supplies to help in their daily ministry. The Center offers the homeless a place to receive mail, make a phone call, get out of the weather, look for a job or an apartment and take part in a Bible study and 12-Step Programs. You can help by 0illing a yellow bag (available in the Atrium) with such items as toiletries, socks, gloves, hats and paper goods (list attached to bag). Return the 0illed bag to the Fellowship Table in Williams Hall. LPPC participates in this project year round. RoyerGreavesSchoolfortheBlind Please consider joining your fellow LPPC members in a great tradition started over 70 years ago. On Sunday, December 7, we will travel to Royer-Greaves School for the Blind to be part of the audience for their annual Christmas show and to provide a party for them afterwards. We need donations of 0inger foods such as cookies, soft candy, salty snacks, and juice. Please, no soda. Let us know what you will be providing for this event by completing the list on the easel in the Atrium. Donations of juice and packaged foods should be placed in the bin in the Atrium. Baked goods should be placed in the kitchen on December 7 no later than 11:00 am. If you are planning to attend the party, it begins at Royer-Greaves at 2:00 pm. A bus will be provided from LPPC for the youth groups traveling to this event. There may be room for you too. If interested, contact Kathy Huber. If you have any questions, please contact Kathy Huber at [email protected]. Do come join us, this event will put you in the Holiday spirit! ChristmasDinnerfortheSoupKitchen The Norristown St. John’s Soup Kitchen has asked our church to help provide their special Christmas dinner. The Soup Kitchen provides a full Christmas meal to the homeless and needy in Norristown. Thank you for your continued support for the Soup Kitchen. Grace Bean wants you to know how much your help means. They anticipate 250 people for the dinner. This is a great way to share God’s love to those in need during the Christmas season. Amen! There will be a sign up sheet in the Atrium. Grace Bean needs the following: 30 pies (pumpkin, mince, apple), 9 turkeys (cooked and carved), 10 (9x13) pans of stuf0ing, lots of gravy - 5 gallons, 7 0ive-pound packages of carrots (frozen), 7 0ive-pound packages of peas (frozen) 5 #10 cans of cranberry sauce (gel). Please bring items to LPPC on Monday, December 15 by 9 am sharp! You can also leave items in the church kitchen on Sunday, December 14. This is a special way to celebrate the Christ in Christmas! Please help us to provide a delicious Christmas meal to the needy in Norristown. Sign up on the easel in the Atrium or contact Nanette LaFors at 610-630-9637 and let us know what you can offer for this special meal. Hilltop Highlights Page 8 CHILDREN’S MINISTRIES (Nurserythrough6thgrade) KathyHuber,DirectorofChildren’sMinistries YOUTHMINISTRIES KippZimmerman,DirectorofYouthMinistry ADULTMINISTRIES EdHoehing,DirectorofAdultMinistry Children's Ministry SUNDAYSCHOOL-WearelookingforwardtojoiningJodiBohragainthisyearonsome SundaymorningsinAdventtosingChristmascarolsandgetintothespiritoftheseason.JodiandI arebothsadthatthechildrendon’thaveasmanyopportunitiestolearnChristmascarolsasthey haveinthepast.Hopefullythiswillhelp.Youcanhelptoo–turnupthecarolsathomeandinthe carandsingalong! Iwouldalsoliketotakethisopportunitytothank“my”teamofChildren’sMinistryvolunteers.We aresofortunateasachurchfamilytohavethesegenerousfolkwhogiveofthemselvesinsomanyways.Please keepthemallinyourprayers,especiallyduringtheholidays,andthankthemforalltheydo. Remindertoparents:ThereisnoSundaySchoolonSunday,December28.Thereisoneservicethatdayat9:45am. FROGS - Fellowshipprogramfor4 thand5thgraders.WecollecteditemsfortheShoeboxproject andpackagedshoeboxestobesenttokidsaroundtheworld.Weareallexcitedtotrack“our” boxesandseewheretheygo.OurnextmeetingonFriday,December5,isourannualBirthday party.Wewillcelebrateallourbirthdays(Jesus’stoo)andhaveagiftexchange.Wewillalsobe providinggiftsfortheHopePrisonministry. CONFIRMATION CLASS - Con0irmationClassiswellunderwayandeveryoneseemstobe enjoyingtheexperience!OnSunday,November16,twogroupsofCon0irmandsandparents,Mark Fisher,RalphHopwood,BobJaworskiandChrisKimbleassistedintheleafrakingproject.Ournext serviceprojectonSunday,December7,istotraveltotheRoyer-GreavesSchoolfortheBlindfor theirChristmasshowandtoprovideapartyforthemafterwards. HEROES ON THE HILL - WednesdayNightsontheHillhavebeenalotoffun!Wehavehad 2-4childreninthenurseryeachweekand2-13attendingtheolderchildren’sactivities.We havelearnedaboutOldTestamentHeroesoftheBible,madecrafts,playedinthegym,learned andsangnewsongsandjusthadawonderfultime!!Thankyoutotheparentswhohavebroughttheirchildren outtoshareinthisprogramwithus,andthankyoumostespeciallytothosefolkswhogenerouslyofferedtheir timeandtalentstoworkwiththechildren;StaciBarnhill,AdrienneBiscotti,NancyCare,LoriCook,SueHacker, DianeHanlon,LindaHobbs,EdHuber,AlyssaKearney,SandyMessner,HaydenTewell,andJanetWelford. Withouteachoneofyou,thisprogramcouldnothavehappened. ~ Kathy Huber Hilltop Highlights Page 9 YOUTH MINISTRY GreetingsandSalutationsfromyour friendlyneighborhoodYouthDirector! The Senior High Group (ENGAGE) Sunday, December 7, we will head out to Royer-Greaves School for the Blind for their annual Christmas show! We will also have regular Fellowship that night. Sunday, December 14, is the annual Carol Sing at Old Norriton Church at 4:30 pm followed by our Christmas Party back at LPPC at 6 pm. There will be no fellowship on Sunday, December 21 or December 28. The Junior High Group (IGNITE) Wednesday, December 3, will be our annual Wal-Mart trip to buy toys for Hope Prison Ministries! It will be during the regular hours of 6:30 to 8 pm. Meet here at LPPC. Wednesday, December 10, we will have regular Fellowship. Then Wednesday, December 17, is our Christmas Party and White Elephant Gift Exchange! A Word from KZ… When we feel beat up, run down, like we have nothing left, and just plain tired, we can come up with a lot of excuses for things. We also like to complain to others during these times about how hard life is. I recently heard an evangelist say “Don’t 0irst run for your phone, go to the throne!” God has a habit of taking rough situations and using them for His glory! For a few weeks I was battling with walking pneumonia and in the midst, one night found myself particularly weak and trying to lead worship for a big group. Everything was off, people were really worried about the night going well, pessimism was rampant. We went upstairs to pray and I swear almost audibly I could hear “My power is made perfect in your weakness”. Everything changed. It ended up being one of the most powerful worship experiences I have ever been a part of. The Holy Spirit rocked the place. All of the lighting, sound, and human issues seemed to have all disappeared in an instant! Don’t let your circumstances de0ine your attitude about life. Allow your God to de0ine you no matter what the circumstances, and watch as He takes hold of the craziness and uses it for good. He never promised this life would be easy; just that He would be with us. And friends, He is enough! Kipp Zimmerman Hilltop Highlights Page 10 December Opportunities in Sunday Adult Education 9:45-10:40am Thereisagreatvarietyofsmallgroupgatherings,“adultforum”styleprograms andindividualclassesthatmeetweekly.Thereissomethingforeveryone! November30-December21“JourneytoChristmas”WilliamsHall Facilitators:JudyBaker,AdeleGrasinger&EdHoehing Followthejourneyof6ivediversepeopleastheyexperiencetheHolyLandforthe6irsttime.Their goal?TodiscoverthetruemeaningofChristmas. GuidedbylocalBiblescholarNizarShaheen,youwillseeJesus’birth unfoldthroughtheeyesofeachmemberonthisreal-lifepilgrimage astheysearchforanswerstotheirquestionsabouttheNativity account.ThroughsolidBibleteaching,stunningscenery,anda realityshowformat,you’llwitnessthespiritualtransformationofthetravelers-and maybeexperienceityourself-astheytraveltheperilouspathsthatMaryandJoseph wouldhavetaken. MeetseverySunday“THEJOURNEY”RowlandParlor FacilitatedbyMatt&RachelBrubaker Thisclassisbeginningastudyof"TheSermonontheMount."Theywillreadanddiscussthe BiblicalaccountaswellasthecommentaryofRichardRohr.ThroughlearningtheScripturesand sharingourpersonalChristianjourneys,wehopetodevelopstrongChristianrelationships. Everyoneiswelcome! MeetseverySundaySeniorBibleStudyClassLibrary Thisveryspecialclassoflife-longlearnerswillbeginaunitentitled“InAweofGod”.Thisstudy explorestheawesomenessofGodasdescribedinHebrews,MatthewandLuke.Intheaccountofthe ChristmasstoryweseethepraiseandadulationexpressedtoGodbyboththeangelsandthe shepherds.ComeenjoythefellowshipandlearnGod’sWordtogether! MeetseverySundayFaithWeaverAdultBibleClassRoom215 FacilitatedbyAllan&NancyCareandMarleneKimble Comeandenjoythefellowshipwithotherparents.StudythesameBiblestoriesasyourchildren areexploringintheirclasses.LessonsforAdventinclude:“JohntheBaptistPreparestheWay,” “GodDwellswithUs,”“JesusIsBorn”and“FaithfulPeopleThankGodforJesus.”Learnsomespecial waystohelpyourwholefamilyfocusonJesus!Allparentsarewelcome. COMINGINJANUARY ChristianParentingofTeens:TheBigIssues(beginningJanuary4)Doyou0indcommunicationwithyour teen(s)tobeachallenge?Doyouknowhowyourteenisfunctioninginthetechnologicalage?Whatabout bullying?Peerpressure?Substanceabuse?Theseareallperplexingissueswithwhichparentsstrugglein today’scomplexworld.YouareinvitedtojointhediscussionwithotherteenparentsfacilitatedbyBrendaBell. Somesessionswillincluderesourcespeakers.ContactBrendaBellat215-361-1634orbbjmbell@verizon.net withquestionsorsuggestions.(Room207) AdultForum:“UrbanPromiseReturnstoLPPC”(January18)Rev.Dr.BruceMainwillpreachatboth servicesandaddressallyouth&adultclassesinWilliamsHall.LearnmoreaboutthisvitalministryinCamden,NJ. AdultForum:“AreYouPreparedforanEmergency?”(January25)RepresentativesfromtheMontgomery CountyOf0iceofEmergencyPreparednesswillpresentsomeusefulinformationtohelpusbereadyfordisaster situations.(ThisprogramisrescheduledfromOctober.) ~Ed Hoehing Hilltop Highlights Page 11 From Our Director of Music Ministries Special Events for December Advent Communion Youth Handchimes Sunday, November 30, 2014 8:30 and 11:00 am Hilltop Ringers (11:00 am) Sunday, December 7, 2014 Sonrise Ringers and Youth Choir (8:30 am) Sunday, December 14, 2014 Old Norriton Carol Sing Sunday, December 14, 2014 4:30 pm at Old Norriton Presbyterian Church 608 North Trooper Road Norristown, PA Longest Night Service Sunday, December 21, 2014 4:30 pm in the Atrium Christmas Music Sunday CanticleofJoy Chancel Choir Instrumental Ensemble Sunday, December 21, 2014 8:30 and 11:00 am Christmas Eve Services Family Service – 5:00 pm Live Nativity - All children invited to participate Traditional Candlelight Services at 7:30 and 10:00 pm Chancel Choir, Handbell Choirs and soloists Candlelight Communion Service at Old Norriton Wednesday, December 31, 2014 4:30 PM at Old Norriton Presbyterian Church ~JodiBohr Hilltop Highlights Page 12 The Office of Deacon ÂV{ÉáxÇ V{ÉáxÇ àÉ fxÜäxÊ GettoKnowYourDeacons LizCerrato Liz Cerrato is in her second year as Deacon. She is assigned with her Elder, Frank Vibbert, to serve Parish #2, (Bean-Brady). Liz joined the church on October 17, 1999. She has spent several years serving on the Silent Auction committee, as well as helping with youth fundraising activities. Currently Liz serves on the Nurture and Parish Life Committee. Liz has especially enjoyed the opportunities for serving and worship in the small groups and committees that she has been involved with. On a personal note, Liz and her husband, Tom, have two sons. Michael is a junior attending University of Pittsburgh. Josh is a freshman attending West Chester University. The most recent addition to their family would be their 2 year old rescue Belgian Malinois, named Rudy! Liz keeps busy working as an of0ice administrator in a dental practice. Liz would encourage everyone to get involved in a small worship group or committee of interest to them. The relationships that develop are a treasure, a gift from God for our spiritual growth and direction. MaryRaudenbush “ForIknowtheplansIhaveforyou,planstoprosperyouandnotharmyou,planstogiveyouhopeandafuture” Jeremiah29:11 Hi, my name is Mary Raudenbush and I am just beginning my term as a Deacon. My parish is #20, from the Rutter Family to the Senczy Family. I serve this Parish along with my Elder Jim Raudenbush. I will be serving as the Deacon Representative on the nominating committee. I have been a member here at LPPC since 1994 and have served as an Elder for 6 years as well as being on various committees such as the Kitchen Committee, Bazaar Committee and the Family Ministry Team. I am also a member of the Choir and served as a Senior High Youth Leader for 9 years. Serving the Lord here at LPPC through these ministries has been a blessing and has given me the opportunity to work with many wonderful people. My church family holds a special place in my heart and I look forward to my term as a Deacon to get to know more of my LPPC family and to grow stronger in my faith and to love and serve the Lord. Jim Raudenbush, who is the Elder on my Elder/Deacon team, is also my husband. We will be celebrating our 34th wedding anniversary this June. Jim and I enjoy working together here at church as well as with our catering business. I am employed at a Medical Device company in Oaks as an accountant and am looking forward to retirement in a couple of years. Jim and I have been blessed with two wonderful children; our son, Jim and our daughter, Tina, who now have families of their own. We have also been blessed with three awesome grandsons; Nathan 15, Michael 12 and Alex 9. When I’m not at church, I enjoy cooking, needle work and spending time with Jim, family and friends. Being involved at LPPC has been a most rewarding experience and has given me memories I will cherish forever. I only hope if you are asked to serve as an Elder or Deacon, or to serve on a committee you will prayerfully consider that call. Serving the Lord by working with and for others is a great opportunity, one I’m sure you’ll 0ind meaningful & memorable. Hilltop Highlights Page 13 Deacon’sChristmasFlowerFundraiser TheChristmasholidaysarerightaroundthecornerandtheDeaconsarelookingforward todecoratingtheSanctuaryfortheseason.The0lowerswhicharepurchasedbythe congregationarethendeliveredtothehomebound,hospitalizedandtomemberswho havesufferedalossduringtheyear.Moreimportantly,pleaserealizethattheDeacons’ manyministriesthroughouttheyeararecompletelyfundedbythe0lowerdonations receivedatChristmasandEaster.TheDeaconsservethecongregationbyprovidingthe coffeeatfellowshiphourseachSunday,by0inanciallyhelpingmembersinneedthroughtheirBenevolencefund andbyhostingthemanyspecialreceptionsheldthroughouttheyear.Theyprovidetransportationandvisitsfor thoseinneed,sendgoodyboxestothecollegestudentsduringexamtimeandprovidescholarshipsforyouthand preschool.ThisisjustasamplingofthemanyservicesthattheBoardofDeaconsareabletogivetothechurch throughthemoneyprovidedfromthe0lowerdonations. We,theDeacons,wouldliketothankyouinadvanceforyourChristmas0lowerdonation(inanyamount.) Pleasecompletetheslipbelowandreturnittothechurchof0icebySunday,December7.Yourdonationswillbe acknowledgedinaspecialbookletavailableDecember24. IwouldliketosupporttheDeacon’sMinistryand placeChristmasDlowersintheSanctuary InMemoryof:(pleaseprint)_______________________________________________________________________________________________ __________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ __________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ __________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ InHonorof:(pleaseprint)_________________________________________________________________________________________________ __________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ __________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ __________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ AmountDonated$________________GivenBy_____________________________________________________________________________ PleasedeliverDlowersto:_____________________________________________________________________________________________ Feelfreetouseanextrasheetofpaperifnecessary.Pleaseprintneatly. MakecheckpayabletoLPPC,notation“Deacon’sFlowerFund”. DeadlineforinclusionintheChristmasFlowerBookletis Sunday,December7,2014. Thankyou Page 14 Hilltop Highlights Importantend-of-the-yearmessagesfromtheDinancialofDice… Toensurethedeductibilityofyourchurchcontributions,pleasedonot0ileyour2014incometaxreturnuntil youhavereceivedawrittenacknowledgementofyourcontributions(yearendgivingstatement)fromthechurch. WewillmakeeveryefforttohavethesestatementsmailedbytheendofJanuary,2015.Pleasereviewthis statementcarefullyandcontactthechurchofDiceinatimelymannerwithanychangesneeded.Please alsoDilethisdocumentwithyourtaxinformationsoyouwillhaveittodoyourtaxreturn! The2014PerCapitais$24.90foreachmember.ThismoneyisusedbythePhiladelphiaPresbytery,theSynod oftheTrinityandtheGeneralAssemblyofthePresbyterianChurchduringtheyeartofurtherGod’skingdomon earthandtohelpfundprogramsthatreachoutintothe worldinmanyways.Ifyouareuncertainwhetheryouhave paidyourPerCapitaamountforthisyear,pleasecontact WendyTodd. Weeklyandmonthlygivingenvelopesareavailablefor pick-upinWilliamsHall.Ifyouforeseeachangeinyour patternofgivingfor2015(forinstance,ifyouhadbeen assignedmonthlygivingenvelopesbutyouwouldpreferto giveweekly)pleasecontactWendyTodd.Ifyouhavenot beenassignedenvelopesin2014andwouldlikethemfor 2015orifyouprefertogiveinanon-routinemannerand wouldprefernottohaveenvelopes,pleasecontactWendy [email protected] regularvisitor,youcanrequestgivingenvelopeseven thoughyouarenotamemberofLPPC.Ifyouareconcerned abouthavingarecordofyourbenevolencegivingfortax purposes,callWendyToddandrequestenvelopessothat thechurchof0icecanrecordyourgivingandsendperiodical givingstatements. LOWER PROVIDENCE PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH - 2015 Pledge Card “A city built on a hill cannot be hid.” ~Matthew 5:14 Name_______________________________________ Address_____________________________________ City__________________ State_____ Zip________ Email________________________________________ Signature_____________________ Date_________ Important!ContributionsreceivedintheofDice postmarkedthroughDecember31,2014willbe creditedto2014.Anydonationsreceivedafterthis datewillbecreditedto2015.Pleasekeepthisinmind whenmakingend-of-yearcontributionsthatyouwantto showasdeductionsonyour20140inancialstatements. In gratitude of God’s blessings: I/we pledge: $_____________ per Ifyouwishtogivestocktothechurchaspartofyourendof-yeargiving,pleasecontactthechurchof0iceASAPsothat planscanbemadewithJohnKnox,ChurchTreasurer, beforetheendoftheyear. It’snottoolatetosubmityour20150inancialpledge! Sessionwillbevotingonthe2015budgetintheirnext meetingandanyadditionalinformationandpledgeswill maketheirjobeasier.Canyouhelpmakeourlightshine brighteronthisHill?Pleaseconsidercompletingthepledge cardandmailingittoWendyTodd,ifyouhaven’tdoneso already.Oryoumaysendasecureandcon0identialemailto [email protected] maypledgetothegeneralfundorthebuildingfundorboth. AllpledgesareduebyMonday,December15,2014. Week___ Month___ Quarter___ Year___ To the General Fund I/we also pledge $________ per Week___ Month___ Quarter___ Year___ to the Building Fund You are invited to place your completed pledge card in the offering plate or mail it to Wendy Todd, 3050 West Ridge Pike, Eagleville PA 19403. www.lppcmin.org Hilltop Highlights PresbyterianSeniors “Lord, You have been our dwelling place in all generations” Psalm 90: 1 Page 15 PresbyterianSeniorsAnnualLuncheon Thursday,January15,2015 12:00noonto2:00pm WilliamsHall It’s “kickoff” time for the new season. Hear about the great trips or programs we have planned for 2015! The Presbyterian Senior’s activities are for those 55 years and over. LPPC members and their friends can join us on our traveling adventures! Cost: $5.00 per person, payable at the door Deadline: Sunday, January 4, 2015 Please complete the slip below and return it to Carole Gaugler’s or Pat Rittenhouse’s church mailbox or the church of0ice by Sunday, January 4, 2015. If you have any questions contact: Carole Gaugler, 610-539-6481, Pat Rittenhouse, 215-362-3076 or Sam Seymour, 610-539-6635. AnnualPresbyterianSeniorsLuncheon Thursday,January15,2015 Name: ______________________________________________________________________________________ Phone: _____________________________________________________________________________________ Number Attending: _______________________________________________________________________ Amount Enclosed: ________________________________________________________________________ Place in Carole Gaugler’s or Pat Rittenhouse’s church mailbox or return to the church of0ice. Lower Providence Presbyterian Church, 3050 W. Ridge Pike, Eagleville PA 19403, 610-539-6635 Hilltop Highlights Page 16 18 LynnBennett DaveBrandau Ted&HeatherMingle- 21stAnniversary JesseandAmySchnelzer- 10thAnniversary 19 SarahJaneLobb DaveandJanetSmith- 50thAnniversary December 20 QuinnAdams NancyCare AmandaKnight 1 3 4 5 6 7 8 DebWittenberg PatMorris RonCuster JonDeininger ErnieWebb MadelineAlderfer AllanCare CherylKelly EmilySykes SusanRosone NikkiKing 10 RichSedlak JohnZollers 11 MillieMcPhillips StephanieWorth 12 LaurenEngelman JeannineMason SusanRyan DougandSueBerg- 44thAnniversary 13 MikeWaters 14 KaitlynAsher MattCowper KimberlyMiller 15 RayandKathrynHorning- 69thAnniversary 16 SteveandBeckyKrisko- 47thAnniversary 17 DanWalden-Turek 21 RosemarieNeilsen JeffandGinaKratz- 18thAnniversary DanandRuthWalden-Turek 23rdAnniversary 22 PatRittenhouse LisaVitelli 23 ChipHeyser StuKerr ErinMasters BobandLindaHottenstein- 47thAnniversary 24 RonCole ElsieDascoli PoulNielsen 25 MaryAhlfeld BrandiChawaga CaroleGaugler 26 BethAnneSmith 27 AmySchaeffer AllenandTinaPannell- 54thAnniversary 28 MaryJaneDuBree SeanMcGranahan JoeandMelissaRose- 1stAnniversary And the beginning of January… 1 2 3 6 7 8 ShannonKidd BillyMcNett EdSchulzIII KathrynHorning TomMincavage DonnaSchulz AndyBiscotti EricaBoegly BryanPersons MichaelWaters CarolineDeininger BobbieMonaco JackDascher 10 RachelBrubaker ColinLadson 11 MelAntal StephenFerich JimMoser 12ThelmaWhittaker 13 14 15 BillDuBree KathiRees SarahRambo JaneVitelli ScottWhitman TylerMcEvoy LarryRahmer AmySchnelzer 29 RickHerr 30 DaveHacker FredaScatchard 31 DonnaBiscotti WayneDavis PattieHalpin Wayne&DebbieBenner-Davis -13thAnniversary If your celebration is not listed and you would like it to be, please call the Church of6ice, 610-539-6635, or [email protected]. This list is by request only. Hilltop Highlights Page 17 B ELOWarethemostrecentupdatesto yourchurchtelephonedirectory.Simply cutalongthelines,punchholesatthecircles, andinsertthispageinthebackofyour directory.Youmaythenwanttoputasimple note(suchas“12/14”)inthemaindirectory wheretheoriginaladdressisorwouldbe locatedtoalertyourselftolookforanupdateonthe“DirectoryUpdates- December,2014”page. DIRECTORYUPDATESDecember,2014 Newmembersareunderlined BEACH,Shirley* [email protected] CLEAVER,Erika* Nolan,Brynn,Declan 37OaklynAve EaglevillePA19403 610-539-5307 DAVIS,Wayne*andDebbie* Wayne’semail: [email protected] DELONG,Philip*&Elizabeth* Anna 26BrendaLane NorristownPA19403 610-413-8525 Philip’semail: [email protected] Elizabeth’semail: [email protected] GOLDEN,Dotty* [email protected] SCHOOLEY,Mike*&Kristen* 1176BaylessPlace EaglevillePA19403 484-674-7709 Mike’semail: [email protected] Kristen’semail: [email protected] TRIPP,Harold*&Grace* 2511CampRockHillRd QuakertownPA18951 WINBUSH,Stephanie* Jhane,Jhaneesah,Agustin,Justin, Stephon,Elijah,Hamin 624GeorgeStreet NorristownPA19401 267-235-1307 WORTH,Joshua&Stephanie* Aria 222WestFifthAve. CollegevillePA19426-2524 Stephanie’semailaddress: [email protected] HUSTIS,Bruce&Nancy* 107SloanRoad PhoenixvillePA19460 Stephanie’saddressinKuwait: 610-933-6736 Nancy’semail:[email protected] CPTStephanieWorth 3rdSustainmentBrigade LENZI,Brandi* APOAE09366 8HighlandAve. EaglevillePA19408 MOVING? LERSCH,Edward*&Mariam* 414MorganDrive RoyersfordPA19468-1879 SCANDLE,Robert*&Michelle* Rob’semail: RScandle32yahoo.com Pleasegiveanyinformationchanges suchasname,newaddress, telephonenumberor e-mailaddresstothechurchof0ice at610-539-6635or [email protected]. To everyone at LPPC, Many thanks for the care and concern I received after my knee replacements. The 6lowers were gorgeous - beautiful fall arrangement and long-lasting. Thanks also for cards, calls, and visit by both Pastors Sam and Ted. It’s good to have a church family. Sincerely, Joan Boytim A huge thank you to the hostesses, models, men servers, our photographer and all who attended the Candlelight Tea and Fashion Show on October 24. What a special blessing it was as Julie Henning shared her testimony of God’s protection and leading in her life. Diana, Judy, and Pat Dear LPPC family, Thank you to everyone (donors and helpers) who helped to make our fall blood drive a success. Our 6inal count was 36 pints. Think of all the people that will help! The Red Cross and I appreciate your participation and we hope to see you again in the spring. Blessings, Pat O'Reilly Deacon Thank you so much for helping to provide the special Thanksgiving Dinner for the St. John Soup Kitchen! This outreach is so appreciated by the Soup Kitchen staff and the people who receive this wonderful dinner. It is a joy to give God thanks for all the wonderful blessings in our lives and to lift up those in need. You are amazing! The Serving Committee Hilltop Highlights Page 18 Rev.WilliamHeilmandied peacefullyonOctober10,2014just elevendaysshortofhis99th birthday.Healwayslooked forwardtoreceivingthemonthly newsletterasitbroughtback manymemoriesandkepthimin touchwiththenewandwonderful happeningsinthechurchfamilyat LowerProvidence. Irecentlyranacrossacopyofa newspaperclippingwithapicture fromApril9,1951“ChurchSchool CornerstoneLaidatLower Providence”withapicture showingthemortarbeingapplied andthestoneliftedintoplacein whatwasthenthenew building.Hekeptmementoesall oftheseyearsandthatisevidence ofthehappyandmeaningfultimes inhispastorallifefrom1946 throughtheearly1950s. ~ElizabethHeilman DIRECTORYUPDATESDecember,2014 OURCOLLEGESTUDENTADDRESSES COSGRIFF,Sean* 444-1 NMary LancasterPA17604 HARNER,Brett* 1738FristCenter PrincetonUniversity PrincetonNJ08544 HARNER,Kerri* BucknellUniversity 701MooreAve,C-2248 LewisburgPA17837 KEARNEY,Wes* BloomsburgUniversity 400E.2ndSt. ElwellBldg,Room718Box2082 BloomsburgPA17815 KNAUSS,Garrett* 10BuickStreet Box8314(correctionofpreviousbox#) BostonMA02215 RAMBO,Sarah* KONKOLY,Karen* Attn:SarahRambo LehighUniversity MariaReginaHallRoom114 Box3834 MolloyCollege 4CampusSquare 1000HempsteadAve. Bethlehem,PA18015 RockvilleCentreNY11571 KONKOLY,Michelle* 3604ReservoirRoadNW Washington,DC20007 PANETTIERI,Bethany* 1SouthGeorgeStreet 103CSouthsideSuites MillersvilleUniversity MillersvillePA17551 TODD,Eric* BucknellUniversity 701MooreAvenue,C1820 LewisburgPA17837 TODD,Kevin* 4612TruroPlace PittsburghPA15213 Hilltop Highlights Page 19 HilltopHighlights LowerProvidencePresbyterianChurch 3050W.RidgePike Eagleville,PA19403-1581 NON-PROFITORG. U.S.POSTAGE PAID SOUTHEASTERN,PA PERMITNO.6555 ADDRESSSERVICEREQUESTED SeniorPastor:Rev.TedMingle PastoralAssociate:Rev.SamuelJ.Seymour PastorEmeritus:Rev.RobertL.Schmidt Telephonenumbers: Churchof0ice-610-539-6635 FAX#-610-630-0656 [email protected] Website-www.lppcmin.org ChurchofDicehours: 9amto5pmMonday-Friday Sunday,December7 8:30and11:00am SecondSundayofAdvent LightingoftheAdventCandles Luke1:26-38 “TheMiracleofMary’sObedience” Rev.TedMingle,preaching December WorshipSchedule Sundaymorningworship 8:30and11:00am SundaySchool 9:45am OnDecember28,2014 OneWorshipService at9:45am NoSundaySchool Sunday,December14 8:30and11:00am SecondSundayofAdvent LightingoftheAdventCandles Luke1:57-66,67-80 “TheMiracleofZechariah’sSong” Rev.TedMingle,preaching Sunday,December21 8:30and11:00am ThirdSundayofAdvent LightingoftheAdventCandles ChristmasMusicSunday ”CanticleofJoy” ChancelChoir& InstrumentalEnsemble Sunday,December21 4:30pm LongestNightServiceinAtrium LedbyRev.SamuelJ.Seymour Wednesday,December24- ChristmasEve 5:00pm FamilyChristmasEveCelebration LiveNativity-allchildrenare invitedtoparticipate 7:30pm ChristmasEveCandlelightService SonriseRingers,ChancelChoir Luke2:1-20 “TheMiracleofJesus” Rev.TedMingle,preaching 10:00pm ChristmasEveCandlelightService HilltopRingers,ChancelChoir Luke2:1-20 “TheMiracleofJesus” Rev.TedMingle,preaching Sunday,December28 9:45am OneServiceOnly NoSundaySchool Rev.SamuelJ.Seymour,preaching
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