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The Connection
Pickens Presbyterian Church
December 2014
311 W. Main St. Pickens, SC 29671  (864) 878-9422  www.pickenspresbyterian.org  [email protected]
Beloved Friends,
It is hard to believe that December is already here! We are once again in the midst of an Advent
season, a time of reflection, repentance, anticipation and celebration of the birth of our Lord and
Savior. We also prepare for Jesus Christ’s second coming. This year, as in the past, we have many
different ways to help you reflect, prepare and celebrate God’s new ways and new light in our lives.
Please look through this newsletter and notice all that the church is offering this season of Advent.
This year, we are having a Service of Christmas Music on December 7. Amy and I will be hosting a
reception in All Saints’ Hall afterwards. We would love for all of you to come fellowship and enjoy
your church family as we continue the celebration of Advent.
The time before Christmas is so hectic and stressful we sometimes think Christmas is something
different than it really is. Christmas is the celebration of God becoming incarnate. Christmas is the
time we give praise to God for the gift of Jesus Christ to the world. Christmas is the time we renew
our faith in Jesus Christ and allow the Holy Spirit to penetrate our lives and our hearts. To help with
this journey during Advent, I encourage you to read and study an Advent devotional book during this
season. Members of our church family have created a wonderful book. Youth and adults have written
devotions and children have drawn precious pictures. This is truly a gift from your church family.
Please take time to read and study this devotional book. They are available at the church or on-line at
http://issuu.com/pickenspresbyterian/docs/2014_advent_devotional_book.docx/1.
God sent Jesus to save the world! God sent Jesus to reconcile humans to God and to each other. This
Advent season, let us reflect on our relationship with God and others. If we have broken relationships
with others then our relationship with God is not whole. Let us change that during this season. Let us
mend broken relationships. Have those conversations with those you have put off. Sometimes this
kind of mending can be very difficult, but God through the Holy Spirit can give you strength and
guidance. We are preparing for the second coming of Jesus Christ. One of my professors, Dr. Mark
Allan Powell, wrote of the second coming of Jesus Christ, “The ‘second coming’ should not be simply
a doctrine to which we officially subscribe (mentioning it in the creeds); it should be a defining reality
that impacts our faith and lives.” Let us live life as if Jesus is returning tomorrow. Are our
relationships with others where we want them to be? Are they where we believe Jesus would like them
to be? Let us live into the hope of better relationships during this Advent season. With Christ all is
possible!
Blessings and Peace,
Nath
1
Celebrating Advent
Awaiting and Celebrating Christ’s Birth at Pickens Presbyterian Church
November 30th
December 3rd
December 5th
December 6th
December 7th
December 13th
December 14th
December 16th
December 19th
December 21st
December 24th
December 25th
First Sunday of Advent
Christmas Pageant Practice following worship
Advent Devotional Books are available
6:00pm Fifth Sunday Healing and Wholeness Service
Advent Festival at 5:45pm in All Saints’ Hall
Winter Warmth Set-Up Work Day at Pickens Rec Center
8:00am – 1:00pm - Winter Warmth Clothing Drive at Pickens Rec Center
Second Sunday of Advent
Deadline for Memorials and Honorariums for the Poinsettia Fund
Decorating the church cemetery with wreaths
Youth Christmas Shopping for adopted children following worship
5:00pm A Service of Christmas Music and Christmas Reception
9:00am-11:00am Child Development Center Breakfast with Santa in ASH
Third Sunday of Advent
Christmas Pageant Practice following worship
5:30pm - Youth Christmas Parties
Christmas Jam at 7:00pm in the Choir Room
Family Movie Night at 7:00pm – The Nativity Story
Fourth Sunday of Advent
9:00am - Christmas Breakfast in ASH (No Sunday School Classes)
11:00am – Lessons and Carols
Christmas Pageant Practice following worship
5:30pm – Christmas Eve Pageant and Candlelight Service
11:00pm – Christmas Eve Candlelight and Communion Service
MERRY CHRISTMAS!
ADVENT FESTIVAL
Please join us for our annual Advent festival on
Wednesday, December 3rd at 5:45pm in All Saints’ Hall.
Christmas Music and Movies
Christmas Jam! Every Third Tuesday we gather at the church at 7:00pm to enjoy fellowship and
music. All are welcome. Bring an instrument or come ready to sing along. This month we are having a
“Christmas Jam!” Bring a Christmas song to share! (A song sheet with lyrics and chords is helpful.)
This month we will meet on Tuesday, December 16th, at 7:00pm.
Family Movie Night: Our next Family Movie Night will be
Friday, December 19th at 7:00pm in All Saints’ Hall. We will be
watching The Nativity Story! All are welcome to attend these
fun evenings of fellowship! You are encouraged to bring a drink
to share, and you are welcome to bring your own comfortable
camping chair. Popcorn and paper products are provided.
Christmas Breakfast
We will have our annual Christmas Breakfast in All Saints’ Hall on December 22nd at
9:00am! Come enjoy a delicious breakfast feast prepared by Tina LaFoy and enjoy
spending time with your church family.
Regular Sunday School classes will not meet on the morning of the Christmas Breakfast.
Christmas Eve Worship Services
Christmas Eve Christmas Pageant and Candlelight Service
December 24, 2014 at 5:30pm
Christmas Eve Communion and Candlelight Service
December 24, 2014 at 11:00pm
Winter Warmth Clothing Drive
We will have our annual Winter Warmth project on Saturday,
December 6, 2014 at Pickens Recreation Department. We will have a
workday on Friday, December 5, 2014. Please donate your gently
used winter coats and sweaters. We also need blue jeans, clothing for
infants, toddlers, and children, as well as shoes, t-shirts and any extralarge winter items. Donations are to be dropped off at the yellow house
next to the church; a box is located on the front porch. We are in need
of volunteers.
Poinsettia Fund
Beginning on November 9th, we will be receiving memorials and honorariums for
the Poinsettia Service Fund. Rather than purchasing many poinsettias to decorate our
sanctuary, several poinsettias will be purchased and the funds from the memorials and
honorariums will be used to support our church’s Service Fund. Envelopes will be
available in the pew racks and may be placed in the offering plate thru December 7th.
A bulletin insert listing all the memorials and honorariums will be in the bulletin on
December 14th and 21st. Thank you for your generosity.
Message for Stewardship 2015
Thanks to all that have made their commitments for 2015. We encourage those people who wish to
pledge their time, talents, and financial help to please turn them in soon. The committees are beginning
to develop plans for God's work in this Church and community.
Women’s Circle
The Eve Circle will meet on Monday, December 1st at 6:30pm at the church. The Sarah Emily Circle
will meet on Tuesday, December 3rd at 11:00am at the church hosted by Arvilla Stoddard and Aubrey
Righetti. Rev. Nath Briley will lead the study.
Sunday School Advent Studies
Each of our adult Sunday school classes are studying special series for the season of Advent. The
Ashers are supplementing their current study, Meeting Jesus, with the study Advent of the Savior, led
by Gaye Mouritzen in the Session Room. The Fellowship Class is studying Christmas is Not Your
Birthday, led by Rev. Nath Briley and Amy Briley in the Library. The Hope Class is using a DVD
study of The Journey, led by Bob and Bert Allison in the Parlor. The Seekers are using a DVD study of
Advent Conspiracy, led by Jo Anne Gessell in the McJunkin Room. The study of When God Comes
Down taught by Larry and Anne Jennings is in The Carmical Room. All are encouraged to take part in
a study during this special season.
Our children and youth Sunday school classes are continuing weekly. Bring your children to
Sunday school!
Youth News
YOUTH SCHEDULE:
December 7 – Christmas Shopping after worship. (Bring money for lunch.)
December 14 – Youth Christmas Parties – The Senior High Party will be at Ken and Karen Roper’s
home. The location of the Junior High Party will be announced soon.
December 21 – No Youth Meeting
December 28 – No Youth Meeting
Cookies for College Students
We will be sending cookies to the college students for them to enjoy during their
exams. We will be packing and mailing them on Monday, December 8th at
10:00am. We invite you to bake your favorite cookies and deliver them to the
church on Sunday, December 7th or on Monday, December 8th before 10:00am.
Please indicate that they are for the college students. Your participation will be
appreciated! Small tins are also needed. Please inform the church office of
mailing addresses for college students.
Breakfast with Santa
Santa is coming to Pickens Presbyterian Church on Saturday, December 14th from
9:00am-11:00am! Bring your children, your grandchildren or just come and join us
in this festive occasion. Have sausage and pancakes ($6.00 per person, children 4
and under eat free!) and enjoy the children as they talk to Santa, all while supporting
our Child Development Center. Hope to see you there!
The Dream Center: Santa Shoppe
The Dream Center has opened the Santa Shoppe, where needy folks can shop for their own children
using vouchers earned by attending various classes. There is a need for workers to help at the Shoppe
and also with childcare while parents are shopping, and with gift wrapping. Call 864-644-8885 for the
schedule. Thanks for considering helping the “least among us."
Family Promise
The Family Promise homeless ministry continues to be hugely successful, with a family transitioning
out and new familiars entering. During the week of Christmas and the week after, the churches who
have volunteered to provide space for the homeless guests have asked for assistance with meals and
overnight hosting. Please consider giving food or time. Contact Jo Anne Gessell to volunteer. Our
next host weeks at PPC are scheduled for the weeks of March 15 and May 17. Our volunteers are
excited to be providing hospitality to homeless families again, along with our associate churches who
want to continue to help.
Samaritan’s Purse
Pictured here are the 88 Samaritan’s Purse
shoeboxes that were delivered to the local
assembly location at Mt Carmel Baptist Church
near Dacusville. What a great way to bring joy
and the Good News of Jesus Christ to children in
need of hope. Millions of children around the
world are refugees of civil war, survivors of a
natural disaster, or victims of extreme poverty.
Our prayers and gifts are a blessing. “Whoever
receives one of these little children in My name
receives Me,” (Mark 9:37)
New Sanctuary Windows
In November the Sanctuary windows were replaced with new, energy-efficient windows. Thank you to
the Building and Grounds Committee for their work on this project.
5
RECHARGe
As part of our church’s effort to “Be Connected” in 2014, the Session authorized the formation of a
new focus group composed of parents of children and youth. This focus group, RECHARGe
(REformed CHurch Always ReforminG), was intended to provide valuable insight to assist the
Christian Education Committee and the Session in considering how to best to meet the needs of our
young families. Based upon survey results and conversations with members of this demographic, CE
offered several new programs over the summer and a new format for Wonderful Wednesday was
tested this October. Yet, we continue to struggle with meeting the needs of today’s families. The
members of the Christian Education Committee believe that Pickens Presbyterian Church should play
a more significant role in helping us discern God’s will for our families during these challenging times.
Driven by this belief, we asked the Session to authorize the expansion of the focus group to include all
members and friends of Pickens Presbyterian Church. The Session approved this expansion.
We now invite each of you to participate in the RECHARGe focus group by completing a survey. The
survey may be completed online at https://www.surveymonkey.com/s/GYHZH25 or by picking up a
copy from the church office. The survey is completely anonymous, and we appreciate any information
that will help us tailor our offerings to fit the needs of families. Even if you have completed the survey
previously, we ask that you complete it again. Please return the survey to the church office or
complete it electronically before January 31, 2015.
It is our hope that by gathering information, we can begin the process of better addressing the needs of
today’s families.
The Christian Education Committee
Open Book, Open Mind
“Open Book, Open Mind,” The Thursday morning, 10:00 AM, PPC Book Club, will begin a new
selection very soon: Seeking Allah, Finding Jesus: A Devout Muslim Encounters Christianity by
Nabeel Qureshi (starting date to be announced). We welcome new members to our group! Books will
be ordered soon ($13.00) If you are interested in joining us, people contact Barbara Caruthers (8687354; [email protected]) to reserve a copy.
Thank You Notes
We would like to express our heartfelt gratitude for the prayers, cards, and many acts of love and
kindness following the death of Frances Harden. She loved this church, and we are blessed to be a part
of such a caring congregation. - Rocky and June Harden
December Birthdays
1
4
5
6
7
10
11
17
19
Olivia Fowler
Buddy Marsh
Anna Chastain, Jerod Ferguson
George Boney Sr
Jane Townsend
Jay Pence
Mara Chamlee
Jonathan Haines
Tyler Looper
20
22
23
24
25
26
28
30
Peter Gitto
Louise Hope
Patti Rivers
Nevaeh Harden
Jo Anne Gessell
Liz Stokes
Tricia Gettys
Patricia Staubach
6
Nath and Amy Briley
cordially invite you,
members and friends of Pickens Presbyterian,
and your family
to a
Christmas Reception
on
Sunday, December 7, 2014
at
6:00pm
in
All Saints’ Hall
following the
Service of Christmas Music
in the Sanctuary at 5:00pm.
We look forward to seeing you and your family!
“And the angel said to them, “Fear not, for behold,
I bring you good tidings of great joy
that will be for all the people.” Luke 2:10
7
CAbi Holiday 2014 Trunk Show
Treat yourself and guests to an afternoon of fashion and fun while
supporting a worthy cause!
Hosted By:
Leslie Flynn and Robin Giddings
Saturday, December 6th
1:00 pm – 4:00 pm
The Parlor at Pickens Presbyterian Church
Preview the Fall Collection: www.wendygiblin.cabionline.com
Items purchased on Dec. 6th will be delivered in time for Christmas
All Proceeds will be donated to
FAMILY PROMISE
OF PICKENS COUNTY
and
Every item purchased during the show will be matched with an
item given to a women in need
8
Our Church Family
“I have not stopped giving thanks for you, remembering you in my prayers.” Ephesians 1:16
Please remember the following in your prayers.
Members:
Susan Acker
Pat Boney
Jean Bryson
Marian Givens
Jeanne Hagood
Al and Bonnie Henderson
Musette Hoefer
Jonathan Holder
Donna Nabors
Mal Newton
Family and Friends of Members:
Betty, friend of Roy and Arvilla Stoddard
Brenda Fishpaw, aunt of Tina LaFoy
Carolyn Webb, mother of Cyndi Banks
Chris Ferguson, husband of Maria Ferguson
Chrisey Lowe, cousin of Lisa Thomas
Eleanor Hawkins, mother of Debbie Teeple
Gwyneth Tilley, mother of Leo Tilley
Inka Josefson, mother of Len
Kali Rivers, granddaughter of Patti Rivers
Kim, daughter of Patti Rivers
Margaret Taylor, cousin of Tina Lafoy
Mary Lucas, aunt of Patti Rivers
Pat Garrett, brother of Della Black
Ruby Holliday, mother of Paula Owens
Thomas and Jamey Dodd, in-laws of Cheryl Reece
Grieving:
The family and friends of Fran Harden
The family and friends of Dick Myers
Hank Owens
Taylor Owens
Cheryl Reece
Wil and Anna Simmons
Lucia Spratt
Arvilla Stoddard
Mack Swayngham
Bill Taylor
Kent Townsend
In the Armed Forces:
Alexander Burgess, Air Force, Zig Borough’s grandson
Ryan Buurman, Air Force, Korea, Carol Marsh’s
grandson
Matthew Engel, Army, USA, Aubrey Righetti’s
grandson
Jack Folger IV, Army, USA, Fort Riley, Kansas, great
nephew of Jay and Dot Pence
Pat Hanley, long time recovery from injuries sustained in
Iraq, Zig Borough’s grandson’s friend
Rebecca Harper, Army, daughter of Richard and Jennie
Harper
John Hyland, long time recovery from injuries sustained
in Iraq, former PPC member
Erica Shehan’s husband
Michael Maynard, Army, USA, David & Kathy
Chamlee’s nephew
Zack Shuler, Air Force, in England, Raymond &
Margaret Dawkins grandson
Victor Wade, Air Force, USA, Al & Bonnie Henderson’s
grandson
Missionaries and Mission Partners:
Peru – David and Marilyn Simmons
Michael and Tiffany Simmons
Todd, Stephanie, Naia, Anya, & Kaitlin Edgar
Ghana - The towns of Donkorkrom and Mpraeso
Please call the church office, 864-878-9422, when a concern needs to be added to or taken away from the list.
Thank You.
9
Serving One Another
Flowers
Ushers and Greeters
December
7 Poinsettias
14 Poinsettias
21 Poinsettias
28 Poinsettias
The Townsend Family
Beadle
Sanctuary Guild
December
7 Jonathan Haines
14 Kristen Blackwood
21 Debbie Carmical
28 Charles Briley
Communion Set-Up
Children’s Church
December
7 Martha Brooks
14 Meg Cole
21 Nancy Goldsmith
28 Jessica Haines
Children’s Moment
December
7 Rev. Nath Briley
14 Bill Ranson
21 Jessica Varney
28 Jo Anne Gessell
Pulpit Elder
December
7 Larry Jennings
14 Matt Varney
21 Nancy Goldsmith/Allison Ranson
28 Mary Sue Day/Roger Gettys
Sunday Morning Refreshments
December
7 Louise Hope
14 Bess Swayngham
21 Christmas Breakfast
28 Joe and Barbara Christopher
Crisis and Celebration Coordinator
Mary Sue Day
Cyndi Banks and Mary Gaillard
Bill and Allison Ranson
Sunday School Superintendent
Jessica Haines and Karen Roper
Youth Meals
December
7 Christmas shopping following worship
14 Christmas parties
21 No youth meeting
28 No Youth meeting
DECEMBER 2014
Sunday
Monday
1
11:00 AM Centering
Prayer
1:30 PM Ministry for
Caregivers
7:00 PM Eve Circle
Meeting
7
9:30 AM Sunday School
10:30 AM Fellowship
11:00 AM Worship
12:30 PM Youth Fellowship-Christmas
Shopping
3:00 PM Elder Training
5:00 PM Christmas Music Program
6:00 PM Nath and Amy's Christmas
Reception in ASH
14
9:30 AM Sunday School
10:30 AM Fellowship
11:00 AM Worship
3:00 PM Elder Training
5:30 PM Youth Fellowship-Christmas
Parties
21
9:00 AM Christmas Breakfast
10:30 AM Fellowship
11:00 AM Worship
28
9:30 AM Sunday School
10:30 AM Fellowship
11:00 AM Worship
12:30 PM Session Meeting
8
9:00 AM Christmas
Cookies for College
Students
11:00 AM Centering
Prayer
1:30 PM Ministry for
Caregivers
3:00 PM Cannon
Set-up
15
11:00 AM Centering
Prayer
1:30 PM Ministry for
Caregivers
6:30 PM CDC
Christmas Party
22
11:00 AM Centering
Prayer
1:30 PM Ministry for
Caregivers
29
11:00 AM Centering
Prayer
1:30 PM Ministry for
Caregivers
Tuesday
2
9:00 AM Jane B Morris
Service Fund
11:00 AM Sarah Emily
Circle
5:00 PM CDV Class
6:00 PM CDC Training
6:30 PM Christian
Education Meeting
9
9:00 AM Cannon Auxiliary
Banquet
9:00 AM Jane B Morris
Service Fund
5:00 PM CDV Class
6:30 PM Worship
Committee
16
9:00 AM Jane B Morris
Service Fund
5:00 PM CDV Class
7:00 PM Christmas Music
Jam
23
9:00 AM Jane B Morris
Service Fund
5:00 PM CDV Class
30
9:00 AM Jane B Morris
Service Fund
5:00 PM CDV Class
Wednesday
3
9:45 AM CDC Children's Chapel
10:30 AM Bible Study
12:00 PM Rotary
6:00 PM Advent Festival
7:00 PM Choir Practice
10
9:45 AM CDC Children's Chapel
10:30 AM Bible Study
12:00 PM Rotary
5:00 PM Evangelism and
Membership Meeting
7:00 PM Choir Practice
17
9:45 AM CDC Children's Chapel
10:30 AM Bible Study
12:00 PM Rotary
7:00 PM Choir Practice
Thursday
4
9:00 AM CDC PreFoster Service Training
10:00 AM Book Club
11
9:00 AM CDC PreFoster Service Training
10:00 AM Book Club
6:30 PM Mission and
Outreach Meeting
18
10:00 AM Book Club
6:30 PM Family
Promise Coordinators
meeting
Friday
5
8:00 AM Winter
Warmth Clothing
Giveaway
1:00 PM Cabi
Trunk Show in the
Parlor
3:00 PM Nikki
Anthony Hope-Baby
Shower
12
13
OFFICE CLOSED
9:00 AM Breakfast
with Santa
12:00 PM Black
Family Reunion
19
20
OFFICE CLOSED
7:00 PM Christmas
Movie Night
25
26
OFFICE CLOSED Christmas Eve
5:30 PM Christmas Pageant and
Candlelight Service
11:00 PM Christmas Eve
Communion and Candlelight
Service
CLOSED Christmas
Day
OFFICE CLOSED
31
1
2
CLOSED New Year’s
Day
10:00 AM Book Club
VIEW OUR ONLINE CALENDAR ANYTIME: http://73970421.view-events.com
6
OFFICE CLOSED
8:30 AM Winter
Warmth Set-Up
24
9:45 AM CDC Children's Chapel
10:30 AM Bible Study
7:00 PM Choir Practice
Saturday
OFFICE CLOSED
27
3
Pickens Presbyterian Church
311 West Main Street
P.O. Box 834
Pickens, SC 29671
(864) 878-9422
[email protected]
www.pickenspresbyterian.org
www.twitter.com/PickensPres
www.facebook.com/PickensPresbyterian
Ministers: All Members of the Church • Pastor: Rev. Nath
Briley • Parish Associate: Rev. Beverly Kelly • Director of
Christian Education and Communications: Jessica Varney •
Administrative Assistant: Mackenzie Owens • Choir Director:
Ashley Dodgens • Organist: Donna Nabors • The Session:
Cyndi Banks, John Blackwood, Bill Caruthers, Mary Sue Day,
Roger Gettys, Nancy Goldsmith, Jessica Haines, Richard
Harper, Larry Jennings, Len Josefson, Ralph Perkins, Allison
Ranson, Tom Smith, Kay Tilley, Matthew Varney
December 2014 Official Monthly Newsletter of Pickens Presbyterian Church
THE CONNECTION
Join us on Sundays!  Sunday School: 9:30am  Worship: 11:00am
The Connection is published monthly to inform members and friends about the life of Pickens
Presbyterian Church. Please submit newsletter articles by the 20th of each month (email articles to
[email protected]). Thank You!