December 2006
From the Pastor:
As you begin this season of Advent will you think about what is the most important thing in your life. Have your expectations of work, family, and faith been fulfilled? Or have you experienced unfulfilled dreams throughout the past year?
Advent gives us an opportunity to reflect on the centrality of our Christian faith. But what is that you might think? The centrality of our faith affirms that the birth of the One who came over 2000 years ago brought about salvation for all of us.
But what if Jesus had never been born? Where would we be? These profound theological questions challenge us to reflect on what the Messiah means to us. The reality is many today celebrate Christmas not because it has any profound religious meaning, but rather because tradition dictates that we celebrate it.
Have you asked yourself why it is you celebrate Christmas? Is it tradition? Is it because everybody else does? Is it because it provides you one more opportunity to receive presents from the people around you?
Advent gives us an opportunity to reflect on the true meaning of Christmas. It helps us prepare our hearts to receive Christ the King with a sense of expectation. It reminds us that when we receive the Christ child our lives can never be the same. Advent challenges us to look at our lives and the blessings we have received throughout the year as gifts from God too.
It is my belief that when we see our lives as gifts from God, then our attitudes about what we have received throughout the year change. So instead of thinking of things like work, family, and even faith as entitlements, we see them as the precious gifts that they truly are.
Last month I talked about the gift of faith the Amish shared with the whole world. The gift of their faith produced the kind of forgiveness toward the person who committed crimes against their children, that we hadn’t seen expressed in our western world for quite some time. The Amish had truly experienced the miracle of the manger in their lives and so can we.
The question is how. How can we prepare our hearts to experience the miracle of the manger? Let me suggest that in order to experience this miracle you begin by engaging in a personal journey of self reflection. Ask yourself whether the birth of Christ means anything to you. If it does, reflect on its meaning and share it with others. Take the time to tell others, as did the shepherds on that awesome night, of the significance of the birth of the Christ child.
If you haven't a clue whether the birth of our Savior means anything to you, instead of participating in all the secular parties of the season, take the time you would spend in those celebrations to serve others instead. Remember that the Christ child came to offer hope to the poor, to set the captives free, and to proclaim the year of the Lord. You too can do that at work, home, and within this community of faith. Remember that Jesus said that when you serve the least of them, we in a sense are serving him.
When was the last time you shared the good news with others about the meaning of Christmas? This year I challenge you to make the season of Advent a time of growth and renewal. I challenge you to look at your life as a gift. I challenge you to see the blessings in your life and to offer a word of thanks for them.
Don’t allow the vices of consumerism to captivate your time and your heart this year. Instead offer yourself to God and follow the lead of the Christ child. By doing this perhaps your attitude about life might change. Perhaps your expectations of work, family, and faith will become exactly what you needed them to be.
How wonderful it would be to sing “Joy to the World” this Christmas and to truly experience the joy of the Christ child. This is the invitation of Advent for you and for me. May we accept it and find a renewed faith.
Until next time.
Peace and grace,Pastor Mara
Worship for the Month of December
December 3, 2006
1st Sunday of Advent
9:00 a.m. Worship with Traditional Communion in Fellowship Hall
Readings: Jeremiah 33:14-16 and Luke 21:25-36
Sermon Theme: True greatness results not from how far we rise above others, but in how far we are willing to go to include and care for the least and the lowly in Christ’s name. That's what Advent reminds us of.
______________________________________
December 10, 2006
2nd Sunday of Advent
9:00 a.m. Worship
Readings: Malachi 3:1-4 and Luke 1:68-79
Sermon Theme: "Christmas Tale" You are invited to a timeless tale. This holiday musical drama involves a troop of story tellers who gather to communicate a miraculous true story; a story entitled Christmas. Join us as we experience this story as part of our worship.
_______________________________________
December 17, 2006
3rd Sunday of Advent
9:00 a.m. Worship
Readings: Isaiah 12:2-6 and Philippians 1:3-11
Sermon Theme: Americans are generous people. We give a lot away. But in picking charities, we sometimes ignore the poor — or get taken in by scams. What to do? Paul reminds us that it all begins with discernment. Discerning to whom and how much to give is what we must do to address the issue.
_________________________________________
December 24, 2006
4th Sunday of Advent
9:00 a.m. Worship
Readings: Micah 5:2-5a and Luke 1:39-45 (46-55)
Sermon Theme: "The Miracle of Christmas" This play is the story of how the birth of the Christ brought healing to a young girl. Directed by Nancy Harrison, and told by our children, this play will warm our hearts. Bring a friend and join us for this delightful service of worship.
Christmas Eve 4:30 p.m. and 8:00 p.m.
4:30 p.m. Family Christmas Eve Service. The service will be led by children and youth. Special music will be provided by the children and youth of our church. A puppet sermon will give our children an opportunity to hear the Christmas message at their age level.
8:00 p.m. This is a traditional lessons and carols sevice featuring our very own chancel choir. Come and experience the Christmas message in dramatic style. Join the choir in the singing of the “Hallelujah” Chorus.
_________________________________________
December 31, 2006
1st Sunday after Christmas
9:00 a.m. Worship
Worship Description: Today’s service is our traditional lessons and carols. Bring a friend and enjoy the joy of music.
ADULT CHRISTIAN EDUCATION
On December 3rd, we will cover Program 3, entitled THE VALUE OF FAMILY RITUALS AND TRADITIONS. In this session we will discuss the importance of rituals and the tradition of Bible study, holiday dinners, and Sundays together. The class will challenge us to establish these things in our family. The study will challenge us to give our kids something to hang on to.
On December 10th, we will cover Program 4, entitled THE CHURCH: GOD'S INSTRUMENT FOR CHANGING THE WORLD. In this class Tony Campolo's message will leave no stone unturned. His message will cause the congregation to rethink society's value system, church, family responsibilities, and most importantly Christ-like living. The class will compel its listeners to make tough decisions and to take along the added motivation they will need to make them. Join us in Fellowship Hall at 10:15 a.m.
Worship Attendants
December 3rd
Ushers: Jim and Karen Wirch
Communion Servers: Jessica Harrison, Karen Angell, Nancy Beyer and Dick Kreager
Lay Reader: John Harmon
Greeter: Jessica Harrison
December 10th, 17th
Ushers: Jim and Karen Wirch
Lay Reader: John Harmon
Greeter: Jessica Harrison
Christmas Eve 4:30 p.m.
Ushers: Youth and Children
Communion Servers: Jessica Harrison, Jean Swick and Rachael Biggar
Lay Reader: Youth and Children
Greeters: Youth and Children
Christmas Eve 8p.m.
Ushers: Dee Luce and Jessica Harrison
Communion Servers: Jessica Harrison, Karen Angell, Nancy Harrison, and Dave Norton
Lay Reader: John Harmon
Greeters: Andy and TonyPascarella
December 31st
Ushers: Karen Angell and Sandy Pascarella
Lay Reader: John Harmon
Greeter: Jessica Harrison
Nursery Schedule:
December 3rd: Rhonda and Curt Schneider
December 10th: Dawn Schafer and Schafer Boys
December 17th: Teresa and Leah Christianson
December 24th: Patricia Christianson
December 31st: Judy and Sawyer Grinnell
Christians – By Maya Angelou
When I say… “ I am a Christian”
I’m not shouting “I’m clean livin’,”
I’m whispering “I was lost,
Now I’m found and forgiven.”
When I say… “ I am a Christian”
I don’t’ speak of this with pride.
I’m confessing that I stumble
And need Christ to be my guide.
When I say… “ I am a Christian”
I’m not trying to be strong.
I’m professing that I’m weak
And need His strength to carry on.
When I say… “ I am a Christian”
I’m not bragging of success.
I’m admitting I have failed
And need God to clean my mess.
When I say… “ I am a Christian”
I’m not claiming to be perfect,
My flaws are far too visible
But, God believes I am worth it.
When I say… “ I am a Christian”
I still feel the sting of pain.
I have my share of heartaches
So I call upon His name.
When I say… “ I am a Christian”
I’m not holier than thou,
I’m just a simple sinner
Who received God’s good grace, somehow!
PHILLIPS Edith
ZIMMERMAN Myrle
17th
SPAULDING Terry
18th
GOLAND Graham
GOLAND Izabella
RUDISILLWayne
21st
FRERKS Patricia
25th
HINZMary
LUCE Elizabeth
TRIELOFF Ryan
26th
KLAUERLukas
27th
SHARRATT Lisa
31st
DEARSTINE Maxine
SCHNEIDER Patrick
DEJESUS Reinaldo
For the Month of December
12/3/06 Youth Fellowship -
The Movie "The Nativity Story"
Where: Marcus Theater Ten in Oshkosh
Time: to be announced
Cost: $6.50
We will leave from the church and need parents to volunteer in providing transportation.
NEW EMAIL:
Our Church at 1stpresbyterian@athenet.net
Pastor at 1stmara@athenet.net
Secretary at 1stmarcie@athenet.net
The Bridge at 1stbridge@athenet.net
Dick Kreager at 1stdickkreager@athenet.net
Dave Norton at 1stdavenorton@athenet.net
As you begin this season of Advent will you think about what is the most important thing in your life. Have your expectations of work, family, and faith been fulfilled? Or have you experienced unfulfilled dreams throughout the past year?
Advent gives us an opportunity to reflect on the centrality of our Christian faith. But what is that you might think? The centrality of our faith affirms that the birth of the One who came over 2000 years ago brought about salvation for all of us.
But what if Jesus had never been born? Where would we be? These profound theological questions challenge us to reflect on what the Messiah means to us. The reality is many today celebrate Christmas not because it has any profound religious meaning, but rather because tradition dictates that we celebrate it.
Have you asked yourself why it is you celebrate Christmas? Is it tradition? Is it because everybody else does? Is it because it provides you one more opportunity to receive presents from the people around you?
Advent gives us an opportunity to reflect on the true meaning of Christmas. It helps us prepare our hearts to receive Christ the King with a sense of expectation. It reminds us that when we receive the Christ child our lives can never be the same. Advent challenges us to look at our lives and the blessings we have received throughout the year as gifts from God too.
It is my belief that when we see our lives as gifts from God, then our attitudes about what we have received throughout the year change. So instead of thinking of things like work, family, and even faith as entitlements, we see them as the precious gifts that they truly are.
Last month I talked about the gift of faith the Amish shared with the whole world. The gift of their faith produced the kind of forgiveness toward the person who committed crimes against their children, that we hadn’t seen expressed in our western world for quite some time. The Amish had truly experienced the miracle of the manger in their lives and so can we.
The question is how. How can we prepare our hearts to experience the miracle of the manger? Let me suggest that in order to experience this miracle you begin by engaging in a personal journey of self reflection. Ask yourself whether the birth of Christ means anything to you. If it does, reflect on its meaning and share it with others. Take the time to tell others, as did the shepherds on that awesome night, of the significance of the birth of the Christ child.
If you haven't a clue whether the birth of our Savior means anything to you, instead of participating in all the secular parties of the season, take the time you would spend in those celebrations to serve others instead. Remember that the Christ child came to offer hope to the poor, to set the captives free, and to proclaim the year of the Lord. You too can do that at work, home, and within this community of faith. Remember that Jesus said that when you serve the least of them, we in a sense are serving him.
When was the last time you shared the good news with others about the meaning of Christmas? This year I challenge you to make the season of Advent a time of growth and renewal. I challenge you to look at your life as a gift. I challenge you to see the blessings in your life and to offer a word of thanks for them.
Don’t allow the vices of consumerism to captivate your time and your heart this year. Instead offer yourself to God and follow the lead of the Christ child. By doing this perhaps your attitude about life might change. Perhaps your expectations of work, family, and faith will become exactly what you needed them to be.
How wonderful it would be to sing “Joy to the World” this Christmas and to truly experience the joy of the Christ child. This is the invitation of Advent for you and for me. May we accept it and find a renewed faith.
Until next time.
Peace and grace,Pastor Mara
Worship for the Month of December
December 3, 2006
1st Sunday of Advent
9:00 a.m. Worship with Traditional Communion in Fellowship Hall
Readings: Jeremiah 33:14-16 and Luke 21:25-36
Sermon Theme: True greatness results not from how far we rise above others, but in how far we are willing to go to include and care for the least and the lowly in Christ’s name. That's what Advent reminds us of.
______________________________________
December 10, 2006
2nd Sunday of Advent
9:00 a.m. Worship
Readings: Malachi 3:1-4 and Luke 1:68-79
Sermon Theme: "Christmas Tale" You are invited to a timeless tale. This holiday musical drama involves a troop of story tellers who gather to communicate a miraculous true story; a story entitled Christmas. Join us as we experience this story as part of our worship.
_______________________________________
December 17, 2006
3rd Sunday of Advent
9:00 a.m. Worship
Readings: Isaiah 12:2-6 and Philippians 1:3-11
Sermon Theme: Americans are generous people. We give a lot away. But in picking charities, we sometimes ignore the poor — or get taken in by scams. What to do? Paul reminds us that it all begins with discernment. Discerning to whom and how much to give is what we must do to address the issue.
_________________________________________
December 24, 2006
4th Sunday of Advent
9:00 a.m. Worship
Readings: Micah 5:2-5a and Luke 1:39-45 (46-55)
Sermon Theme: "The Miracle of Christmas" This play is the story of how the birth of the Christ brought healing to a young girl. Directed by Nancy Harrison, and told by our children, this play will warm our hearts. Bring a friend and join us for this delightful service of worship.
Christmas Eve 4:30 p.m. and 8:00 p.m.
4:30 p.m. Family Christmas Eve Service. The service will be led by children and youth. Special music will be provided by the children and youth of our church. A puppet sermon will give our children an opportunity to hear the Christmas message at their age level.
8:00 p.m. This is a traditional lessons and carols sevice featuring our very own chancel choir. Come and experience the Christmas message in dramatic style. Join the choir in the singing of the “Hallelujah” Chorus.
_________________________________________
December 31, 2006
1st Sunday after Christmas
9:00 a.m. Worship
Worship Description: Today’s service is our traditional lessons and carols. Bring a friend and enjoy the joy of music.
ADULT CHRISTIAN EDUCATION
On December 3rd, we will cover Program 3, entitled THE VALUE OF FAMILY RITUALS AND TRADITIONS. In this session we will discuss the importance of rituals and the tradition of Bible study, holiday dinners, and Sundays together. The class will challenge us to establish these things in our family. The study will challenge us to give our kids something to hang on to.
On December 10th, we will cover Program 4, entitled THE CHURCH: GOD'S INSTRUMENT FOR CHANGING THE WORLD. In this class Tony Campolo's message will leave no stone unturned. His message will cause the congregation to rethink society's value system, church, family responsibilities, and most importantly Christ-like living. The class will compel its listeners to make tough decisions and to take along the added motivation they will need to make them. Join us in Fellowship Hall at 10:15 a.m.
Worship Attendants
December 3rd
Ushers: Jim and Karen Wirch
Communion Servers: Jessica Harrison, Karen Angell, Nancy Beyer and Dick Kreager
Lay Reader: John Harmon
Greeter: Jessica Harrison
December 10th, 17th
Ushers: Jim and Karen Wirch
Lay Reader: John Harmon
Greeter: Jessica Harrison
Christmas Eve 4:30 p.m.
Ushers: Youth and Children
Communion Servers: Jessica Harrison, Jean Swick and Rachael Biggar
Lay Reader: Youth and Children
Greeters: Youth and Children
Christmas Eve 8p.m.
Ushers: Dee Luce and Jessica Harrison
Communion Servers: Jessica Harrison, Karen Angell, Nancy Harrison, and Dave Norton
Lay Reader: John Harmon
Greeters: Andy and TonyPascarella
December 31st
Ushers: Karen Angell and Sandy Pascarella
Lay Reader: John Harmon
Greeter: Jessica Harrison
Nursery Schedule:
December 3rd: Rhonda and Curt Schneider
December 10th: Dawn Schafer and Schafer Boys
December 17th: Teresa and Leah Christianson
December 24th: Patricia Christianson
December 31st: Judy and Sawyer Grinnell
Christians – By Maya Angelou
When I say… “ I am a Christian”
I’m not shouting “I’m clean livin’,”
I’m whispering “I was lost,
Now I’m found and forgiven.”
When I say… “ I am a Christian”
I don’t’ speak of this with pride.
I’m confessing that I stumble
And need Christ to be my guide.
When I say… “ I am a Christian”
I’m not trying to be strong.
I’m professing that I’m weak
And need His strength to carry on.
When I say… “ I am a Christian”
I’m not bragging of success.
I’m admitting I have failed
And need God to clean my mess.
When I say… “ I am a Christian”
I’m not claiming to be perfect,
My flaws are far too visible
But, God believes I am worth it.
When I say… “ I am a Christian”
I still feel the sting of pain.
I have my share of heartaches
So I call upon His name.
When I say… “ I am a Christian”
I’m not holier than thou,
I’m just a simple sinner
Who received God’s good grace, somehow!
Happy Birthdays in December!
2nd
NORTON Lonna
OLSON Stacey
4th
SELLE Mary
LUADERS Nancy
6th
NAGREEN Mattie
9th
RICE Leonard
10th
ALLEN Chris
PHILLIPS Edith
ZIMMERMAN Myrle
17th
SPAULDING Terry
18th
GOLAND Graham
GOLAND Izabella
RUDISILLWayne
21st
FRERKS Patricia
25th
HINZMary
LUCE Elizabeth
TRIELOFF Ryan
26th
KLAUERLukas
27th
SHARRATT Lisa
31st
DEARSTINE Maxine
SCHNEIDER Patrick
DEJESUS Reinaldo
For the Month of December
12/3/06 Youth Fellowship -
The Movie "The Nativity Story"
Where: Marcus Theater Ten in Oshkosh
Time: to be announced
Cost: $6.50
We will leave from the church and need parents to volunteer in providing transportation.
NEW EMAIL:
Our Church at 1stpresbyterian@athenet.net
Pastor at 1stmara@athenet.net
Secretary at 1stmarcie@athenet.net
The Bridge at 1stbridge@athenet.net
Dick Kreager at 1stdickkreager@athenet.net
Dave Norton at 1stdavenorton@athenet.net
posted by harmon at
12:23 PM
