Vol. 49, No. 41 November 24, 2000

First Presbyterian Church

Worship Notes

Worshipers who desire to focus energy on a proper thanksgiving may find just what they are looking for as we gather in Fellowship Hall Wednesday evening to demonstrate our gratitude to God. The service is designed to be interactive, as worshipers share their joys and concerns in conversations in response to four areas for which this congregation is thankful. This is the service in which we remember and reminisce about the newly born, newly married, baptized this year, and all received into membership. Communion will be served by intinction.

In the liturgical calendar, the last Sunday of November this year is also the last Sunday of the church year. Dubbed "Christ the King" by some, it is also known as the "Reign of Christ" or "Rule of Christ" by those concerned with the gender image of the masculine word "king." Whatever one’s preferences, the intention of the church calendar makers is to focus our awareness on the political nature of Jesus’ ministry as a way of calling all Christians to recognize the ultimate loyalty of faith. Join us as we affirm our faith through hymns such as He is King of Kings and Jesus Shall Reign.

Be aware that Advent will seem shorter this year because the 4^th Sunday Advent is also Christmas Eve. This means some changes in the typical Advent calendar of First Presbyterian, noted elsewhere in New and Views.

PHS has recently revamped and upgraded its website. WWW.history.pcusa.org emphasizes its services to a variety of users, from those seeking specific information to the history buff interested in things Presbyterian. Directions are easily understood and the information now more accessible. Take a look next time you’re surfing cyberspace – never know what you might learn or discover!

Women’s Christmas Tea

Women! Come join in fellowship and fun and chuckle into the Christmas spirit at the annual English Tea at noon, December 6, in Fellowship Hall. We will be entertained by Carol Bridinger and her program entitled "Holy Hilarity", while we enjoy finger sandwiches, mini-quiche, fresh fruit cups and plenty of Christmas cookies and breads. The cost to participate and enjoy the fellowship is at least one pair of men’s socks, which will be given to the City Mission. So, take a little time from your busy holiday schedule and join us on December 6 at noon. Childcare will be provided.

A Word of Thanks

The Fellowship Committee would like to thank everyone who assisted with, and participated in, the Potluck Supper and Crafts and Game Night on November 12. Special kudos to all the cooks who prepared a variety of delicious foods, the young Adult Group for their organization of the craft projects, and the many people who assisted with last-minute set-up and clean-up duties. It was a great fellowship opportunity that we look forward to repeating next year.

A Christmas Gift for Someone!

Looking for that perfect Christmas gift? Look no further! The Presbyterian Women are taking orders for tote bags which display a picture of the church on the front. They are navy and white canvas; approximately 10X11X4 and sell for $12.50. We will need to have your order by the second week of December to assure a Christmas delivery. The proceeds will benefit the operating budget of Presbyterian Women for mission opportunities. A sample of the bag and a sign-up sheet are on the bulletin board in the hallway of the church. What a great gift!

Dear Jim & Judy,

By now, I hope that you have received your stewardship packet for 2001. I have been asked by the Stewardship and Finance Committee of the church to contact you with an update on the progress of the stewardship campaign and to perhaps clarify some aspects of our budget for fiscal year 2001. Based on the pledges returned from givers so far, the committee is optimistic about our ability to reach our budget goals. Given the significant number of prior pledgers who have not yet submitted their pledge card, however, we remain cautious.

Since the congregational meeting earlier this month, the stewardship committee has reviewed the 2001 budget and is comfortable with the figures, including anticipated expenses, contained in its projection. Due in large part to the absence of full-time staff persons in 1999, our church had a positive budgetary carry-over in the approximate amount of $68,000.00. We anticipate a positive carry-over from the 2000 budget only in the approximate amount of $36,000.00. We also anticipate an increase in expenses in the amount of 4% from last year.

In order to make up for the difference resulting from these developments, our church requires a 12% increase in pledging to achieve our goal. The committee also realizes that particular circumstances will enable some members to increase their pledge greater that 12%, while others may not be able to meet that figure. Please remember that your pledge is just an estimate and that circumstances can occur which will affect a pledger’s ability to give more or less during the actual year than they will be pledging now.

During this exciting, yet challenging, period of transition, it is vital for our church to remain as financially sound as it has been historically. In our church’s mission study from earlier this year, it was noted that after the 1951 fire destroyed the downtown church, our members made a venture of faith to build a much larger facility than required at the southern tip of Findlay. As our faithful givers of the past have relocated or have joined the saints, it is both our joy and responsibility to finance our mission. This 2001 budget calls for us to continue growing the faith and service to our congregation and our community. If you have not yet filled out your pledge card, please consider your role in this church’s venture of faith.

With You in Christ,
Dave Cliffe
Stewardship & Finance Committee

At the November 14 meeting of the Board of Deacons, the Deacons were intent on fulfilling their responsibilities as officers of the congregation. Together they reviewed the work of the General Mission Committee, complimenting Rich Dougherty and committee on the work they are doing, and surfacing some new ideas for their consideration.

The Deacons also spent some time seeking clarity on the proposed 2001 budget and on the proposal to create a third pastoral position at FPC. They also considered the transitional issues involved in integrating the Deacons-elect into the work of the Board in the coming months.

THANK YOU

"Thank You" to all the committees and participants who made the Task and Talent Fair a huge success. We received 42 responses from members and guest willing to share their talents.

"Thank you" also from Boy Scout Troop #304, for the pair of skis that was donated for our Klondike sled.

Saturday, November 11: First, we moved a LOT of leaves … and produced more than a couple of sore muscles. In fact, we "buried" one of our number – in leaves, that is. Great was our rejoicing at his "resurrection"! It was a blessing to each of us to be able to serve God’s people in this practical way.

Second, for four hours of the day, the gathered men gave serious and lively attention to the topic of balance in our lives. The men had especially high praise for Rev. Dr. Alan Hanson who led our evening program, helping us to assess the relative importance of the various roles we each play, and the time we give to them. His suggestion was that we come together more often, that we might support each other in seeking and living God’s will.

COME JOIN US

……Tuesday, December 12, for a program given by the Findlay High School Pantasia Steel Drums, directed by Tim Mottis. Lunch, for $5.50, will begin at Noon in Fellowship Hall, with the program to follow. Sign up now on the bulletin board outside the church office or call in today. Please join us to good food, great fellowship, and lively music!

Announcing the 21^st Concert Series Season

It is nearly time for the First Presbyterian Concert Series' twenty-first (!) season to begin. When this series was begun in 1980, its goals were to share the many resources of this church with the community, to provide a showcase for local and regional talent, and to thank the community for the support it has shown our church during our 171-year presence in Findlay.

This year’s Series will open on Sunday, February 4, when Gene Hall celebrates Mozart with friends. Gene’s clarinet artistry will combine with piano, viola and string quartet (all played by area performers) in an all Mozart program. The end result will be a Findlay original.

Our second program, on Sunday, April 29, will feature the newly-formed Old Mill Stream Ringers. Modeled after choirs in large metropolitan areas, this community handbell choir, directed by handbell expert Martha Avery, was formed in the spring of 2000. The group sets a new level of handbell excellence in the area, and boasts three First Presbyterian ringers among its members

A very special event will be an added attraction to this year’s concert season. On Sunday, April 8, the University of Findlay Concert Band will present the World Premiere of a new composition entitled "Hymnal." The work was composed by U of F Band Director Jack Taylor to mark his 20^th year of service to the university. A suite in ten movements, "Hymnal" moves through the church year, with each movement based upon a church hymn. Narration and organ solos will complete the performance.

Admission to this concert will be by ticket only. Tickets will be free, and distributed by the University on a first-come, first-serve basis. A block of tickets will be designated for our church, and Concert Series Patrons will have the first opportunity to request those tickets.

The First Presbyterian Concert Series is not part of our church budget. It is supported solely by Patron contributions and by freewill offerings. It is our policy to never charge admission, but to admit any who wish to hear the fine programs that we present. Since 1980, the Concert Series has brought many people into our church who would not otherwise have visited.

Now is the time to support this cultural outreach and participate as a Concert Series Patron. It’s easy - just fill out the form below, and send it to or drop it off at the church office. Thank you for helping us reach out to our community through the arts.

Name(s)--(as you wish to be listed in the program)

________________________________________________________________________________________

Address ____________________________________________________ Phone ______________________

Amount of Contribution $_________________________ for

First Presbyterian Concert Series 2000-2001

SUPPERS FOR EIGHT

The sign-up sheet is up and several names are already listed. Suppers for Eight begins in January and continues through April. Each month, 4 couples come together for dinner and fellowship in the home of the host couple. When you are the host, which will occur only once during these four months, you arrange the date and time for the dinner, provide the main course, and assign the other couples to bring the rest of the meal. The dinner may be as simple or fancy as you wish. The purpose is not to focus on the food, but the fellowship. Each month you will dine with three different couples. A couple does not have to be a married couple. Singles who wish to participate with a friend are welcome, or we can pair you with another single. TAKE THE RISK! Sign-up today. Call the church office. You’ll be glad you did!

St. Nicholas Party Planned

Advent is just around the corner. Once again Christian Education will be hosting the St. Nicholas party. This year it will be held on the second night of Advent, December 10^th, beginning with a meal at 5:00 p.m. It will be followed by the cookie decorating and a visit from St. Nicholas. We still need a few more sugar cookies or icing. If you can supply either cookies or icing, please sign-up on the sign up sheet outside the Main Office. And plan to attend this wonderful experience.

NO CHURCH SCHOOL THIS SUNDAY

There will be no Church School for children 2 years to 12^th grade this Sunday November 26^th due to the Thanksgiving Holiday weekend. Church School will resume for all ages the following Sunday, December 3. Have a Wonderful Thanksgiving.

DID YOU KNOW?…….

It is the mission of the Membership Development and Care Committee to make our congregation feel like we are all one in Christ and members of a church family. Some of the ways we do this include: keeping in touch with shut-in or absent members through notes and flowers, recognizing 50 year members, remembering our members in times of bereavement or when in the hospital, announcing, with joy, the arrival of a new baby with a rose on the communion table, recruiting, training and scheduling drivers for the church bus, providing support for our Stephen Ministry and Living Through Loss programs, and organizing the pictorial directory.

Seminars

HAPPY THANKSGIVING!!

Character Builders 10:00 a.m. Room 108

On Sunday, November 26, our lesson will be "When Compromise Ruins," taken from "The Present Word" quarterly. Our leader will be Andrew Reid.

CIA (grades 4-8)

This coming Wednesday, November 29, the CIA will meet in Fellowship Hall from 6-7:30 p.m. for a night of fun. Dinner will be served picnic style with all the usual picnic trimmings, we’ll learn how to "Turn on a Dime" in small group Bible study, and then wrap the evening up with a huge game of Ants and Elephants. Please remember to bring $2 for dinner! J

God Squad (grades 9-12)

The gingerbread house and church are complete, the shoebox collection day we staffed this past Sunday went great, and now it’s time to rest. Enjoy this Sunday, November 26, with your families and friends. Next Sunday, December 3, and the following two Sundays after that (December 10 and December 17) the God Squad will be attending the Advent Suppers and activities. Come at 4:30 p.m. if you would like to help with set up and join the youth group table(s) for dinner if you choose. Have a wonderful Thanksgiving Break and we’ll see you December 3! J

Let’s Go Dancing!

Mark Your Calendars: Church Swing Dance on January 5 with our special guest teacher, Barb Hennings. Watch News and Views for more details!

Let Your Light Shine
Brighten the Life of a Child

Harmony House provides a safe, neutral setting for children and non-residential parents to rebuild relationships through visitation. Volunteers are needed to make this possible. It’s easy and fun. Call today to see how you can touch the life of a child, 424-0430. Check the bulletin board outside the church office for a flyer with more details.

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