November, 2013 VOLUME 8:12

FROM DAVID'S PEN . . .

Dear Friends – By the time you read this month’s edition of The Grapevine we’ll be in the midst of the season of Advent. Advent, among other things, means anticipation – anticipation of remembering the birth of the Christ-child, but more specifically, anticipation of Christ coming again. This season of Advent and Christmas is full of anticipation. We can see this especially in the eyes of children. They are desperately counting down the days to Christmas morning when under their Christmas trees they will find the gifts that Santa Claus and others will have left them. In fact, there’s even an “app” for our smart phones that counts down the days to Christmas – to the hour, minute, and second to be precise! But Advent isn’t about the material things that this time of the year has been so watered down with; rather, it’s about preparing our hearts and minds for Christ’s return. We Presbyterians don’t really like to talk a lot about Christ’s second coming – or “the end times” in other words – but we do believe that Christ will come again. After all, the Bible speaks in no uncertain terms that this will happen. And so the anticipation of this event is central to our Christian understanding of God’s sovereignty and that our world will one day be redeemed, whether we want to acknowledge it or not. And so I challenge you in the weeks to come to take a look at Advent and Christmas through “eschatological eyes.” Jesus was born in a stable and lived (and died) for us because “God so loved the world.” And Jesus will come again (thought we do not know the day or the time) to redeem God’s people and God’s world. So prepare your hearts and minds for the advent of Christ’s coming again just as thoroughly as you prepare your homes for the advent of the baby Jesus. You won’t receive any more presents under your tree for doing so, but your understanding of the greatest gift you have ever received (God’s grace, that is) will forever be deepened. Yours in Advent hope –

David

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Glory to God! Our new Presbyterian hymnals will be featured in the worship service December 1st. We have purchased some books with memorial money but we need more. You will have the opportunity to purchase a hymnal in honor or memory of someone for $20. The dedication will be noted in the front of the book much like the ones in our old hymnals. Once we get all of the new ones, the old ones will be available to those who purchased a book twenty-something years ago. We plan to keep some of the old ones and then anything left over will be made available on a first come basis. To many of us these Family of God hymnals are like old friends and we will miss them on Sunday mornings. The new hymnals, Glory to God, are beautiful and well done. I just read a review from an envious Methodist musician! But I didn't need him to tell me that this hymnal is something to be proud of. I am a converted new-hymnal skeptic! On Wednesday night, Dec 4, we will have an hour of singing with the new hymnals. This is the usual Wednesday Night Academy time. Supper will be served at 5:30. Come and get to know these lovely books.

Emily Clem

December

1. 2013

Please turn in your information for the Please turn in your information for the Please turn in your information for the Please turn in your information for the January 2014 Calendar and Grapevine Newsletter January 2014 Calendar and Grapevine Newsletter January 2014 Calendar and Grapevine Newsletter January 2014 Calendar and Grapevine Newsletter by Tuesday, December 17, 2013. You can bring by Tuesday, December 17, 2013. You can bring by Tuesday, December 17, 2013. You can bring by Tuesday, December 17, 2013. You can bring with you or call the church office (256with you or call the church office (256with you or call the church office (256with you or call the church office (256----232232232232----0122), or email to: fpcathens@fpcathens.org.0122), or email to: fpcathens@fpcathens.org.0122), or email to: fpcathens@fpcathens.org.0122), or email to: fpcathens@fpcathens.org.

NEWSFLASH!

2013 Annual reports are due Dec. 31! Reports are needed from Ministry Teams,

Clerk, Sunday School, Men’s & Women’s

groups detailing your 2013activities. You

may email your reports to the church office

(fpcathens@fpcathens. org) or leave your

report in the church office. Thank you for

your help!

This December, we will be placing Poinsettias in our Sanctuary on Sunday, December 8, 15 and 22. Those who wish to purchase a poinset-tia (or more than one) for placement in the sanctuary may drop this form in the offering plate or call the church office. Cost for each poinset-tia (large 3½ quart size) ordered will be $10.00. You may take your Poinsettia home at the end of the December 22, Worship Service. The

last day to order is Sunday, December 1.

Please fill out the form below and mail or bring to the church office, or drop it in the offering plate, along with $10.00 per Poinsettia

ordered,

Your Name _________________________________________________________ # ordered ____________ Total amount enclosed ($10.00 Poinsettia) _____________ In Honor of ________________________________________________________ In Honor of _________________________________________________________ In Memory of _______________________________________________________ In Memory of _______________________________________________________

December 23 - 27, 2013

Pastors can be reached on their cell phones:

David: 256-509-2250 Jaina: 256-206-1855

Sandra will be in the office (short hours): Monday, December 23 Thursday, December 26

Sandra Cell: 256-431-4773

Presented by:

Athens First Presbyterian Church

Chancel Choir

Sunday, December 8, 2013

11:00 a.m.

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Children ages 4 years through 5th Grade will meet every Wednesday Night in the Kids’ Korner Class at 6:00 p.m. during the school year. They will enjoy learning about our church through stories, crafts, songs, and guest speakers. The last night for Kids Korner activies will be December 11. See below for Children’s Christmas Pageant rehearsal times. . .

The 2013 Children’s Christmas Pageant will be Sunday morning, December 22

during Sunday School Assembly which starts at 9:30 a.m.

Rehearsals will be:

Wednesday, December 18: 5:30 p.m. Handbell’s rehearse, Parents assemble props and costumes

6:15 p.m. Pageant practice begins

Saturday, December 21: 9-10:00 a.m. Pageant Rehearsal

Youth & Kids: NEWS & HAPPENINGSYouth & Kids: NEWS & HAPPENINGSYouth & Kids: NEWS & HAPPENINGSYouth & Kids: NEWS & HAPPENINGS

YOUTH: (6th - 12 Grade)

Wednesday Night Youth group meets each Wednesday,

at 6:00 p.m. Supper is at 5:30 p.m. Last night to meet will be December 11.

See you there! ټ

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Wednesday Night Academy Wednesday Evenings

For the FPC Family & Friends Time: 5:30 p.m. ─ Supper

($3.00 Adults - $1.00 for Chidldren)

6:00 p.m. Children & Youth Activities begin! 6:00 p.m. Adult Bible Study

7:00 p.m. Chancel Choir Rehearsal Childcare provided for birth - age 3 for all activities.

The last 2013 Wednesday Night Academy woll be Wednesday, December 11.

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December 2013

1 Calyn Campbell Jim Chouinard 8 Harley Baugher Avery Paysinger 15 Ella Romine Layton Romine 22 Joseph Davis Reid Lauderdale 29 Kate Aday Sara Aday

If you CANNOT fulfill your responsibility on your assigned date. PLEASE find a replacement! If you are unable to get a replacement please contact Lo r i Aday (256 -233-2369) o r (westlosa@yahoo.com).

COMMUNION: December 1, 2013

Communion Preparation: Adam Lauderdale Communion Servers: Adam Lauderdale, Keith Davis, Shari Duke, Stanley Hand, Julie McNeese, Diane Payne, Carrie Powless

Adam & Robbie Lauderdale Reid & Mason

14690 Waterview Lane Athens, AL 35613

1 Gavin Greenhaw Elizabeth Price 3 Margaret Clem 4 John Noel 6 Harley Baugher Leslie Palmer 7 Charles Creech Dale Flannagan 8 Becky Goggins 9 James Toney 15 Robin Palmer 19 Susie Fogg 20 Adam Lauderdale 21 Regina Greene 22 Kirk Garrison

23 Matt Copeland Mary Hand Julie McNeese Winston Spencer 24 Doris Estes 26 Duane Counter 28 Emily Gossett 30 Brittany Jackson 31 Lee Garrett Dehone Toney

Anna Kate Dunnavant - November 5, 2013 - Daughter of Phillip and Bridget Dunnavant and baby sister to Allie Ruth Dunnavant. Proud Grandparents: A.D. and Sara Barksdale. Great Grand-Parents: Melvin and Ruth Clem. Anna Kate weighed 6 pounds and 7 ounces!

December 2013 Sunday Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday Saturday

1 COMMUNION 9:30 a Sunday School 10:30 a Fellowship 11:00 a Worship & New Hymnal Introduction (Bring Candy for Men to hand out at Parade!)

1-4:00 p Christmas Mission Market (RC)

2 9:30 a Congregational Care Committee Mtg (Conference Room) 6:30 p 4th Day meets @ Payne’s

3 12 n PW Christmas Lunch 2p Happy PM Circle (RC)

3-5 p.m. Pottery Class @ Jaina Anderson’s home

7p Ballroom Dance Class (RC) 9p Study Club Set-up(RC)

4 RODGERS CENTER CLOSED - 7a-3p Athenian Study Club Luncheon & Meeting WEDNESDAY NIGHT ACADEMY 5:30 p Supper 6p Advent Hymn Sing 7:00 p Choir

5 10a 4th Day @ Copeland 6p Athens Christmas Parade (P-Men to hand out candy)

6 CHURCH OFFICE CLOSED 8 a Organ Tuner in Sanctuary 6-9 p “Art Sale” @ Jaina’s home

7 7 a Gideons (RC) 6a-2p Choir Brunch & Rehearsal - Rodgers Center & Sanctuary 9:00 a - 3:00 p “Art Sale” @ Jaina’s home

8 9:30 a Sunday School 10:30 a Fellowship 11:00 a Worship: Chancel Choir Presents:

Magesty of HavenMagesty of HavenMagesty of HavenMagesty of Haven

2-5 p.m. Pottery Class at Jaina Anderson’s home

9 9:30a-12:00p Friendship Quilt Guild (RC) 11a-9p Kitchen & RC in use: Set-up & Prep Work for

LEARN TO READ CHRISTMAS DINNER

6:30 p 4th Day meets @ Payne’s

10 6:30 p.m. Session

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WEDNESDAY NIGHT ACADEMY 5:30 p Supper 6p FPC hosting Baby Shower for Dunwoody’s 7:00 p Choir

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13 CHURCH OFFICE CLOSED 9a-3p Limestone County Courthouse Employee Christmas Luncheon

(RC)

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7 a Gideons (RC) & Ladies Auxiliary 9 a DAR (RC)

3:30-10:00 p (RC) Sons of Confederate Veterans Christmas Party

15 8:30 a - 1:30 p Local Missions (RC Kitchen)

9:30 a Sunday School 10:30 a Fellowship 11:00 a Worship

16 6:30 p 4th Day meets @ Payne's

17 Newsletter Info For January 2014 Due Today! 6:00 p ADK Teacher’s Sorority (RC)

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5:30 p Handbell Rehearsal, Pageant Props & Costumes 6:15 p Youth & Children Pageant Rehearsal (No Dinner provided)

7:00 p Choir

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10a 4th Day @ Copeland

20 CHURCH OFFICE CLOSED

21 7a Gideons (RC)

9-10:00 a.m. Pageant Rehearsal

22 9:30a Sunday School Assembly & 10:30 a Christmas Fellowship 11 a Worship

Christmas Joy Offering

23 CHURCH OFFICE CLOSED 6:30 p 4thDay meets @

24 Sandra Vacation CHURCH OFFICE

CLOSED

25 CHURCH OFFICE CLOSED

Merry Christmas !

26 CHURCH OFFICE CLOSED

27 CHURCH OFFICE CLOSED

28 7:00 a Gideons (RC)

29 9:30 a Sunday School 10:30 a Fellowship 11:00 a Worship & Hymn Sing

30 6:30 p 4thDay meets @ Payne's

31 5 - 6:00 p.m. “Come & Go” Communion (Sanctuary)

Just a note from the Worship Committee: When you provide floral arrangements for a Sunday service, please remember to remove them following the service. If you wish to leave the flowers, please call the Church Office (232-0122) the following Monday so we can have the Sexton remove them. Thank You!

ALTAR FLOWERS:

1 ___________________ 8 ___Poinsettias_______ 15 ___Poinsettias_______ 22 ___Poinsettias_______ 29 ___________________

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THANK YOU . . .THANK YOU . . .THANK YOU . . .THANK YOU . . .

�

Dear First Family, I want to thank everyone who took time during this very busy season to purchase and help prepare the soups (8 different kinds!), the sandwiches, the breads, the crackers and the cookies that were served in the Rodgers Center following the “Stewardship Pledge Worship Service” on November 17, 2013. I especially want to thank everyone who stayed to eat, fellowship and clean-up. Your loving support of this and other church-wide fellowship activities are greatly appreciated. You help to make the congregation of First Presbyterian Church - “FAMILY’!

Hazel WhiteHazel WhiteHazel WhiteHazel White

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News from The Vine… The Vine Pastoral Counseling Center would like to invite you to a “Service of Worship for Healing”, on Tuesday, December 3 from noon until 12:45 at the Gideon Blackburn House of First Presbyterian Church. This will be a quiet and reflective service that will provide the opportunity for biblical methods of healing (prayer, anointing with oil, laying on of hands) to seek release, restoration and transformation. The Lord does not intend our hearts, minds and bodies to be burdened and wounded. His will is to bring healing into our lives. “…This is what the Lord, the God

your father David says: I have heard your prayer and seen your tears; I will heal you…” (2 Kings 20:5). “He heals the brokenhearted and binds up their wounds” (Psalm 147:3). Due to our human nature, all of us are in need of some kind of healing. If you are in need, please know that you are welcome at this service where we will through shared liturgy and music, ask God to redeem our lives. It is also appropriate to come to this service to pray on behalf of someone else for whom your heart is burdened. Prayers are already being spoken for the blessing of God’s presence in these gatherings. The Lord tells us in Matthew 7:7, “Ask and it will be given to you; seek and you will find; knock and the door will be opened to you”. The Gideon Blackburn House is at the corner of Gates and Lincoln in downtown Huntsville. Please call our office for more information 256-270-7399.

On another note, The Vine is an approved charity of the Combined Federal Campaign. We would be extremely grateful if Federal Employees would consider designating The Vine in their donation to the campaign. (Agency number 53497)

Sunday, December 22,2013

Noteworthy News Noteworthy News Noteworthy News Noteworthy News THE PW “HAPPY PM CIRCLE” will meet Tuesday, December 3, 2013 at 12:00 p.m. for their Annual Christmas Luncheon at Winston & Camilla Spencer’s home. Hostess are Virginia Calvin and Camilla Spencer. Randi Harbin will be doing the program for the Circle Meeting which begins immediately following the delicious festive lunch prepared by Virginia and Camilla.

CONGREGATIONAL CARE Team will meet Monday, December 2, 2013 from 9:30 a.m. until 10:30 a.m. in the Conference Room.

DECEMBER COMMITTEE MEETINGS. Please contact the chairman of your committee to find out if your committee is meeting.

LAST POTTERY CLASSES FOR 2013: Tuesday, December 3 - 3-5:00 p.m., Sunday, December 8 - 2-5:00 p.m. Classes will meet at Jaina Anderson’s home (1202 S.W. Jefferson Street, Athens).

PRESBYTERIAN MEN will meet Thursday, December 5 at 5:00 p.m. The men will be giving away candy during the Athens Christmas Parade which starts at Athens High School at 6:00 p.m.

SESSION WILL MEET Tuesday, December 10 at 6:00 p.m.

WEDNESDAY NIGHT ACADEMY meets each Wednesday at 5:30 p.m. with supper (adults $3.00, children $1.50). Bible Study. Youth & KidsKorner begin at 6:00 p.m. On December 4 during the 6:00 p.m. Bible Study time there will be an Advent Hymn Sing along with other selections from the new Presbyterian Hymnal. On December 11 FPC is hosting a baby shower for Jonathan and Ashley Dunwoody beginning at 6:00 p.m. December 11 will be the last Wednesday Night Academy for 2013. The 2014 start-up date and time will be announced at a later time.

CONGRATULATIONS TO Julie Welcher who made the cut for the Alabama State Swim meet to be held in Auburn, December 6 -7.

THE CHANCEL CHOIR WILL SHARE THEIR 2013 CHRISTMAS CANTATA - “Majesty of Heaven” - Sunday, December 8 during the 11:00 a.m. Worship Service.

THERE WILL BE A REHEARSAL FOR THE 2013 CHILDREN’S CHRISTMAS PAGEANT on Wednesday, December 18 and Saturday, December 21. There will not be a Wednesday night supper on this night. On Wednesday at 5:30 p.m. the Bell Choir will rehearse in their room while their parents set-up the props and assemble costumes in the Sanctuary. The children’s rehearsal will start at 6:15 p.m. The Saturday rehearsal will meet from 9:00 a.m. until 10:00 p.m. Please be sure to eat before you come. The CHILDREN’S CHRISTMAS PAGEANT will be shared with the FPC Congregation on Sunday, December 22 during the Sunday School Assembly time at 9:30 a.m.

THE 2013 CHRISTMAS JOY OFFERING will be received on Sunday, December 22 during the 11:00 a.m. Worship Service.

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IT CAME

TO PASS IN THOSE DAYS

THAT THERE WENT OUT A DECREE FROM

CAESAR AUGUSTUS THAT ALL SHOULD BE TAXED: AND

THIS TAXING WAS FIRST MADE WHEN CYRENIUS WAS GOVERNOR OF SYRIA, AND

ALL WENT TO BE TAXED, EVERY ONE INTO HIS OWN CITY. AND JOSEPH ALSO WENT UP FROM GALILEE, OUT OF THE CITY OF NAZARETH, INTO JUDEA, UNTO THE CITY OF DAVID WHICH IS CALLED BETHLEHEM,

BECAUSE HE WAS OF THE HOUSE AND LINEAGE OF DAVID, TO BE TAXED WITH MARY HIS ESPOUSED WIFE BEING GREAT WITH

CHILD. AND SO IT WAS THAT WHILE THEY WERE THERE, THE DAYS WERE ACCOMPLISHED THAT SHE SHOULD BE DELIVERED, AND SHE BROUGHT FORTH HER

FIRST-BORN SON, AND WRAPPED HIM IN SWADDLING CLOTHES, AND LAID HIM IN A MANGER BECAUSE THERE WAS NO ROOM FOR THEM IN

THE INN

LUKE 2:1-7

Merry Christmas from, , ,

David Jaina

Duane Sandra Cynthia

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From the Editor . . .From the Editor . . .From the Editor . . .From the Editor . . . Please let the church office know what information Please let the church office know what information Please let the church office know what information Please let the church office know what information

you would like to see in the newsletter. you would like to see in the newsletter. you would like to see in the newsletter. you would like to see in the newsletter. The Grapevine is your newsletter! The Grapevine is your newsletter! The Grapevine is your newsletter! The Grapevine is your newsletter!

We look forward to hearing from you!!We look forward to hearing from you!!We look forward to hearing from you!!We look forward to hearing from you!!

To receive the email edition, submit information, or to

make address or other corrections please contact the

church office by phone (256-232-0122 or email).

Email: fpcathens@fpcathens.org.

Website: www.fpcathens.org

Office Hours: Monday - Thursday

(Office is closed on Friday)

8:00 a.m. - 12:00 noon ─ 1:00 p.m. - 3:00 p.m.

Information for the newsletter is due

by 2:00 p.m. on the

third Tuesday of each month.

CHURCH STAFF:

Rev. David Palmer, Stated Supply Pastor

Rev. Jaina Anderson, Associate Pastor

Niles Patrick Bacon, Music Director

Duane Counter, Treasurer

Sandra Mitchell, Administrative Assistant

Cynthia Daniel, Sexton

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Non-Profit Organization

U.S. Postage Paid Permit #118

Athens, AL 35611

First Presbyterian Church 112 S. Jefferson Street Athens, AL 35611 www.fpcathens.org

Email: fpcathens@fpcathens.org Pastor Email: williamdavidpalmer@comcast.net

Associate Pastor Email: jainaanderson@fpcathens.org

Vision Statement:

“Worship God, Serve Others and Make Disciples”

Inside this issue . . .Inside this issue . . .Inside this issue . . .Inside this issue . . .

Page 2: “Glory to God” Hymnal Information

Page 3: Poinsettia Order

Chancel Choir Cantata

News Flash!

Turn in January 2014 Newsletter Information

Page 4: Youth & Kid’s Page

Wednesday Night Academy

Page 5: December Birthdays

December Acolytes

Communion

Address Update

Page 6: December Calendar

Page 7: Announcement from “The Vine”

Thank You!

Christmas Joy Offering

Page 8: Noteworthy News

Christmas Mission Market

Page 9: Sweet Potato Drop

Page 10: The Christmas Story

Merry Christmas!

Page 11: Contact Information

THE FPC CHURCH OFFICE WILL BE CLOSED WEDNESDAY,

JANUARY 1, 2014