DECEMBER 2014 VOLUME 9:12

FROM DAVID’S PEN . . .

Dear Friends –

The end of the year is nigh, and once again those of us "on the Square" join with Christians around the world for one of the holiest seasons of the church year -- Advent.

For Presbyterians, Advent is a time to celebrate Christ’s coming into the world and to watch with expectant hope for his coming again. It is a time to celebrate more than just the birth of the Christ child, it is also a time to anticipate the return of Christ the Redeemer as we await his second coming.

In this double focus on past and future, the season of Advent symbolizes the spiritual journeys of both individuals and congregations alike as together we affirm that Christ has come, that Christ is present in the world today, and that Christ will come again in power. In so doing, we acknowledge that we live "between the times" and that we are called to be faithful stewards of the grace and love that God has blessed us with as God’s people.

So as we prepare our hearts and minds for the reality of this season, we acknowledge the fact that we are living between the first and second coming of the Lord. Still, this gives us room to enjoy both the "good news" that our children will announce during this year's Christmas pageant as well as the "good news" that Scripture announces when it states that Christ will come again in glory!

May this Advent season be a time for all of us to reflect on the wondrous gift of Jesus Christ to the world.

Yours in Advent hope -- -- David

OfficeClosedToday

Thursday & Friday - December 25 & 26, 2014. Thursday & Friday - January 1 & 2, 2015

Reverend David Palmer will be away from the church office, December 1-6.

Administrative Assistant Sandra Mitchell will be away from the church office

Wednesday, December 24.

Please turn in your information for the January 2015 Calendar and Grapevine Newsletter by Tuesday, December 16, 2014. You can bring with you or call the church office (256-232-0 1 2 2 ) , o r e m a i l t o : fpcathens@fpcathens.org.

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Youth & Kids: NEWS & HAPPENINGS

Children ages 4 years through 5th Grade will meet on Wednesday Nights 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. Handbells rehearse during the Kid’s Korner hour - “Kid’s” of all ages are invited to participate in this group.

Kid’s Korner classes will meet Wednesdays, December 3, 10 & 17 at at 6:00 p.m.!! Christmas Pagean Rehearsals will be December 17 at 6:00 p.m. and December 20 at 9:00 a.m.!

YOUTH: (6th - 12 Grade) Wednesday Night Youth group will meet Wednesdays,

December 3, 10 & 17 at 6:00 p.m. Christmas Pageant Rehearsals will be December 17 & 20!

December 17 at 6:00 p.m.; December 20 at 9:00 a.m.See you there!

Sunday, December 21, 2014

9:30 a.m. Sunday School Assembly

Children’s Christmas Paegant Sunday School

Pageant Rehearsal’s: Wednesday

December 17 6:00 p.m. Saturday

December 19 9:oo a.m.

Noteworthy News COMMUNION WILL BE OBSERVED, Sunday, December 7, 2014 at the 11:00 a.m. Worship Service and Wednesday, December 24 at 5:00 p.m. for the Christmas Eve Worship Service. Julie McNeese is in charge of preparation for Sunday, December 7 and Emily Clem is in charge of preparation for the Christmas Eve Service. Servers will be: Doug Harbin (choir & Nursery), Adam Lauderdale and Julie McNeese (south), John Noel and Diane Payne (middle), Kay Sims and David Whitten (north). PRESBYTERIAN MEN our monthly breakfast will be December 14, 2014. Breakfast begins at 8:00 a.m. in the Rodgers Center. Presbyterian Men will be giving out candy and information about FPC at the Athens Christmas Parade on Thursday, December 4 starting at 6:00 p.m. THE PW AND “HAPPY PM CIRCLE” will meet Tuesday, December 2, 2014 at 12:00 noon for their annual “Christmas Luncheon and Program” at the home of Camilla Spencer (2012 Hwy 72 West). Hostesses are Virginia Calvin and Camilla Spencer. Joyce Counter will present a special Christmas Program. All PW women are invited!DECEMBER COMMITTEE MEETINGS. Please contact the chairman of your committee to find out if your committee is meeting. SESSION WILL MEET Tuesday, December 9, for their regular monthly meeting at 6:30 p.m. THE ANNUAL FIRST PRESBYTERIAN ART SALE will be Friday and Saturday, December 5 and 6 at the home of Jaina Anderson (1201 S.W. Jefferson Street). Friday, December 5, will be open house from 6-9:00 p.m. Saturday, December 6, will be open house from 9:00 a.m. until 2:00 p.m. Please mark these days on your calendar and be get your craft’s ready to display and sell!! See Jaina to reserve your spot at the sale! CHANCEL CHOIR’S ANNUAL CHRISTMAS BRUNCH & CANTATA REHEARSAL will be Saturday, December 13. The Choir will share their annual Christmas gift of music - “Love Came Down at Christmas” - Sunday, December 14 during the 11:00 a.m. worship service. THERE WILL BE A CHURCHWIDE FELLOWSHIP MEAL & CHRISTMAS CAROLING EVENT Sunday, December 14 following worship. A festive meal of soup and grilled cheese sandwiches will be served before all who wish to participate in singing Christmas carols to our shut-in friends depart to sing. Everyone is invited! CHILDREN’S CHRISTMAS PAGEANT, SUNDAY SCHOOL & ASSEMBLY will be Sunday, December 21 starting at 9:30 a.m. CHRISTMAS EVE WORSHIP AND COMMUNION SERVICE will start at 5:00 p.m. on Wednesday, December 24. FPC WILL BE OPEN FROM 5- 6:00 P.M. WEDNESDAY, December 31 - “Come & Go Personal & Individual Communion” NOTICE! NOTICE! If your group or organization uses the Rodgers Center or any church buildings for a meeting, please be sure that ALL DOORS ARE LOCKED when you leave. Thank you! WELCOME THE NEW OFFICERS TO THE CLASS OF 2017: Session: Richard “Buzz” Estes, Christine “Chris” Hilgeman, Don Payne, Jerry Witt; Trustee: Jonathan Dunwoody.

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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!

POTTER’S HAND Pottery Studio News . . . Due to the work in the basement the Potter’s Hand is on the move.....!!

We will not have pottery on Wednesdays but instead will have pottery at Jaina’s house (1202 SW Jefferson Street) on Sunday afternoons from 4-6:00 p.m. Once the work in the basement is complete, we’ll announce the changes in our schedule.

Thanks for your patience! - Jaina

THANK YOU . . . Dear Church Family, Thank you for your many prayers on Stephen’s behalf. We are truly blessed to have Ministers and a congregation like First Presbyterian has. Stephen’s next surgery will be De cember 18 at 7:15 a.m. in Nashville.

God Bless, Dehone Toney & family

Jackson Connor Naves Parents: Adam & Becky Naves

Greatgrandmother: Hazel White

Macon James McDole Parents: Jim & Tevvy Hubbs McDole

Grandparents: Greg & Whitney Spencer Young Greatgrandparents: Winston & Camilla Spencer

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December 20147 Reid Lauderdale 21 Harley Baugher

Layton Romine Julie Welcher 14 Kate Aday 28 Calyn Campbell Avery Paysinger Dustin McGlothin

If you CANNOT fulfill your responsibility on your assigned date. PLEASE find a replacement! If you are unable to get a replacement please

contact Lori Aday (256-233-2369) or (westlosa@yahoo.com).

Winter is approaching and there are many in our community who do not have the necessities to face the cold. The Family Resource Center is in need of winter coats of all sizes for their Shepherd’s Closet to make sure non of their clients must walk around without proper clothing. Gloves, hats, scarves, and socks would also be a blessing. Items can be dropped off at the Family Resource Center Monday through Friday between 9:00 a.m. and 12:00 p.m. Thank you in advance! Tina L. Cook Community Resource Specialist, Family Resource Center 256-230-0880

This December, we will be placing Poinsettias in our Sanctuary on Sunday, December 7, 14 and 21. Those who wish to purchase a poinsettia (or more than one) for placement in the sanctuary may drop this form in the offering plate or mail (112 S. Jefferson Street, Athens 35611) or call the church office. Cost for each poinsettia (large 3½ quart size) ordered will be $14.00. You may take your Poin-settia home at the end of the December 21 Worship Service. The last day to order is Monday, 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 $14.00 per Poinsettia ordered,.

Your Name _________________________________________________________

# ordered ____________ Total amount enclosed _____________

In Honor of ________________________________________________________

In Honor of _________________________________________________________

In Memory of _______________________________________________________

In Memory of _______________________________________________________

NEWSFLASH! 2014 Annual reports are due Dec. 31!Reports are needed from Ministry Teams, Clerk of Session, Sunday School, Men’s & Women’s, Youth & Children’s groups detailing your 2014 activities. 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!

Robert George Alexander Metke “Bob”

September 29, 1924 ~

October 24, 2014 Jess Smith, Jr. 432-386-0835

jessjr1997@ gmail.com228 Mose Chapel Road

Madison, AL 35758

Birthdays 1 Gavin Greenhaw Elizabeth Price 3 Margaret Clem 4 John Noel 6 Harley Baugher Leslie Palmer 7 Charles Creech Dale Flannagan 8 Justin Barnes Becky Goggans 9 James Toney 11 Bristol Dunwoody

15 Robin Palmer 19 Susan Fogg 20 Adam Lauderdale 21 Regina Greene 22 Kirk Garrison 23 Matt Copeland Julie McNeese Winston Spencer 24 Doris Estes 26 Duane Counter 28 Emily Gossett 30 Brittany Jackson 31 Dehone Toney

FIRST PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH ATHENS WILL RECEIVE THE 2014 CHRISTMAS JOY OFFERING SUNDAY, DECEMBER 21!

News from The Vine… Service of Worship for Healing

Tuesday, December 9, 2014 12:00-12:45 p.m.

“Christ Pursues You to Heal You”Sponsored by The Vine

256-270-7399 www.vinepcc.com

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Sunday, December 7 Preparation: Julie McNeese Wednesday, December 24

Preparation: Emily Clem Servers: Doug Harbin, Choir; Adam

Lauderdale & Julie McNeese, South; John Noel & Diane Payne, Middle; Kay Sims & David Whitten, North

Please join George & Patsy VanKirk along with Barry & Beth Mathews in the marriage of:

Rachael VanKirk and

Wesley Mathews Saturday, January 17, 2015 ~ 5:00 p.m.

First Presbyterian Church 900 Greensboro Avenue

Tuscaloosa, Alabama 35401 Dinner and Merriment to follow.

Please visit: http://www.theknot.com/wedding/rachel-wesley

to RSVP by December 20th, 2014 and for more wedding details.

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Wilma Pennington, Room 317 Meadowbrook Extended Care 700 Corporate Ridge Birmingham, AL 35242

ITCAME

TO PASS INTHOSE DAYS

THAT THERE WENTOUT A DECREE FROM

CAESAR AUGUSTUS THATALL SHOULD BE TAXED: AND

THIS TAXING WAS FIRST MADE WHENCYRENIUS WAS GOVERNOR OF SYRIA, AND

ALL WENT TO BE TAXED, EVERY ONE INTO HISOWN CITY. AND JOSEPH ALSO WENT UP FROM GALILEE,

OUT OF THE CITY OF NAZARETH, INTO JUDEA, UNTOTHE 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 WEREACCOMPLISHED THAT SHE SHOULD BE DELIVERED, AND SHE BROUGHT FORTH HERFIRST-BORN SON, AND WRAPPED HIM IN SWADDLING CLOTHES, AND LAID HIM IN A

MANGER BECAUSE THERE WAS NO ROOM FOR THEM INTHEINN

LUKE 2:1-7

Merry Christmas from . . . David Jaina

Duane Gwen

Pat Sandra Cynthia

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Located in the Rodgers Center hallway beside ramp leading into the Education Building!

Please return your gifts to FPC by Wednesday, December 10!

From the Editor . . .Please let the church office know what information you would like to see in the newsletter. The Grapevine is your newsletter! 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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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”

FRONT PAGE . . . From David’s Pen . . . Pastor out of Office Office Special Closings INSIDE THIS ISSUE . . . Page 2: Youth & KidsKorner January Grapevine Info Due Page 3: Noteworthy News Communion Presbyterian Men Presbyterian Women Committee Meetings Session Meeting FPC Annual Art Sale Chancel Choir Church-wide Fellowship Children’s Christmas Pageant Christmas Eve Service New Year’s Eve “Come & Go” Communion Lock Doors! Session Class of 2017 Thank You

Congratulations Potter’s Hand Flowers Page 4: Coat Drive Poinsettia Order Form Year End Reports December Acolytes Church Triumphant New Member Page 5: December Birthdays “Love Came Down” Vine News Christmas Joy Offering Page 6: New Way to Give Change of Address Wedding Invite Communion Page 7: Angel Tree Merry Christmas! Luke 2:1-7 Page 8: Other Ways to Give Inside this Issue Contact Information Insert: December Calendar

Are you looking for ways to support the needy during the season of Advent? Consider making a gift to one or more of the following organizations: The Presbyterian Home for Children -- For nearly 150 years the Presbyterian Home for Children in Talladega has provided loving and vital care for at-risk children. For the first 130 of those years, congregations and their generous members funded the ministry in its entirety. Over the past two decades, however, church contributions have stagnated, and the Home has been forced to spend down its endowment -- its "birthright" -- in order to maintain its unique services for children who have been abused, neglected, or otherwise put in jeopardy. This year, the Trustees of the Home are challenging the churches throughout the State to begin to reverse this trend by promoting opportunities to give to the Home. So please consider making a gift through the church to the Presbyterian Home for Children this Advent season. The Christmas Joy Offering -- The Christmas Joy Offering helps fund the Assistance Program of the Board of Pensions, which provides current and retired church workers with the help they need to get through life's unexpected challenges. The Offering also supports education at Presbyterian-related racial ethnic schools and colleges, promoting a commitment to higher learning and leadership development for all students regardless of race or economic standing. The church will be collecting this offering on Sunday, December 21, so please consider making a gift to this special annual offering of our denomination. Christmas Angels -- For years, First Presbyterian Church has decorated a Christmas tree with "angels" for members of our congregation to adopt. This year, we will be working with the Salvation Army and 15 angels will be available for adoption. The Christmas Angel Tree will be located in the Rodger's Center starting the Sunday before Thanksgiving, and all gifts will need to be turned into the church by Wednesday, December 10th.

Insert

December 2014 Sunday Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday Saturday

1 (David Out Cont. Ed) 2 (David Out Cont. Ed)Rodgers Center Reserved from noon until 10 :00 p.m. today - Lions Club 12 noon PW Christmas Luncheon & Meeting @ Camilla Spencer’s 1p 4th Day (Parlor) 6p 4th Day (Payne’s) 6:30 p.m. Committees

3 (David Out Cont. Ed.)

6 p Youth Group & K idsKorner 7 p Choir Rehearsal

4 (David Out Cont. Ed.)

ALMA

5:30 p Brownie Troup # 468 (RC) 6 p ATHENS CHRISTMAS PARADE

5 (David Out Cont. Ed)CHURCH OFFICE

CLOSED

6-9 p FPC Annual Art Sale Open House @ Jaina’s home

6 7a Gideons (RC)

9a - 2p FPC Annual Art Sale House @ J Jaina’s home

2-6 p RC reserved for Bristol Dunwoody B’day Party

7 COMMUNION2nd Sunday of Advent

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

4-6p Potter’s Hand @ Jaina’s Home

8 Rodgers Center Closed Today !

7:30 a.m. - 10:00 p.m. “Learn to Read”

9:30 a Friendship Quilt Guild (RC)

9 (David Class)

1p 4th Day (Parlor)

6p 4th Day (Payne’s)

6:30 p.m. Session; RC Close for Set-up - Study Club Luncheon

10 ANGEL TREE GIFTS NEED TO BE TURNED IN BY TODAY!

8 a -3 p RC Reserved for Study Club Luncheon

6p Youth; Kid’s Korner;

7p Choir Rehearsal

11 12 CHURCH OFFICE CLOSED

3-10 p Rodgers Center Closed for set-up for Choir Brunch

137 a Gideons & Ladies Auxiliary (RC) 6a-3p RC & Sanctuary reserved for Choir Brunch & Cantata Rehearsal 4-10p RC reserved for Sons of Confederate Veteran’s Christmas Party 7p First Baptist Choir Christmas Program

143rd Sunday of Advent 8:00a Men’s Breakfast 9:30a Sunday School 10:30a Fellowship 11:00a Worship & FPC Choir Christmas Cantata 12:00 p Churchwide Soup & Grilled Cheese Fellowship Lunch; Christmas Caroling 4-6p Potter’s Hand @ Jaina’s Home 6p First Baptist Choir Christmas Program

15 16 January 2015 Newsletter Info Due !

1p 4th Day (Parlor)

6p 4th Day (Payne’s)

6p RC reserved for ADK Teacher’s Sorority

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6p Youth; Kid’s Korner; Pageant Rehearsal 7p Choir Rehearsal

18 7:15 a. Stephen Toney’s hip surgery in Nashville

5:30 p Brownie Troup # 468 (RC)

19 CHURCH OFFICE CLOSED

20 7a Gideons (RC)

9 a Pageant Rehearsal

21 CHRISTMAS JOY OFFERING TODAY!

4th Sunday of Advent

9:30a Sunday School Assembly, Children’s Christmas Pageant, Sunday School 10:30a Fellowship 11:00a Worship (take poinsettias home today) 4-6p Potter’s Hand @ Jaina’s Home

22 23

1p 4th Day (Parlor)

6p 4th Day (Payne’s)

24 (Sandra Out Today)

5 p Christmas Eve Worship & Communion Service

25 CHURCH OFFICE CLOSED

26 CHURCH OFFICE CLOSED

277a Gideons (RC)

28 9:30a Sunday School 10:30a Fellowship 11:00a Worship

4-6p Potter’s Hand @ Jaina’s Home

29 30

1p 4th Day (Parlor)

6p 4th Day (Payne’s)

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5-6 p Come & Go New Year’s Eve Communion

January 1, 2015

CHURCH OFFICE CLOSED

Happy New Year!

January 2, 2015

CHURCH OFFICE CLOSED

January 3, 2015 7a Gideons (RC)