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520 Royal Palm Blvd

Vero Beach, FL 32960

www.firstpresvero.org

772-562-9088

CHANGE SERVICE REQUESTED

Non-Profit Org. U.S. Postage Paid Vero Beach, FL.

Permit 138

Financial Update, October 2016

Treasurer’s Comments

October pledge receipts were $69,776 bring our year to date pledge receipts to $882,925. This is $85,000 (11%) more than

budgeted and $122,000 more than last year at this time, thus continuing our positive trend. Non-Pledged giving is $73,782 to

date and compares to $86,471 at this time last year.

The above is a positive contribution to our January projected budget shortfall of $251,308. In addition, we are aware of an

additional $23,000 in special giving that has been received in early November. In summary, we need an additional $50,000 in

non-pledged giving over the next two months to have a break even operating budget for 2016. Given our past history I am

confident we can accomplish this.

We continue to analyze expenses, and while we have a number of line item variances, we estimate that we will be within our

expense budget. While we have a number of remaining variables, I estimate they will end on the positive side.

The 2017 projected operating budget has been approved by Trustees and will go to Session in December for discussion,

possible changes and approval.

Prior to Thanksgiving, we will be sending a recap of giving statements covering the period July through October.

Please continue to remember First Presbyterian Church as you review your 2016 giving and turn in your 2017 pledge.

Remember to take advantage of tax free direct contributions to our Church from your IRA.

Allan Bixby, Treasurer

Isaiah 40:3 A voice cries out: "In the wilderness prepare the way of the LORD, make straight in the desert a highway for our

God.

I had no idea that preparing for a child’s arrival would be so much work. People told me that a baby would change

everything, but I did not believe that they meant EVERYTHING! Don’t get me wrong, on this side of the births of Vera and

Hattie I would not have it any other way, but my, how things have indeed changed in our life since they each took their first

breath.

The other day I was thinking about waiting for Vera. For starters we had to prepare our home for Vera’s arrival. I

thought that this would be a simple task of disassembling the full-size bed that was in the guest room and assembling the

crib and other nursery furniture to create the perfect place for our little girl. How wrong was I? We got Vera’s crib be-

fore I took the full-size bed down and so I decided to assemble the crib in a different room. Erin asked me if I was going to

be able to move the crib from one room to another, and I assured her I would. Once the big bed was down and it was

time to move the crib, I realized that it would not fit through the door. Erin proceeded to laugh at me when I told her we

could remove the doors to make the crib fit without having to disassemble it. The answer to that was no! So with the crib

disassembled and reassembled in the right room we were ready to welcome Vera home…or so I thought.

Unbeknownst to me, preparing the house physically for the girls’ arrival was the easy part. Erin and I had all of our I’s

dotted and T’s crossed in anticipation for each of them, but what truly took place was so unexpected that no amount of

preparation could have made us ready for the joy of welcoming them into our world. For a man who makes his living with

words, I still can’t even begin to describe the overwhelming feeling inside of me at that time.

During the Advent season, it is with this same anticipation that we

wait for God’s grace and joy to come into our lives again, for the first

time. We can decorate the house and trim the tree, but nothing can

prepare us for God’s inbreaking into our world. It is like being a par-

ent in the delivery room, or a grandparent or sibling in the waiting

room. At the first sound of that cry you are overwhelmed with

God’s presence and long to soak up all of the grace that is heralded

anew.

As you approach Christmas this year through the season of Advent, do so as if it were your first Christmas. Approach

God’s gift with joy and celebration, with awe and wonder. Receive God’s presence with love and peace, with hope and

faith. Know that God’s present for us is God’s presence with us in the way of Christ, the newborn King.

Merry Christmas,

Michael

December 2016 First Presbyterian Church—Building Faith, Changing Lives, Sharing Christ!

NEWS

The first Sunday of each month is Communion.

The second Sunday is our 2¢ a meal offering.

8:00a.m. - Chapel Worship Service

9:00a.m. & 11:00a.m. - Worship in the Sanctuary

9:15a.m. - Children’s Sunday School (concurrent

with Worship)

SUNDAY WORSHIP SCHEDULE

December 4, 2016

“Mighty God”

Rev C. Michael York Psalm 72:18-19

December 11, 2016

“Everlasting Father”

Dr. Tim Womack Ezekiel 34

December 18, 2016

“Prince of Peace ”

Dr. Tim Womack John 20: 19-20

December 24, 2016

5:00 PM – Family Candlelight Service

7:00 PM – Traditional Candlelight Service

9:00 PM – Candlelight Communion Service

December 25, 2016

Christmas Day Worship, 10:00 AM –

Worship Service with Communion

“Emmanuel” John 1:1-14

PREACHING SCHEDULE

Terri Walters, our chef, will be serving two delicious din-

ners this month. Our standing committees will be set-

ting up, serving and cleaning up. You will have an oppor-

tunity, during dessert, to hear about the work of their

committees and how you can join in their efforts.

12/7 Hosted by the Youth

Salad Bar

Fish & Chips

Hush Puppies

Slaw

Birthday Cake

12/14 Hosted by Men of the Church

Salad Bar

Tacos with all the fixings

Ice Cream Sandwiches

12/21 & 12/28 No Dinner – Enjoy Your Holidays

Note…Wednesday Night Dinners will start up again on

January 4 with Presbyterian Women hosting.

Wednesday Night Dinners

VIDEO STREAMING This is often a time of year when people travel to visit

family and friends. With our new video streaming abilities,

you can watch both the 9am and 11am service live online

as they happen or you can watch the recorded videos at a

later time or day. It’s easy to access on a computer or on a

tablet, iPad, or smartphone. There is also an app available

for Android and Apple devices. If you have any questions

about this, feel free to contact Robyn Thompson, Pastor

Michael or Mike Goodfellow.

Head on over to www.firstpresvero.org/watch-live/ and

check things out!

Wear me! It’s helpful for everyone! Need a nametag?

Let the church office know and we will get you one!

G. Timothy Womack, D. Min., Senior Pastor

Rev. C. Michael York, Associate Pastor

Graham Bingham, Minister of Congregational Care

Anne Adams, Director of Christian Education

Jacob Craig, Director of Music and Arts

Marianne Day, Youth Director

ELDERS

Class of 2016

Carol Smoyer, *Ted Miller, Eileen Ganser,

Jack Gasche, Becky Stewart, *Bob Satola

Class of 2017

Stanford Erickson, Jerry Garrett, Anne Gray,

*Paul Ives, Joan Irvine, Gayle Peters

Class of 2018

Charles Harvin, *Norman Joost, *Will Kirk,

Anne Malsbary, Jonathan Miller, Sam Murdough

*indicates Elder/Trustee

Trustees-at-Large

2016 - *Dave Frantz

2017 - *Phil Schwin

2018 - *Robert C. “Smitty” Smith

Clerk of Session - Connie Herr

Treasurer - Allan Bixby

BOARD OF DEACONS

Class of 2016

Patti Burns, Jane Divers, Bill King

Phyllis McKallip, Stephanie Nagel, Bonnie Nolan,

Marta Schneider, Ashley Wright

Class of 2017

Marsha Brizzie, Carol Campbell, *Erik Carlson,

Merral Neely, Barbara Reed, Lois Stuart,

Rob Tuite, Jane Weise

Class of 2018

Sue Broadhurst, Karen Deigl, Beth Dingee,

James Ewing, Michael Goodfellow, Bob Martin,

Sandy Thiel, Emily Zeigler

*indicates Moderator

1 Mrs. Helen Ranney

2 Mr. Jonathan Miller

3 Mr. C. Richard Bruns

3 Mrs. Marilyn Marion

4 Mr. Paul Johnson

4 Mr. Michael Tittle

5 Mr. Nicholas Snyder

6 Mrs. Carol Christiansen

6 Mr. David Lockwood

7 Mrs. Janet Swanson

7 Mr. Jeffrey Austin

7 Mr. Jeffrey Davis

7 Mrs. Lisa Barnes, Esq

8 Mrs. Elizabeth Brooks

8 Mr. Robert McCullough, Sr.

8 Mr. Steven Harrison

8 Mrs. Nancy Jones

9 Mrs. Gail Jackson

9 Mrs. Jane Divers

9 Mr. David Roessler

10 Mrs. Nancy Clark

10 Mrs. Carol Billett

11 Mrs. Evee Busby

11 Miss Danielle Thomas

12 Mrs. Jennifer Craig

13 Mrs. Betty Ruth Williams

13 Mr. Richard Schroeder

14 Mr. Charles Gasche

14 Ms. Lisa Hanlin

14 Miss Hannah Horowitz

15 Mr. Alan Hager

15 Mrs. Virginia Hancock

15 Mr. Paul Harmon

15 Mr. Scott Westermann

16 Mrs. Barbara Andress

16 Mrs. Anna Wolfe

16 Miss Nicole Barley

17 Mr. Ken Burgess

17 Mrs. Christina Lauth

18 Mr. Phillip TenEyck

19 Mrs. Suzanne Berran

19 Mrs. Helen Schroeder

22 Mr. Douglas Traill

22 Miss Haileigh M. Diaz

23 Mrs. Bertha Goodell

23 Miss Esten Peirce

24 Mr. Robert Berran

24 Mr. George Smith

24 Mrs. Holly Newman

25 Miss Jillian Lombardo

26 Ms. Heidi Vaughn

27 Mrs. Mary Ellen Mitchell

27 Mrs. Phyllis McKallip

27 Mrs. Liz Sherman

28 Mr. William Heeren

29 Mrs. Georgina DeLillo

29 Mr. Bruce Andress

29 Mrs. Kay Hazel

30 Mr. John Jacob

31 Mr. Charles Miner, Jr.

Our Church Leadership Happy Birthday! - December

http://www.firstpresvero.org/watch-live/

Bonnie Nolan—Profile of a Presbyterian Woman by Anne Faunce

Bonnie Nolan found First Presbyterian Church by jogging,…with friend and running partner,

Deb Peirce. She was looking for a pastor to perform her wedding ceremony and through Deb,

she found Dr. Tim Womack. Bonnie and Jon were married in the church eight years ago and

she has been a member ever since. Bonnie is mom to Adrianna who has become a special joy

to our church family. You may see them sitting in the front pew together each Sunday.

Transplanted from the frigid winters of Michigan at age eight, Bonnie and her large Roman

Catholic family of nine arrived in her mother’s hometown of Vero Beach to enjoy the warm

weather and be closer to her maternal family. Bonnie was the second from the youngest of

four girls and three boys. It was a homecoming of sorts because Bonnie’s mother had

graduated from VBHS and her parents had been married at St. Helen’s Catholic Church. While

a student at Vero Beach High School, Bonnie began working in the medical field receiving on-

the-job training. She began at the office of Becker and Stubb where, for five years as a

receptionist, she received clerical and surgical training. Moving to Vero Orthopedic for seven years, and then to IRMH, she was

trained as a surgical technician. For the last 15 years, she worked as a surgical assistant to a local plastic surgeon and most

recently she has worked at Grove Place Surgery Center as a surgical technician.

Bonnie and Jon met through a mutual friend and soon after they were married, they were delighted to discover she was

pregnant at age 46. Sadly, this ended in a miscarriage, but her desire for a little girl, she called “Adrianna”, was fulfilled when

they learned of an adoption and witnessed her birth. Their own Adrianna was the miracle they had hoped for.

Adrianna has been a bundle of joy and activity since the day she was born! She is intelligent and friendly. Now a first grader at

Beachland Elementary, Adrianna loves tennis, golf and swimming. And, she loves the church! Bonnie is especially heart warmed

that Adrianna has been welcomed and loved by the church family. Last year was Adrianna’s first year in the Children’s

Christmas Program and already she is excited for this year’s pageant. December 4th will be Adrianna’s first experience as a

Sunday morning worship service Acolyte. The significance is not lost on Bonnie’s close-knit and supportive family members--

many of whom will all be present that Sunday.

Bonnie, Jon and Adrianna enjoy outdoor family activities together such as bike riding, going to the beach and playing tennis. But,

Bonnie has made a priority of Sunday morning worship with Adrianna.

Bonnie has served First Presbyterian as a Deacon for the last three years. Her service has been preparing and serving the

elements for Holy Communion. She is also an un officio member of Dottie Baird’s Christian Life Committee preparing and

delivering cookies for memorial services. Bonnie bakes in the evening and Jon delivers the cookies the next day, a family

project.

With her outgoing personality, beautiful smile and sweet manner, Bonnie is a lovely addition to

our church family. Her evident love for Adrianna is a joy to watch. Long time friend, Deb Peirce

alludes to their friendship of over 20 years that has grown deeper as Bonnie has found her faith in

Jesus. “Bonnie is a true friend, honest and genuine—willing to serve when and wherever she is

asked”.

Bonnie’s favorite Bible verse is John 6:31 “Do unto others as you would have them do unto you.”

Whether utilizing her medical expertise, devoting time to her husband and daughter or serving in

the church, Bonnie has found a peace in her life. We are so blessed that she is a member of First

Presbyterian Church.

Children & Family Ministry

HOLIDAY PARADE Mark your calendar for Saturday, December 3, and meet us

for the annual Vero Beach Christmas Parade! Hot chocolate

and holiday treats will be enjoyed, as we cheer on our Youth

who will be participating in the parade! We will gather at

4:30pm at our usual spot….across the street from the VB

Hotel & Spa. If you are planning to attend this fun event,

contact Anne Adams.

KIDS MUSICALE DINNER You are invited to a musical holiday treat! On Wednesday,

December 14, in McAfee Hall, our children will be

performing special holiday music. Doors open at 5:00pm!

The menu includes: salad bar, Taco Bar with all the fixing and

ice cream sandwiches for dessert. Call the church office to

hold your spot!

Older Adult Ministry

SHARED GRIEF RETREAT Getting through the holiday season, without your loved one, is

always challenging. But, you don’t have to walk through it alone.

Plan on joining others in your church family who are grieving this

holiday season on Monday, December 5 from 10:00am to

1:30pm, in E.T. Smith Lounge. Led by Susan Long, our Faith

Community Nurse, this retreat will give you insight on a variety

of subjects to help you cope during the holiday season. This

special retreat will conclude in the Chapel with a Communion

Devotional. Your $10 fee includes lunch. Contact Anne Adams

to reserve your spot. All are welcome...bring a friend!

JOY RETREAT Hold the date……February 2 & 3, 2017…….for our annual JOY Retreat. Orlando is the location and our overnight time to-

gether will be packed with fun things to do. On Friday, Dr. Tim will lead the retreat: “The Beauty of Aging: Growing Older

with Grace, Gratitude and Grit”! Check out the details in our January Newsletter or contact Anne Adams.

MEET & GREET LUNCH

Join us for a holiday lunch, at the “round table” in the

historic Ocean Grill Restaurant, on Monday, Decem-

ber 19 at 11:30am. You will enjoy great food and fel-

lowship, along with the ambiance of one of Vero’s best

restaurants! Space

is limited, so please

cont ac t Anne

Adams to reserve

your spot!

ICE: A Charlie Brown Christmas

Plan on joining us on Wednesday, December 21, as we travel to Orlando to see “ICE” at The

Gaylord Palms Hotel. This year’s theme, A Charlie Brown Christmas, is depicted within two million

pounds of carved ice sculptures…you will never experience anything like this holiday event! Your

cost includes admission into ICE: seniors: $21, adults $24, children $10 and toddlers under 4 years of

age are free!

Lunch and shopping, in any of the shops and restaurants in the Gaylord Palms, is on your own. We

will depart at 9:00am and return around 5:00pm. To reserve your spot, please contact Anne Adams

by December 1st at 772-562-9088.

BREAKFAST WITH THE ANGELS You are invited to a joyous celebrations with our “angels” on Sunday, December 18! While their parents are attending the

9:00am Worship Service, the children will enjoy the angels singing and reading about the birth of Jesus from the Gospel of

Luke. A delicious “angel pancakes” breakfast will be served at 10:00am in McAfee Hall for the congregation. If you would like

to be an angel and volunteer, contact Anne Adams. If you would like to attend the breakfast please call the Church Office.

SOS Youth Group

On November 4th and 5th, First Presbyterian Church Vero Beach hosted the PYC Beach Retreat. Our youth joined 40 other

middle and high school students from the Central Florida Presbytery for fun fellowship and faith building activities. We would

like to thank Robyn Thompson for volunteering to chaperone the event while Marianne Day was away on her pilgrimage to the

Holy Land.

Our youth have been working on the SOS Youth Christmas float under the direction of Susan Parsons and Bonnie Nolan and

construction help from Jeff Rayfield. We are so grateful for our volunteers! Please plan on coming out the Vero Beach

Christmas Parade on Saturday, December 3rd at 6 PM, to support and represent First Pres.!

On December 3rd, following the parade, we will have our SOS Christmas party in McAfee Hall until 11 PM. Youth should

bring a gift valued around $10, for a white elephant gift exchange.

Faith in 3-D is coming soon!! Faith in 3-D is an amazing

youth gathering that is three and a half power packed

days of worship, play, small group, recreation, and Christ

encounters at Disney World! It is happening January 13-

16, 2017, and the special cost to our SOS Youth is only

$175. This includes lodging, conference fees, three meals

a day, transportation, t-shirt and a 2-day park pass. This

is open to all middle and high school youth and it would

make a great Christmas gift! Please reserve your spot

with a $100 nonrefundable deposit, by December 15th.

You may get more information by contacting Marianne

Day or at the website faithin3d.org.

Our SOS December schedule is as follows:

December 4- High School and Middle School SOS 5:30 PM-7:30 PM

December 7- Middle School SOS 4 PM-6:15, High School SOS 5:30 PM-7:30 PM

December 11-Christmas Pageant (youth serve ice cream)

December 14- Kids Musicale followed by SOS

SOS will resume its regular schedule on Wednesday, January 4, 2017.

Nurse’s Note

The holidays are difficult for lots of reasons and having experienced a significant loss

makes them worse. Actually, sometimes the second year after the loss of a close per-

son, the holidays are even worse. A survival tip is to remember to take care of yourself

and include time to process the myriad of emotions that will inevitably come. Be sure to

be around people who support and care for you. Most of all, remember that God is

with you and will guide you through this time. For this and other survival tips, attend

the Surviving the Holidays seminar Dec 5. Call Anne Adams to reserve your spot. See

you there!

~ Susan Long, RN, Faith Community Nurse for FPC.

Presbyterian Women

www.facebook.com/FirstPresVero

Prayer Net

Email your concerns to :

[email protected]

Music “Notes”

GO SING IT ON THE MOUNTAIN! Pepper Choplin

The birth of Jesus is a scene of awe-inspiring humility: God in human form, born in a lowly

manger for our salvation. Pepper Choplin's distinctive, folk-infused musical style is particu-

larly well-suited to capture this story. Employing a highly inventive mixture of mountain

melodies, folk hymns, spirituals, familiar carols, and original music that is sure to surprise

and delight, Go Sing It on the Mountain proclaims the good news from the prophet Isaiah's

proclamation, "Comfort, O comfort my people, to the final exuberant celebration: Joy to

the World! Christ is born!” This performance will feature full choir and orchestra, and will

be performed on Sunday, December 18, at 9:00 and 11:00 am worship services.

CHRISTMAS TREE LANE IS THIS SATURDAY, DECEMBER 3rd!!! It’s been months in the planning. Now on Saturday, Dec. 3rd, from 9:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m., the

Center for Christian Life will become a festive holiday mecca as the Presbyterian Women’s annual

Christmas Tree Lane opens its doors for a 62nd season! It’s our “biggest and best” one yet, with

fantastic main-floor boutiques overflowing with matchless gifts items & stocking stuffers. A level

above will be the yummy Cookies-by-the-Pound and the new Mrs. Claus’ Kitchen with its own

tempting selection of homemade goodies. Proceeds from this major fundraiser go to area charities,

so plan to bring family and friends along for some early holiday shopping that will ultimately benefit

worthy causes.

SAVE THE DATE! Set aside Saturday, January 14th, for the annual meeting of the Presbyterian Women. Following a

light catered lunch at noon, on the agenda are the installation of 2017 PW officers and an informa-

tive and enlightening program. Watch for details in future church bulletins and the January “First

News.”

https://www.facebook.com/FirstPresVero/?ref=aymt_homepage_panel

http://www.facebook.com/FirstPresVero

Mission and Social Concerns

CAMP HAVEN

Since last May, each month, the Mission and Social Concerns Committee has highlighted

the global and local mission outreach of our church. We would like to provide you

with opportunities to become involved and to share with you the vision of how we

might spread God’s love in our community and throughout the world.

Camp Haven, which our church helps to support, is an Indian River County transitional

residence for homeless men. It is located on US.1, just opposite the Airport. This

facility provides supportive living opportunities and education to men committed to rising out of homelessness. This is the

only shelter of its kind in IRC. Residents in this program receive educational opportunities,

counseling and encouragement, as they move from homelessness to hopefulness, eventually

becoming active, engaged, contributing members of our community. Camp Haven promotes

a Christian based foundation and way of life. The intake procedures are selective and

thorough and the men must be committed to the rules of Camp Haven and committed to

breaking free from destitution.

The Camp Haven facilities have been created from the old Citrus Motel and is still currently

undergoing renovation to provide more living facilities.

With donations from the community, Camp Haven will be able to increase from housing16

men to 24. It is here with the ongoing support of individuals, churches and the community at

large, Camp Haven is able to provide not only shelter, food, and clothing, but vocational

training and life skills classes that aid in the transitional process for each of their residents.

With literally hundreds of homeless men in our county, Lalita Janke saw the need and

purchased the property as a gift to begin Camp Haven. Mrs. Janke is the Board President and

invites us in helping these men break from the cycle of homelessness.

FOR MORE INFORMATION, PLEASE VISIT CAMP HAVEN’S WEBSIITE:

http://camphaven.net/

In The Spotlight

CHILDREN’S CHRISTMAS PAGEANT

Set in a traditional Christmas Nativity, this musical takes

place in Bethlehem in the two days leading up to Jesus'

birth. But there is a not-so-traditional "twist" with this

musical which features new characters, including some

very cool talking and rapping sheep. Yep, that’s right-

talking sheep!

Rehearsals began Sunday,

October 9th, and the kids

have been busy preparing

for the big performance

day! Please mark your

calendars for Sunday,

December 11th, 6:00 PM

and join us in McAfee Hall.

The children are already excited about sharing this fun-

filled musical and the message about God's gift of His

Son!

The December Men's Fellowship FOCUS Luncheon will be held on Friday, December 9,

2016 at 11:45 AM in McAfee Hall. This will be a very special luncheon celebrating the

season of Advent, the anticipation of the birth of our Savior, with all the beautiful

decorations, wonderful music, and good tidings that we enjoy so much this time of the

year. In addition to a special holiday noontime repast, prepared and served by Chef Gene

Horton and his faithful Elves, we will be treated to a very special holiday musical

performance by our own Jacob Craig and young men and women from the Vero Beach

High School. This is an event that you will certainly not want to miss, circle the date on

your calendar and ask a couple of friends to join you. The price of admission is still only

$5.00, we only ask that you sign up by calling the church office [562-9088] or simply

checking the "I'm Coming" box under EVENTS on the Church Website. We anticipate a large turnout for this event, and

we really need to know if you are coming.

The first luncheon of the new year will be held on Friday, January 6th and will feature Captain Winston Scott USN (Ret) as

our guest speaker.

Plans are already well underway for our gala Sweethearts Dinner which will be held on Saturday evening, February 11,

2017. Mark your calendar and start thinking about making up a table to include your own sweetheart and two other

couples, plus two single sweethearts from our church. More details and tickets will be available in the coming weeks.

Men’s F.O.C.U.S. & Fellowship

GERMANY 2017

Join us as we travel to Germany to celebrate the 500th

Anniversary of the Reformation. This 10 day epic journey

takes us across Germany and will follow in the footsteps of

Martin Luther as he set the Reformation in motion.

Our travel dates are June 21 thru July 2, 2017. If you are

interested, please submit your registration form, along with

your $500 dollar deposit by December 30, 2016. For more

information and reservations please contact Anne Adams.

Sun Mon Tue Wed

4

8:00AM Chapel Worship Service

9:00AM Sunday Worship Service

10:00AM Adult Sunday Morning Study

10:20AM Indian River Estates Van Pick-Up


4:00PM Christmas Pageant Rehearsal

5

7:30AM First Presbyterian Preschool

9:15AM Worship Planning

10:00AM Getting Through the Holidays

10:45AM Growth Community - Dr. Tim

1:00PM PWCT Meeting

6:30PM Primo (Juan Pena)

8:00PM AA - Open to All

6 All Day - Presbytery

7:30AM Men's Breakfast


8:00AM BNI Networking Partners

10:30AM Dr. Tim's Bible Study

10:30AM Handbell Choir

2:00PM Computer Class

2:00PM Primo (Emily Dreher)

4:00PM Christian Education

6:30PM Deacons' Meeting

6:30PM Al-Anon

7


12:00PM Overeaters Anonymous

2:00PM First Presbyterian Quilt Group

3:00PM Kids' Quest Club

3:45PM Dr. Bertie Centerbar (practice)

4:00PM Middle School Youth

5:00PM Wednesday Night Dinner

5:30PM Youth Fellowship

6:15PM Chancel Choir Rehearsal

7:00PM Al Anon

11 8:00AM Chapel Worship Service




6:00PM Christmas Pageant

12




1:00PM Grace Circle

3:00PM Trustees' Meeting



13




9:15AM Staff Meeting




3:00PM Missions & Social Concerns

6:30PM Al-Anon

7:00PM Session

14 7:30AM First Presbyterian Preschool






5:30PM Wednesday Night Kids'

Musicale Dinner



7:00PM Al Anon

18

8:00AM Chapel Worship Service

9:00AM Sunday Morning Worship -

Cantata

10:00AM Breakfast with the Angels


11:00AM Sunday Morning Worship -

Cantata


19






20







12:00PM Meet & Greet Lunch


6:30PM Al-Anon

21

9:00AM ICE: A Charlie Brown Christmas








7:00PM Al Anon

25

10:00AM Christmas Day Worship Service

26

All Day

Office Closed for Christmas


27







3:00PM Membership & Evangelism

6:30PM Al-Anon

28





7:00PM Al-Anon

December 2016Wed Thu Fri Sat

1

Christmas Tree Lane Set-Up


9:00AM Preschool Chapel

10:00AM SilverTones

10:30AM Palm Garden

4:00PM Worship & Music

6:00PM AA (Magnolia Group)

6:30PM Naomi Circle Meeting

2

Christmas Tree Lane Set-Up


12:00PM Al-Anon

3:00PM Finance Committee

3

9:00AM Christmas Tree Lane

4:00PM Family Fun Night: Christmas

Parade







5:00PM Wednesday Night Dinner



8



10:00AM SilverTones

1:00PM Sarah Circle

3:00PM Strategic Long-Range Planning

Committee


9


11:00AM Men's FOCUS & Fellowship

12:00PM Al-Anon

4:30PM Christmas Pageant Rehearsal

10

9:00AM Christmas Pageant Rehearsal

10:00AM FPC Quilt Group

1:00PM BethWe







5:30PM Wednesday Night Kids'



15



10:00AM SilverTones

10:30AM Grace Rehab Service


7:00PM IR Senior Resources Silvertones

Concert

16


12:00PM Al-Anon

7:00PM Small Group Study - Adams/

Bingham

17

10:00AM Friends After Diagnosis

9:00AM ICE: A Charlie Brown Christmas








22

10:00AM SilverTones

2:00PM Church Life

4:00PM Worship & Music


23

12:00PM Al-Anon

24

4:30PM Pre-Service Music Begins

5:00PM Family Candlelight Service

6:00PM Egg Nog and Cookies

6:30PM Pre-Service Music Begins

7:00PM Traditional Family Christmas

Eve Service

8:30PM Pre-Service Music

9:00PM Candlelight Christmas Eve

Communion Service





29

10:00AM SilverTones


30

12:00PM Al-Anon

31

5:00PM New Year's Eve Worship Service

December 2016

SOS Youth Group

On November 4th and 5th, First Presbyterian Church Vero Beach hosted the PYC Beach Retreat. Our youth joined 40 other

middle and high school students from the Central Florida Presbytery for fun fellowship and faith building activities. We would

like to thank Robyn Thompson for volunteering to chaperone the event while Marianne Day was away on her pilgrimage to the

Holy Land.

Our youth have been working on the SOS Youth Christmas float under the direction of Susan Parsons and Bonnie Nolan and

construction help from Jeff Rayfield. We are so grateful for our volunteers! Please plan on coming out the Vero Beach

Christmas Parade on Saturday, December 3rd at 6 PM, to support and represent First Pres.!

On December 3rd, following the parade, we will have our SOS Christmas party in McAfee Hall until 11 PM. Youth should

bring a gift valued around $10, for a white elephant gift exchange.

Faith in 3-D is coming soon!! Faith in 3-D is an amazing

youth gathering that is three and a half power packed

days of worship, play, small group, recreation, and Christ

encounters at Disney World! It is happening January 13-

16, 2017, and the special cost to our SOS Youth is only

$175. This includes lodging, conference fees, three meals

a day, transportation, t-shirt and a 2-day park pass. This

is open to all middle and high school youth and it would

make a great Christmas gift! Please reserve your spot

with a $100 nonrefundable deposit, by December 15th.

You may get more information by contacting Marianne

Day or at the website faithin3d.org.

Our SOS December schedule is as follows:

December 4- High School and Middle School SOS 5:30 PM-7:30 PM

December 7- Middle School SOS 4 PM-6:15, High School SOS 5:30 PM-7:30 PM

December 11-Christmas Pageant (youth serve ice cream)

December 14- Kids Musicale followed by SOS

SOS will resume its regular schedule on Wednesday, January 4, 2017.

Nurse’s Note

The holidays are difficult for lots of reasons and having experienced a significant loss

makes them worse. Actually, sometimes the second year after the loss of a close per-

son, the holidays are even worse. A survival tip is to remember to take care of yourself

and include time to process the myriad of emotions that will inevitably come. Be sure to

be around people who support and care for you. Most of all, remember that God is

with you and will guide you through this time. For this and other survival tips, attend

the Surviving the Holidays seminar Dec 5. Call Anne Adams to reserve your spot. See

you there!

~ Susan Long, RN, Faith Community Nurse for FPC.

Presbyterian Women

www.facebook.com/FirstPresVero

Prayer Net

Email your concerns to :

[email protected]

Music “Notes”

GO SING IT ON THE MOUNTAIN! Pepper Choplin

The birth of Jesus is a scene of awe-inspiring humility: God in human form, born in a lowly

manger for our salvation. Pepper Choplin's distinctive, folk-infused musical style is particu-

larly well-suited to capture this story. Employing a highly inventive mixture of mountain

melodies, folk hymns, spirituals, familiar carols, and original music that is sure to surprise

and delight, Go Sing It on the Mountain proclaims the good news from the prophet Isaiah's

proclamation, "Comfort, O comfort my people, to the final exuberant celebration: Joy to

the World! Christ is born!” This performance will feature full choir and orchestra, and will

be performed on Sunday, December 18, at 9:00 and 11:00 am worship services.

CHRISTMAS TREE LANE IS THIS SATURDAY, DECEMBER 3rd!!! It’s been months in the planning. Now on Saturday, Dec. 3rd, from 9:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m., the

Center for Christian Life will become a festive holiday mecca as the Presbyterian Women’s annual

Christmas Tree Lane opens its doors for a 62nd season! It’s our “biggest and best” one yet, with

fantastic main-floor boutiques overflowing with matchless gifts items & stocking stuffers. A level

above will be the yummy Cookies-by-the-Pound and the new Mrs. Claus’ Kitchen with its own

tempting selection of homemade goodies. Proceeds from this major fundraiser go to area charities,

so plan to bring family and friends along for some early holiday shopping that will ultimately benefit

worthy causes.

SAVE THE DATE! Set aside Saturday, January 14th, for the annual meeting of the Presbyterian Women. Following a

light catered lunch at noon, on the agenda are the installation of 2017 PW officers and an informa-

tive and enlightening program. Watch for details in future church bulletins and the January “First

News.”

https://www.facebook.com/FirstPresVero/?ref=aymt_homepage_panel

http://www.facebook.com/FirstPresVero

Mission and Social Concerns

CAMP HAVEN

Since last May, each month, the Mission and Social Concerns Committee has highlighted

the global and local mission outreach of our church. We would like to provide you

with opportunities to become involved and to share with you the vision of how we

might spread God’s love in our community and throughout the world.

Camp Haven, which our church helps to support, is an Indian River County transitional

residence for homeless men. It is located on US.1, just opposite the Airport. This

facility provides supportive living opportunities and education to men committed to rising out of homelessness. This is the

only shelter of its kind in IRC. Residents in this program receive educational opportunities,

counseling and encouragement, as they move from homelessness to hopefulness, eventually

becoming active, engaged, contributing members of our community. Camp Haven promotes

a Christian based foundation and way of life. The intake procedures are selective and

thorough and the men must be committed to the rules of Camp Haven and committed to

breaking free from destitution.

The Camp Haven facilities have been created from the old Citrus Motel and is still currently

undergoing renovation to provide more living facilities.

With donations from the community, Camp Haven will be able to increase from housing16

men to 24. It is here with the ongoing support of individuals, churches and the community at

large, Camp Haven is able to provide not only shelter, food, and clothing, but vocational

training and life skills classes that aid in the transitional process for each of their residents.

With literally hundreds of homeless men in our county, Lalita Janke saw the need and

purchased the property as a gift to begin Camp Haven. Mrs. Janke is the Board President and

invites us in helping these men break from the cycle of homelessness.

FOR MORE INFORMATION, PLEASE VISIT CAMP HAVEN’S WEBSIITE:

http://camphaven.net/

In The Spotlight

CHILDREN’S CHRISTMAS PAGEANT

Set in a traditional Christmas Nativity, this musical takes

place in Bethlehem in the two days leading up to Jesus'

birth. But there is a not-so-traditional "twist" with this

musical which features new characters, including some

very cool talking and rapping sheep. Yep, that’s right-

talking sheep!

Rehearsals began Sunday,

October 9th, and the kids

have been busy preparing

for the big performance

day! Please mark your

calendars for Sunday,

December 11th, 6:00 PM

and join us in McAfee Hall.

The children are already excited about sharing this fun-

filled musical and the message about God's gift of His

Son!

The December Men's Fellowship FOCUS Luncheon will be held on Friday, December 9,

2016 at 11:45 AM in McAfee Hall. This will be a very special luncheon celebrating the

season of Advent, the anticipation of the birth of our Savior, with all the beautiful

decorations, wonderful music, and good tidings that we enjoy so much this time of the

year. In addition to a special holiday noontime repast, prepared and served by Chef Gene

Horton and his faithful Elves, we will be treated to a very special holiday musical

performance by our own Jacob Craig and young men and women from the Vero Beach

High School. This is an event that you will certainly not want to miss, circle the date on

your calendar and ask a couple of friends to join you. The price of admission is still only

$5.00, we only ask that you sign up by calling the church office [562-9088] or simply

checking the "I'm Coming" box under EVENTS on the Church Website. We anticipate a large turnout for this event, and

we really need to know if you are coming.

The first luncheon of the new year will be held on Friday, January 6th and will feature Captain Winston Scott USN (Ret) as

our guest speaker.

Plans are already well underway for our gala Sweethearts Dinner which will be held on Saturday evening, February 11,

2017. Mark your calendar and start thinking about making up a table to include your own sweetheart and two other

couples, plus two single sweethearts from our church. More details and tickets will be available in the coming weeks.

Men’s F.O.C.U.S. & Fellowship

GERMANY 2017

Join us as we travel to Germany to celebrate the 500th

Anniversary of the Reformation. This 10 day epic journey

takes us across Germany and will follow in the footsteps of

Martin Luther as he set the Reformation in motion.

Our travel dates are June 21 thru July 2, 2017. If you are

interested, please submit your registration form, along with

your $500 dollar deposit by December 30, 2016. For more

information and reservations please contact Anne Adams.

Bonnie Nolan—Profile of a Presbyterian Woman by Anne Faunce

Bonnie Nolan found First Presbyterian Church by jogging,…with friend and running partner,

Deb Peirce. She was looking for a pastor to perform her wedding ceremony and through Deb,

she found Dr. Tim Womack. Bonnie and Jon were married in the church eight years ago and

she has been a member ever since. Bonnie is mom to Adrianna who has become a special joy

to our church family. You may see them sitting in the front pew together each Sunday.

Transplanted from the frigid winters of Michigan at age eight, Bonnie and her large Roman

Catholic family of nine arrived in her mother’s hometown of Vero Beach to enjoy the warm

weather and be closer to her maternal family. Bonnie was the second from the youngest of

four girls and three boys. It was a homecoming of sorts because Bonnie’s mother had

graduated from VBHS and her parents had been married at St. Helen’s Catholic Church. While

a student at Vero Beach High School, Bonnie began working in the medical field receiving on-

the-job training. She began at the office of Becker and Stubb where, for five years as a

receptionist, she received clerical and surgical training. Moving to Vero Orthopedic for seven years, and then to IRMH, she was

trained as a surgical technician. For the last 15 years, she worked as a surgical assistant to a local plastic surgeon and most

recently she has worked at Grove Place Surgery Center as a surgical technician.

Bonnie and Jon met through a mutual friend and soon after they were married, they were delighted to discover she was

pregnant at age 46. Sadly, this ended in a miscarriage, but her desire for a little girl, she called “Adrianna”, was fulfilled when

they learned of an adoption and witnessed her birth. Their own Adrianna was the miracle they had hoped for.

Adrianna has been a bundle of joy and activity since the day she was born! She is intelligent and friendly. Now a first grader at

Beachland Elementary, Adrianna loves tennis, golf and swimming. And, she loves the church! Bonnie is especially heart warmed

that Adrianna has been welcomed and loved by the church family. Last year was Adrianna’s first year in the Children’s

Christmas Program and already she is excited for this year’s pageant. December 4th will be Adrianna’s first experience as a

Sunday morning worship service Acolyte. The significance is not lost on Bonnie’s close-knit and supportive family members--

many of whom will all be present that Sunday.

Bonnie, Jon and Adrianna enjoy outdoor family activities together such as bike riding, going to the beach and playing tennis. But,

Bonnie has made a priority of Sunday morning worship with Adrianna.

Bonnie has served First Presbyterian as a Deacon for the last three years. Her service has been preparing and serving the

elements for Holy Communion. She is also an un officio member of Dottie Baird’s Christian Life Committee preparing and

delivering cookies for memorial services. Bonnie bakes in the evening and Jon delivers the cookies the next day, a family

project.

With her outgoing personality, beautiful smile and sweet manner, Bonnie is a lovely addition to

our church family. Her evident love for Adrianna is a joy to watch. Long time friend, Deb Peirce

alludes to their friendship of over 20 years that has grown deeper as Bonnie has found her faith in

Jesus. “Bonnie is a true friend, honest and genuine—willing to serve when and wherever she is

asked”.

Bonnie’s favorite Bible verse is John 6:31 “Do unto others as you would have them do unto you.”

Whether utilizing her medical expertise, devoting time to her husband and daughter or serving in

the church, Bonnie has found a peace in her life. We are so blessed that she is a member of First

Presbyterian Church.

Children & Family Ministry

HOLIDAY PARADE Mark your calendar for Saturday, December 3, and meet us

for the annual Vero Beach Christmas Parade! Hot chocolate

and holiday treats will be enjoyed, as we cheer on our Youth

who will be participating in the parade! We will gather at

4:30pm at our usual spot….across the street from the VB

Hotel & Spa. If you are planning to attend this fun event,

contact Anne Adams.

KIDS MUSICALE DINNER You are invited to a musical holiday treat! On Wednesday,

December 14, in McAfee Hall, our children will be

performing special holiday music. Doors open at 5:00pm!

The menu includes: salad bar, Taco Bar with all the fixing and

ice cream sandwiches for dessert. Call the church office to

hold your spot!

Older Adult Ministry

SHARED GRIEF RETREAT Getting through the holiday season, without your loved one, is

always challenging. But, you don’t have to walk through it alone.

Plan on joining others in your church family who are grieving this

holiday season on Monday, December 5 from 10:00am to

1:30pm, in E.T. Smith Lounge. Led by Susan Long, our Faith

Community Nurse, this retreat will give you insight on a variety

of subjects to help you cope during the holiday season. This

special retreat will conclude in the Chapel with a Communion

Devotional. Your $10 fee includes lunch. Contact Anne Adams

to reserve your spot. All are welcome...bring a friend!

JOY RETREAT Hold the date……February 2 & 3, 2017…….for our annual JOY Retreat. Orlando is the location and our overnight time to-

gether will be packed with fun things to do. On Friday, Dr. Tim will lead the retreat: “The Beauty of Aging: Growing Older

with Grace, Gratitude and Grit”! Check out the details in our January Newsletter or contact Anne Adams.

MEET & GREET LUNCH

Join us for a holiday lunch, at the “round table” in the

historic Ocean Grill Restaurant, on Monday, Decem-

ber 19 at 11:30am. You will enjoy great food and fel-

lowship, along with the ambiance of one of Vero’s best

restaurants! Space

is limited, so please

cont ac t Anne

Adams to reserve

your spot!

ICE: A Charlie Brown Christmas

Plan on joining us on Wednesday, December 21, as we travel to Orlando to see “ICE” at The

Gaylord Palms Hotel. This year’s theme, A Charlie Brown Christmas, is depicted within two million

pounds of carved ice sculptures…you will never experience anything like this holiday event! Your

cost includes admission into ICE: seniors: $21, adults $24, children $10 and toddlers under 4 years of

age are free!

Lunch and shopping, in any of the shops and restaurants in the Gaylord Palms, is on your own. We

will depart at 9:00am and return around 5:00pm. To reserve your spot, please contact Anne Adams

by December 1st at 772-562-9088.

BREAKFAST WITH THE ANGELS You are invited to a joyous celebrations with our “angels” on Sunday, December 18! While their parents are attending the

9:00am Worship Service, the children will enjoy the angels singing and reading about the birth of Jesus from the Gospel of

Luke. A delicious “angel pancakes” breakfast will be served at 10:00am in McAfee Hall for the congregation. If you would like

to be an angel and volunteer, contact Anne Adams. If you would like to attend the breakfast please call the Church Office.

The first Sunday of each month is Communion.

The second Sunday is our 2¢ a meal offering.

8:00a.m. - Chapel Worship Service

9:00a.m. & 11:00a.m. - Worship in the Sanctuary

9:15a.m. - Children’s Sunday School (concurrent

with Worship)

SUNDAY WORSHIP SCHEDULE

December 4, 2016

“Mighty God”

Rev C. Michael York Psalm 72:18-19

December 11, 2016

“Everlasting Father”

Dr. Tim Womack Ezekiel 34

December 18, 2016

“Prince of Peace ”

Dr. Tim Womack John 20: 19-20

December 24, 2016

5:00 PM – Family Candlelight Service

7:00 PM – Traditional Candlelight Service

9:00 PM – Candlelight Communion Service

December 25, 2016

Christmas Day Worship, 10:00 AM –

Worship Service with Communion

“Emmanuel” John 1:1-14

PREACHING SCHEDULE

Terri Walters, our chef, will be serving two delicious din-

ners this month. Our standing committees will be set-

ting up, serving and cleaning up. You will have an oppor-

tunity, during dessert, to hear about the work of their

committees and how you can join in their efforts.

12/7 Hosted by the Youth

Salad Bar

Fish & Chips

Hush Puppies

Slaw

Birthday Cake

12/14 Hosted by Men of the Church

Salad Bar

Tacos with all the fixings

Ice Cream Sandwiches

12/21 & 12/28 No Dinner – Enjoy Your Holidays

Note…Wednesday Night Dinners will start up again on

January 4 with Presbyterian Women hosting.

Wednesday Night Dinners

VIDEO STREAMING This is often a time of year when people travel to visit

family and friends. With our new video streaming abilities,

you can watch both the 9am and 11am service live online

as they happen or you can watch the recorded videos at a

later time or day. It’s easy to access on a computer or on a

tablet, iPad, or smartphone. There is also an app available

for Android and Apple devices. If you have any questions

about this, feel free to contact Robyn Thompson, Pastor

Michael or Mike Goodfellow.

Head on over to www.firstpresvero.org/watch-live/ and

check things out!

Wear me! It’s helpful for everyone! Need a nametag?

Let the church office know and we will get you one!

G. Timothy Womack, D. Min., Senior Pastor

Rev. C. Michael York, Associate Pastor

Graham Bingham, Minister of Congregational Care

Anne Adams, Director of Christian Education

Jacob Craig, Director of Music and Arts

Marianne Day, Youth Director

ELDERS

Class of 2016

Carol Smoyer, *Ted Miller, Eileen Ganser,

Jack Gasche, Becky Stewart, *Bob Satola

Class of 2017

Stanford Erickson, Jerry Garrett, Anne Gray,

*Paul Ives, Joan Irvine, Gayle Peters

Class of 2018

Charles Harvin, *Norman Joost, *Will Kirk,

Anne Malsbary, Jonathan Miller, Sam Murdough

*indicates Elder/Trustee

Trustees-at-Large

2016 - *Dave Frantz

2017 - *Phil Schwin

2018 - *Robert C. “Smitty” Smith

Clerk of Session - Connie Herr

Treasurer - Allan Bixby

BOARD OF DEACONS

Class of 2016

Patti Burns, Jane Divers, Bill King

Phyllis McKallip, Stephanie Nagel, Bonnie Nolan,

Marta Schneider, Ashley Wright

Class of 2017

Marsha Brizzie, Carol Campbell, *Erik Carlson,

Merral Neely, Barbara Reed, Lois Stuart,

Rob Tuite, Jane Weise

Class of 2018

Sue Broadhurst, Karen Deigl, Beth Dingee,

James Ewing, Michael Goodfellow, Bob Martin,

Sandy Thiel, Emily Zeigler

*indicates Moderator

1 Mrs. Helen Ranney

2 Mr. Jonathan Miller

3 Mr. C. Richard Bruns

3 Mrs. Marilyn Marion

4 Mr. Paul Johnson

4 Mr. Michael Tittle

5 Mr. Nicholas Snyder

6 Mrs. Carol Christiansen

6 Mr. David Lockwood

7 Mrs. Janet Swanson

7 Mr. Jeffrey Austin

7 Mr. Jeffrey Davis

7 Mrs. Lisa Barnes, Esq

8 Mrs. Elizabeth Brooks

8 Mr. Robert McCullough, Sr.

8 Mr. Steven Harrison

8 Mrs. Nancy Jones

9 Mrs. Gail Jackson

9 Mrs. Jane Divers

9 Mr. David Roessler

10 Mrs. Nancy Clark

10 Mrs. Carol Billett

11 Mrs. Evee Busby

11 Miss Danielle Thomas

12 Mrs. Jennifer Craig

13 Mrs. Betty Ruth Williams

13 Mr. Richard Schroeder

14 Mr. Charles Gasche

14 Ms. Lisa Hanlin

14 Miss Hannah Horowitz

15 Mr. Alan Hager

15 Mrs. Virginia Hancock

15 Mr. Paul Harmon

15 Mr. Scott Westermann

16 Mrs. Barbara Andress

16 Mrs. Anna Wolfe

16 Miss Nicole Barley

17 Mr. Ken Burgess

17 Mrs. Christina Lauth

18 Mr. Phillip TenEyck

19 Mrs. Suzanne Berran

19 Mrs. Helen Schroeder

22 Mr. Douglas Traill

22 Miss Haileigh M. Diaz

23 Mrs. Bertha Goodell

23 Miss Esten Peirce

24 Mr. Robert Berran

24 Mr. George Smith

24 Mrs. Holly Newman

25 Miss Jillian Lombardo

26 Ms. Heidi Vaughn

27 Mrs. Mary Ellen Mitchell

27 Mrs. Phyllis McKallip

27 Mrs. Liz Sherman

28 Mr. William Heeren

29 Mrs. Georgina DeLillo

29 Mr. Bruce Andress

29 Mrs. Kay Hazel

30 Mr. John Jacob

31 Mr. Charles Miner, Jr.

Our Church Leadership Happy Birthday! - December

http://www.firstpresvero.org/watch-live/

520 Royal Palm Blvd

Vero Beach, FL 32960

www.firstpresvero.org

772-562-9088

CHANGE SERVICE REQUESTED

Non-Profit Org. U.S. Postage Paid Vero Beach, FL.

Permit 138

Financial Update, October 2016

Treasurer’s Comments

October pledge receipts were $69,776 bring our year to date pledge receipts to $882,925. This is $85,000 (11%) more than

budgeted and $122,000 more than last year at this time, thus continuing our positive trend. Non-Pledged giving is $73,782 to

date and compares to $86,471 at this time last year.

The above is a positive contribution to our January projected budget shortfall of $251,308. In addition, we are aware of an

additional $23,000 in special giving that has been received in early November. In summary, we need an additional $50,000 in

non-pledged giving over the next two months to have a break even operating budget for 2016. Given our past history I am

confident we can accomplish this.

We continue to analyze expenses, and while we have a number of line item variances, we estimate that we will be within our

expense budget. While we have a number of remaining variables, I estimate they will end on the positive side.

The 2017 projected operating budget has been approved by Trustees and will go to Session in December for discussion,

possible changes and approval.

Prior to Thanksgiving, we will be sending a recap of giving statements covering the period July through October.

Please continue to remember First Presbyterian Church as you review your 2016 giving and turn in your 2017 pledge.

Remember to take advantage of tax free direct contributions to our Church from your IRA.

Allan Bixby, Treasurer

Isaiah 40:3 A voice cries out: "In the wilderness prepare the way of the LORD, make straight in the desert a highway for our

God.

I had no idea that preparing for a child’s arrival would be so much work. People told me that a baby would change

everything, but I did not believe that they meant EVERYTHING! Don’t get me wrong, on this side of the births of Vera and

Hattie I would not have it any other way, but my, how things have indeed changed in our life since they each took their first

breath.

The other day I was thinking about waiting for Vera. For starters we had to prepare our home for Vera’s arrival. I

thought that this would be a simple task of disassembling the full-size bed that was in the guest room and assembling the

crib and other nursery furniture to create the perfect place for our little girl. How wrong was I? We got Vera’s crib be-

fore I took the full-size bed down and so I decided to assemble the crib in a different room. Erin asked me if I was going to

be able to move the crib from one room to another, and I assured her I would. Once the big bed was down and it was

time to move the crib, I realized that it would not fit through the door. Erin proceeded to laugh at me when I told her we

could remove the doors to make the crib fit without having to disassemble it. The answer to that was no! So with the crib

disassembled and reassembled in the right room we were ready to welcome Vera home…or so I thought.

Unbeknownst to me, preparing the house physically for the girls’ arrival was the easy part. Erin and I had all of our I’s

dotted and T’s crossed in anticipation for each of them, but what truly took place was so unexpected that no amount of

preparation could have made us ready for the joy of welcoming them into our world. For a man who makes his living with

words, I still can’t even begin to describe the overwhelming feeling inside of me at that time.

During the Advent season, it is with this same anticipation that we

wait for God’s grace and joy to come into our lives again, for the first

time. We can decorate the house and trim the tree, but nothing can

prepare us for God’s inbreaking into our world. It is like being a par-

ent in the delivery room, or a grandparent or sibling in the waiting

room. At the first sound of that cry you are overwhelmed with

God’s presence and long to soak up all of the grace that is heralded

anew.

As you approach Christmas this year through the season of Advent, do so as if it were your first Christmas. Approach

God’s gift with joy and celebration, with awe and wonder. Receive God’s presence with love and peace, with hope and

faith. Know that God’s present for us is God’s presence with us in the way of Christ, the newborn King.

Merry Christmas,

Michael

December 2016 First Presbyterian Church—Building Faith, Changing Lives, Sharing Christ!

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