St. Philip Presbyterian Church

Hurst, Texas www.stphil.org

(817) 282-9181 (817) 282-6690 (fax)

Rev. Dr. Greg Garis, Pastor

Rev. Alissa King, Assoc. Pastor

Rev. Dr. Charles Teykl, Parish Associate

VOL. 56 November 19, 2014 No. 43

Sing We Now of Christmas A “Hanging of the Greens” Program

St. Philip Presbyterian

Church

Presents

A Christmas Concert

November 30, 2014

Fellowship Hall

5:30 p.m.--Soup and Salad

Decoration of the Chrismon Tree

6:45 p.m.--Concert of the Chancel Choir,

Youth Chime Choir, Hand Bells,

Cornerstone, the Regal Opera Chorale,

The Philippians & Tom and Melanie Demer

Come & enjoy your first Carols of the Season!

St. Philip Presbyterian Women

December 2nd Tuesday 9:30 a.m. PW Board Meeting Parlor 4th Thursday 1:30 p.m. PW Bible Leaders Parlor 8th Monday 5:30 p.m. Life Circle at Raven’s Grill 9th Tuesday 9:30 a.m. Grace Circle Room 8 Tuesday 10:00 a.m. Sheila Bradley Circle Parlor 16th Tuesday 6:30 p.m. Christmas Dinner Fellowship Hall Note: Please continue to bring non-perishable food items (canned goods and dry goods) throughout the year and place them in the NEED bin on the Oak Terrace. Thank you.

POINSETTIAS AND EMERGENCY AID / LOCAL MISSIONS

Again, during the Christmas season, you will have the opportunity to support the SPPC Emergency Aid Mission or give lovely Poinsettias to adorn the sanctuary. Emergency Aid provides rent and utility assistance to local residents who are experiencing problems due to job loss, cut in pay, illness, and other unexpected events. The need for funds has been particularly dire in the past few years.

Sign-up boards for both Poinsettias and Emergency Aid will be located in the Narthex,

from November 16th through November 30th. Cost for Poinsettias will be $8.00

(Poinsettias can be picked up after the 11:00 pm Christmas Eve Service.)

Your donations to Emergency Aid are greatly appreciated.

A heartfelt “Thank You” to the PW ladies for their hard work cleaning the sanctuary recently.

Your time and effort is greatly appreciated!

Save the date! The Presbyterian Women Christmas Dinner will be on December 16th. The dinner is $10 and will be catered by

the Chicken Place. Sign up on Oak Terrace. You will not want to miss the entertainment by Regal Opera Chorale.

It's time for the Christmas Prayer Bear Drive to benefit sick children at

Cook’s Children's Hospital. November 30th, December 7th & December 14th, the Presbyterian Women will be sponsoring a ”FUNd a Bear” campaign. Donate $5.00 per bear to purchase Christmas bears for children in the hospital over the holiday. The sign up sheet will be on the PW Bulletin Board in the Fellowship Hall and on the Oak Terrace 11/30, 12/7 and 12/14. Please make checks payable to SPPC.

The bears will be received and blessed the night of the Presbyterian Women’s Christmas Dinner.

Can't wait to see you there!

Mary Dietz Circle

After a long and rewarding run, the members of the Mary Dietz Night Circle have decided to disband. Some of us no longer like to drive at night and would feel more comfortable joining a day circle. We are saddened by this decision but after much discussion feel it would be best for all. Blessings to all who have attended and hope to see you soon in another circle.

YOUTH CALENDAR

November

23rd 9:45 a.m. Advent Festival Fellowship Hall

December

7th 12:30 p.m. Confirmation Event/Lunch Youth Hall

5:30 p.m. Youth Scavenger Hunt Youth Hall

4:00 p.m. Youth Chimes Sanctuary

13th 6:00 p.m. Youth Babysitting CE Building

14th 9:45 a.m. Youth Gift Wrapping Youth Hall

4:00 p.m. Youth Chimes Sanctuary

21st 5:30 p.m. Youth Christmas Caroling

24th 6:00 p.m. No Rehearsal Christmas Pageant

(Children arrive at 5:45 pm for costumes.)

In the month of December, the St. Philip Sunday School children and youth will be studying: Preschool: The preschool children are studying Daniel & his friends from the “Hands On Bible” Curriculum.

Elementary School: Our elementary kids will be learning from the “We Believe” curriculum focusing on the topic of God’s people together.

Junior High: (The Loft) Our Junior High will be studying the “Echo the Story” curriculum to look at God’s story & relationship with us in a new way.

Senior High: (Youth Hall) Senior High youth will be using the “Faith Questions” curriculum to study & address different questions that youth throughout the US have asked regarding the Bible, prayer & money.

MARK YOUR CALENDARS!

The annual Youth Babysitting Fundraiser is set for Saturday, December 13th from 6:00 - 10:00 p.m. in the CE Building. Children of all ages will enjoy dinner and activities while parents have an opportunity to have a date night or get that Christmas shopping done. Keep your eyes open for a sigun-up sheet or let Rev. Alissa King know you are interested.

Make a joyful noise unto

the Lord… Psalm 100:1

The youth will be caroling to some of our home bound or more “seasoned members” on December 21st. They will

be making a joyful noise and spreading good cheer!

Two of our youth went to Youth Quake on November 14th. This is a Presbytery camp at Gilmont led by the Austin College Activators. They

hear keynotes, do energizers, read scripture, participate in small groups and much more. You will be hearing more from them about this experience.

The Youth Christmas Giftwrapping Fundraiser will be held on Sunday, December 14th at 9:45 am in the Youth Hall. Bring your

gifts to be adorned with ribbons and bows. All proceeds benefit youth trips and activities.

Church Under the Bridge, November 9, 2014 Four car loads of youth from St. Philip joined with youth from Canyon Creek Presbyterian to serve sandwiches at the Church Under the Bridge. Church Under the Bridge began with a couple that started having conversations and building relationships with some individuals that were homeless. From those relationships came Bible studies, and then the church. Their website says, “Church Under the Bridge attempts to avoid denomination, cultural, economic, or racial distinctions. We are a multi-cultural church committed to the Lordship of Jesus Christ and the unity of His Spirit. We welcome folks from wide and diverse backgrounds to love God the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit with all their heart, soul, and mind, and to love their neighbors as themselves.” They meet under I-35 at 4th street in Waco. A meal is served and then everyone worships together. Youth made the sandwiches the day before and then headed up to Waco, Tx. All reports are that it was an eye opening experience. They learned about generosity, difference, mission, and experienced a different expression of worship. Ask a youth near you about what they learned.

Note of the Week………………

You have probably noticed if you have been in the sanctuary lately, that the pipes are no longer at the back of the church. Our new

project, the Phil Fairhead Pipe Display, has begun, and we are selecting the best pipes to be painted and displayed under the Trinity window at the back of the church. The organ speakers will be placed behind the decorative pipes to hide them from view. (Right now they are clearly seen on the wall behind the choir loft.) There will be a plaque dedicated to Phil Fairhead and his many years of faithful service to the St. Philip Chancel Choir and the Presbyterian Church. He sang in several Presbyterian churches for some seventy years! As a memorial from Phil’s estate, he left monies for this grand project. The dedication of the Phil Fairhead Pipe Display will take place in January. The new space created by the removal of the pipes will be converted into two or three, wide tiers or steps. The hand bell tables can then be placed on the risers leaving much more room in the sanctuary entryway for visitors and congregants to enter. Also, the Praise Ensemble can use the space whenever they need to play for a service. I am very excited to finally see this project completed! I think you will be happy with the results! This Sunday the Hand Bells are playing “Now Thank We All Our God,” and the Chancel Choir is singing a dynamic anthem for this Christ the King Sunday called “Forever King!” by Dan Forrest. Some of the words are: Who is God, that we should praise Him? Who is He, that we should sing? Who is this exalted Savior, crowned the everlasting King? Why fall at His feet in worship, alleluias to Him bring? Architect of every atom, author of each passing hour, chief of all the changing seasons, maker of each field and flower, speaking all into existence, God of majesty and power! See you in church on Sunday.

Joyfully Singing in Christ, Pam Cochrane

PHIL’S UNPLUGGED

Join us on December 12th

for Matt Adler

8:00 PM in the Youth Hall

“Phil's Unplugged” is a ministry of St. Philip Presbyterian Church. Come as you are and join us for music, community, and free coffee on the second Friday of every month.

$10 Suggested donation

A HUGE “Thank you” to the Mariners for their wonderful gift of a WORKING ice machine in the kitchen! The ice machine has graciously been donated for the congregation to use and

enjoy. Mariners, Thank you so much for your generosity.

The Mariners are a social group that meet the 3rd Saturday of each month. Activities vary and all ages are welcome and encouraged to come!

-Congregational Life/Nurture Committee

Phil Fairhead Pipe Display

As you may have noticed, the organ pipes in the sanctuary have been taken down! We have a new, digital organ that does not require pipes. Therefore, we are beginning a renovation project that will start with the building of a beautiful pipe display on the Trinity wall to cover the organ speakers. Construction of the pipe display on the Trinity wall will begin November 23rd and completed by December 3rd. There will be scaffolding placed at the sanctuary entry doors late Sunday evening November 23rd. It is sturdy, but please be aware of it if you are

in the sanctuary the week of Thanksgiving.

The Phil Fairhead estate has provided us with monies for this project. Phil was a long time

member of St. Philip Chancel Choir and sang over 70 years in the Presbyterian Church. This

project will be a memorial to Phil, and there will be a dedication with a permanent plaque displayed

in January.

Year End Contributions and Check Requests

This is the time of year when tax considerations are especially important. All contributions to be included for 2014 must be postmarked no later than midnight, December 31. Also, please designate donations for Poinsettias or Emergency Aid in the memo section of your check.

Donations of stocks or bonds can be made through the church account at UBS by contacting the church financial office for instructions in arranging the transfer. This needs to be done prior to December 15th to be certain it is credited to 2014 giving. Donations of stocks or bonds will be sold on the date received and the proceeds sent to the church. Be sure to notify the church so that we can follow up with UBS.

Check requests for bills to be paid out of 2014 funds must be received in the church office absolutely no later than Monday morning, December 22nd. It would be better to turn in check requests prior to that date to avoid the end of year rush. No checks will be written the first week of January due to year end closing, and no checks will be paid out of the 2014 budget after December 31, 2014.

Online Contributions

You also have the option of giving online. The link below will take you to the St. Philip website online giving page.

Online Giving

The "Donate" button will let you select the type of contribution you wish to make.

Please call the church office if you are interested in setting up recurring payments for

your weekly offering.

Parish Health Ministry

Next Blood Pressure and Health Consultation date is:

Dec. 14th, 2014 12:00 p.m.

Bonnie Skodak nurse@stphil.org

The Parish Nurse can be contacted through the

church office.

Financial Report

October Year to date Income $43,059.82 $439,424.84 Expenses $45,031.84 $501,458.84 ($1,972.02) ($62,034.00) Thanks to everyone for their contribu-tions. If you are not current on your pledge, please attempt to catch up on your pledge as soon as possible.

2nd Carolyn Jester 3rd Easton Trevino 5th George Cox 5th Nancy Daffern 5th Rebecca Buckalew 7th Beverly Dobesh 8th Tallulah Koenig 9th George Larkin 9th James Hardy 11th Steve Giles 12th Molly Hunter 14th Teri Perez 15th Marilyn McKinney 15th Kimberley Cleveland 15th Jacob Braly

16th Bill Fuller 16th Bob Baker 18th Kathryn Webb 18th Christy Anderson 21st Mary Roddy 22nd Helene Kiser 22nd Anne Agee 23rd Tom Mercer 24th Charles Mecaskey 24th Jylian Reighard 24th Emily Chu 26th Walt Mitchell 27th Paul Demer 28th Carol Zimmerman 28th Jo Holt 28th Kit McConnico 28th Dave Riley 28th Jessica Grose 30th Carol Byrne 31st Chuck Lucas 31st Amie Simmons

Mom’s Group Childcare

Helpers Sign up

“Seasoned” moms are needed during our monthly Mom’s

Group meetings.

Sign up here: www.signupgenious.com Thank you!

St. Philip would like to offer a heartfelt thank you to Paul and Alma Adrian, David Bawter, and the Urbans. David generously donated a large conference table to be used in the church office, Paul and Alma brought it to the

office, and the Urbans put the table together. Thanks to all of their efforts and generosity, the center office is on its way to being a great meeting space. We can all look forward to meetings, Bible Studies, and more.

Session Highlights... November 16, 2014

At the November session meeting, the following items were approved: Holding one worship service on Sunday, December 28, 2014, at 10:00 am. There will be no

Sunday School that day.

Minutes for Mission to promote the need for ushers on November 23, 2014; to give a

Stewardship update on November 23 or 30, 2014; and to promote the Christmas Joy offering

on December 7 and 21, 2014.

The 2015 Communion dates which will include: 1st Sunday of the month for the 11:00 am

service, every Sunday for the 8:30 am service, plus Ash Wednesday, Maundy Thursday, Easter,

Pentecost, Christ the King, First Sunday in Advent, Christmas Eve, Women’s Retreat, Session

Retreat and all 5th Sunday services.

Christmas Eve services. One will be at 6:00 pm with the annual pageant and geared toward

younger children and families. The other will be at 11:00 pm for a candlelight service.

Selling poinsettias to decorate the sanctuary on December 14, 21 and 24, 2014. Sign-up boards

will be available in the Narthex on November 16, 23 and 30, 2014. Cost will be $8.00.

Donations to Emergency Aid can also be made.

Sending out a Health Assessment Survey created by THR Faith communities and provided by

Bonnie Skodak. Survey will be in bulletin on November 23, 2014, followed by an e-mail blast

with a link to the survey.

Presbyterian Woman having a table on the Oak Terrace on November 30, December 7 and 14,

2014, to sign-up people for the December 16th women’s dinner, and to sell Christmas Care

Bears for Cooks Children’s Hospital.

The job descriptions for the Social Media Coordinator and the Director of Youth/Student

Ministries.

Sending a Certificate of Transfer for Gordon and Diana Braly to Lakeside Presbyterian Church

(PCA) in Southlake.

Calling a Congregational meeting on December 7, 2014 following the 11:00 am service for the

purpose of hearing a report from the Nominating Committee, and to allow the congregation to

elect ruling elders and deacons.

Allowing Pastor Mechak (pastor of a mission church that meets at First Christian Church on

Pipeline Road) to use our Fellowship Hall, Youth Hall and kitchen for a wedding reception on

December 27, 2014 from 4:00-10:00 pm.

Setting the date for Module 2 of Discerning New Initiatives for December 1, 2014, in the

church parlor at 7:00 pm. Various session members volunteered to help in various ways.

Using up to $2000 from the Beardslee account to purchase nine (9) conference chairs for the

table in the middle office.

Session ratified an e-mail vote to allow the Boy Scout Troup #324 to use the Sanctuary for a Court of Honor on November 9, 2014, at 4:00 pm.

Session elected commissioners to the Presbytery meeting at Richardson, Canyon Creek, on Friday

and Saturday, November 21 and 22, 2014. Rob Rippe and Sharon Curry will serve both days, Fran

Noakes will serve on Friday and Beverly Dobesh will serve on Saturday. Sherri Siler was elected as

alternate.

Have you had your Flu shot? If you are interested in getting one here at St. Philip, please call Julie or a volunteer in the church office (817) 282-9181 and get your name on the list. With a significant number of people signing up our Parish Nurse Bonnie Skodak will arrange for shots to be given on Nov. 30 or Dec. 7. When you call the church office also tell them your preference of days.

Please take the Health Assessment Survey that will assist our Parish Nurse in her vital work for St. Philip. Hard copies will

be available on Nov. 23 or you may take the survey by clicking on the link: https://www.surveymonkey.com/s/stphillip

Please note these new addresses: Joy McClasky 2708 Park View Lane Apt. 3115 Bedford, Texas 76022

Kay Bookout (mailing address only) 1003 Spanish Trail Keller, Texas 76262-6888

St. Philip Presbyterian Church Adult Education

Sunday School Hour 9:45-10:45 a.m.

The Joy Class: This class is for adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities. We combine instruction, music and crafts to teach adults the basics of the Christian faith. We will be studying Advent using shared leadership. All guests are welcome! Parlor

Alpha Class: This class studies scripture together by going through the Present Word series. Using shared leadership, this class comes together to read and discuss themes and questions in scripture. The winter quarter follows the theme of worship. Unit I, “In Awe of God,” has four sessions. These sessions explore the awesomeness of God in Hebrews, Matthew and Luke. The four sessions of Unit II, “Learning to Pray,” look at prayer as found in Luke, John, Hebrews, and James. Unit III, “Stewardship for Life,” has four sessions. Each lesson examines some aspect of stewardship. Room A

Feasting on the Word: : Feasting on the Word is a Lectionary based curriculum. This class reads and comes together to discuss and read scripture. Participants are all ages, all walks of life, marital status and Bible knowledge. Class led by Patty O’Brien, this month’s scripture focuses on Advent and Christmas themes including: December 7th A reason to hope focusing on Isaiah 40:1–11, December 14th A Time for transformation focusing on Isaiah 61:1–4, 8–11, December 21st A Call and a Handmaid’s Response focusing on Luke 1:26–38, and December 28th, Nurturing Jesus focusing on Luke 2:22–40. Room 8

A Year with the Bible: First Sunday of each month-9:30 a.m. and 12:30 p.m. following each worship service to encourage daily Bible Reading and prayer, led by Rev. Charles Teykl. Fellowship Hall

Tuesday Night Bible Study: 6:30-8:00 p.m. Class meets each week to read the Bible with discussion of the scriptures. Youth Hall

Men’s Coffee Fellowship: A weekly gathering on Wednesday, 8:30-9:30 a.m., meets for coffee and donuts for visiting, discussing, and staying connected; led by our Parish Associate, Rev. Dr. Charles Teykl. Parlor

Young Adult Gathering: Thursday at Fuzzy’s Taco Shop (Highway 10) 7:30 p.m. This is an opportunity to meet and discuss topics of your choice. Discussion facilitated by Rev. King.

GUESTS ARE WELCOME!

N.E.E.D This month the following requests have been made:

Dish detergent Jello Laundry detergent Jelly Hamburger Helper Diapers-size 3 Cake mix

Thank you for your continued support, Your Mission Outreach

Adult Bible Study

We are currently studying the book of Isaiah. We meet every Tuesday night

from 6:30 to 7:30 pm. All are welcome!

CONTINUE IN PRAYER FOR: Norma Graves…Wendell Ellison…Randy Welch…Reed Sprinkel…Madelyn Glass…Jane Mapel…Bob Hobbs…Jerry & Susan Flippen…Al Moreira…Glenn Steketee…Merlin Carstenson…Jack Kimball...Jim Toler...Marie Borland…Cindy Simmons…Doris Clark…Mary Ann Nicholson…Mary Jo Wood…Pat Carlson…Kelly Frazure…Johnny Wallace...Kay Bookout…Lidia McFarland…Ellis Rogers…Mertie Martin…Lu and Sara Brewer…Elma Lee Mulkey…Ben Cross…Brenda and Roy Petersen…David Moore…Colby Steddum…Sally Starr… REMEMBER IN PRAYER THOSE IN THE MILITARY: Jesse Dean Swanzy, Grandson of Wayne & Pat Swanzy…Philip Govan, nephew of Max & Ann McKee…Tanner Sprinkel, grandson of Ray & Linda Sprinkel…Zach Saunders, Tom & Lynette Mercer’s son...John Calhoun Miller, Mac & Ruth Calhoun’s grandson & Elaine Stokes’ nephew…Matt Kiser & David Kiser, sons of Helene Kiser…Josh Peck, son of Sherri Siler…Jennifer Reynolds, daughter of Margaret Reynolds…Matt & Cosmo Romo, great-nephews of Liz Hailey…Andrew Norman, grandson of Stella & Bob Urban…Sarah Willett, granddaughter-in-law of Bob & Stella Urban…Ben Temple, grandson of Tal & Jaylon Buie…Ryan Schuster, nephew of Fred Barney…Austin MacLeod, grandson of Lillian MacLeod…

LIBRARY NEWS – Event

CHILDREN

Come join us in the LIBRARY for

A SPECIAL 5th SUNDAY PROGRAM

NOVEMBER 30th

Grades K – 5th

*9:00 a.m

Book: The Tale of the Three Trees Have you ever dreamed about what you would like to be when you grow up? Do you dream of

becoming a baseball player, a fireman, a nurse or even a princess? Have you ever been

disappointed that something you really wanted did not turn out the way you wished? Come

join us in the Library to hear the story of the Three Trees each of whom had big dreams for

themselves. There will be twists and turns and big surprises in this story. Sometimes, when

things really don’t turn out the way we want, God has a better plan for us. Come and hear

what dreams these three trees had for themselves and learn how their dreams were and

were not fulfilled. God is able to do abundantly more than we can ever imagine.

SCRIPTURE: Jeremiah 29: 11

“I know the plans I have for you” says the Lord, “plans for your welfare and not for your harm,

to give you a future with hope.

Craft STORY * DISCUSSION * CRAFTING

Inclement Weather Closing

The Church Office will follow the HEB School District inclement weather closings. The office will send an announcement to the congregation through our mass email.

Local TV and radio stations will also broadcast information regarding closings and delays should your internet go down.

College Care Packages

The church will be sending “finals” care packages to our students this semester as a way of extending our thoughts and care to them during this stressful time. Our students attend colleges and universities all over the U.S. The families of our college students will be assembling these packages on December 7th in the Fellowship Hall after the 11:00 a.m. worship service. If anyone would like to send a note to a specific student, please get it to me by 10:00 that morning, in the Fellowship Hall, and we will make sure it gets into the proper box. We are needing items to include in these boxes such as gum, pens, mechanical pencils, individually wrapped candies, cookies and crackers, fruit rollups, microwave popcorn, post-it notes, highlighters, sharpies, easy Mac, goldfish, Kleenex-individual packs, cereal bars or anything you liked in college or your students like. Last semester, the members of our congregation generously gave all of the items that we put in the boxes. After we stuffed the boxes full, we donated the leftover goodies for the children who stay in the Presbyterian Night Shelter. If you could help us again, please leave your items in the Church Office. To the parents of college students - if your student is new on the college scene this semester, or if your student’s status or address has changed, please contact me ASAP. We want to make sure that we do not leave anyone out.

Thank you in advance for all of your help.

Anne Agee agee.a.h@sbcglobal.net

WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 24 – MONDAY, JANUARY 5

Due to staff vacations, volunteer holiday schedules, and building security concerns, the Church Office will be closed December 24th at noon and return January 5th. Reverend Alissa King will be available in the case of a pastoral emergency, and can be reached by calling the church office and following the system prompts. Mitzi will be in the office at some point in the week to process emergency check requests.

End-of-year contributions will be accepted and posted as usual when the staff returns and begins the end-of-year closing process.

Why a star, you say? As we prepare during the Advent season, we will use the star as a guide to prepare ourselves for the the birth of Jesus. We may use this as a visual and spiritual devotion. Please come and find the star at St. Philip. Each week the star will be located closer and closer to the sanctuary. Would you please come and join us by writing a prayer on a ribbon which we will weave onto our 6' star? John 1:3-4 says," God created everything through him and nothing was created except through him. The word gave life to everything that was created and his life brought light to everyone."

Advent and Christmas Calendar 2014

What has come into being in him was life, and the life was the light of all people. John 1:3b-4

November 23rd 8:30& 11:00am Worship services 9:45am Advent Festival: Crafts, games, and the meaning of advent for children and all ages. November 30th 9:00am Sunday School 10:00 am One Worship Service: Contemporary style worship in the Oak Terrace 5:30pm Hanging of the Greens: Singing, supper, and participating in the decorating of the church December 13th 6pm-10pm Youth Baby sitting fundraiser December 14th 8:30 &11:00am Choir Christmas Cantata at both worship services 9:45am Youth gift wrapping: Bring your gifts and have them wrapped December 16th 6:30pm Presbyterian Women Christmas Dinner December 21st 8:30&11:00 Worship Services December 24th 6:00 Christmas Eve Candlelight Communion Service. Designed for families with children: children arrive at 5:45pm for costumes. 11:00 Traditional Christmas Eve Candlelight Communion Service.

ST. PHILIP PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH 745 W PIPELINE ROAD HURST, TEXAS 76053-4999 NOVEMBER 19, 2014