the ambassador 1 first presbyterian...

the Ambassador 1 First Presbyterian Church

AN EDWARDS EPISTLE

R eturning to the office this week, I am most grateful to you for creating a Sabbatical Period for me. My time in Palestine/Israel

was more than I had anticipated. The purpose of my time focused on the recent history of The Holy Land (since 1948) and not designed as a “faith pilgrimage” to visit Biblical sites, though I did some of that. I look forward to opportunities of sharing with you some of the stories I heard and my observations. Due to the Seasons of Advent and Christmas (and Maternity) before us, we have scheduled several formal presentations early in 2012.

I was eager when I realized while there that the first Sunday I return to preach is The Reign of Christ Sunday (this Sunday, November 20). It is the final Sunday of the ecclesiastical year in which we project the day in which Christ’s reign is celebrated by all humanity and creation. As St. John describes what he saw in The Revelation:

God will wipe away every tear from (our) eyes. Death will be no more;

mourning and crying and pain will be no more. (21:4)

Having spent five weeks talking with our Christian brothers and sisters and our Jewish and Muslim neighbors and now sitting and living here, the challenge before us to truly celebrate Christ’s reign is almost overwhelming. Yet, our hope is we know that God is working in and through us to transform all life into a new creation.

How do we truly celebrate the reign of Christ beyond words? Just this morning (Tuesday) I’ve watched a live stream report of Palestinian “Freedom Riders” who boarded a bus designated for Jewish settlers going to Jerusalem; they have been removed and arrested. (Recall the Freedom Riders from our own nation’s civil rights movement.) Is Christ’s reign of freedom and equality happening?

So, let us be challenged to broaden our celebration of the Reign of Christ beyond our worship and into our lives. May Christ reign in our Advent preparations for the Birth of Christ. As the Church, may we have the strength to boldly incarnate the reign of Christ in our daily routines and in our relationships. May Christ’s reign within our hearts ripple out across our families, our community, our nation and our world. Let us believe and commit ourselves to celebrate Isaiah’s prophecy of God’s reign:

They will not hurt or destroy on all my holy mountain; for the earth will be full of the knowledge of the Lord as the waters

cover the sea. (Isa. 11:9 – read from 11:1)

May the hope, grace and peace of Christ reign among us!

Grace and Peace!

Church Office MAIN: (405) 372-5580 FAX: (405) 372-2089

Web Address www.stillwaterfpc.org

Pastor ··············· B. Gordon Edwards

Associate Pastor ················ Leah R. Hrachovec

Director of Youth & Family Ministries ···················· Jenna Campbell

Youth Ministry Assistant

························· Wyeth Leslie

Older Adult Ministry Coordinator ·························· Margy Knox

University Coordinator ······················· Jill Chancellor

Director of Music & Chancel Choir ····················Heather Lanners

Organist ·············· Rebecca G. te Velde

Church Administrator ···················· Cathy Fairbanks

Financial Secretary ························Dallas Barnes

Christian Education Assistant ·························· Lucy Newlin

Custodian ·························Mike Flowers

Childcare Coordinator ······················ Kristen Kulling

Building Supervisor ························Peter Thomas


SORROW

The family of June Johnson

The family of Bill Beindorf

Amy, Michelle, & Donovan Nunley in the death of their grandfather and

great-grandfather Willard ‘Pete’ Nunley

John Gelder and family in the death of his mother Estella Gelder

The family of Rhonda Tolliver

Nikkole & Ross Montgomery in the death of their son Jake

Stephen Miller in the death of his grandfather Melvin Miller

The Kersten/Monroe family in the death of Jackie Kersten, cousin of Tracy Carter

PRAYER CONCERNS “Lord, teach us all an attitude that thanks You all our days; A love that shows our gratitude

through deeds that live our praise.” -David G. Mehrtens, from Hymn 556 - “The World Abounds with God’s Free Grace”

IN MEMORIAM

June Johnson Joined First Presbyterian

September 20, 1976

Entered the Church Triumphant October 21, 2011

Jesus said, “I am the

resurrection and the life. Whoever believes

in me shall never die.”

Names in parentheses indicate the church family member requesting prayer for a non-member. Please notify the church office if persons may be removed from the Prayer List. Thanks!

LARGER CHURCH: Synod of the Rocky Mountains

(CO, MT, UT, WY) The Synod of the South Atlantic

(FL, GA, SC) The Synod of Southern California

and Hawaii (CA, HI)

Bruce Abbey (Baker) Jean Ames Margie Anderson (staff) Kay Baker Sarah Barr (G. Smith) Twink Barr (G. Smith) Will Barr (G. Smith) Steve Bender (Arquitt) Julie Bills LeNell Bowen (Myers) Glen Boyer (A. Houston) Wanda Bradley Chowning Brake (Brake) Robert Branson (Frohock) Abbey Brown (Simpson) Shannon Cape (Shaw) Keenan Carter (Kraemer) Lanna Carter (Boyer) Susie Causley Mary Louise Chapel Allison Christy (Breuninger) Abby Clapp (Clapp) Mike Clemens (Clemens) Lisa Cook Don Cooper Dan Condit (Carter/Shaw) Sharon Corley (Corley) Sue Cornish (Stiegler) Rick Coutant (Olson) Mildred Crayton (Ward) Anita Davis (Kelly/Myers) Pete Davis Pat Dorr Bill Eason Lori Fagan Alice Giacobbe (Parsons) Robert Gibson Bud Gray (Breuninger) Barbara Gunter (Edwards) Norma Hall Adelia Hanson (Bruce) Karl Harman (Schlais) Dorothy Hayes (Piersall) Nelda Hershberger (Knox) Keith Humphrey (Good) Jim Huwe (Baker)

Kim Jenkins (PW Bowling) Evelyn Johnson Cindy Johnston (Myers/Kelly) Mary Jane Kirchenbauer

(Breuninger) Noah Kiser (Reding) Tom Koehn (Good) Tom Kunz (Carter/Shaw) Jim Leonard (Plaxico) Todd Lowry (Anaya/Boyer) Tom Lutjens (Beckstrom) Janet Martin (Alspach) Ray & Helen Matoy Bob McGaw (McGaw) Rhonda McKee (Wilkinson) Philip Meadows Laura Mitchell (Kulling) Bob Neal (B. Phillips) Cindy Nelson Janet Peterson Bill Raun (Stiegler) Pat Razook Jim Rex (Rex) Jack Riley Paul Roach (Brosi) Leslie Roark (Frohock) Mercedes Rogers (McGaw) Betty Scott Steve Shedrick (Gumm) David Smith (Cooper) Grace Smith Naomi Stevenson (A. Houston) Gerald Stotts Betty Stratton Gayle Thomas Dan Tripp (Baker) Don Tripp (Baker) Charles Walker Kelsey Walker Lucille Wickstead Nona Wilhm (PW Bowling) Roland Wilkinson (Wilkinson) Tracy Wilkinson (Aresco) Lynn Witzen (Stewart)


IN THE SERVICE

Members & family members of our church family who have been deployed in service to our country:

SGT Chris Boren (PYG) SPC Micheal Casteel (SPD) SGT Anthony Gillilan (Savage) CPT Adam Headrick (Osborn) SGT Ricardo Inciarte (SPD) LTC Shannon Jordan (SPD) MAJ Lee North SPC Joshua Taff (E. Williams) MG Tod Wolters (Wolters)

(If you also have family members who are serving, please call the office with

their names to be included in our prayer list, here and in the weekly bulletin)

Praise and Thanksgiving for the return of

CPT Mark Weber SGT William Hedrick

from deployment

CHURCH OFFICER TRAINING Saturday, November 19 8:30 a.m. to Noon Sunday, November 20 12:30 to 4:00 p.m.

Church Officer Training for newly elected Elder, Deacons, and Trustees will be held, Saturday, November 19 from 8:30-11:45 a.m. and Sunday, November 20, 12:30 to 4:00 p.m. in South Fellowship Hall. Returning officers are requested to join the new officers from 2:00-4:00 p.m. on Sunday to get to know the new officers and review duties and assignments.

FPU FOR FPC You ask what FPU is and how it ties to our FPC.

Financial Peace University (FPU) is a 13-week, life changing program that empowers and teaches participants step-by-step how to eliminate debt, get control of their money, and learn new behaviors that lead to better decisions in financial matters like investment and retirement.

Do you want to have financial peace? FPU is coming and classes will be starting soon to teach you all of this. Tim and Becky Schlais will be the Coordinators for the program - "We feel very strongly about the value of this program and want to make it available to as many people as possible”. Call either one of us at (405) 762-0993 or (405) 762-0991 to find out more about this opportunity. You may also visit the Financial Peace University website:

http://www.daveramsey.com/fpu/home/

COLUMBARIUM UPDATE The columbarium project continues to progress,

although slowly. Estimates for the cost of the individual components are being accumulated. Hopefully in the next couple of weeks we will have these costs and can then determine the amount to be charged per niche. The bylaws are written and will be presented to the Trustees and then to the Session for their approval as soon as we have the price per niche.

After approval from the Session, marketing can begin for the niches. Each niche will have room for the cremains of two people and will be priced to include the cost of the niche, the cost of the urn, the engraving for two individuals and any future maintenance costs. Thus at the time of interment the family will have no additional costs. If the niche will contain the cremains of only one person, the initial cost will be slightly less because only one urn and one engraving will be needed.

There will be a meeting of any persons interested in the columbarium Friday, December 2 at 10:00 a.m. in the Hospitality Area. Watch for further details. If you would like more information, please contact Nancy Franklin (624-0947) or [email protected].

STAFF NEWS Associate Pastor Leah Hrachovec will be

on maternity leave for December 2011 and most of January/February 2012.


FELLOWSHIP

COOKIE BAKERS NEEDED BY UNIVERSITY OUTREACH COMMITTEE

December 10 is when the University Outreach Committee prepares finals packets. These packets include treats, wholesome foods, and Advent prayers to help students during their finals week.

We would love your help with homemade cookies to include in these packets! Please bring cookies to the Hospitality Area before noon on Friday, December 9 and we will divide them up for the packets. Any extra cookies will be shared with Love Feast and Saturday Brunch.

FAIR TRADE STORE Don't forget to check out the Fair Trade Store when you are doing your Christmas shopping

this season!!

The store carries a wide assortment of edible items which are great for mailing to friends and family. Several of you have requested that we order more tea. I have to order the different teas by the case (a case is 6 boxes), so please come by and pick up several flavors and let me know which you like the best. These are all organic teas and some of the ones that I ordered include chamomile, Earl Grey, chai, jasmine, rooibos, and English breakfast. Now that the temperatures are cooler, chocolate has been ordered including the popular minibars which are 25¢ each or 5 for $1 and a new $3 dark chocolate bar with orange and ginger. The dry 10-bean soup mixes are back as well as cookie and brownie mixes. Besides olive oil and coffees, you can choose lots of unique handmade Christmas ornaments and decorations. If you, a relative, or a friend collect nativity scenes, all sizes and prices are available. One of the nicest is a musical nativity scene of carved olive wood from the West Bank that plays “Silent Night.” Several are very small and less than $5. Finger puppet lovers! New puppets are in: all are $2 each and styles include people and animals: panda bear, mermaid, chef, fireman, bride and groom, 2-headed dragon, shark, etc. If you have any questions or special requests, send me an email or see me at the store. Happy shopping!!!

Julie Bills [email protected]

All University students (Presbyterian or not!) are invited to join in any of our fellowship and study opportunities. Whether you are interested in an in-depth Bible study or just some time to meet other students and talk about life and faith, there’s a place for you here.

▪ Tuesday Night Bible Study is every Tuesday evening from 8:15-9:15 p.m. (except the first Tuesday of the month) at the OSU Library Café. We explore the book of Luke using N.T. Wright’s Luke for Everyone. Desserts and drinks are on us! The last Bible study of the year is Tuesday, November 29. We will resume on Tuesday, January 10.

▪ Lunch Out is Sunday, November 27 immediately after the 11:00 a.m. worship service. Meet up with other students at the Information Center outside the Sanctuary, and we’ll decide where to have lunch. Lunch cost is covered for students. Congregation members are welcome to attend.

▪ Our annual University Christmas Party is Tuesday, December 6, at the home of Missy and Tony Wilkinson. All university students are invited for homemade dinner and a gift exchange. Don’t spend any money! Just bring something you make, find, or want to re-gift! Starts at 7:00 p.m. (Next Movie Night: Tuesday, February 7. - There will be no Movie Night in January)

IT’S TIME… FOR A NEW CHURCH PICTURE DIRECTORY

Our children have grown up, there are new faces among us, some old ones are gone – so it’s time for a new church picture directory. Again we have contracted with Lifetouch Church Directories. Photos will be taken January 25-28, January 31-February 2, and February 9-11. Each family participating receives a complimentary church directory and 8x10 portrait. Watch for more information and how to sign up for a picture appointment in the December Ambassador.

In the meantime, we encourage all groups and classes to take photos and send to the Church Office. We are beginning to gather current photographs for the activity pages of the directory. Don’t be surprised to see someone with a camera during worship as we capture “action” shots.


Don and I want to thank you for all your love, prayers, notes, and visits (our youngest caller being precious Steven Cornelius) AND hours of help during this time in our lives.

May God bless you as you have blessed us. With love and gratitude,

- Dona Cooper

There are not enough words to express our sincere and heartfelt gratitude to you all for your prayers during Pat’s illness. This has been a very difficult time for us and just knowing we had such a strong support system made us feel loved. If there was ever a time we felt the power of prayer and the power of God’s love, it is now. Please know how much we appreciate all of you!

Sincerely - Pat, Charlotte, and Greg Razook

Dear PYG My name is Kyle Anderson, Associate Pastor of

Stillwater United Methodist Church, and on behalf of the Storehouse ministry I would like to say a big THANK YOU for your generous donation of non-perishable food items. The food you donated will be used to feed other youth and adults who are in need of groceries during this fall as the weather begins to turn cold.

The Storehouse serves over 200 families each and every month. Sometimes families may have to come and receive food each month but a majority of our patrons come to the Storehouse just once or twice a year when money and food become scarce. In this way your donation along with the donations of others throughout the community will help those families make it to the next month without going hungry and give them an opportunity to get back on their feet.

Once again thank you for your donation and commitment to sharing the light of Christ with other members of the Stillwater community. If I can ever be of assistance or if you have any questions about the Storehouse ministry, do not hesitate to contact me.

- Kyle Anderson, Associate Pastor First United Methodist Church

First Presbyterian Church Volunteers We would like to thank you for the hard work that

you do and for the time spent fixing food for us to deliver to our consumers. By donating your time and energy, we have been able to deliver food to those who may not have had any for the weekend.

It has been said that our hands become God’s hands when we care for a wounded world. Thank you for using your hands to help our world.

- Northcare Payne County PACT team

FROM THE MAIL BOX:

Thanks! Your gift is greatly appreciated by Stillwater’s Special Olympians.

- Jason Young, Treasurer, SSABC

Dear Members of First Presbyterian Church Recently while reading the newspaper, I read that

volunteers from First Presbyterian Church participated in the first CREC Energy Makeover Day helping 61 homes in one day. Thank you for all that you do for our community! It is an honor for me to represent you in our District.

Sincerely, - Rep. Lee Denney House District 33

Dear Friends Thank you for your gift of $3900.23 to the One

Great Hour of Sharing offering. We are grateful for your generosity. When you give to OGHS, you are making a conscious decision to bring the joy and love of Christ to some of the most vulnerable and desperate places and people around the world. Your contributions help by partnering in programs that help communities grow produce to consume and sell, by providing seeds and tools to Haitian farmers to assist in their recovery; and by enabling mobile health units to move quickly into areas affected by disaster

At a time when most Americans are feeling some economic pinch, the impact of the same crisis on people who lack any economic cushion can be literally a matter of life and death. So on behalf of those sisters and brothers for whom this help is a witness to God’s ever-present love, I thank you for your generous gift. May the spirit of thanksgiving with which you gave it continue to overflow abundantly with both your own lives and the life of your congregation.

- Margaret Hall Boone Special Offerings, PC(USA)


SPIRITLINK!!! (for grades 1-5) SpiritLink students meet in the new

Westminster Room (formerly the chapel) at 9:30 each Sunday to link-up for classes. Heather Lanners has been teaching us some fun (and some crazy!) new songs to start us off each Sunday! All elementary school students (grades 1-5) are invited to join us.

Some Son! God’s Christmas Gift

(continues through December 4) The birth of Christ is the story of God giving us a gift we did not know we needed. Through this Christmas unit, we will come to understand God’s

Christmas gift better by exploring Jesus’ “Son of” titles: Son of God, Son of Man, Son of Joseph, Son of David, and Son of the World.

In all workshops, we will celebrate and renew our hope through God’s Gift of Jesus. A carpentry creation will help us relate to the human side of Jesus as the Son of Joseph. A special story illustrates how Jesus came as the Son of Man to seek out and save us. In the Nature workshop, we learn how we are a part of Jesus’ family through a Son of David Faith Family Tree project. In the Computer workshop, we will explore ways to share Christmas with others.

SPIRITLINK EVENTS - ALL ARE INVITED! Celebration Sunday! Sunday, November 27 Some Son! God’s Christmas Gift Multipurpose Room, 9:30-10:45 a.m.

All are welcome to join the SpiritLink classes in our next Celebration Sunday, celebrating the birth of Christ, a gift from God we did not know we even needed!

As children share what they have done and learned in various workshop rooms in previous Sundays, we will celebrate and renew our hope through God’s gift of Jesus. Come celebrate the Advent season with us! Celebration Sunday: Advent Event Sunday, December 11 Multipurpose Room, 9:30-10:45 a.m.

See the Advent & Christmas section for more information on this annual event at FPC. And, bring your hotel samples to the chimney in the Narthex!.

SESSION SUMMARY The Session of First Presbyterian Church, met in its

Stated Meeting on Tuesday, November 8. Acting Moderator Associate Pastor Leah Hrachovec opened the meeting with prayer. At 6:40 p.m. Executive Presbyter Jim Bellatti took over as acting moderator.

• Received Rod Elswick into church membership.

• Minutes of the October 11 stated Session Meeting and the October 23 called Congregational Meeting were approved.

• After lengthy discussion about the congregation’s $65,000 budget deficit for 2011, voted to ask the Finance Committee to present recommendations to address a deficit of $20K, $40K or $60K or whatever size the ending deficit, at a called session on Tuesday, November 29.

• Children’s CE Committee presented a written report highlighting upcoming SpiritLink Celebration Sundays, Fun in Faith “Jammies for Jesus” on December 9, and Cookie Concert on December 17.

• Stewardship Committee relayed that the Peacemaking Offering donations totaled $1,223 this year compared to $649 last year.

• As of Monday, November 7, 116 pledges have been made for a total of $326,643 toward 2012 operating budget. After Thanksgiving calls will be made to households that have not yet responded.

• Youth CE Committee gave an update on the 3-year revolving goals for youth ministry. FPC has welcomed 21 new youth in the life of the congregation through a variety of opportunities and events.

• Family Ministry Council asked Session members to seek feedback on The Well.

• Evangelism, Membership and Fellowship Committee related plans and ideas on how to incorporate new members into the life of the church.

• October membership report was approved, with a current church membership of 542

• Deacon representative reported that knit hats made by Margie Keener were given to guests at a recent Saturday Brunch. The Giving Tree will be up on November 20.

• Endowment Committee is in the process of consolidating funds and placing them with the New Covenant Fund, PC(USA)

• Discussion of the Parish Paper “Should We Unleash the Power of Congregational Planning?”


PRESBYTERIAN YOUTH GROUP (PYG) For all Youth grades 6-12 Youth Suite (2nd floor) Sundays, 5:00-6:30 p.m.

PYG is a time for youth to explore faith in community together. At PYG, youth can expect music, snacks, games, group building activities, hanging-out time (relaxed discussion), Bible study, and prayer. Service and mission, retreats, and trips are also offered throughout the year.

YOUTH MINISTRY STAFF: Jenna Campbell, Director of Youth & Family Ministry

Wyeth Leslie, Youth Ministry Assistant

YOUTH SPONSORS: Thad and Kim Leffingwell, Lisa McGaw and

John Gelder, Kelly Nipp, Rusty Rex

PYG CALENDAR

November 19-20 6:30a-6:30p Heifer Ranch Trip 21 11:00a Ramen Noodle Day 27 No PYG Happy Thanksgiving! 28 11:00a Junior High Lunch 29 7:00-8:30p Sr. High Bible Study @ the Johnson’s (1501 N Skyline) 30 5:30-7:00p Mid-High Bible Study December 4 5:00-6:30p PYG 5 11:00a Middle School Lunch 7 5:30-7:30p Wednesday at the Well 11 5:00-7:00p Christmas Party @ the Leffingwell’s 12 11:00a Ramen Noodle Day 5:00-7:30p Living Nativity 14 5:30-7:00p Mid-High Bible Study 18 6:00-7:30p Chili Supper/Carol Sing 19 11:00a Ramen Noodle Day

LET’S DO LUNCH! Look for Jenna and Wyeth on the following

Mondays at your schools! Middle School - December 5 Junior High - November 28

High School - Come to Ramen Noodle Day in the Hospitality Area, November 21, December 12 & 19

SMALL GROUP BIBLE STUDIES A r e yo u r e a d y t o

strengthen relationships, learn more about scriptures, and deepen the content and practice of your faith? Our small group ministry is dedicated to these kinds of goals. Regardless of who you are, you will benefit from committing to a small group of spiritual friends who will encourage you to: Read: Think: Pray: Live like our Lord Jesus.

Mid High Small Group (6th-8th grades): 2nd and 4th Wednesday of the month, 5:30-7:00 p.m. in the Youth Suite at the church

Sr. High Small Group (9th-12th grades): Tuesday, November 29, 7:00-9:00 p.m. at the Johnson’s (1501 N. Skyline)

PYG CHRISTMAS PARTY December 11, 5:00-7:00 p.m @ the Leffingwell’s house (30 Yellow Brick Rd)

Through fellowship and games, we’ll celebrate the gift of Jesus Christ this Christmas season! Bring a snack to share (drinks will be provided)! And please bring money to contribute towards purchasing an animal from Heifer International! Giving an animal through Heifer International to a family in need is a wonderful way to benefit others this Christmas season.


2012 OPERATING BUDGET UPDATE Kudos to everybody who has responded so far to

our current operating budget campaign! As of November 6, 2011, we have received 116 pledge cards for a total of $326,643 pledged to our operating budget and $5,251 pledged to per capita. God is truly at work in our church, especially in our youth programs which are enjoying an increase in attendance and participation.

In order to maintain our current staffing levels and programming, we have set a budget of $540,000 for our 2012 pledged giving. This will be challenging to achieve but I truly believe that our congregation can do this. We are more than half-way to this amount already with 116 pledges. We have a membership base of 356 pledging units, so we still have 240 households that we have not yet heard from. I have heard some members of our congregation say that they are not able to give much and consequently do not want to pledge. We are encouraging equal sacrifice, not equal giving. All gifts will be celebrated and we are grateful for all gifts received. We just ask everybody to give back to God as God has given to you. Sharing God’s gifts is as important to the giver as it is to the receiver. By giving, we are truly sharing God’s resources and blessings in our life. The magic of giving is that many small gifts also help us to do God’s work in our church.

Again, we are asking everyone to please

prayerfully consider your pledge and gifts and give back to God as God has given to you. Many of you have sacrificed and given much during our capital campaigns for which we are very grateful. Now we are able to see our church using these facilities and we are seeing positive results in several new members (many of whom have small children) and an increase in the number of visitors. So many positive things are happening in our church right now and we need the programming resources to be able to continue. Therefore, we are extending our operating budget campaign until Thanksgiving Day. After Thanksgiving, we will begin calling those members from whom we have not received a response.

Again, our thanks to all of you and everything that you have done for our church.

Thanks be to God!

Yours in Christ,

Gary Franklin, Chair Stewardship Committee

MONTHLY INCOME REPORT:

October 2011 Year to Date| % of Budget

Giving: $051,422) $409,662) 76.72

Other Income: $001,728) $015,859) 44.31

Total Income: $053,150) $425,251) 74.69

Expenditures: ($052,571) ($491,166) 86.21

Net Loss: ($013,579) ($065,6465)

We had a net GAIN in October which lowered our deficit by $579.

If you have questions regarding your giving statement, contact Dallas Barnes, FPC’s Financial Secretary, at 372-5580.

Dallas is an OSU student; his FALL 2011 office hours are 10:00 a.m. to Noon, Monday, Wednesday, and Friday; and 9:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m., Tuesdays and Thursdays.

SPECIAL GIVING OF STOCK CONTRIBUTIONS If you are considering a special gift of stock to the church, please begin by contacting your own broker.

Ask your broker to change the registration of the stock into First Presbyterian, Stillwater Oklahoma, and by electronic transfer deposit the stock into the church account.

Please be advised that the process of changing the registration and electronic transfer takes a week to 10 days. Have your broker contact the church broker:

Edward Jones® - Judy Hull (405) 377-1990 1507 S. Sangre Rd. Stillwater, OK 74074


DEACONS’ CORNER Giving Tree

Giving is a joy, and what better time than the Advent/Christmas season to bless others? The Giving Tree will be in the Narthex on Sunday, November 20 just in time for the Black Friday sales.

Please choose a card or cards from the tree, shop for the perfect gift and return the wrapped gift(s) with the card attached by Sunday, December 11. Please record which card(s) you take from the tree in the folder provided.

If it is difficult for you to shop for any reason and you would like to choose a card and provide funds, we can do the shopping for you! If you have any questions please contact Deacon Georgia Wessel (405) 880-1193.

Food Offering During these times, your gifts of non-perishable food

items to the shopping cart in the Narthex are more valuable and more appreciated than ever. The food is distributed to local agencies who help those in need. Suggested items to bring include canned meats, fruits, vegetables, soups, mac & cheese, peanut butter, powdered milk, pasta, baby food. Let’s strive to fill the cart each week to assist our neighbors.

Love Feast Help! Can you cook spaghetti, heat sauce and a

vegetable or mix up some chili? Then you are qualified to be a Love Feast cook. Deacon Quinn Baldwin needs volunteers to do those tasks the afternoon of the 3rd Wednesday of the month. The supplies will be in the kitchen to accomplish the task. Then other volunteers arrive after 5:00 p.m. to pick up the meal, take to Southern Heights, and serve. Please consider sharing an hour or two of your time next month.

Sign up on the bulletin board near the Information Center or contact Quinn (714-8662). FPC’s next scheduled Love Feast date is December 21.

SEASONED ADULTS I am writing this article on 11/11/11, which in itself is

neat, but it also happens to be Veterans Day. I was a first grader when Japan bombed Pearl Harbor. I remember it distinctly. We had an Army Air Field in my small town of Childress, Texas – a bombardier training school founded in May 1942. It closed in December 1945. The Commander’s son was in my class. That is when my patriotism began and it has not lessened in the last sixty-nine years! We have several in our church and community that took part in that war and other conflicts since. They are still making sacrifices for our freedom and I thank them for their services.

Our November 21l, Seasoned Adults Gathering will

feature “Heather Lanners and her Friends”. We are indeed fortunate to have so many talented people in our congregation and Heather is definitely one of them. I know it will be a fabulous program!!

Rob Horton at Charlie’s Chicken will be preparing a pre-Thanksgiving Dinner for us – chicken dressing, giblet gravy, mashed potatoes, green beans, and rolls. I will see that we have coffee/water/salad/dessert. Put this on your calendar!!

Blessings, Margy Knox

SHARLA LOVERN joined by Reaffirmation of Faith. Sharla is an engineer at OSU. She has a daughter Kaylee, 10, and a son Corey, 8.

WHITNEY BROSI joined by Reaffirmation of Faith. She is a professor at OSU in the gerontology department and the mother of Eli, 5. (She is also the daughter of FPC member Claudia Roach)

MIKE & CINDY MELANCON joined by Reaffirmation of Faith. Mike is a Systems Administrator and Cindy is a Psychology Professor at OSU. Their daughter Margaux is 3 years old.

EDWINA HESSE joined by Reaffirmation of Faith. She is a graduate student at OSU.

ANNETTE PRESTON joined by Letter of Transfer from First United Methodist Church, Stillwater. She is retired.

TIM & KRISTI RILEY joined by Reaffirmation of Faith. Kristi is a stay-at-home mom and Tim is employed by Head Start Telecom. They have two sons, Karsen, 7, and Jackson (Jack), 4.

ROD ELSWICK joined by Reaffirmation of Faith. He is a building equipment rep at OSU.

We are thankful for their decision to join First Presbyterian Church.


ADULT SUNDAY MORNING CLASSES 9:45-10:45 a.m.

You are welcome to join any classes at any time! Ongoing classes: ▪ Seasons of the Spirit, led by Denise Rex (in the

Fellowship Hall Dining Room) ▪ Abiding Bible Study, led by Dan Grischkowsky

(in the Library)

For more about any of these classes and more adult Christian education opportunities, see the 2011 Christian Education Booklet (available in the Narthex.)

SEASONAL ADULT SUNDAY CLASSES THROUGH DECEMBER 11

Advent Conspiracy The story of Christ's birth is a story of promise, hope,

and a revolutionary love. So, what happened? What was once a time to prepare for and celebrate the birth of a Savior, has somehow turned into a season of stress, traffic jams, and shopping lists. And when it's all over, many of us are left with presents to return, looming debt that will take months to pay off, and this empty feeling of missed purpose. Is this what we really want out of Christmas? What if Christmas became a world-changing event again? Welcome to Advent Conspiracy, a movement calling us to proclaim Christ in how we celebrate Christmas. Through scripture, discussion, ideas, and videos, explore what it means to Worship Fully, Spend Less, Give More, and Love All. Meets in South Fellowship Hall. Leader: Jenna Campbell

Good Grieving: Praying Our Goodbyes Deep loss and its attending suffering may be harder

for us during Thanksgiving, Advent and Christmas than any other time of year. In this class, we will take a spiritual journey using the book Praying Our Goodbyes by Joyce Rupp, OSM, supplemented with other material from our church's rich store of resources on grieving While focusing on the spiritual aspect of loss, basing her reflections on Scripture, Rupp maintains a sound theological and psychological grounding. With the guidance of the Holy Spirit, pain and hope can be shared with fellow pilgrims, as we prepare for the coming of the Great Light. Meets in the Worship Center. Leader: Donna Clark

FIRST WEDNESDAYS AT THE WELL Every first Wednesday each month, we will gather to

explore our faith together and enjoy fellowship and learning together in an intergenerational community.

5:30-6:15 p.m. Dinner Together 6:15-7:30 p.m. Intergenerational Learning/Worship

Special Advent Session December 7 ~ 5:30-7:30 p.m.

All ages are invited to Simply Prepare during this season of Advent. Take time from your busy schedules to quiet your hearts and be blessed with simplicity in this season of Advent. Enjoy a home-cooked meal. Put together a family devotional, engage the Christmas story in creative ways, and consider new ways to celebrate Christmas in a meaningful way.

THE FUTURE OF WEDNESDAY AT THE WELL - We need your feedback!

The Family Ministry Council is currently evaluating Wednesday at the Well, our once-a-month mid-week intergenerational program. We would appreciate comments from you to help us in our evaluation as we consider how to move forward with this program in the spring:

▪ If you come to the Well, what do you like most about it? What needs to change?

▪ If you do NOT come to the Well, why is that? What could we plan/offer that would be helpful to your family?

Our intent is to provide an intergenerational space for fellowship, learning, and worship. We are looking at creative ways to do this and need your comments as we put together something that is engaging, helpful, and inspiring. Comments on the Well can be sent to Jenna Campbell: [email protected] or to John Gelder, chair of the Family Ministry Council: [email protected]

27th Annual Community Thanksgiving Dinner Project Heart Cafeteria - 9th & Duck 11:30 a.m.-2:30 p.m. Join us for great food and fellowship among all walks of life!


“FRIEND” US ON FACEBOOK™!

Stillwater FPC has a new Facebook page. Be sure to “like” us to keep up with all the

news, upcoming events, and photos related to Stillwater FPC!

www.facebook.com/StillwaterFPC

NEWS ABOUT PW The next luncheon is December 14, 11:45 a.m. in Fellowship Hall. Margaret Smith, Cimarron PW Moderator, will install the 2012 PW officers. Plan to join Lucy Newlin as she leads the group in singing

Christmas carols. The cost of the lunch is $4 and reservations are due to the Church Office by noon on Monday, December 12. (Contact your Circle leaders or the Church Office to register.) The PW Coordinating Team will not meet as they will be cooking and serving the meal.

Circle Meeting Information: The Circles WILL NOT MEET IN DECEMBER. They will

resume in January 2012.

GET THE AMBASSADOR IN A FLASH! HOW? Contact Cathy Fairbanks

[email protected] or 372-5580

Satisfaction guaranteed, or we’ll switch you back!

PW Reminders: ▪ Barb Henderson will be taking blankets (any

size), afghans, and pencils to Mexico in January to deliver to the Meadowlark Ministries who work with the Nowata Indians near Progresso, Mexico. You may leave these in the Second Mile Sewing donation box in the Narthex.

▪ Bring “Labels for Education” and Betty Crocker points to the Hospitality Area Kitchen

▪ Bring your offerings of Least Coin and 2nd Mile Giving to meetings.

▪ Second Mile Sewing continues to meet on the 1st, 3rd, and 5th Wednesdays at 9:15 a.m. in the Fellowship Hall. A donation box is in the Narthex for your sewing and ‘crafty’ items.

A s in past years, the Worship Committee will decorate the church with

poinsettias for the Christmas season. If you would like to help with the

purchase of these, please fill out the form below and return it with payment

in the offering plate or the church office by Monday, December 12.

1) Please PRINT below EXACTLY as you would like it to appear in the bulletin (December 18 & 25):

To the Glory of God and the Christmas season, today’s flowers are given by

_____________________________________________________ (your name(s) as you want it printed)

(choose one) �� in memory of �� in celebration of �� in honor of

(name, event, etc.) ______________________________________________________

2) Include your payment marked “Poinsettia.”(Make checks payable to “First Presbyterian Church”)

# of poinsettias ________ x $10.00/each = $ _______ total enclosed �Check �Cash

Your Name:__________________________________________________

3) Please check one:

�� I/We will take a poinsettia(s) home after the December 25, 9:30 a.m. morning Worship Service.

�� Please use my contribution to purchase poinsettias for the sanctuary that will be distributed to

members by the Deacons at Christmas. I understand that any remaining money beyond what is

needed for distribution will be used for the Christmas Joy Offering.


Nonprofit Org. U.S. POSTAGE

PAID Stillwater, Oklahoma

Permit No. 143

Deadline for Next issue: Friday, December 9, 2011

B. Gordon Edwards ..................... [email protected]

Leah Hrachovec [email protected]

Jenna Campbell ............. [email protected]

Wyeth Leslie ................ [email protected]

Margy Knox [email protected]

Church Office & Cathy Fairbanks [email protected]

Lucy Newlin ....................... [email protected]

Dallas Barnes ................. [email protected]

Rebecca te Velde [email protected]

Heather Lanners [email protected]

Peter Thomas

... [email protected]

Visit us on the web at www.stillwaterfpc.org

Morning Prayers - 8:45 a.m. Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, Friday

Worship Center

Midweek Communion - 8:30 a.m. Wednesday - Worship Center

Regular Sunday Schedule

Worship - 8:30 & 11:00 a.m. Sunday School - 9:45 a.m.


ADVENT & CHRISTMAS WORSHIP SCHEDULE:

November 27

First Sunday of Advent

December 4 Second Sunday of Advent

December 11

Third Sunday of Advent A Service of Lessons and Carols

at each service Advent Event – 9:30 a.m.

December 18

Fourth Sunday of Advent One service at 9:30 a.m.

Children and Youth Special Music

Chili Supper & Carol Sing 6:00 p.m. in Fellowship Hall

Christmas Eve 6:00 p.m.-Family Service

11:00 p.m.-Traditional Service Communion and Candlelighting

at both services

December 25 Christmas Day

One service at 9:30 a.m.

January 1 New Year’s Day

One service at 9:30 a.m. Please bring finger foods, snacks and breads for a fellowship time

following worship

ADVENT DEVOTIONALS FOR ADULTS, CHILDREN, AND FAMILIES!

Prepare to receive the Christ child this Christmas by setting aside time to reflect using an Advent devotional. A variety of Advent resources are offered this year. The devotionals will be available beginning November 27 in the black wall display across from the Information Center.

The Lord is Near - Advent Meditations from the works of Henri Nouwen (Adults)

Henri Nouwen's spiritual vision was as profound as it was broad and inclusive, and his compassion embraced all of humankind. With a gift for examining his own life in the light of Scripture, especially the coming of Christ, Nouwen shows us how the Word of God applies to us in new and surprising ways, offering deep insight into our struggles and dreams, our hopes and joys. Reflecting with Henri Nouwen each day of Advent makes for a joy-filled celebration of the coming of the Lord at Christmas.

Advent Prayers & Promises - Daily Devotions, Things to Make, Things to Do (Children and Families)

Follow God's promises and the prayers of God's people from Adam and Eve in the Garden of Eden all the way to Bethlehem and the birth of the Savior in this fun Advent activity book. Each day features a devotion, a Scripture reading, a prayer and either a craft, puzzle, recipe or game - a meaningful Advent experience for children ages 4-11. The book also includes directions for your own Nativity set.

7TH ANNUAL AGO CHRISTMAS CAROL PROGRAM Sunday, December 4 ~ 2:30 p.m. First United Methodist Church

Several organists of the Cimarron Chapter of the American Guild of Organists, including Rebecca te Velde, offer organ settings of beloved carols interspersed with the singing of the carols by all present. Admission is free, but an offering will be collected for the church’s ministry to the needy of our community. Come, bring friends and family, and enjoy hearing and singing Christmas carols! For more information, contact Becky te Velde (624-2612, [email protected]).

FUN IN FAITH “JAMMIES FOR JESUS!” Friday, December 9 ~ 6:00-8:00 p.m. Hospitality Area

Children pre-K to 5th grade are invited to join us for an evening of fun, faith, fellowship, and pajamas. As a mission activity, each participant is asked to bring a new set of children's pajamas to donate to the Stillwater Domestic Violence Center; plus, you can wear your own pajamas to church for the evening! We will make pizzas, watch a movie, create a Christmas craft, and celebrate the coming of our Lord Jesus together. Please RSVP to the church office by Wednesday, December 7.


Through December 12. See page 9.

DWIGHT MISSION OLD FASHIONED CHRISTMAS Vian, OK December 8-10 ~ 5:00-8:00 p.m.

Christmas light display, Living Nativity, hall of Christmas trees, soup dinner, Christmas carols, cookie decorating, and readings of the Christmas story and “‘Twas the Night Before Christmas.” A great new family Christmas tradition! Call 918-775-2018 or visit www.dwightmission.org for info.

ADVENT EVENT Sunday, December 11 9:30-10:45 a.m. Multipurpose Room,

This year, our annual Advent Event will be held on Sunday morning with the SpiritLink classes leading the way! We will stuff big red stockings (made by our 2nd Mile Sewing Group!) with toiletries and other basics. Everyone can help put together stockings, make ornaments and decorate Christmas cards for our community friends at Stillwater Domestic Violence Center and the Mission of Hope. Together we will share our hope and joy in Christ’s arrival.

THE CHIMNEY IS OUT! The SpiritLink classes need

items for the Advent Event (see above). Here’s how you can help:

• Look through your cabinets at home and gather up your unused product samples, hotel toiletries (soap, shampoo, lotions), extra dental items, guest room items, disposable shavers, etc.

• Put them in a bag of some kind and bring them to the “chimney” in the Church Narthex. (CE “Elf” Lucy Newlin will retrieve them.)

• Come on the 11th to help us put them together!

THE LIVING NATIVITY Monday, December 12, 6:00-7:30 p.m. Southeast Portico and Lawn

The annual Living Nativity presented by the youth of First Presbyterian for the community of Stillwater will be Monday, December 12. Bring your families and experience four scenes telling the story of the birth of Christ. Also, look forward to: • Live animals for all to enjoy! • Fair trade hot chocolate will be

served to all (as well as hot cider).

ANNUAL CHILI SUPPER & CAROL SING Sunday, December 18, 6:00 p.m. Fellowship Hall

Come share the joy of the Christmas Season! December 18 is the annual Chili Supper and Carol Sing. Bring some friends & neighbors for an evening of fellowship.

Come enjoy classic Chili and fixin’s prepared by the Evangelism, Membership, and Fellowship Committee. There will also be a non-chili/vegetarian alternative, and the desserts will include something sugar-free. Then get ready to sing your hearts out on the great songs of Christmas!!!

Children and Youth Needed for the...

CHRISTMAS EVE FAMILY SERVICE REHEARSALS Sunday, December 11, 10:45 a.m. Saturday, December 24, 5:00 p.m.

Will your family be in town on Christmas Eve? Would your children or youth like to be involved in leading worship? Children will help present the Christmas story during the worship service. We have a script (no memorization needed!) and all of the costumes!

Children and youth who want to be a part of the service will need to be present at a rehearsal on Sunday, December 11 directly following the 9:30 a.m. worship service. We will gather again at 5:00 p.m. on Christmas Eve to do a final run through and put on costumes.

If your child would like to participate, please contact Quinn Baldwin at 714-8663 or call the Church Office.

The Second Mile Annual Quilt Auction

has been postponed to Spring 2012.

SAVE THE DATE!!! Women’s Retreat February 25-26

More information and registration in

December Ambassador.

the ambassador 1 first presbyterian...

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