PresbyNews
Faith Presbyterian Church
Volume 30, Number 25 December 6, 2005
625 Florin Road, Sacramento, CA 95831
916-428-3439
Faith Happenings
Munchies Bible Study 9:00am
CREW Bible Study 2-3pm
December 7, 14, 21 Advent Dinner, Worship & Bible Study. Caroling on December 21
December 11 Open House at Chapman's 2-5:00pm
December 17 Walk thro Bethlehem. Potluck at 5:30-m. Walks start at 6:00pm
December 24 Christmas Eve Services. 5:30 pm family Service. 11:00pm Candlelight service
An Invitation to an Open House at the Chapman’s
Jeff & Esther would like to invite you to join them for a Christmas Open house on Sunday, December 11th, from 2:00-5:30. Come enjoy Christmas treats and other great friends – new and old – from Faith. The Chapman’s live at 356 Bay River Way (near where Pocket Rd. turns into Riverside Blvd.). Come join us!
Stealing Jesus
Maybe you heard the story of the day somebody stole Jesus in, of all places, Chicago.
Last December it was reported to the Chicago Police that somebody had taken the baby Jesus from the Nativity scene which adorned the downtown Daley Plaza. Authorities soon after discovered that a 19-year-old Texas man, a student at the School of the Art Institute nearby, had swiped the infant. Two witnesses saw the man, whose dormitory overlooks the plaza, pull the three-foot figure from the manger and casually walk away with it. They contacted police who arrested him just a few blocks away. (It’s hard to be discreet with a three-foot Jesus sticking out of your overcoat!) When questioned about the incident, the thief said he took the figure because he saw it and he wanted it.
Turns out that the same baby Jesus has been stolen before. In 1999, Jesus disappeared but was eventually recovered from a Union Station luggage locker after an anonymous tip several days later. Could it be this year that they’ll have to padlock Jesus to the cradle?
Of course, nobody ever has to steal Jesus. The Son of God is a gift, God’s greatest gift to humanity. He is available to everyone who seeks, anyone who asks, any person who ever would so desire. John 1:12 reminds us: “To all who received Jesus, to those who believed in his name, he gave the right to become children of God.” Nobody has to steal Jesus. He’s there for the asking.
My prayer for you and for me this Christmas season is that our gratitude and joy would be renewed as we once again realize how extraordinary the gift of Christ is in our lives. Imagine if we had to steal him! May we never take for granted the fact that God has come to us in such a way, before we even knew to ask.
I look forward to worshipping with you on Sunday!
Yours in Christ,
Jeff
Pastor Jim leads us in
Praying the Scriptures in Advent
Following dinner and advent worship - each Wednesday at 7:30 pm, Pastor Jim Zazzera will lead us in a practice known as "lectio divina." Simply put, we will be sharing in a corporate exercise of reading the scriptures in a prayerful way. While we will certainly read passages for intellectual undertanding, we will spend much of our time prayerfully asking God what God is saying to us from each text. We will use traditional Advent & Christmas passages from each Gospel.
Sunday School News
Sunday School News
December Birthdays
Jesus 12/24 Isabel Chapman 12/20
Zachary Fiscel 12/31 Daniel Foley 12/30
Trevin Reynolds 12/16
___________________________________________________
Sunday School Lessons in December
New Journeys/ Ruth Ruth 1:1-22, Matthew 1:5-6, 16-17
Home is where the Heart is. Ruth 2;1-4, 14-23, 4:13-22, Matthew
God's Promise of Peace Micah 5:2-5, Matthew 2
Jesus is Born Luke 1:26-33, 2:1-7
_______________________________________________________
LITANY OF THE ADVENT CANDLES
The first Advent candle represents Hope. Long ago people had hope in their hearts as they waited for a Savior, someone who would come to set people free. We hope too that the Savior’s love will be shared with all people! Amen.
The second Advent candle represents Peace, for Christ’s coming is the light of peace in our hearts and in our world. Therefore, we pray for peace on earth and good will among all people. May the light of these candles guide us as we walk through the season of Advent.
Amen.
Today we light the rose candle, the candle of Joy. May its brightness show us the way
to the Child, the One who brings joy to the world. Open our spirits, God, to your joy and your Light!
Amen.
The Advent candles remind us of the light that is coming into the world. For Christ comes to us as a light of hope, aflame of peace. our source for joy. For people of faith these are gifts of a God who loves. Today we light the fourth candle, the light of Love. May the light of Christ come to us and may His light lead us! Amen.
We have arrived at Christmas! I light the Christ candle. Today we celebrate the arrival of great joy “for all the people.... To you is born this day... a savior who is the Messiah. the Lord.”
Let us Pray: 0 God of Christmas joy, thank You for the gift of Your son whose birth we celebrate today. Make us Christmas seekers every day of the year, every year of our lives, that we may grow ever closer to You and the saving, sacred purpose for which You sent your son. In the name of the Prince of Peace, Amen.
Start a family tradition, remember the season with this reminder of the true meaning of Christmas!
________________________________________________________
Operation Christmas Child Report
We were able to send @ 85 boxes to children around the world. Thank you to all who helped to make this possible. The friendship shown around the table while we were packing the boxes was a great way to start the seasons of thanksgiving and Joy. We will be given the opportunity to participate again next year. All are welcome!
___________________________________________________
Come "Walk Through Bethlehem" on Saturday, December 17 here at Church! We will, again, be transforming part of the church into the town of Bethlehem. Come see, hear, smell and play in Bethlehem!
We will start with a potluck, no alphabet assigned, pure potluck at 5:30. Then at 6:00, Bethlehem will be open. Around 7:00 - 7:30 we will again gather in Link Hall for songs, crafts, and fellowship.
Friends, Families,Neighbors - All Are Welcome!
Mark your calendars, make this a night that your family comes together to enjoy each other and other Christian fellowship! For more information please contact Pam Rock, Ann Johnson, Lisa Miller or Sue Kirk.
____________________________________
Opportunity to Lead in Sunday School Programs
Passing on God's word - Christian heritage
Spending time with your child they will remember
Making a difference in a childs life
Learning more about God's message
Fulfilling your promise at a baptism
Fresh way to seeing Jesus' words fulfilled
Giving yourself a gift
We will need ten or more people to lead the Sunday School classes beginning the third week in January. Any questions, after praying over this opportunity, please contact Pam Rock, Ann Johnson, Lisa Miller or Sue Kirk.
______________________________________________________
Thanks! Thanks! Thanks!
Many thanks to all those involved in preparing the sanctuary and narthex for the advent and Christmas season. Dwayne Willis and his crew of four were responsible for obtaining and setting up the l8 foot tree in the sanctuary. Kevin Hefner and Kyle Carpenter assisted in hanging the lights and helped with the other decorations along with .Julia Real, Chuck Beal and Wally Smith, Kevin, Kyle and Julia Beal were the agile ones who arranged and placed the poinsettias on the ledge above the choir loft. Pat Beal guided the operations and was also responsible for preparing and arranging the large wreaths in the sanctuary and narthex along with the balance of the Christmas decorations that we are enjoying. All participants, including Paul Hefner, helped in the cleanup. Thanks again! ----- Wally
Still Don’t Have an Entertainment Book?
As a member of South Sacramento Rotary, I have four Sacramento Area Entertainment books left from a recent sale. If you didn’t purchase one from another organization and would like one, feel free to e-mail me or give me a call (428-0311), and I’ll make arrangements to get one to you. The books are $40 each. They also make wonderful Christmas gifts, especially for mobile seniors who have “everything” or don’t want to add more “stuff” to their homes.
In case you don’t already know, Rotary International and local Rotary Clubs support worthy projects worldwide as well as locally, and I am proud to be a member of this fine organization. The money made in fundraisers such as this goes to support these projects.
Barbara Tracy
Wednesdays, December 7 & 14 ~ Advent Dinner & Worship
Join us at 6:00 for an all-church dinner in Link Hall (food will be provided, donations accepted). At 7:00, we gather for contemplative worship in the sanctuary. Pastor Jim Zazzera will lead a class following the worship entitled, “Praying the Scriptures in Advent.”
Sundays, December 11, 18– Advent Worship
Invite others you know to join us for worship filled with special music and relevant messages on the power and meaning of Christmas.
Sunday, December 11 – Open House at the Chapman’s
Jeff and Esther invite the church family for a Christmas open house from 2-5 pm.
Saturday, December 17 – 5-8:00pm A Walk Through Bethlehem We will share a potluck, take a walk through Bethlehem, make some crafts and sing some Christmas Songs. Meet in Link Hall for this special evening.
Sponsored by Faith’s childrens ministry.
Wednesday, December 21 ~ Dinner & Christmas Caroling
We’ll have a 6:00 dinner in Link Hall (food provided, donations accepted) and then travel to sing carols to others in our congregation who are typically unable to get out and join us for Christmas.
Saturday, December 24th – Christmas Eve Services
5:30 – Family Service – Celebration geared for the whole family.
11:00 – Candlelight Service (Communion served at both services)
Sunday, December 25th – Christmas Morning Worship!
9:00 – Informal worship – A time of carols, reflection & celebration (No Sunday School during this service, nursery care is provided)
11:00 – Family Worship – Chancel choir will help lead. Sunday school for children is offered. Come celebrate with us!
Christmas Giving Opportunities
During Advent, Faith Presbyterian will be taking special offerings to support local charities and the business of the church. Please use this as a guide for your planning and shopping.
•••
The Christmas Joy Offering is one of four special offerings taken by the Presbyterian Church worldwide. Funds raised are split between the Board of Pensions and Presbyterian related racial-ethnic education programs. This offering will be taken on Sunday, December 18.
•••
A special offering will be taken at both Christmas Eve services, and will be split between Family Promise and SSIP. As has become a Faith tradition, we invite you to bring peanut butter on Christmas Eve to be passed on to the SSIP Food Closet.
Giving Tree
•••
Wind Center for Youth focuses on providing homeless and street youth with help to move from crisis to healthy functioning. Wind Center asks for donations of gift cards to fast food restaurants and department stores like Target and Best Buy to use on outings or as incentives. You can bring your gift on Sunday, December 11.
•••
La Familia Counseling Center seeks to improve the quality of life for at-risk youth and families of diverse backgrounds. La Familia will be providing us names and ages of children and youth who need new clothing. Look for the information on Sunday, December 11 and bring your gift the following Sunday, December 18.
Sunday School News
December Birthdays
Jesus 12/24 Isabel Chapman 12/20
Zachary Fiscel 12/31 Daniel Foley 12/30
Trevin Reynolds 12/16
___________________________________________________
Sunday School Lessons in December
New Journeys/ Ruth Ruth 1:1-22, Matthew 1:5-6, 16-17
Home is where the Heart is. Ruth 2;1-4, 14-23, 4:13-22, Matthew
God's Promise of Peace Micah 5:2-5, Matthew 2
Jesus is Born Luke 1:26-33, 2:1-7
_______________________________________________________
Advent Candle Wreath Litany
( I placed this in box in office)
Start a family tradition, remember the season with this reminder of the true meaning of Christmas!
________________________________________________________
Operation Christmas Child Report
We were able to send 85 boxes to children around the world. Thank you to all who helped to make this possible. The friendship shown around the table while we were packing the boxes was a great way to start the seasons of thanksgiving and Joy. We will be given the opportunity to participate again next year. All are welcome!
___________________________________________________
Come "Walk Through Bethlehem" on Saturday, December 17 here at Church! We will, again, be transforming part of the church into the town of Bethlehem. Come see, hear, smell and play in Bethlehem!
We will start with a potluck, no alphabet assigned, pure potluck at 5:30. Then at 6:00, Bethlehem will be open. Around 7:00 - 7:30 we will again gather in Link Hall for songs, crafts, and fellowship.
Friends, Families,Neighbors - All Are Welcome!
Mark your calendars, make this a night that your family comes together to enjoy each other and other Christian fellowship! For more information please contact Pam Rock, Ann Johnson, Lisa Miller or Sue Kirk.
____________________________________
Opportunity to Lead in Sunday School Programs
Passing on God's word - Christian heritage
Spending time with your child they will remember
Making a difference in a childs life
Learning more about God's message
Fulfilling your promise at a baptism
Fresh way to seeing Jesus' words fulfilled
Giving yourself a gift
We will need ten or more people to lead the Sunday School classes beginning the third week in January. Any questions, after praying over this opportunity, please contact Pam Rock, Ann Johnson, Lisa Miller or Sue Kirk.
WINTER FOODS THAT BOOST HEALTH
Take advantage of seasonal vegetables to boost your potassium intake.
Winter squashes such as acorn squash and butternut squash are high in
potassium, a mineral your body needs to support cardiovascular, bone, and kidney
health. Add cubed or mashed squash to soups, stews, casseroles, and stir-frys
for extra flavor and nutrition.
One cup of cubed squash contains almost 900 milligrams of potassium. Winter squash varieties include acorn, spaghetti, butternut, turnip, hubbard, banana and carnival. These potassium-rich gourds can be baked, boiled, or steamed until the flesh is tender. Serve up squash as a side dish by pureeing butternut squash with a bit of olive oil, lime juice, and nutmeg. Or, serve it up as the main course by making a savory soup out of butternut squash, carrots, apples, sweet potatoes, olive oil, chives, and spices. Other good sources of potassium include dried peaches, apricots, potatoes, bananas, watermelon, tomato paste and yogurt
Thanks! Thanks! Thanks!
Many thanks to all those involved in preparing the sanctuary and narthex for the advent and Christmas season. Dwayne Willis and his crew of four were responsible for obtaining and setting up the l8 foot tree in the sanctuary. Kevin Hefner and Kyle Carpenter assisted in hanging the lights and helped with the other decorations along with .Julia Real, Chuck Beal and Wally Smith, Kevin, Kyle and Julia Beal were the agile ones who arranged and placed the poinsettias on the ledge above the choir loft. Pat Beal guided the operations and was also responsible for preparing and arranging the large wreaths in the sanctuary and narthex along with the balance of the Christmas decorations that we are enjoying. All participants, including Paul Hefner, helped in the cleanup. Thanks again! ----- Wally
Signature Sound at the Crest
After Bill Gaither and Friends appeared here in October, several of you asked me if I was going to set up a group to see Signature Sound at the Crest Theater on January 12. This group of five guys was part of Gaither’s “friends,” and they had quite a sound, including a true bass. The Crest did not start advertising tickets for their performance until November, and when I inquired about groups, I was told that they are not set up to support groups.
You can obtain tickets, however, from the Crest box office (766-2277) or through tickets.com outlets. They are $20 each on the main floor; $15 each, in the upper section. The show is set for 7:30 p.m. Jim and I plan to go and will be purchasing tickets on the main floor in a week or so. If you want me to get tickets for you with ours, e-mail me at bjtracy@comcast.net or call me at 428-0311 before December 12.
CHICAGO
Faith family members are invited to attend the Sunday, March 12 Broadway Series production of Chicago. Tickets are $31.50 each. Mark your calendar now and look for the sign-up sheet soon. Call Barbara Tracy at 428-0311 if you have questions.
Opportunities @ Faith To grow in faith
Sunday Mornings
December 11 – December 18th
Neglected Voices: Biblical Spirituality in the Margins
In this study we will listen to the voices of many of the “unknown” characters of the bible including Rahab, Baruch, Simeon, Phoebe and others. As we hear their voices we can hear God’s voice teaching us about things like new beginnings, trust, courage, and servanthood.
9:30am Teacher: Jim Zazzera
10:30am Teachers: Claire Pisor, Hal Turner,
Sandy Trezise, Chuck Bell
Wednesday Evenings
December 7th, 14th, & 21st @ 7:30pm
Praying the Scriptures in Advent
You are invited this advent to take time to not simply study but to pray through the scriptures that lead us to the birth of Christ. Using an approach to bible reading and prayer called “lectio divina,” we will carefully attend to the bible reading for the day to discover what God has to say to our lives.
Facilitator: Jim Zazzera
December 7th Mark13:24-37
Signs of the End of the Age
December 14th Matthew 11:2-11
Who Are You Looking For?
December 21st John 1:1-14
The Word Who Comes
For the Choir
Singing schedule:
Dec 11 Early service
Dec 18 Both services
Dec 24 Christmas Eve 11pm service
Dec 25 Christmas Day Late service
May Tucker visited Faith on December 4
Her many friends will be glad to know that she is able to get out and to come to Faith. She consulted with our guest organist, Thomas Stahl about a tune she has written. And even played the organ between services --- just a little bit since her strength has not yet returned.
Health Ministries
WINTER FOODS THAT BOOST HEALTH
Take advantage of seasonal vegetables to boost your potassium intake.
Winter squashes such as acorn squash and butternut squash are high in
potassium, a mineral your body needs to support cardiovascular, bone, and kidney
health. Add cubed or mashed squash to soups, stews, casseroles, and stir-frys
for extra flavor and nutrition.
One cup of cubed squash contains almost 900 milligrams of potassium. Winter squash varieties include acorn, spaghetti, butternut, turnip, hubbard, banana and carnival. These potassium-rich gourds can be baked, boiled, or steamed until the flesh is tender. Serve up squash as a side dish by pureeing butternut squash with a bit of olive oil, lime juice, and nutmeg. Or, serve it up as the main course by making a savory soup out of butternut squash, carrots, apples, sweet potatoes, olive oil, chives, and spices. Other good sources of potassium include dried peaches, apricots, potatoes, bananas, watermelon, tomato paste and yogurt
Drive-Through Living Nativity
Friday - Saturday, December 16th & 17th
6:30-8:30 p.m.
As a free service to the public the Cottage Way Christian Church (at 2117 Cottage Way – Sacramento between Howe and Ethan) invite you and your family to relive the Christmas Story through live scenes with live animals.
Please bring a canned food item to donate to families in need.
Sunday Senior Shuttle Survey
Are you, or someone you know, over 62 years of age and in need of transportation to church services? Or, would you like to volunteer to drive the Senior Shuttle or be an escort?
We are exploring ways to provide convenient shuttle service for older adults in our church, who live in the Greenhaven/Pocket neighborhood. Please answer the following five questions and place in the offering plate.
1) Are you, or an older adult you know, in need of transportation to and from church on Sundays?
š Yes š No š Maybe
2) Which church service do you, or your friends, most regularly attend?
š 9:00am š 11:00am š Other:_______
3) For special church events during the holiday season, such as concerts or programs, would you be interested in senior shuttle service?
š Yes š No š Maybe
4) Are you interested in being trained as a volunteer to drive the Sunday Senior Shuttle on a rotation schedule? (*certain requirements will apply)
š Yes š No š Maybe
5) Are you interested in being trained as an escort for the Sunday Senior Shuttle service? (*The escort provides a helping hand of assistance for persons getting on and off the shuttle)
š Yes š No š Maybe
Senior Adult Contact Information:
Name:____________________Phone #:____________
Address: _____________________________
City:______________ Zip Code:_________
Email (optional): ___________________________
Interested Volunteer Contact Information:
Name:____________________Phone #:____________
Address: _____________________________
City:______________ Zip Code:_________
Email (optional): ___________________________
Please drop completed survey in the Offering plate. Thank you!
Mission Trip Planning Meeting
The Mission committee has been tossing around ideas for this summer’s mission trip, but we need to hear from you. Would you prefer to join low-income families in building their homes? Putting on a Vacation Bible School in beautiful Bandon? Traveling to the Gulf Coast to rebuild after Hurricane Katrina? Do you have a great idea to share with us, or just a lot of questions about mission trips? Whether you have been on a mission trip many times, or you’re just wondering if it could be for you, we’d love to have you join us in Room 5 between services on Sunday, January 8. If you have questions between now and then, please call Conney Willis at 530-432-2318.
Sarah Ainsworth gets Calendared
DIXON--A photograph of a calf licking a Dixon May Fair exhibitor across the face appears on a national calendar contest celebrating fairs and festivals.
The color photo, titled "Lickin' Good," is of dairy cattle exhibitor Sarah Ainsworth of Sacramento, granddaughter of Dixon dairyman Stuart Rowe of Innisfail Farms.
The photo, taken by Kathy Keatley Garvey of Vacaville, is the May selection in the Fair Visions 2006 calendar, sponsored by Staats of Mt. Pleasant, IA.
Sarah had earlier teamed with Rowe and friend Emilio Chacon of Dixon to win the Dixon May Fair Cowmilking Contest as "The Three Milkateers." It was the youths' first attempt at cow-milking.
Family Promise January 16-22nd 2006
You can sign up for this week in 2006 on the whiteboard on the wall across from the office. Volunteers are needed for dinner, evening activities, over night teams, set-up, take-down and coordinator of the day.
If necessary, we will take sign-ups in the narthex December 18.
If you haven’t volunteered before but are interested, you may want to talk to someone who has. And we will have a training session on December15, 2006. If you have questions, call Sue Hooper 393-2673 or Cynthia Crow 392-9141
.
Worship Helpers
December 11 |
December 18 | |
Worship Service |
9:00am |
9:00am |
Worship Assistant |
David Nash |
Ross Leader |
Ushers |
Bruce & Bonnie Alexander |
Jim & Betty Park |
Greeters |
Jim, Chris, Amanda Becker |
Terry & Patrice Mangum Marthe Sweet |
Sound |
Don Sperling |
David Nash |
Coffee Preparers |
Jeff & DiAnne Brown |
John Sugar |
Acolytes |
Joey Healow |
Sohpia Bagby |
Worship Service |
11:00am |
11:00am |
Worship Assistant |
Terry Mangum |
Nancy Remley-Johnson |
Ushers |
Rick & Cynthia Crow |
Renee Larsen Melodi Anderson |
Greeters |
Bob & Barbara Powell Ann Johnson |
Rick & Cynthia Crow Julia King |
Sound |
Brien Bell |
Ken Finch |
Coffee Servers |
Debbie & Nate Barton |
Gwen Markuson |
Tellers |
Kitty Tatro Jarvis Arellano |
Barbara Powell Charlie Tucker |
Acolytes |
Sierra Brown |
Dawn Balangan |
Published by Faith Presbyterian Church
625 Florin Road, Sacramento CA
(916) 428-3439, FAX 428-0248
Editing staff:
Jim Park (jamespark02@comcast.net)
Dianne Brown (Sierraskymktg@netscape.net)
Susie Hughes (susan_hughes@synectics.net)
Kathy Pehrson (kkpehrson@yahoo.com)
Marthe Sweet (marthesweet@earthlink.net)
Jeff Chapman, Pastor
Jim Zazzera, Associate Pastor
Worship 8:30 and 11:00 a.m.
Presby-NewsPublished twice monthly
Faith Presbyterian Church