On Sunday, December 20th, we will collect the Christmas Joy offering. 50 percent of the receipts to the Christmas Joy Offering are distributed to the Board of Pensions for assistance programs that provide support to retired and active church workers and their spouses and families. The other fifty percent supports Presbyterian-related racial ethnic education through the General Assembly Council. For more information, click here or watch the video below.
It’s time to think about Poinsettias for the Christmas season. This year the Poinsettias will be $8 each and they will be displayed in the church sanctuary beginning the 3rd Sunday of Advent, December 13th. Order forms are available in the back of the sanctuary and orders are due into the church office by Sunday, November 29th.
On Sunday, November 29th, we will kick off a new 5th Sunday program for our youth (from 6th grade through high school). On Nov. 29th, Carrie Shewmaker will be showing a movie and then leading discussion afterwards, starting at 2pm. Snacks will be provided, and youth are invited to bring their own drinks and additional snacks if they desire.
Pledge Sunday
On Sunday, December 6th, we will have a time for dedication of our pledges for 2010 in church. If you are unable to be in church that Sunday, please mail your pledges into the church. Otherwise, you can bring them with you on the 6th. Please take time to prayerfully consider how God is calling you to share your time, talents, and treasures, and how you might give your “first fruits” for the work and ministry of the church.
We have two surveys online – one for all young adults/adults regarding Bible studies, classes, and other activities at church, and the other geared specifically towards young adults. We would appreciate it if you could take a few minutes to fill out either or both of these surveys (both 10 questions or under). If you know of young adults that are not active in church anywhere or sometimes active here or elsewhere, please encourage them to fill out this survey, as well! For the Christian Education Survey, click here, and for the young adult survey, go to click here. Thanks for your help!
Decorating the Church
The Flower Committee will be decorating the church on Saturday, December 5th at 10am. Contact Sue Saufley Sullivan with questions.
Christmas Open House
Join us Sunday, December 13th from 3-6pm for a Christmas Open House sponsored by the Evangelism and Outreach Committee. We will have a reception, including finger sandwiches, sweets, and holiday drinks, and there will be music playing throughout, provided by Susan Shewmaker and other local musicians. Please plan to come now and invite your friends, family, and neighbors. Food will be in the Ladies’ Parlor, but the sanctuary and other areas will be open for mingling and enjoying our beautifully decorated sanctuary.
Christmas Caroling and Christmas Day Gathering
We will go Christmas Caroling on Sunday, December 20th at 1:30pm. Mark your calendars now for this festive annual event! Also, please mark your calendars for a special new event on Christmas Day. From 3-6pm, we will open up the church for a Christmas Day drop-in for hot chocolate and Christmas treats, singing songs, and enjoying fellowship on this day when we celebrate the birth of our Savior. Christmas is typically a time for families to gather, but many in our community and even in our church find themselves alone on Christmas day. Please come join us to celebrate Christmas together with our church family. Think of those individuals or families you know who might especially appreciate this time to gather with others and share God’s love. Both of these events are sponsored by the Worship Committee. If you have any questions, contact David Bradshaw.
“Blue Christmas” Service
On Sunday, December 20th at 7pm, we will have a special service at Burgin Christian Church. While Christmas is often a time of joy and celebration, for many it also is a time of sorrow and grief. This service seeks to honor honest feelings and troubled hearts around the holidays. All are invited. Bring someone you need, or come with someone who needs to be there. We will meet at our church at 6:30pm and travel over together, or you can meet us in Burgin at 7pm. There will be a reception following. If you would like to contribute something for the reception, or if you have any further questions, contact Stephanie or Andy.
Christmas Eve Service
We will again join with Harrodsburg Christian Church and Harrodsburg United Methodist Church for a Christmas Eve service at Harrodsburg Christian Church. The service will begin at 7pm, and we hope many from our church are able to attend this special service.
There will be a Called Congregational meeting on Sunday, December 6th immediately following church. The two purposes of the meeting are to approve the change in terms of call for the Co-Pastors to reflect the salary increase recommended by the Personnel Committee and Session, and to elect a 4th Elder to fill a vacancy for the class of 2012.
On Wednesday, December 2nd at 2pm, we will gather in the Fellowship Hall downstairs to make necklaces for sale to support the local installation project for Living Waters for the World. Bring your crochet hook and trellis yarn if you have it. If you are able to take some necklaces to sell (at work, at family gatherings, or other places), please talk to Mary Weber.
Interfaith of Breathitt County Christmas Store and Bellewood: Once again we have the Christmas tree set up in the back of the church to collect donations for Interfaith of Breathitt County – this year Bellewood has also been added to our list. Because of this year’s floods, any leftover items from Christmas 2008 were handed out this spring, and as a result, they need everything: socks, underwear, new toys and good used toys for ages 0 through teen, hats and gloves, reading books, coloring books and crayons, school supplies, Christmas stockings and stuffers (small personal care items and candy), gift wrap and tape, or tax-deductible monetary contributions. Items can be brought to the small room in the southwest corner of the basement for collection. The Christmas Store will be held on December 10th, so all items need to be here before then.
Christmas needs: Because of the condition of our economy, our school children are encountering new problems and need our help, especially during this Christmas season. The need is great! If you want to help, please contact Jane Adrian, Belle Little or Shirley Howe and they will send the money or gifts to April Ellis at the Harrodsburg Herald who will be assisting all three schools. Georgina Bray from Mercer County Schools has said gifts for children aged 10 to 16 are always in short supply. Do as much as you can as soon as you can. The need is great!
All UPC Members and Friends should be receiving a Pledge Letter with response card for 2010. To view an online copy of the Pledge Letter, click on the following link:
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