TIDINGS

3000 North High School Road + Indianapolis, IN 462249 am Traditional Service + 10 am Sunday School +

11 am Contemporary Service

JOHNKNOX.ORGFrank Mansell, Pastor

Lisa Crismore, Commissioned Ruling Elder

Come discover how youcan get involved and serve at John Knox!

INSIDE THIS MONTH’S ISSUE:

• Hanging of the Greens - November 29• Welcome Lisa Back - November 30• Christmas Program - December 7• PW Holiday Dinner - December 9• Reception for Fernando and Kecelyn -

December 14• Blue Christmas Service - December 16• Christmas Eve Worship - December 24

DECEMBER 2014

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HANGING OF THE GREENSSATURDAY - NOVEMBER 29 - 9am-12pm

The Worship Team and Chancel Guild invite everyone in the church to join us in decorating the church for Advent and Christmas! You are invited to come on SATURDAY, No-vember 29 for Hanging of the Greens. We will gather at 9 a.m., for a scrumptious breakfast, then work throughout the morning placing decorations for the season throughout the church. Thanks for your willingness to assist making the church look beautiful for Christmas this season!

ADVENT & CHRISTMAS AT JKPC

WELCOME LISA BACKNOV. 30 - ONE WORSHIP SERVICE - 11am

Join us in welcoming Lisa back from sabbatical on the First Sunday of Advent. Church School at 10am, one service at 11 am, pitch-in luncheon to follow in Fellowship Hall.

THE TWELVE DAYS OF CHRISTMAS JOHN KNOX STYLE

DECEMBER 7 - 6:30pmJoin us in celebrating the Christmas season with church fam-ily fellowship and fun . THE BIGGEST SHOW to ever hit the John Knox stage....a cast of thousands! Come support our own troupe of actors, cloggers, leaping lords, hula hoopers, recorder players, synchronized swimmers and many others! Bring your family and friends for this fun evening together to start off our Christmas Season!

PW ANNUAL CHRISTMAS BANQUETTUESDAY - DECEMBER 9 - 6pm

The annual PW Christmas Banquet is Tuesday, December 9 in Fellowship Hall. Dinner will be at 6 p.m., and catered by Chef Mike’s. Entertainment will follow the dinner at 7 p.m., and be provided by Rhythmaires (the dance band that per-formed last December). Dinner tickets are $10 for adults, $5 for children ages 5 to 12 (no charge for children younger than 5). Tickets will be sold Nov 23 and Nov 30 at church.

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BLUE CHRISTMAS SERVICETUESDAY - DECEMBER 16 - 6:30pm

For many, the holiday season is not an especially happy time, as it brings back memories of loved ones no longer here. While Christmas is often filled with joy, it also can be filled with pain, sadness, and grief. This year, we will come together again in a time of worship to acknowledge those feelings in a “Blue Christmas Service” on December 16. This will be a service of scripture, music, and prayer. We hope you will feel led to come and share in this time of worship, as we offer all of who we are to God in this time of preparation for the Christ Child.

CHRISTMAS EVE CANDLELIGHT SERVICEWEDNESDAY - DECEMBER 24 - 7:30 pm

To celebrate the coming of the Christ Child, we will gather for worship on Christmas Eve at 7:30 p.m. in the sanctuary. Our service will include music by the Adult Chancel Choir and Spirit Alive Band. it will include scripture, carols, com-munion and candlelight. Childcare will be provided. Plan on attending this special service celebrating the Christ Child’s birth, and consider inviting your friends and family to wor-ship with us that evening!

SUNDAY AFTER CHRISTMASDECEMBER 28 - 11 am

On the Sunday morning after Christmas, we will have one worship service at 11 a.m. There will be no church school or other activities at the church that morning. Come join us for worship as we celebrate the season of Christ’s birth.

Tidings is published monthly by John Knox Presbyterian Church, 3000 N. High School Rd, Indianapolis, IN 46224 Pastor: Rev. Frank Mansell, jkpcpastor@comcast.net; Phone: 317-291-0308, johnknox.orgEditor: Betty Orr bg4orr@comcast.net; Editor reserves the right to edit for content and space.

ADVENT & CHRISTMAS AT JKPC

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It is good to be back home and have some time to rest, process and reconnect with family. I am looking forward to seeing you all on November 30. But before our reunion, I wanted to share a little bit about my 39 day pilgrimage. My Camino may have ended, but I believe it will stay with me for many years to come. There are times when I think it was only a dream as it was so different from my life here in Indianapolis.

This sacred journey gave me the opportunity to meet peo-ple from 20 different countries and from all over the United States. My fellow pilgrims may have come from different backgrounds and cultures, but we were bound together by one commong bond, walking the Way of St. James. The life of a pilgrim is very simple and it offers a chance for one to get away from their everyday life and just “be”. There is something very freeing about this. You kind of wonder who you may meet when you go to walk 500 miles. Everyone I met were just good, down-to-earth people. Some have be-come very good friends!

The most asked question is “Did I lose any weight?” The answer is about 6 pounds. The food that is offered along the Camino is not real healthy when it comes to being low calorie. It is a lot of carbs, which helps with giving the body energy to walk! Typically, I would snack all day and then at night sit down to a 3-course pilgrim’s meal which generally included bread, French fries and dessert. These meals are typically served at 7 or 8 at night! You are usually starving by then so you eat! I must confess too that I consumed a lot of chocolate and ice cream.

The other question - “Did you get lonely?” I have found that I am a slow walker so there were days when I would walk with folks, but then they would go on. Then there were days that I would walk all day with people. In the evening, you usually all end up in the same town and maybe even staying in the same “albergue” or hostel. This is where you would

A MESSAGE FROM LISA

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connect for dinner. One of the valuable things I found about the Camino is the providence of God. If I found myself get-ting lonely, God would send someone along the path who I knew or got to know.

If I had a need, God would always provide for me. If I got lost, I would find my way. If I needed a place to sleep, I al-ways found a bed. If I needed food, I always found it. The beauty of God is that many times the providence was found in other people. It is no wonder that there is a special bond that God forms between the pilgrims. Perhaps, it is easier to see God’s providence when life is simplified and when the control of your life is simply given to God.

The Camino was so many things. It is difficult to sum it up in a Tidings article. I look forward to sharing it with you all in future sermons, Tidings articles, and a Sunday evening in January or February (to share pictures). As I continue to process this experience, it has become so abundantly clear and almost overwhelming at times that your prayers were felt! Thank you! My back, feet (besides the one blister which is minimal), neck, legs, arms, entire body and yes, soul were healthy. I believe that was the bond that you all had with God when you joined together in surrounding me with prayers of support as I walked this pilgrimage. I am grateful beyond words! I also look forward to hearing about your stories while I was gone and how God has blessed you all.

Buen Camino,

Lisa

Join us in welcoming Lisa back on Sunday, November 30 (see page 2). We are grateful for God’s presence and care over Lisa during this time away, and we look forward to how all of us will grow in our faith as we learn from one another’s experiences during this time of renewal!

Frank Mansell will be on vacation December 3-5 and De-cember 27-31. During this time, Lisa will be available for any pastoral emergencies.

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FOOD ON THE FIRST - DECEMBER 7Food items (nonperishable) are collected on the first Sun-day of the month and then taken to St. John’s Storehouse food pantry. Bring your items on Sunday, December 7th.

RING THE BELL FOR THE SALVATION ARMYTHURSDAY, DECEMBER 11

Tis the season for decorations, music, wreaths, and bells. It is also the season to ring some bells for the Salvation Army. DATE: Thursday, December 11th.PLACE: Kroger on Crawfordsville RoadPlease consider helping in this program. There is a sign-up sheet on the bulletin board outside the Church Office. Pick a time and get those hands ready to ring the bell.

ANNUAL COOKIE SALE - DECEMBER 21DONATE YOUR BAKED GOODS: Prepare your favorite reci-pes for cookies/candy/fudge/brownies to donate for this sale. Please bring your home-baked donations before 9 a.m. on Sunday, December 21st. PURCHASE HOME-BAKED GOODS: 50 cents each or a bak-er’s dozen for $5.....just in time for Christmas. Proceeds will benefit the Capital Campaign Fund.Questions: contact Jim Graves.

HOLIDAY GIFT WRAPPING SUPPORTS SPECIAL OLYMPICS ATHLETES (including Kelly Gillespie)

Each weekend in December, Special Olympics athletes and volunteers will be at Metropolis Mall’s Santa House to wrap your gifts for a donation - or - consider donat-ing gift wrap supplies (gift boxes, tags, wrap, tissue). Give your donations to Paula Gillespie. Sat, Nov 29: 10a - 3p Sat, Dec 13: 10a - 4p Sun, Dec 21: 11a - 4p Sun, Nov 30: 12n - 3p Sun, Dec 14: 12n - 4p Mon, Dec 22: 10a-4pSat, Dec 6: 10a - 4p Fri, Dec 19: 10a - 5p Tue, Dec 23: 10a- 4pSun, Dec 7: 12n - 3p Sat, Dec 20: 10a - 5p

OPPORTUNITIES FOR MISSION AND SERVICE

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TIDINGS DEADLINE - DECEMBER 14thArticles for the JANUARY 2015 issue of the John Knox Tid-ings are due by SUNDAY, DECEMBER 14th. The preferred way to turn in your articles is to email them directly to the editor: bg4orr@comcast.net or place them in the TIDINGS mailbox in the Church Office.

As has been shared earlier, Rev. Fernando Rodriguez will be completing his ministry at Iglesia Nueva Creacion on December 24, 2014. You are invited to come on Sunday, December 14, from 10 a.m. to 10:50 a.m. and express your gratitude to Fernando, Kecelyn, and their family. We will gather in the Fellowship Hall that morning for an informal time of thanking them personally, and then we will share some gifts of gratitude with them from us at John Knox. Look for ways you can share your expressions of thanks in the weekly emails or on Sundays at church. Church School classes are invited to finish by 10:40 that Sunday.

The Session has called a Congregational Meeting for Sun-day, December 7, at 9:55 a.m. for the purpose of electing of-ficers to the Class of 2017 and one to the Class of 2015. The Church Officer Nominating Committee will be nominating the following individuals for these leadership roles:Trustee: Jeff Roberts, Jim WilliamsDeacon: Esther Berko, Bankole Khadara, Sara Taylor, Ramo-na Watts, Donna Pults (Class of 2015)Ruling Elder: Dan Bourne, Ann Hamel, Zach Stiles (youth elder)PLEASE NOTE: Nominations may be made from the floor, but if you nominate someone please check with them prior to the meeting to be assured they will serve if elected.

CONGREGATIONAL MEETINGDECEMBER 7 - 9:55am

THANK YOU - FERNANDO & KECELYNDECEMBER 14 - 10am

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In January 2015, the Winter Seminar Series led by Gary Shaw will present a study called The Making of Israel.

On December 11, 1917, General Allenby and his British forces entered Jerusalem through the Jaffa Gate. This action be-gan a series of events leading to the establishment of the State of Israel and the prolonged dispute between Israel and its Arab neighbors.

If you have wanted a perspective on the Israel/Palestine dis-pute, come join us in January. In addition, we will examine Romans 11 and other Biblical texts that present a theological basis for the existence of Israel as a modern country. Materi-als for the class will be provided for you and you can bring your own Bible.

Classes will be 10 a.m. until noon, on Saturdays January 10, 17, 24, and 31. Location of the class will be determined by the number who attend. To sign up or request further infor-mation, contact Gary Shaw at gshaw@skilesdetrude.com.

On Saturdays in February 2015, Frank Mansell will lead the Winter Seminar Series in a discussion of Dietrich Bonhoef-fer’s book, “Life Together”. Bonhoeffer was one of the most influential pastors and theologians of the 20th century and was martyred at the hands of Nazis at the end of World War II. We will read through his reflections on what is at the heart of being in Christian community, including the role of personal prayer, service, worship, and everyday work. If you would like to participate in the class, you will need to pur-chase a copy of the book, which is $10. Please notify Frank by January 11, 2015, so that he has time to order the books and distribute them. Look for details on meeting dates and times in January’s Tidings.

WOMEN’S BIBLE STUDY will not meet in December, Janu-ary or February. We will resume meeting Tuesday, March 17, 2015 at 2 p.m. in the Church Parlor. We will continue with the book 12 Extraordinary Women of the Bible.

WINTER SEMINAR SERIES 2015

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Frank Mansell will lead a Bible Study during the Season of Advent on Tuesdays in December - December 2, 9 & 16. The study on Tuesday will focus on the scripture lessons for the following Sunday’s worship services. All are welcome - you don’t have to be a Bible expert to participate! We will gather at 10:30 a.m. in the Church Parlor for one hour. If you can’t join us in person, there will also be an interactive study via email and Facebook. “Like” the John Knox Church Face-book page to participate, or sign-up for the group email list on the church’s home page (johnknox.org).

Prime Timers will meet Tuesday, December 2nd at the church for a luncheon provided by Jim and Bonnie Graves. Lisa will be sharing about her Sabbatical time. Please call the Church Office (291-0308) if you plan to attend.

WESTSIDE GARDEN PLAZA - We will gather at noon on Monday, December 1, for lunch. Please RSVP to the Church Office (291-0308).

THE HARRISON - There will be no dinner at the Harrison in December.

1st Sunday - Betty & Goehrig Orr2nd Sunday - Mary Harmeson & Carolyn Lyons3rd Sunday - Kit Swigart4th Sunday - Linda McPherson & Sharon Flannery

PRESBYTERIAN WOMEN COORDINATING TEAM

There will be no PWCT meeting in December.

ADVENT BIBLE STUDY

PRIME TIMERS - DECEMBER 2

JKPC DINES TOGETHER

DECEMBER POP-IN MINISTRY

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Duane Brock Dec 17 Marilyn Sutherlin Dec 18David Brock Dec 19Tony Mascari Dec 20Holly Bumgardner Dec 21George Hart Dec 21LeRoy Sullivan Dec 24Doug Deese Dec 26Mitchell Wistendahl Dec 26Norma Kraft Dec 28Matthew Swigart Dec 28Bob Pierce Dec 30Terry Pitcock Dec 30

Linda Clifton Dec 3Carol McKeown Dec 3Rachel Emery Dec 5Ross Estabrook Dec 8Linda Bourne Dec 10Josh Stiles Dec 10Dan Bourne Dec 11Kathy Judy Dec 11Andrew Shaw Dec 12Jim Williams Dec 12Seraya Baker Dec 14Tim Spicknell Dec 14Jane True Dec 14

9 a.m. Worship C o m b i n e d Worship

11 a.m. Worship

Oct 26 138

Nov 2 98 42

Nov 9 106 46

Nov 16 92 49

Jeff and Jessica Orme Lora (Jackie) Coats31 E. College Ave. 8616 W. 10th St.Brownsburg, IN 46112 Apt. 420 Indianapolis IN 46234 317-209-2434

DECEMBER BIRTHDAYS

WORSHIP ATTENDANCE

CHANGE OF ADDRESS

HOLIDAY OFFICE HOURS

The Church Office will be closed on December 25-26, and January 1. There will be morning office hours on December 29-30, from 9:00 a.m. - 12:00 noon.

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Thanks to all for your thoughts, prayers, cards, and messag-es upon the passing of Goehrig’s Dad. Betty & Goehrig Orr

Thank you for all the thoughts, prayers, and cards after my car accident. Gary Jordan

THANK YOU! to everyone for making the PW Holiday Tra-ditions 2014 Bazaar another huge success. We cleared over $3,500!! We feel very blessed to have such talented, caring, giving, and generous members and friends of JKPC.Special thanks to: *those who donated crafts and baked goods. What a wonderful variety we had! * those who helped set up the bazaar on Friday and those who helped run it on Saturday. It’s a great fellowship time! *those who donated items for the drawings: 1. Sue Hartman for the crocheted afghan, 2. JoEllen Herman of Custom Picture Framing of Brownsburg for the framing of the Scrabble Tile Family Tree. 3. Dr. Charles Taliercio for the Colts tickets.Darrell Jutte (friend of Pam & Dick Herman) won the af-ghan; Cheryl Knierim won the Scrabble Tile Family Tree; and Barb Williams won the Colts package! *head noodlemaker - Dan Fisher and crew for making ALL our noodles and neighbor Flanner & Buchanan for al-lowing us the use of their community building for the mak-ing of the noodles. *Sandy Jordan, Cindy Hiday, the Kitchen Crew, and the Youth for coordinating and serving the wonderful breakfast and lunch the day of the bazaar. *Boy Scout Troop #828, led by John Minniear, who helped with set-up of tables, trees and the gazebo. *Don Charboneau and Dick Herman for putting up and taking down the outside sign.Pam Herman and Carol McKeown, Bazaar Co-Chairs

THANK YOU NOTES

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Metal recycling proceeds were $1,016.29, much of this was from metal recycled from the old roof!

Paper recycling proceeds: $4.40.

Dining event - You raised $110 by eating at Dawson’s on Main on October 28. The next dining event will be in April. Thanks for your support!

SPANISH TRANSLATORS: Each Wednesday evening, we are in need of someone to translate to help us communicate with the parents of the children being tutored. Anyone with basic high school Spanish would be a big help, 5 p.m. to 7:45 p.m. each Wednesday through the school year, primar-ily when the parents are dropping off and picking up their children. We could set up a rotating schedule if several peo-ple would be able to help once in a while.

HEALTHY SNACK FOOD (or money) donations to feed the hungry children who come each week through the school year: grape jelly, bread, apple juice, granola bars (NO cook-ies, candy, etc.). Please mark all donations “TUTORING” and place them in the church kitchen. There is a sign-up sheet on the bulletin board outside the Church Office.

If you have any questions, please contact Betty Orr (bg-4orr@comcast.net or 317-273-8038). Thank you!!

There have been 9 requests for assistance during office hours in the past month. We assisted 2 of them with refer-rals for gas cards, food and a list of other food pantries. One had been given a mattress (not from us!) that ended up being infested with bedbugs. We were able to help with giving an old vacuum the church was no longer using and information on how to get rid of bedbugs.

FUNDRAISING REPORTS

EMERGENCY ASSISTANCE

TUTORING/DISCOVERY TIME NEEDS

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SHOVELING - Whenever there is a 2”+ snowfall, the drive-way and parking lot is plowed. However, the contract does not include the sidewalks and entrances to the Church. We need able-bodied individuals who will help shovel and salt prior to Sunday services (by 6:30 a.m.). A sign-up sheet is posted on the bulletin by the Church Office. We appreci-ate everyone willing to participate. Contact a Trustee with questions.

WEATHER IMPACTING ACTIVITIES - As we enter the win-ter months, sometimes weather can be a problem with events we have scheduled at the church. If you are unsure of whether an activity will go on as planned, please call the church and we will have an updated mesage on the main menu. We will record any announcements there for chang-es or cancellations of events due to weather, and will keep that updated accordingly. Also, Frank Mansell will send a group email to those on his list to notify you as well. If you are not on Frank’s list and would like to be, email him at jk-pcpastor@comcast.net Finally, check the church’s website and Facebook page, as updates will be posted there.

WINTER IS HERE! HOW YOU CAN HELP

STEWARDSHIP REMINDER

The Session is deeply grateful to all who have submitted a financial pledge of support for ministry in 2015. We also would invite all who have not yet made a pledge to prayer-fully consider doing so by December 14. If you don’t think the amount you can give will make a difference, think again! We will share updated totals and plans for ministry in Jan-uary’s newsletter. THANK YOU FOR YOUR SUPPORT OF THIS OPEN. CARING. COMMUNITY!!

TRASH BAG SALES - Trash bags will be sold on Sunday, December 21, between worship services. Three sizes are available, and they are $13 per roll. All proceeds benefit the Capital Campaign. Thank you for your support!

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WELCOME JAKE HOFMEISTERNEW EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR AT PYOCA

The Pyoca Advisory Council is excited to announce that on November 8, 2014, the Rev. Jacob Hofmeister was hired to be the next Executive Director of Pyoca Camp, Conference, and Retreat Center. Jake will begin his work, pending ap-proval by both Ohio Valley and Whitewater Valley Presby-teries, on December 1, 2014.

Jake grew up in the small town of Pickerington, Ohio, outside Columbus. A life-long Presbyterian, Jake annually attended Geneva Hills Presbyterian Camp and Conference Center in Lancaster, Ohio, where he discerned his call to ministry. His leadership involvement as a youth elder at Prince of Peace Presbyterian Church and his transformative experience at Geneva Hills led to studying Religion and Philosophy at the University of Richmond, where he also played soccer. Af-ter Richmond, Jake attended Louisville Presbyterian Theo-logical Seminary and earned his M.Div. During that time, he served as a camp counselor and program director for two summers at Ross Point Conference Center in Post Falls, Idaho, which solidified his call to camp and conference min-istry and provided valuable experience. After seminary, Jake completed two years of Clinical Pastoral Education in both a university and a hospital setting. Jake then served as a Chap-lain at Texas Christian University, where he was ordained as a PC(USA) teaching elder, and at hospitals in Michigan and Virginia. His wife, Rev. Emily Miller, is an ordained PC(USA) teaching elder as well, and has served churches in Michigan and Virginia, and now serves as the Associate for Recruit-ment and Relationships in the Young Adult Volunteer office at the Presbyterian Center in Louisville.

From Jake: “At Geneva Hills Presbyterian Camp and Confer-ence Center in Ohio, my faith was strengthened, I discerned my call to ministry, and I developed countless important rela-tionships that have contributed to my life as a Christian min-ister today. My personal camp experience, both as a camper and staff member, coupled with my experience as a chaplain,

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The Chancel Guild will be decorating the sanctuary with poinsettias again this year. Orders are being accepted from now through December 7. The cost this year is $10 per plant.

ORDER FORM FORPOINSETTIAS

Name _____________________

# of plant _____ @ $10 ea =

$ _______________ Total

In honor of

__________________________or

In memory of

__________________________

Please return by December 7th

POINSETTIAS FOR CHRISTMAS

have led to this exciting opportunity as Executive Director at Pyoca. I plan to bring to this position creativity, energy, and enthusiasm, building upon the solid foundation of min-istries and programs that Pyoca offers. It’s an exciting time at Pyoca and in the broader landscape of camp and confer-ence ministry. My vision for Pyoca is twofold: 1) to continue building an atmosphere focused on relationships of Chris-tian faith and service; 2) and to continue strengthening the traditional summer camp offerings, while exploring creative ways to broaden participation in conferences and retreats throughout the year.”

We will look for an opportunity to invite Jake to John Knox in the near future, so you might meet him in person. In the meantime, please keep Pyoca in your prayers as we enter into this exciting new chapter of ministry!

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