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The Limelight Limestone Presbyterian Church
Nathan Wheeler, Interim Pastor
Email: [email protected]
Web: www.limestonepresbyterian.com Phone: 864-489-6079 Fax: 864-489-6070 ____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
December 2016 LPC VISION STATEMENT:
We are the people of a loving God, gathering, growing, giving, and
going to serve, together.
HERE, BUT NOT HERE YET: THE FEELING OF ADVENT
During Advent, Christians sing songs such as, “O Come, O Come, Emmanuel” and “Come, Thou Long-Expected Jesus.” These songs anticipate the hope that God’s people felt as they waited for this Savior. Congregations light candles of hope, peace, love, and joy, like an emblazoned clock counting down to God’s intervention. My family has an Advent calendar with hand-sewn Nativity story characters, which travel daily from numbered pocket to numbered pocket on a red and green felt background. Waiting for something that has already happened is a curious practice. Explaining the season of Advent was quite difficult for me until my wife and I were pregnant with our first child. When a child is in the womb, the child is certainly real even though you can’t hold the baby in your arms. A mother’s body changes, subtle flutters soon become kicks, and ultrasounds reveal a profile, leading someone to say, “She looks just like you!” or “Are you sure you aren’t having an alien?” The child is certainly real, but not yet born. It’s kind of like recording kick counts as the baby’s due date approaches. Ask any mother — the baby is already here, but not yet born. The Advent season plays with our notion of time. The church gathers in the present to ponder the past for a future hope. A Christmas Carol is a beautiful story for the Advent season because it is a tale in which the past, present and future all come together in one transformative night. Certainly this story is about Scrooge’s love of money and his altruistic failures, but it is also a story about how Scrooge cannot let go of his past. Early in the story, after establishing that Marley had been dead for some time, Dickens writes, “Scrooge never painted out Old Marley’s name. There it stood, years afterwards, above the warehouse door: Scrooge and Marley (Stave One).” Scrooge seems to cling to the past because his (only?) friend Marley represented the only things in which Scrooge trusts: hard work, frugality, unwavering discipline and action that can be weighed, measured and counted. One of the reasons I love the song “Lo, How a Rose E’er Blooming” is because it’s difficult to count. The time signature is common time (four beats per measure and the quarter note gets the beat), but each measure seems to flow into the next without a structured beat or meter. Rarely does a phrase in the song begin with beat one, and words are extended past measure breaks. The song also talks about the promises of the past coming into fruition. The words and music together suggest that the past and future unite in an ambiguous but blessed present. Scrooge is stuck in the past, and he can’t move forward because one can only count what one’s already been given. If your world is only what can be weighed and measured, Advent’s “here, but not yet” mantra makes too little sense for a merry investment.
December 2016 The Limelight Jesus came to save us from counting our past as our only reality. It’s like when Moses led God’s people out of Egyptian slavery into the wilderness. Before they reached the Promised Land, the Book of Exodus says, “The whole congregation of the Israelites complained against Moses and Aaron in the wilderness. The Israelites said to them, ‘If only we had died by the hand of the Lord in the land of Egypt … for you have brought us out into this wilderness to kill this whole assembly with hunger'” (Exodus 16:2-3 NRSV). Because living in the wilderness was difficult and they were caught wandering between where they were and where they were heading, the people complained and wished they had died as slaves. The people became stubborn and bitter (see Exodus 32:9), almost “Scroogelike” in their relationship with God and one another. Instead of moving forward in faith, trusting that God was with them, the people kept looking over their shoulders, hopelessly lamenting over the way things were. Advent is like living in the wilderness between what was and what will be. Living into this tension, remembering God’s promises, and depending on faith become spiritual disciplines that keep us from becoming Scrooges ourselves. Even though the Promised Land may seem far off, we hold tightly to the promises of our God, for “he who promised is faithful” (Hebrews 10:23 NIV). MATT RAWLE
Matt Rawle is the Lead pastor of The Well, a United Methodist faith community near New Orleans, LA and author of the upcoming Pop in Culture series. Matt has a B.A. in music from LSU and an M.Div. from Duke Divinity School. He and his wife Christie have three daughters. Matt loves meditating on Scripture, listening to the heart of God, and inspiring people to do the work of God—Love. He also loves thinking about new ways to tell an old story. Matt blogs at MattRawle.com.
December 2016 The Limelight
Pastor Nominating Committee Update as of November 2016
We are very excited that Rev. Jon Van Deventer will begin his ministry with us at Limestone Presbyterian Church on Sunday, January 8th. Preparations are underway with the Foothills Presbytery for the Installation Service for Pastor Jon. The service will be during our normal worship time on January 15th. Several guest Pastors and Ruling Elders from Foothills Presbytery will participate in Jon’s installation. Please plan to join us for this special service! A covered dish luncheon will be hosted by the Fellowship Ministry Team after the worship service. While Pastor Jon will be coming to Gaffney in January, his wife, Debbie, and daughter, Lindsey, will remain in the Charleston area until June. We fully support Debbie’s decision to allow Lindsey to complete her senior year at James Island Charter High School. Once the school year wraps up, Debbie and Lindsey will join Pastor Jon in Gaffney. To help our congregation get to know Pastor Jon and to help Pastor Jon get to know us, we are planning a series of fellowship events. We will provide details of various events in the bulletin, by email, and in next month’s newsletter. As we begin this new ministry with Pastor Jon, we ask you to be faithful in praying for Jon, Debbie, and Lindsey, as well as our congregation as we prepare to serve God together. In the meantime, if you have questions about Pastor Jon, please let one of us know. The PNC team includes Joe Bonner, Michelle Jolley, Jill Thomson, Robin Morris, and Jim Watts. “Gracious God, pour out your Holy Spirit upon us, that we may be faithful as your people and fruitful in the ministries you have given us. Amen.”
December 2016 The Limelight
The December Mission of the Month is the Salvation Army Angel Tree. Angel Tree matches
donors with children from qualified families to ensure children receive gifts and clothing during the
holidays.
Our tree is located in the narthex of the church. To participate please take one or more Angels from
the tree. The girls have a red ribbon and the boys a green. We have these Angels available early in
order for you to have enough time to fulfill the wishes on the card.
Purchase age- and gender-appropriate toys, clothing, and/or special needs items as listed on the
coded section of the Angels. You don’t have to purchase what is on the tag. These are just some
wishes that the mother has requested.
Return your unwrapped gifts by December 16 with the coded section of the Angel attached to the
item.
The Outreach team will deliver the gifts to the Salvation Army for you.
December 2016 The Limelight
Poinsettias: Cost is $9.50 each.
Poinsettias will be in sanctuary on Dec.18. Please complete the form
below and return to church office with payment. Orders must be placed by
Dec.14.
(Please remember to pick up your poinsettias after Christmas Eve
Service). We will have red poinsettias with green paper and a red bow.
Number of Poinsettias you would like to order: ____________________
Order placed by ______________________________________________
How you would like your dedication worded:
________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________
You can also use the online Poinsettia order form found here.
December 2016 The Limelight
LIMESTONE PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH
Sources and Uses of Funds
October 31, 2016
First Piedmont Federal Checking Acct (Ops)
Checking Acct Balance (Statement – 9/30/2016) $11,064.74
Church Deposits +$32,091.63
$43,156.37
Church Withdrawals (checks written + drafts) $29,090.13
Checking Account Balance – 10/31/2016 $14,066.24
Church Income (Ops) Income Church Expenses(Ops) Expenses
Regular Offering $16,030.00 Personnel $13,766.28
Loose Offering $106.00 Finance/Planning $1,160.17
Other Income $0.00 Worship $278.65
Sunday School Offering $0.00 Fellowship $00.00
Outreach $299.61
Christian Education $90.48
Congregational Care $00.00
Building & Grounds $4,577.04
__________ Benevolence $5,000.00
Total $16,136.00 Total $25,172.23
($9,036.23)
Revenue Expenses Surplus/(Deficit)
Revenues/Expenses Jan-Oct 2016 $177,212.39 $238,156.97 ($60,944.58)
December 2016 The Limelight
The LPC youth and children will be sponsoring and hosting a lasagna lunch immediately after our church service on Sunday, December 4th. There will be no set cost per meal, but donations for our youth and children's programs will be accepted and greatly appreciated!" And then for the meal slip we'll have lasagna, salad, garlic bread, and tea.
The annual Women of the Church Christmas dinner will be Tuesday, December 6 at 6 PM in the LPC Family Life Center. Put the date on your calendar and ask some friends to attend with you. A special treat this year will be Sharon and David Thompson playing the harp and piano.
You are cordially invited to attend the annual Christmas concert of the Limestone College and Community Chorus Thursday, December 8th at 7:30 p.m. in Fullerton Auditorium. Limestone College students in the Chorus are joined by singers from various local churches, including Limestone Presbyterian Church. Admission to the concert is free. On December 11, the LPC Chancel Choir will present Antonio Vivaldi’s "Gloria. This beautiful and popular choral work, often presented during the Christmas season, will be performed during our worship service at 11:00 AM. The choir will be accompanied by organ, harpsichord and trumpet. Soloists will include Dr. Gena Poovey, Kelsey Stanley, Barbara Cope, and Dr. Scott Berry. In addition, Dr. Priscilla Durkin and Limestone College music students Anna Duarte and NeTorrian Patton will add their voices to our Chancel Choir during the various choruses. Make plans to be in attendance next Sunday for this very special worship service. Bring a friend!
Soup Kitchen Christmas is a wonderful time to serve others and we have the opportunity to serve local needy people on Christmas Eve morning this year. Limestone Presbyterian Church will host the Soup Kitchen on Saturday, December 24th. If you can join the team to help make Christmas special for others in our community, please sign up on the sheet outside the office or contact Mac Carroll. Soup Kitchen hosts are needed between 10:30 and 1:00. “For I was hungry and you gave me something to eat, I was thirsty and you gave me something to drink, I was a stranger and you invited me in.” Matthew 35:35.
December 2016 The Limelight
Chili Cook Out!
December 2016 The Limelight
Operation Christmas Child!
Children’s Missions Gift bags for Firefighters
Trunk r’ Treat
December 2016 The Limelight
Limestone Presbyterian Church
Gaffney, SC
Vacancy Announcement
For
Nursery Attendant
Title: Nursery Attendant
Purpose: To provide a safe environment where children, ages 0-4, receive attention and spiritual growth
while they are in the church nursery.
Requirements for the Position: The nursery attendant must have previous childcare experience and be at
least 18 years of age.
Status and Accountability: The nursery attendant is a part-time position. Hours are variable, but normally
will be 9:45 AM to 12:15 PM on Sundays, with additional time required on Monday evenings, Wednesday
evenings, and church holidays. Compensation is paid on an hourly basis, based upon actual hours worked.
The nursery attendant reports to and serves under the direction of the Christian Education Ministry Team,
with direct supervision from the Coordinator of Youth Ministries.
Primary Responsibilities:
Responsible for age appropriate care which may include: feeding, changing diapers, maintaining a
safe environment, putting children down for naps, holding, sitting with, and cheerfully interacting
with children through games, stories, and play.
Engage children in creative play, songs, stories, and otherwise provide a happy, wholesome
experience.
Monitor the condition of nursery equipment and supplies and alert the Coordinator of Youth
Ministries as to any needs.
At the end of each session clean up the room, disposing of all trash, diapers, etc., and sanitize toys
and materials used by children.
Time Lines: It is the intent of Limestone Presbyterian Church to fill this vacancy as soon as possible.
However, the position will remain open until filled. Interested candidates should submit a cover letter and
resume, including at least two (2) references that may be contacted to:
Limestone Presbyterian Church
Attn: Personnel Team
109 S. Limestone Street
Gaffney, South Carolina 29340
E-mail: [email protected]
December 2016 The Limelight
Birthdays
Meetings
Wednesday Night Events
Special Events
Menu
Pictures Calendar
All this information and more can be found on
Limestone Presbyterian Church website.
Please remember to visit Church Website often for updates.
www.limestonepresbyterian.com
www.facebook.com/limestonepresbyterian
Share our website with others when you invite them to join us for
service at Limestone Presbyterian Church.
All our services are listed.
This is a great way for them to see Limestone Presbyterian Church.
December 2016 The Limelight
December Birthdays
1 Mason Jolly 14 Marc Quick 3 Ann Sossamon 17 Bill Borthwick 3 Ethan Walker 17 Peggy Jolly 5 Nancy Fowler 20 Johnny Wyatt 13 Alison Fowler 27 Will Spires 13 Fran Ross
We are sorry for names left off the Birthday List. If you are aware of
anyone left off, please contact the church office.
Newsletter Articles Deadline: Please have your articles for the January Newsletter
Submitted BY Friday, December 23, noon.
Thank you.
Limestone Presbyterian Church 109 S. Limestone St.
Gaffney, S.C. 29340
