SHARING THE FAITH
“Have yourself a merry little Christmas,
Let your heart be light,
From now on, our troubles will be out of sight.
Have yourself a merry little Christmas,
Make the Yule-tide gay,
From now on our troubles will be miles away.”
These words to the first two stanzas of the popular Christmas song, “Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas” are familiar to most everyone, and the sentiment and behind the words is really very, well…”Christmasy;” very hopeful and appropriate for the season, don’t you think?
The version of the song that comes to my mind is Judy Garland’s version, which she sang on screen to a young girl, Margaret O’Brien, who in the scene was near tears. And though the words of the song convey a hope that Christmas will be very merry, light, and gay; happy and trouble-free, for the receiver of the words, if you recall the tune and the setting in which Judy Garland sang the song, the overall presentation is a mixture of hopeful joy, and sadness. The song, written and composed by Ralph Blanc and Hugh Martin and published in 1943, was described by its creators as “the saddest Christmas song of the century.” A sad Christmas song, or even worse, a sad Christmas. The words “sad Christmas” have for me the ring of an oxymoron… a single word that contradicts itself. But the sad truth is that Christmas for many is a time of difficulty, a time of sadness as they recall the losses or troubles in their life….
There are many in our church family, in our nation, and in the world that will sing this sad kind of song this Christmas. Broken relationships, broken dreams, loved ones who are not present, or who will never be present again; these can lead many to sing this bitter sweet tune at Christmas. But friends, take heart. It doesn’t have to be like that, for in His birth at Christmas, God came to earth to tells us that there is hope for “being filled with all the joy in believing” (St. Paul in Romans 15:13), and that we should “Not be afraid” (Jesus in Matthew 7:15 et.al) and to “Not let your hearts be troubled” (Jesus in John 14:27), for Christ can be born again each year…in our hearts. Let not your hearts be troubled, no matter what’s going on, your faith can heal you and make you well. This Christmas, pick up your mat, and walk, go forward and sing and praise the Lord your God… no matter what.
Here’s an alternative tune for you, try this song out:
“Go tell it on the mountain,
Over the hills and everywhere,
Go tell it on the mountain,
That Jesus Christ is born!”
…and then go have a merry little Christmas…anyway!
The blessings of God be with you and your family this Christmas season!
Love,
Pastor Don and Elizabeth
JOIN THE CELEBRATION AT THE MANSE
For The
Congregation Christmas Party
FRIDAY EVENING, DECEMBER 9TH
BETWEEN 6:30 AND 10:00PM
PLEASE SIGN-UP ON THE BOARD TO LET US KNOW YOU’RE COMING
AND TO TELL US WHAT CHRISTMAS GOODIES YOU CAN BRING!
(The Christmas Party is a BYOB event. Soft drinks and plates, cups etc. will be provided. Kids are invited!)
The Manse is located at 23 Manchester Drive in Whippany
Our Fall garage sale was a huge success. We raised about $1000 for the capital campaign to restore our church. A sincere and grateful thank you to everyone who donated items or helped out. We couldn't have done it without you.
Deacon’s Report
Thank you for all the donations, which you have given for our food pantry.
The Homeless Solutions meal is served at the Morris County Shelter on the fourth Sunday of every month. There were 45 meals served on October 23, 2011 by the Tronio Family. The guests enjoyed a hearty meal of chili and cake for dessert. Volunteers are needed so please consider signing up to serve a meal. This is truly a rewarding experience, which touches the lives of those served, and touches the hearts of those who serve.
** Due to the flood, we are urgently in need of the following items for the Fall Homeless Solutions Meals:
· Kidney Beans· Crushed Tomatoes · Salad Dressing· Iced Tea Mix · 50 lbs. of sugar**
The Deacons would like to thank everyone who donated sugar to help us meet our commitment of 50 lbs. of sugar a month. **
**If you would prefer to make a monetary donation, please place it in an offering envelope, marked “Homeless Solutions”. The loose plate offering will be designated to the Deacons on the first Sunday of the month, as we need to replenish our funds after the flood. **
Thank you for all of your efforts to help our church
Grow in Faith and Discipleship for Jesus Christ!
WITH LOVE AND PRAYERS FOR YOU
Dear Church Family:
Greetings from our new home in North Carolina!
We are happy to be here with our daughter, Robbi, but sorry that Rowland's illness made it necessary to leave you, and the Church we've loved for 47 years, without proper "Goodbyes." The move and trip down was made as comfortable and effortless as possible for us by our wonderful family. We Thank them, and God, for their devotion!
How blessed we were to have chosen such a special Church for our family to experience God's love in action. Our daughters and I were all baptized below that beautiful cross. Family members had the honor of serving on Session & Deacons, as Sunday School teachers, and in countless other meaningful ways. We celebrated the joys of marriages with you - and you comforted us when we lost our darling Claire. We miss you all, but have so many precious memories.
We are grateful for all your calls and cards with expressions of love and encouragement. Knowing we are still in your prayers gives us strength! Then last week came a very special gift from Linda & Bill Gorman - a DVD of Pastor Don's Return Sunday! How great to share in your worship again and to be reminded in song, by Pastor Don and Kris, -
"Our God gives Grace, Our God gives Life, Our God gives Joy - in the midst of Strife"
Though Rowland continues under Hospice care, our God gives us many JOYS, including;
~ each Hospice caregiver who comes to support us and keep him comfortable -
especially his nurse Nettie, who, on a scale 1-10, he rates a 12!
~ we Thank God that he has no major pain to date - and in his bright red transport chair,
he can still enjoy his pleasure of trying new restaurants
~ the beautifully blue summer skies with billowy white clouds that gently glide along over
what seems to be a much less stressful environment
~ the discovery of soothing Classical music throughout the night via NPR
~ watching a number of tiny Red Throated Hummingbirds who frequent our feeders and zoom by almost within our reach on the patio
~ Life here is Good - and we Thank the Lord!
It's also a JOY to know that Rowland and I will be returning to Our Church one day - if only when our ashes are placed next to Claire's in the Memorial Garden. But finally, Dear Friends in Christ, the greatest JOY of all is God's promise of Eternal Life with Him!
In His Love, 'til we meet again,
Shirley & Rowland
August 25, 2011
November 17, 2011
Dear Church Family,
Your many, many cheery cards, your phone calls and your visits have helped me more than you know through this transition period in my life.
It hasn’t been easy leaving my home of sixty years. The many memories garnered during this period will certainly remain with me always.
You have uplifted my spirits with your love and prayers.
I send my sincere thanks to each of you.
With affection,
Regina
C E L E B R A T E T H E B L E S S E D
S E A S O N O F O U R LOR D AT
A D V E N T AND C H R I S T M A S
WORSHIP SERVICES FILLED WITH PASTOR DON’S INSPIRATIONAL SERMONS, FAMILY ADVENT WREATH CANDLE LIGHTING, OUR CHOIR’S BEAUTIFUL CHRISTMAS MUSIC, THE JOYFUL NOISE BELL CHOIR RINGING WITH JOY, HEARING OUR YOUTH LAY LITURGISTS AND SEEING AND HEARING OUR CHILDREN’S CHOIR PERFORM.
CHRISTMAS PAGENT
The First Presbyterian Church of Whippany cordially invites you
to attend our annual Christmas Pageant on Sunday, December 18th during worship.
On Christmas Eve there will be a 5:00 PM as well as an 11:00 PM candle lighting service. Both services will feature candle lighting, traditional carols, and special music by our choir. The family service will also include a special time for children.
There will be a Christmas service on December 25 at 10:15 am. There will be special hymns and a surprise.
We invite all of you to make worship
a central part of your Christmas celebration.
A CHRISTMAS CARD TREE has been put up. If you would like to send a card to all your church friends and family, why not use the card tree and save postage! If you would like to contribute the “postage saved” then simply put it in with the card and drop it in the box, which will be available beside the tree. Any money collected from “postage” will be given to a local charity.
Won’t you please be an Angel this Christmas and help put a smile on the face of a child?
All you need to do is:
*Pick out an Angel outside the Church School office
*Buy a present for that child
*Pray for that child and their family
*Return the unwrapped gift to the church by Sunday, December 18th
*All gifts are donated to youth in: the Head Start Program of East Orange and the Ronald McDonald House
The Youth Groups will be collecting food on December 11th and 18th to provide food for 3 families who are in need of assistance this Christmas Season.
We are looking for non-perishable food items (all three families have children). If you have a ham or turkey to donate please let us know so
we can make the necessary arrangements. Thank you!
There will be a collection box outside the CE Office.
If you have any questions please contact Joanne Willans at 973-885-6816 or at
This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it
SHYF
Senior High Youth Fellowship
December
Sunday~December 4th
Donuts and Devos!
6:30 pm-8:00 pm
Sunday~December 11th
Road Trip to see a local nativity collection
6:00 pm - 8:00 pm
Sunday - December 18th
Christmas Pageant
9:45am Costumes~ 10:00am Greeters/Ushers
*10:15am Worship Service/Performance
Sr. High Youth Group Christmas Party
Time & Place TBA
Club 3:16
Jr. High Youth Fellowship
December
Sunday~December 4th
Donuts and Devos!
5:00 pm-6:30 pm
Sunday~December 11th
Road Trip to see a local nativity collection
6:00 pm - 8:00 pm
Sunday - December 18th
Christmas Pageant
9:45am Costumes~ 10:00am Greeters/Ushers
*10:15am Worship Service/Performance
Jr. High Youth Group Christmas Party
Time & Place TBA
CHRISTMAS PAGEANT
Our Annual Christmas Pageant will be
Sunday, December 18th ~ During Worship
The costume fittings & rehearsals will be held
Sundays, December 4th & 11th at 10:15am
**It is real important that your child is present to rehearse**
2012 PLEDGE
If you have not done so already, please return your pledge cards as soon as possible. Your estimate of giving provides valuable information as we finalize our church budget. Pledges can be dropped in the offering plate or sent directly to the church office. Additional pledge cards can be found in the literature rack or by contacting the church office. Thanks again for your support now and going forward.
IT'S THAT TIME AGAIN
Time to turn our thoughts, not only to the holidays, but also for some, to the Church's Annual Report. Reports to be included in the 2011 Annual Report must be in the church office no later than January 10th. Reports submitted after that date may not be included in the printed report and will have to be read at the annual meeting on January 29th.
The 2012 MONTHLY FLOWER CHART
for January – March
has been posted on the bulletin board in the hallway.
Those signing up will be asked to provide the following information:
For the bulletin - Whom are the flowers being given by? (For example the bulletin may read “The flowers this morning are given to the glory of God by the Smith family” or “by Joe & Jane Smith” etc…)
For the bulletin - Are the flowers in loving memory of someone and/or in honor of someone? (For example would you like the bulletin to read “by the Smith family in memory of loved ones” or “by the Smith family in honor of Joe’s 50th birthday” etc…)
Would you like to donate one vase or two
· Would you like to take any of the vases home with you or have the Scribe deliver them to a sick or shut in member.
Once you sign up to place flowers in the sanctuary you will receive either by email or regular mail a request for the above information. Vases are $25 each.
Orders for Poinsettias to beautify our sanctuary for Christmas may be made by completing the order/information form and returning it, with the proper remittance attached, to the church office. The cost for each plant is $14.00.
Plants may be taken home following the 11:00 PM Christmas Eve Service or may be designated to be delivered to a sick or shut-in member of our church family (please indicate such on the form).
The deadline for orders is Monday, December 12.
WINTER’S A COMIN’
Just in case you didn’t know…winter’s a comin’. It usually does, and shows up around these parts as early as Halloween and stays as late as Easter…but you knew that.
Your session wants our church family to be safe throughout the winter, and get ready now for the“Dreaded Winter Weather!” We’re hoping to do this and help us all be prepared for winter weather and winter Sunday worship with a simple church closure procedure, and here it is in two parts:
Level 1 Church Closure will be called when there are hazardous weather conditions (but not to bad). Level 1 closure is for all Sunday church volunteers. Specifically, a Level 1 Church Closure is for all Sunday School Teachers, Greeters, Ushers, Hallway Monitors, Lay Liturgists, Coffee Hour Volunteers, choir members… did we miss anybody? Basically, a Level 1 Church Closure means that if you’re not paid staff, you’re not expected to come to church to perform your volunteer service. If there is a Level 1 Church Closure, paid staff persons with Sunday duties should check with their supervisor and are expected to be at church.
Level 2 Church Closure means it’s really bad out. Level 2 Church Closure means that you should put another log on the fire, curl up with a good book (The Good Book preferably) and stay home, whether you are a volunteer or staff!
So, how will you know about a Level 1 or Level 2 closure you may ask. Well, it’s simple. By 8:30 am on the Sundays that are in question because of the weather, check the church’s website - www.whippanychurch.com; there will be an announcement. If you do not have internet access, call the church after 8:30 am. The answering machine at the church will let you know about church closure.
Please remember, no matter what the Level or situation, use your own discretion in traveling to church on winter Sundays. We want you at church, but more than that, we want you safe!!!
Bundle up! Winter’s a comin’.
Your session
