At our congregational meeting last month, I mentioned that an annual goal I had for the church was to place more emphasis on spiritual growth. This was not just a random idea I had when I was attempting to find a goal that I could verbalize, this goal is actually the result of observations I have had over the last two years, and data from the survey on Congregational Life that we took in September of 2008, which we have been releasing over the last several months in this newsletter.
     If you look at the results of the survey that we look at this month (inside this newsletter), Spiritual growth was an area where we scored lower than both the average churches in the United States, and lower than the average Presbyterian Church. Clearly this is an area where we need to do some work!
     There are many ways that we can grow spiritually. We do have a number of Spiritual Growth group opportunities here at the church that you can be a part of, from Sunday morning and Wednesday night Studies, to the Prayer Chain, to Presbyterian Women Studies.
We also have resources available for your own private devotional activities. We have a wonderful Lenten Devotional that many of you helped to write which can be read upon waking, or before falling to sleep. We have a library with many books that can be checked out (and more being added). We have devotional magazines available in the Narthex and Calvin Hall that are available for you to keep. Pastor David and I also have books in our own libraries which we would be more than happy to lend out for you to use in your spiritual growth at home.
     The Christian Journey that we are on is a journey of constant reflection, learning, and growth. We each have opportunities to grow in our faith, whether that faith is one day old, or 100 years old. Together, let us worship our Lord, and learn more about what it means to be in relationship with such a loving God.

In Him, Pastor Jon

February 24 – Our Father… (Matthew 6.9)

March 3 – Your Will be Done…(Matthew 6.10)

March 10...Daily Bread…Forgive… (Matthew 6.11-12)

March 17 – Deliver Us…(Matthew 6.12)

March 24 – Pray…(Matthew 6.5-8)

March 31 – No Service

April 1 – Maundy Thursday service

As I write this, there is a constant stream of media surrounding the relief efforts in Haiti.  A common question during times of tragedy is, “Where was God?” during this.  Our faith tells us that while God was not in the disaster; God was and continues to be present in the relief efforts occurring.  God is present in the hands treating the injured, preparing food for the hungry, and comforting the frightened.  God is present in the help being sent by individuals, organizations, and governments. 

God is present in way we, as His church, responds to emergencies and disasters regardless of the location:

• Across a body of water in a place like Haiti
• Across the country in New Orleans
• Across the state line in eastern Iowa during flooding
• Within our own state at the Hallam tornado
• Within our own city in the tornados of 1975 and 1913

There are many ways we as a church can be God’s presence during times of disaster and tragedy, ways we can show care and compassion to people who have had the world pulled out from under them. 

If you have a feeling of being pulled towards joining a team of compassionate responders during times of tragedy and disaster, please talk to Pastor David or myself.  We are currently beginning to look at coordinating some team training for people who are interested in this type of ministry.  The time to be trained for the next emergency is now, join us in preparing to help our neighbors during their times of trial.

                                                                       In Him,    Pastor Jon

LUNCHEON:  Immediately following worship

Cost:  Adults, $4.00; School Age Children, $2.00; Tots, Free

ANNUAL MEETINGS:  12:45 P.M.

Child Care Provided

One doesn’t have to be Scottish to celebrate Scottish Heritage Sunday.   This is the time, though, where our church will celebrate its Scottish Heritage.  We will celebrate with Scottish music, bagpipes, yes, real bagpipes, banners, a beadle (someone who carries the family Bible to the front of the church), and Scottish attire.  The service begins at 10:30 a.m. on Sunday, January 31, 2010. All Scots are asked to bring a piece of their clan tartan to be blessed.  This is called “Kirkin’ o’ the Tartan.”

Following the service will be a Ceilidh (a Scottish happening) with homemade shortbread  and the Scottish Country Dancers.  They will be in full dress and this will be held in Knox Hall.

Whatever your heritage, however, everyone is encouraged to wear something plaid.  Also please bring your Scottish friends. This is a really fun Sunday!   See you January 31!

Join us for Lenten Services at First Presbyterian Church each Wednesday beginning with Ash Wednesday, February 17.  Dinner will be at  5:45 p.m. with worship and communion starting at 6:30 p.m. At each midweek service, the sermon will focus on a different phrase in the Lord’s Prayer.    We say the Lord’s Prayer automatically, but to really understand those words is an opportunity you can’t miss. Come and join us for an enjoyable Lenten season.  Mark your calendars today for these special services!

As God’s people, we are called to stand in the “GAP” — Give, Act, Pray.

Give — Your Financial support for relief efforts can be designated to DR000064. Gifts can be made online, by phone at (800) 872-3283, or by check. Gifts by check may be given through your local Presbyterian congregation or mailed to Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.), P.O. Box 643700, Pittsburg, PA  15264-3700. Please include the designated giving account number on your check.

Act — Make Gift of the Heart kits. Congregations and individuals can assembly hygiene kits and baby kits. Instructions are on the PDA Web site. Advocate for Temporary Protected Status for Haitians.  Information can be found on the Presbyterian Washington Office Web site. Stay informed. Visit the PDA Web site for answers to frequently asked questions and for resources to aid in discussions.

Pray — You can join with others in lifting up the people of Haiti and those seeking to provide aid in this critical time.

            We begin not only a New Year this January 1^st, but a New Decade as well.  We ushered in the last decade with fears of the loss of technology due to the Y2K bug and its effects that it would have on the civilized world.  In looking back, we find that we were much more prepared for that than we thought we were.

            As we enter into this next decade, perhaps instead of entering with fear for what might happen, we can enter the decade with assurance, promise and strength.  We know of the assurance of acceptance by God. We can hold onto the promise of everlasting life given to us through Jesus Christ.  We can be strengthened through the continued presence of the Holy Spirit in our lives.

            Where we entered the last decade with fear and trepidation, let us enter this one with Hope, Joy, Peace and Love, the focuses of our candle lighting this past Advent Season:

• Hope for your future and development as a Christian
•  Joy for your salvation through your relationship with Jesus Christ
•  Peace in knowing God is in control and the Prince of Peace reigns
•  Christ’s Love that you can express to those you know, and those you don’t 

What difference might it make if we enter the year focused on the positive aspects of our faith?  If we focus on relationships?  If we focus on our own spiritual growth and improvement?  If these are things you want to focus on, how will you do so?  Join a Sunday School or Wednesday evening class?  Will you find more prayer and devotion time?  Will you make an effort to delve more into God’s word?  What can you do to begin this decade in step with your Lord?

                                                                                                     In Him,    Pastor Jon

4:30 p.m. – Prelude Music

5:00 p.m. – Traditional Candlelight Worship Service of Lessons and Carols

Herod could not stop the Wise Men,
neither will snow stop us
in our worship of the New Born King this evening.
                                                         ~updated: 2:30pm, December 24th, 2009

What does the Bible have to say about money?

Financial Peace University is a biblically-based class that teaches your family how to manage their resources in a godly manner. God has given us more than 800 scriptures showing us how to handle money His way!

Proverbs 22:7

“The rich rules over the poor, and the borrower is servant to the lender.”

Classes held Sundays in Knox Hall from 12:30 to 2:30 p.m.
Lunch will be served.

Cost: $99 Membership Kit & Class

The Financial Peace University Member Kit includes

For more information on this class or the next class contact our FPU Coordinators:
Aaron or NeEtta Gillespie at 402-554-4774
or Reverend David Paul at 402-203-6400.

Scholarships are available.