1. religion and spirituality
2. christianity
3. catholicism

DECEMBER 21 & 28, 2014
The Harbinger
A N E WSL ET T ER OF F IR S T PR E SB YT ERI AN C HUR CH, B EL MONT NC
WORSHIP
Morning Prayer
9:00-9:15 a.m. in Sanctuary
Psalm 24;150; Isaiah 29:9-24;
Revelation 21:9-21; Luke 1:26-38
Fourth Sunday of Advent
Adult & Youth Choirs
ADVENT AND CHRISTMAS SCHEDULE
Special Services and Events
December 21
“Lessons and Carols”
Adult and Youth Choirs
9:00 a.m. Morning Prayer (Chapel)
Adult and Youth Choirs (Sanctuary)
9:15 a.m. Adult Sunday School
Youth Breakfast (F. Hall)
9:30 a.m. Children/Youth Sunday School
10:15 a.m. Called Session Meeting (Parlor)
10:30 a.m. Worship
5:00 p.m. Middle School Youth (Ford House)
6:00 p.m. Youth Supper (F. Hall)
6:30 p.m. High School Youth (Ford House)
4th Sunday of Advent
December 21
The Adult and Youth Choirs will
present “Lessons and Carols”
during Worship.
Advent Candle of LOVE
December 24
“Christmas Eve Services”
Sunday Schedule
Christmas Eve Services
Family Communion Service at 11:00 am
December 24
Candlelight Communion Service at 5:30 pm
Family Communion Service with a
Birthday Cake for Jesus (11 am)
Candlelight Communion
December 28
Service (5:30 pm)
“First Sunday after Christmas”
NEW MEMBERS
Epiphany Sunday
January 4
January 4
The Lord’s Supper
“Epiphany Sunday”
The Lord’s Supper
END OF YEAR FINANCIAL INFORMATION
2014 CHARITABLE GIFTS need to be received by the church by Wednesday, December 31, 2014.
Any checks received a er December 31 will be considered a 2015 contribu on. A
backdated check received in 2015 cannot be deducted in 2014. There is one excep on; checks that
are mailed and postmarked in 2014 are deduc ble in 2014 even if not received un l 2015.
Jeannie will be in the office un l 5:00 pm on December 31. If you need informa on regarding your
2014 contribu on record, please feel free to call Jeannie.
DO NOT FILE YOUR 2014 TAX RETURNS before you receive your 2014 contribu on statement or
wri en acknowledgement from the church. You should receive your statement around the 3rd
week of January.
STEWARDSHIP UPDATE
General Fund
2014 Budget
Gifts Received (12-14-14)
Offering Month-to-Date
Offering Year-to-Date
Nov YTD Revenues vs. Expenses
Special Offerings
$672,567.00
$13,297.00
$20,797,.00
$530,305.00
($69,981.00)
Capital Fund
2014 Pledged Offering
Gifts Received (12-14-14)
Gifts Received Month-to-Date
Gifts Received Year-to-Date
Total Gifts Received 2007-2014
Nickel-a-Meal (11-09-14)
Nickel-a-Meal 2014
$4,617.00
Souper Bowl of Caring 2014
$562.00
30 Hour Famine 2014
$360.00
One Great Hour of Sharing 2014
$275,978.00
$1,500.00
$2,375.00
$214,349.00
$6,378,358.00
$452.00
VBS Mission Project 2014
Mi Escuela 2014
$1,382.00
TBD
$11,085.00
Christmas Joy Offering 2014
$1,293.00
Christmas Eve Offering 2013
$1,334.00
December 14, 2014
Caly & Thais Pettit (Amelia)
November 30, 2014
Geoffrey & Alex Wise (Avery & Jackson)
November 23, 2014
Kyle Allison, Carroll Mackey,
Joe Pat & Gail Roop (Henry & Alex)
November 16, 2014
Stacia Howe , Matt & Heather Mendy,
Al & Susan Wall
BIRTHS
Phoebe Katherine Stacey
Born 11-20-14
Daughter of Kevin & Kimberly Stacey
Savannah Elizabeth Smithers
Born 11-3-14
Daughter of Jeff & Elizabeth Smithers
Lillian Grace Jones
Born 10-30-14
Daughter of Josh and Stephanie Jones
BCO PANTRY
F E E D T HE H UN G RY
We are collecting cereal products,
peanut butter, and canned food items
for the BCO pantry. Please bring your
items on Sundays and place them in the wagon
located at the front entrance of the church.
Food collected on 12/14/14: 17
Worship Volunteer Schedule
December 21
December 28
Sun. Morning Prayer
Margaret Packard
Daria Ragan
Acolytes
Ashleigh Burns
Meghan Kimbirl
Olivia Sudderth
Taylor Nixson
Acolyte Coordinator
Lindsay Rhyne
Lindsay Rhyne
Elder Greeters
Lissa McMeeken, Chris VanderMeer Lissa McMeeken, Chris VanderMeer
Greeters
Ernestene Knowles, Nancy Maier
Leslie McLeod, Lissa McMeeken
Youth Reader
Max Neisler
Connor Paschall
Sound System
Joe Hall
Joe Hall
Lay Readers
Adult Choir Program
Elizabeth Johnson
Prayer of Dedication
TBD
Walter Dixon
Prayers of the People
Chris VanderMeer
Daria Ragan
Children’s Sermon
Robin Russell
TBD
Children’s Church
Adult Choir Program
TBD
Infant Nursery
Megan Rhoden
Beth Howe
Toddler Nursery
Jon & Emily Wilson
Helen Fleming
PAWS
Jay & Ann Brittain Green
Jeff & Hope Meadows
Sanctuary Guild
Care: Leslie McLeod, Del Poovey
Greenery: Advent Wreath
Care: Richard & Verna Neal
Greenery: Advent Wreath
Deacons
Class of 2015
Class of 2015
Deacon Open/Close
Class of 2015
Class of 2015
Ushers
Pam Lee, Steve Maultsby
Rob Modlin, Lisa Neisler
Pastor On Call Phone
Daria Ragan
Daria Ragan
Youth Supper
Holder, Leedy
NO YOUTH EVENTS
Frank P. Hall Enrichment Series
SAVE THE DATE
Volunteer Opportunities
GOT WHEELS?
DELIVER MEALS!
Spend one hour a month
delivering a smile and a hot
lunch to medically homebound seniors. For
many years, FPC-Belmont has supported the
Gaston County Adult Nutrition
Program by delivering lunches in our
community. We are in need of volunteers for
2015 and training is provided. Please
consider supporting this worthwhile event by
contacting Anne Hixson at 704-825-1779 or
via email anne.hixson@capitalone.com
Feed the Children
Have you ever wondered what it
would be like to hear Mark’s
Gospel the way the first Christians
heard it…by listening to it told by a
storyteller?
This Christmas season, we will
again partner with First United
Methodist Church in delivering meals to
children in our community. We will deliver in
the Catawba Heights area. The delivery
takes about 1 hour. Meals are packed and
picked up at FUMC where you are provided
your route and detailed instructions.
Dates of Deliveries are: 12/22, 12/23,
12/24, 12/26, 12/19, 12/30, 12/31, 1/1, 1/2
If you are able to help please contact Anne
Hixson via Anne.Hixson@capitalone.com
Birthdays
December 21
Alexa Lewis
December 25
Tina Cox
Tom Knowles
December 22
Wayne Durham
Frankie Hagerty
Hillary Stewart
December 23
Ann Davis
Bob Mack
December 26
Amanda Hinson
December 27
Emily Gries
Justin Sharpe
December 24
Steve Earley
Dawn Hall
Chris Jones
Kids Central
Wednesday, January 6
4:30 - 6:00 pm
Followed by a Kids Central
Supper that we encourage
everyone to attend!
You can register online through the church
website by clicking on the Kids Central logo on
the homepage of the church website. You will
also need to download and fill out the medical
release form and bring with you on Wednesday.
Following each weekly program, we will offer a
family supper for children and their families
except for nights when we have our church
Fellowship Supper or special events. The cost is
$5 per person. If you would like to take part in
the meal, please make your reservation by noon
on Tuesday before by calling the church office
or by clicking on the Kids Central logo on the
homepage of the church website.
Advent
4th Sunday of Advent - Love
"For to us a child is born...And he will be
called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God,
Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.
Isaiah 9:6
Music Ministry
December Schedule
December
Adult Sunday School Classes
From the Loft…
The Youth and Adult Choirs will lead
Worship this Sunday in “A Service of
Lessons and Carols. Guest musicians
joining us are Nancy Watson on piano,
Melanie Freeman on cello, Kennon Knight
on drums and our own Kathryn Rhyne on
violin. We also thank our seven readers
for their participation.
The Chapel Class
“The Present Word Uniform Lesson Series”
Leaders: Parks Wilson and Bob Decker
Location: The Chapel
On Christmas Eve the Senior High and
Sanctuary Choirs will lead Worship.
Rehearsal is at 4:30 PM in the sanctuary.
**Handbells: 2 posi ons are now open
for January-April. If you are interested,
please contact Suzanne as soon as
possible!
Visitors, Inquirers and
New Members Class
Leader: Sam Warner, Pastor
Location: Pastor’s Office
Children’s Classes
Christmas Post Office
Grow, Proclaim, Serve!
“Bible Handprints”
Age: Infants - 4 year olds
Location: E106
This year
during Advent
the
children of Kids Central will have a
"ChristmasPostOf ice"intheGathering
Area. The Post Of ice will be open for
you each Sunday morning at 9:00 am.
You may send members of our
congregation addressed Christmas
cards without a stamp for 25 cents
each. The children will deliver those
cards to individuals while they are here
at church, or will later deliver to their
local address. All proceeds from the
"Christmas Post Of ice" will go to
Operation Christmas Child.
2014 Distributions of the Belmont
Community Organization
• 94 families for Christmas (191 children)
• 36 clients received a Thanksgiving Meal &
•
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Holiday Basket
974 families received clothing
1,326 houeholds received food
417 families received furniture
14 families received heaters and fans
21 families received kerosene for heaters
56 persons received medical assistance
38 families received rent money
97 children received school supplies
250 families light bills paid
44 families gas bills paid
Committees
“Bible Footprints”
Age: Kindergarten - 2nd grade
Location: E104
“Bible Trek”
Age: 3rd - 5th grade
Location: E102
Youth Classes
“Bible Journey”
Age: 6th and 7th grade
Location: Choir Room
“Confirmation”
Age: 8th grade
Location: Chancel Room
“Bible Reality”
Age: 9th - 12th grade
Location: E101
December 1, Monday
Fellowship (Chancel Room)
5:30 p.m.
Missions & Den. Relations (Multipurpose)
6:00 p.m.
Worship (Library)
6:00 p.m.
Education (Conference Room)
7:00 p.m.
December 2, Tuesday
Property (Library)
6:30 p.m.
December 7, Sunday
New Members (Library)
8:30 a.m.
Called Session (Library)
4:00 p.m.
December 14, Sunday
Called Session (Parlor)
December 18, Thursday
Commitment & Finance (Library)
10:15 a.m.
6:00 p.m.
Christmas Ornament Keepsake
You have the opportunity to
purchase beautiful commemorative
Christmas ornaments depicting our
church. These finished, dimensional
ornaments are 24 Kt. gold and
attractively gift boxed, perfect for
giving to family and friends. The cost of the
ornament is $15.00 and the proceeds will go toward
our mission trips. You can purchase these
ornaments at a table in the Gathering Area after
Worship on Sundays.
Youth Event
WINTER JAM 2015
We always leave the church by 3:00 pm and inevitably end
up in the nosebleed sec on of Time Warner Cable Arena.
This year, what if we become members of JAM NATION. The
ckets go from the normal$10 at the door to $29.99 per
person in advance. We would then be able to arrive and
choose our seats at 3:30 instead of wai ng in the cold for 2
hours. We could choose our seats and hang out un l the
doors open to the public at 5:00. But, we would be warm and have MUCH be er seats.
Please visit h p://store.jamtour.com/JamNa onMembership
We need at least 10 people in order to get this Basic Group JAM Na on Ticket. Please
Contact Robin if you are interested in a ending.
Contact Us
First Presbyterian Church
102 South Central Ave. (P.O. Box 1)
Belmont, NC 28012
Church Office: (704) 825-3357
Fax: (704) 825-8422
Weekday School: (704) 825-8225
Sam Warner, Pastor
swarner@fpc-belmont.org
Daria Ragan, Associate Pastor
dragan@fpc-belmont.org
Suzanne Fairbairn, Music Director
suzanne@fpc-belmont.org
Cindy Hammer, WDS Director
chammer@fpc-belmont.org
Heather Moore, WDS Assistant Director
hmoore@fpc-belmont.org
Robin Russell, Director of Education
rrussell@fpc-belmont.org
Sherri Smith, Office Administrator
ssmith@fpc-belmont.org
Jeannie Sigmon, Financial Administration
jsigmon@fpc-belmont.org
This Week at First Presbyterian Church
Monday, December 22
NO EVENTS SCHEDULED
Monday, December 29
NO EVENTS SCHEDULED
Tuesday, December 30
NO EVENTS SCHEDULED
Tuesday, December 23
NO EVENTS SCHEDULED
Wednesday, December 24
CHURCH OFFICE CLOSED
Christmas Eve Candlelight Communion Services
11:00 a.m. Family Service (Birthday Cake for Jesus)
5:30 p.m. Traditional Service
Wednesday, December 31
7:00 p.m. Narcotics Anonymous (Scout Hut)
Thursday, January 1
CHURCH OFFICE CLOSED
Friday, January 2
CHURCH OFFICE CLOSED
Thursday, December 25
CHURCH OFFICE CLOSED
Saturday, January 3
7:30 a.m. Men’s Breakfast (Ford House)
Friday, December 26
CHURCH OFFICE CLOSED
Sunday, January 4
Epiphany Sunday
The Lord’s Supper
9:15 a.m. Adult Sunday School
Children/Youth Breakfast (F. Hall)
9:30 a.m. Children/Youth Sunday School
10:30 a.m. Worship
5:00 p.m. Middle School Youth (Ford House)
6:00 p.m. Youth Supper (F. Hall)
6:30 p.m. High School Youth (Ford House)
Saturday, December 27
7:30 a.m. Men’s Breakfast (Ford House)
Sunday, December 28
1st Sunday after Christmas
Adult Choir Christmas Program
9:15 a.m. Adult Sunday School
Children/Youth Breakfast (F. Hall)
9:30 a.m. Children/Youth Sunday School
10:30 a.m. Worship
5:00 p.m. Middle School Youth (Ford House)
6:00 p.m. Youth Supper (F. Hall)
6:30 p.m. High School Youth (Ford House)
Upcoming Events
Dec 21
Dec 24
Dec
24-26
Jan 4
Ken Dole, Building Superintendent
kdole@fpc-belmont.org
Debbie King, Housekeeper
Adult & Youth Choir Program (during Worship)
Christmas Eve Services (11:00 am & 5:30 pm)
Church Office Closed
Epiphany Sunday
Officers of the Church 2014
Pastor-On-Call Phone
704-964-1199
THE SESSION
Please call should you have a need for the
pastoral ministry of the church and cannot
reach a pastor over the weekend.
Samuel P. Warner, Moderator
Jim Stallings, Treasurer
Daria L. Ragan, Vice-Moderator
Marty Barnes, Records Clerk
Ron Barnes, Clerk of Session
David W. Cloninger, Assistant Clerk
Class of 2014
Class of 2015
Class of 2016
First Presbyterian Church
Carissa Burns
Jay Carpenter
Wayne Baird
David A. Cloninger
Harold Fite
Susan Bowen
Tad Hixson
Donna Grant
Summer Cline
Margaret Packard
Ann Brittian Green
Smitty Hanks
Jeff Rhyne
Laurie Maultsby
Deana Murphy
Mary Randall Rhyne
Lissa McMeeken
Chris VanderMeer
Weekday School
704-825-8225
www.fpc-belmont.org/weekday_school
Psychological, Pastoral
& Career Counseling
Main Office:
5203 Sharon Rd
Charlotte, NC 28210
704-554-9900
www.presbyteriansamaritan.org
We’re on the web
www.fpc-belmont.org
THE BOARD OF DEACONS
Andy Stalder, Moderator
Sally Dunn, Secretary
Katherine Boiter, Vice-Moderator
Patrick Lane, Assistant Treasurer
Class of 2014
Class of 2015
Class of 2016
Mary Austin
Katherine Boiter
Nancy Bosch
Jeff Biggerstaff
Patricia Burke
Sally Dunn
Dana Frady
Andy Cheshire
Jo Ann Evans
Patrick Lane
John Kines
Griffin Keel
Andy Stalder
David Minnich
Brad Kimbirl
Donita Stewart
Megan Price
Jeff Meadows
Kim Watson
Doyle Wilkins
April Nixon