1. religion and spirituality
2. christianity

Trinity Presbyterian Church
Tidings
December
2014
1 Christmas Joy Offering
Trinity Preschool News
2 Pastor’s Corner
Note from the Associate Pastor
3 Session Notes
Trinity Birthdays
4 Did You Know?
Trinity Book Group
Mitten Tree
Jazz Vespers In Swing
Stop Hunger Now!
5 Calendar of Worship and Events
6 Hendersonville Community Music Center
Trinity Preschool News
News from Finance
Crosses Everywhere!
7 Trinity Youth
Issues and Concerns Class
8 Trinity Presbyterian Women’s Circles
Big Thank You!
Me? Teach Children’s Learning Hour?
9 Trinity PW Christmas Tea
10 Report on Consecration Sunday
New Library Resources
11 The Learning Hour
Trinity PW Evening Circle
12 Session Notes, Continued
13 Hymn of the Month
Preaching Schedule
A New Painting
14 Bible Word Search
Christmas Poinsettias
15 Our Guatemala Partnership
16 Lectionary Readings
Announcements
Prayer Persons
17 Calendar
Christmas Joy Offering
December 21, 2014
T
“O send out your light and your truth; let them lead me.”
(Psalm 43:3)
he Christmas Joy Offering provides financial support and grants
for current and retired Presbyterian church workers in their time of
need. These people have dedicated their lives to the service of the
church.
The Christmas Joy Offering also supports leadership development and
education at Presbyterian-related racial ethnic schools and colleges.
Follow in the tradition of the wise men, and give to the Christmas Joy
Offering. This special offering will be received and dedicated at both
worship services on December 21, 2014.
Stamps for Mission Closing Its Program
T
he retired Presbyterian missionary to the Congo has said that
she is stopping the Stamps for Mission program in December. We will
send a package in mid-December and then will no longer be collecting
the stamps. She says that the cost for folks to send them to her
exceeds what she is able to get for them with so few large
commemorative stamps being used.
So if you have used stamps you have been thinking of placing in the
manila folder on the Presbyterian Women's bulletin board, please do
so soon! No flag stamps or Christmas stamps; no torn stamps or
damaged ones please. Foreign and US are both good.
Thank you for all the donations previously! We have sent several large
boxes over the last couple of years and they were much appreciated.
Mary Louise Forsythe
Pa ge 2
Pastor’s Corner
Unchangeable
F
ollowing the recent court rulings leading to the legalization of same-gender marriage in North Carolina, I saw a
newspaper advertisement for a local church that asked the question, “Are you tired of your church blowing with the winds
of
social change?” The implication was that you should come and worship with them because they weren’t ever going to
change. It reminded me of one of my ministerial colleagues some years ago who announced on the floor of Presbytery
that God never changes, so neither would he! It is true that we sometimes hear of God being described as unchanging,
immutable, or unmoved by human behavior.
This has led me to wonder, does the evidence available to us really reveal an image of God that fits the “unchangeable”
description? Several times in the Hebrew Scriptures, we encounter God appearing to “change God’s mind.” Following the
great flood, God makes a covenant to never again utterly destroy the creation on earth. Moses “convinces” God to spare
the lives of the stiff-necked wanderers in the wilderness. One could argue that all of the New Testament is consumed with
the revealing of God’s new plan (in Jesus) for his emerging and evolving relationship with humanity. You and I today are
the beneficiaries of God’s apparent decision to broaden his preferential treatment of the Israelites to include a place for
foreigners and those outside the Jewish faith.
I think it is a mistake to assume that God is always in agreement with our current way of thinking. This is true for those of
us on ALL sides of an issue. With humility, we must acknowledge that we are not God and cannot possibly know the
“mind” of God. What we claim to know as Christians celebrating Advent is that God chose to intervene in human history
through a divine Savior, born of flesh. This Savior lived among us; knew our pain; was immersed in the complexities of our
lives. In this season of Advent, I am comforted by the evidence that God desired to be one of us. Did God learn anything
from this experience? Was God changed?
Shalom,
Mark
Note from the Associate Pastor
W
hen we think of liturgy—if we think of liturgy—we usually think of words, especially words printed in a worship
bulletin: a Call to Worship, a Prayer of Confession, etc.
But can liturgy be images? Pictures, sculptures, art? Well, I hope so, because this season, as you may have noticed on
November 30, our Advent wreath is a bit, well, unconventional. In fact, you may have a hard time finding a “wreath” at all.
Instead, what you’ll find, for each Sunday of Advent, is a different image or collection of images, the components of which
are meant to symbolize or call to mind images from the Scripture passages for that particular Sunday. We hope that these
pieces of visual liturgy will spark your imagination, make you think, and draw you more deeply into your worship of God in
this holy season.
(You can find more detail on our Advent wreath representations in each Sunday’s worship bulletin.)
With you on the journey,
Dwight
Session Notes
Pa ge 3
On November 11, 2014, the Session enjoyed a pot luck dinner in
the Trinity Room at 6:30 p.m. and held our regular Stated Meeting.
Bob Smith gave our devotion.
December
Birthdays
Consent Agenda:
2
Jim Luzadder
~
3
Ryleigh Bennett
5
Alice McCullough
~
~
~
~
~
~
Clerk’s Report of Minutes of the Stated Session Meeting of October 14, 2014 were
approved by acclamation.
Finance Report
Christian Nurture Report
Presbytery Meeting Report
Minute for Missions
Membership Update: Removed: Beth Pride and her son Justin Pride
Report that The Lord’s Supper was administered on October 5, 2014
6 Nancy Drechsler
7
Leah Epps
Dot Lovick
Bob Luebke
8 Bob Baker
Report from the Finance Ministry:
Carol Gillespie
~
The final TPS yard sale numbers are in. The net receipts are $13,438 compared to a
budget of $5000 and the 2013 actual of $5284.
~
October income was $11,000 below budget due to low EOG receipts and TPS tuition.
Through October, our bottom line is a negative $13,400 vs. the budget estimated deficit
of $10,900. This gap is $21,000 better than 2013. EOG (Estimates of Giving, formerly
pledges) receipts were $10,400 under budget for the month. YTD EOG receipts are
$33,900 under budget and $4700 below last year.
~
Expenses were $500 under budget in October and $18,500 below budget YTD.
~
TPS now has a surplus of $3700 vs. the projected budget deficit of $1900.
~
The third quarter market value adjustment for our non-endowment funds at New
Covenant was an increase of $3779. The YTD change is a positive $34,813.
Session approved the use of Midge Mack Fund to pay the cost of an independent
review of the ‘Trinity Internal Financial Review’ up to $500.
Session directed the Finance Ministry to follow the rules from the Book of Order as they
pertain to annual reviews of the church financial records.
Associate Pastor’s Report: Dwight Christenbury
11 Jan Prichard
12 Linda Walker
14 Jeanne Greer
15 Lois Grossen
Mary Robinson
19 Carl Christiansen
Scott Garrison
20 Peggy Hunnicutt
21 Duane Johnson
Alex Zarnowski
25
Jesus
26 Mark Stanley
Here are some highlights of what I’ve been up to lately:
30 Juliette Blakely
~
Coordinating Advent events (see below)
~
Working with Mark and the Worship Ministry to develop Advent worship liturgies
~
Worship leadership, worship planning (including Jazz Vespers), and preaching
~
Planning and leading chapel experiences for Trinity Preschool children
~
Planning and leading Trinity youth events
~
Planning and leading children’s worship
~
Staffing the Christian Nurture Ministry (CNM), the Worship Ministry (with Mark), the
Fellowship Ministry, the Trinity Preschool Board, and the Local Missions Ministry
Continued on page 12
Ruth Enloe
Pa ge 4
D
Did You Know?
id you know anytime you eat at Sol Y Luna you
can help Feed the Kids? Feed the Kids is a program
Trinity actively supports that prepares and serves a
nutritious meal each Friday for the youth at the Boys
and Girls Club.
Any day you eat at either Sol Y Luna location (Main
Street or Laurel Park), all you have to do is mention you
are there to support Feed the Kids and write FTK on
your check. That’s all you have to do and 10% of the
cost of your meal will benefit Feed the Kids!
Trinity Book Group
A reminder to all of book club
members and friends:
We will meet on December 4 at 1:30 p.m. to discuss
The Language of Flowers by Vanessa Diffenbaugh.
I hope you are all finding it good reading.
We love to have visitors.
Jay Barr
Jazz Vespers In Swing
Mitten Tree
T
rinity will again have a Mitten Tree during the
Advent season.
It will be in the atrium near
the office door by the first
Sunday of Advent.
You are invited to decorate it
with your gifts which will be
taken to IAM for distribution
to the needy.
B
e a part of this year's final Jazz Vespers on
Thursday, December 18, at 7:00 p.m.! Trinity's favorite
bassist, Shannon Hoover, brings his trio (with Lovell
Bradford on piano and Adam Snow on drums) to lead an
exploration of spiritual contemplation through prayer and
silence, light and shadow, and poignant rhythms and
harmonies of jazz music.
Light refreshments will be served after the service.
Tell a friend and come join this unique worship
experience.
The Mitten Tree will be awaiting your gifts of children's
Mittens
Hats
Socks
Underwear
Cold weather
clothing that
comes in small
packages to
hang on the tree.
They are all really appreciated!
D
Stop Hunger Now!
id you know that Trinity will be hosting a Stop
Hunger Now Meal Packaging Event? Mark your calendar for Saturday, March 14, 2015, 2:00–4:00 p.m., and
make plans to join the movement to end hunger in our
lifetime! Help Trinity’s Presbyterian Women reach our
goal of packaging 10,000+ meals on March 14; when
we work together we can create a world without hunger.
Learn more at www.stophungernow.org, or link directly
to Trinity’s event at:
https://stophungernow.secure.force.com/events/
SA_EVENTS__Home?id=70170000000lMrq
Pa ge 5
Peace on Earth, Goodwill to All
Advent and Christmas 2014
CALENDAR OF WORSHIP & EVENTS
FIRST SUNDAY of ADVENT, November 30 (Isaiah 64.1–9; Mark 13.24–37)
Worship Services—8:30 and 11:00 a.m. Dwight Christenbury, preaching
10th H.C.C.U. MESSIAH SING, November 30
Rehearsal—2:00 p.m. Handel’s Messiah—3:00 p.m.
WONDERFUL WEDNESDAY, December 3
Dinner—5:30 p.m. Bible Study: Matthew—6:30 p.m.
SECOND SUNDAY of ADVENT, December 7 (Isaiah 40.1–11; Mark 1.1–8)
Worship Services—8:30 and 11:00 a.m. Mark Stanley, preaching
CHRISTMAS TEA, Thursday, December 11, 2:00 p.m. (A Presbyterian Women Event)
Music by Tom Bridges & Andrew Hiler
THIRD SUNDAY of ADVENT, December 14 (Isaiah 61.1–4, 8–11; John 1.6–8, 19–28)
Worship Services—8:30 and 11:00 a.m. Leah Epps, preaching
CAROLING, Saturday, December 13, 4:30 p.m. A classic Christmas tradition
Meet at Trinity to carpool to various sites
JAZZ VESPERS: MIDNIGHT CLEAR, December 18 Music by the Shannon Hoover Trio
Dinner—6:00 p.m. Jazz Vespers—7:00 p.m.
FOURTH SUNDAY of ADVENT, December 21 (2 Samuel 7.1–11; Luke 1.26–38)
Worship Services—8:30 and 11:00 a.m. Mark Stanley, preaching
Annual Christmas Pageant—10:00 a.m.
FAMILY PARTY POTLUCK, December 21, 1:00
Chili, Cookies, and More
CHRISTMAS EVE WORSHIP, December 24, 7:00 (Isaiah 9:2–7; Luke 2:1–20; John 1:1–14)
A Candlelight Service
PRAYERS FOR PEACE, Saturday, December 27, 7:00 (Sponsored by Interfaith Action)
Annual Interfaith New Year’s Service
Pa ge 6
Hendersonville Community Music Center
T
he HCMC is wrapping up a successful Fall trimester with a showcase performance scheduled
for December 6, 2014 at 1:00 p.m. The performance will include students from all fall course
offerings to include: Adult Guitar I & II, Kindermusik, Beginning Percussion, Adult Music Theory/
Piano, Classical Strings, Youth Guitar and Voice.
HCMC has recently undergone restructuring under the new direction of Andrew Hiler and the HCMC advisory board
that was established this past summer. The hopes of the restructuring are to establish consistency in our scheduling,
increase registration numbers, track membership/participation, and more successfully collect tuition fees. To date, we
have reached out to touch the lives of over sixty participants this Fall alone. We have continued a working relationship
with Trinity Preschool, Robert Hudson’s Community Band, and have newly been working with Hendersonville Community
Youth Orchestra.
Trimester Schedule
Fall ............................... September—December .............. December 6—Showcase Performance
Winter .......................... January 5—March 27................... March 28—Showcase Performance
Spring ........................... March 2—June 12 ........................ June 13—Showcase Performance
The HCMC is committed to its efforts to provide affordable music experiences to the people of Henderson County, young
and old. We look forward to the growth that is in our near future allowing us to continue to provide musical experiences to
the members of our community. We look forward to your continued support!
I
Trinity Preschool News
t’s that time of year again! The gifts, the decorating, the added activities
with the season can add to the stress level a notch or two. One thing for
certain, our preschoolers can help gain perspective when everything is
overwhelming. The excitement and joy is abundant! When we sing about
the special baby that was born in Bethlehem and read stories about the
first Christmas, well, it just makes every problem seem insignificant. Please
drop by anytime to catch a glimpse of the excitement! Merry Christmas
from all of the little “Cherubs” at Trinity Preschool!
For the Children,
Peggy
B
News from Finance
W
e have a surplus of EOG (pledge)
envelopes from this and previous years,
large enough to provide everyone who
requested envelopes for 2015 with their own
number. The collection plate in 2015 will be
filled with multicolored envelopes but no
matter, the church will be saving a significant
sum of money.
However, please do not use, but recycle
your 2014 or older envelopes.
Thank you in advance for your cooperation.
Crosses Everywhere!
y now you have doubtless noticed that we are giving crosses to all who visit Trinity for Sunday
worship. These are beautiful, colorful, hand-made pottery crosses created and crafted with love by our
own Ralph and Sharon Mitchell. Believe it or not, we have already given away over 200 of them.
They are intended to remind our visitors of God's love for them and of our gratitude for their presence
with us in worship. Please remember to reach out with a word of welcome whenever you see someone
who is new to our church family.
Pa ge 7
Trinity Youth—December 2014
Date
Event
Details
For
Saturday, December 13
4:30–7:00 p.m.
Christmas Caroling
Bring your family and meet
your church family at Trinity for this traditional Christmas event
All
Sunday, December 21
10:00 a.m.
Annual Christmas
Pageant
We could use your help lassoing the kids, with
behind-the-scenes work,
and maybe even with a
starring role
All
Sunday, December 21
after church
Christmas Party Potluck
Annual family event; bring
your favorite pot of chili or
Christmas cookies
Families
All of the above are subject to change. Some events may be added; others may be subtracted. Some might be
canceled or rescheduled without you knowing about it. But we hope that won’t happen. And if it does, please know
it’s nothing personal.
And don’t forget about the Sunday Learning Hour:
Youth (Grades 8–12): NOOMA
9:45–10:45 a.m. in the NOOMA Room
(a.k.a. The Family Room)
Tweens (Grades 4–7)
10:00–10:45 a.m. in Room 101
(following Music Ensemble)
Confirmation Class
Spring 2015; more information
to come
Issues and Concerns Class
J.K. Rowling: “To the well-organized mind, death is nothing but the next great adventure.”
Matthew 5:4: “Blessed are they that mourn, for they shall be comforted.”
Woody Allen: “I am not afraid to die; I just don’t want to be there when it happens.”
28th
O
n December 7th and 14th (and maybe the 28th), the Issues and Concerns class will tackle another controversial topic
facing many Americans, including those of faith, today—end of life issues. We will discuss articles from newspapers in
Dayton, OH, New York, Asheville, The Christian Century, Des Moines, Hendersonville, USA Today, and Presbyterians
Today. How do we feel about “right to die” legislation? How does America as a whole feel? How does our faith impact our
feelings on what is a very difficult matter for many folks?
Please join us in Room 207 and lend your voice to the discussion.
Pa ge 8
Trinity Presbyterian Women’s Circles
Rebekah Circle
Naomi Circle
Esther Circle
2nd Monday, 12:30 p.m.
Barbara Johnson, 891-9083
Dianne Purnell, 698-2724
3rd Tuesday, 10:00 a.m.
Pat Norris, 685-1076
Sarah Thibodeau 698-8679
(Co-Moderators)
2nd Wednesday, 9:45 a.m.
Katie Hankla, 696-3829
Judi Johnson, 435-1610
(Co-Moderators)
Coordinating Team meets 1st Monday of the month at 9:30 a.m.
Bible Leaders meet with Rev. Dwight Christenbury at 11:00 a.m.
W
Big Thank You!
e want to thank Feed the Kids Team 3 folks as well
as others who pitched in to make the Consecration Dinner a
success. A special word of appreciation to Temple Agudas
member Ed Lieber who came at 8:00 a.m. to cook the pork
loin! Jane Sugawara, Carolyn Erickson, Lois
Erickson, Susan Mangrum, Erika McGilley,
Bea and Jerry Miller, Sharon Mitchell, Rebecca
Palmer, and Julia Sellers worked hard Saturday and/or
Sunday mornings to prep and cook and clean up. A whole
crew of men helped with set up and take down of tables and
chairs and garbage! Thank you! Jesus asks us to serve one
another, and truly you each have a servant heart.
The donation from the Stewardship Ministry to Feed the
Kids in lieu of hiring a caterer will make possible more than
500 meals for children in our community. We are privileged
to help with this program which was started by our own
Connie Moore. We couldn't do it without the wonderful
support from so many.
Gratefully, Priscilla Karvonen and Mary Louise
Forsythe (Team 3 co-leaders).
Me? Teach Children’s Learning Hour?
You Gotta Be Kidding!
Y ou may have heard that the Christian Nurture Ministry is
in need of a few more teachers for our Sunday Children’s
Learning Hour Classes. And you may have also thought
that you’re not the person we’re looking for.
But specialized skills and knowledge are not required. All it
takes is a love of children, a little bit of time to spare,
dependability, and (just maybe) a sense of humor. If you
have those things, read on to learn more:
We use a creative, biblically sound, and teacher-friendly
curriculum called Grow, Proclaim, Serve that provides a variety of types of learning activities in a simple, clear format.
We have great resources: a well-stocked art supply room, a
wonderful church library with lots of children’s books, and
audio-visual equipment.
And we have great kids: not a huge number of them (you
can expect three to five children in attendance in each
We have three kids’ Learning Hour classes: Preschool (ages class), but they’re warm, friendly, and welcoming.
3–4), Elementary (grades K–3), and Tweens (grades 4–7). If you’ve decided that you might be one of the people we’re
The time commitment for teachers is flexible: teachers are looking for after all, please speak with Karen Burnham,
Mary Louise Forsythe, or Dwight Christenbury to
invited to sign up for a month at a time. We’d love to have
learn more!
teachers who can commit to a full year at a time, but we
know that’s not realistic for many people. If you can commit
to just one month, that’s a great help and will be deeply
appreciated.
Pa ge 9
Celebrate The Birth Of Our Savior
Jesus Christ
Faith
Love
Carols
Fellowship
$6
per
person
Music
Entertainment
By
Help the Homeless
Youth of Henderson
County bring
Tom Bridges
Andrew Hiler
Personal
Grooming
Items
Trinity
PW Christmas Tea
December 11, 2014 at 2:00 P.M.
Festive menu includes: Delicious fruit, petite sandwiches, shortbread, scones, cheese and tea!
Pa ge 10
Statistical Report on Consecration Sunday Results
A total of 226 completed Estimate of Giving Cards
have been received to date. Fifty-five (55) of these cards
reflected increased financial commitment above their last
year’s amount. A total of $396,221 has been estimated
towards 2015 giving.
Fifteen Estimate of Giving Cards were received from either
members new to Trinity, or from others who had not
completed a card last year.
projected to indicate an additional $52,750 to be donated
during 2015.
The Estimate of Giving for 2014 was $439,000. A two
percent increase in total giving above last year is currently
projected.
Thanks to all who prayerfully considered, during this season,
their monetary response to God’s love.
Based on the giving records of individuals who completed a
card last year, and have not yet completed a card this year,
we hope to receive additional Estimate of Giving Cards
Bob Forsythe
New Library Resources
Bruce Penn donated the book:
~ Body and Soul: Reclaiming the Heidelberg Catechism
(7/BAR) by M. Craig Barnes
Irene Solbakken donated the following titles:
~ The Great Physician’s RX for Health and Wellness (9/
RUB) by Jordan Rubin
~ Power Optimism (6/LIG) by Dana Lightman
~ I Love You Through and Through (A/ROS) by
Bernadette Rossetti-Shustak
~ If you Give a Moose a Muffin (A/NUM) by Laura
Numeroff
~ Jesus Loves Me (A/JES) Illus. by Tim Warnes
~ Jesus Loves the Little Children of the World (A/AND)
by Debby Anderson
~ The Shepherd of the Hills (33/WRI) by Harold Bell
Wright
~ Love You Forever (A/MUN) by Robert Munsch
The library has purchased the following children’s books:
~ Play Ball, Amelia Bedelia (A/PAR) by Peggy Parish
~ The Berenstain Bears and the Bad Habit (A/BER)
by Stan and Jan Berenstain
~ A Star for Jesus (A/BOW) by Crystal Bowman
~ Biscuit (A/CAP) by Alyssa Satin Capucilli
~ Daddy Hugs (A/KAT) by Karen Katz
~ Daniel and the Roaring Lions (A/ULM) by Louise Ulmer
~ Doggies: A Counting and Barking Book (A/BOY)
by Sandra Boynton
~ God Gave Us You (A/BER) by Lisa T. Bergren
~ My Thanksgiving Prayer (A/Bow) by Crystal Bowman
~ The Story of Thanksgiving (A/SKA) by Nancy J.
Skammeds
~ What Grandmas Do Best (bound with) What Grandpas
Do Best (A/NUM) by Laura Numeroff
~ What Mommies Do Best (A/NUM)by Laura Numeroff
The Learning Hour
Pa ge 11
Sundays 9:45–10:45 a.m.
~ December 21: Learning Hour classes will not meet today. Instead, all are invited to the Sanctuary at
10:00 a.m. for Trinity’s Annual Christmas Pageant!
~ December 28: The Lecture & Response Class will not meet.
FOR ADULTS
Hashing It Out
Issues & Concerns
Lectionary Class
New Horizons
Lecture & Response
Bible study and topics of concern to young adults—Lounge
December 7 and 14: Review of articles on end of life issues including “When is a
life worth living?” and “The influence of faith on difficult medical choices.”
December 28: TBD—Room 207
Lectionary-based Bible study—Trinity Room
Book discussion—Room 206
December 7 and 14: Advent—Fellowship Hall
FOR CHILDREN AND YOUTH
Children and Tweens are invited to participate in Music Ensemble Rehearsals on Sunday mornings during the
first part of the Learning Hour.
Music Ensemble (Children and Tweens) .... Room 106
Preschool (Ages 3–4) ................................... Room 203 (main level)
Elementary (Grades K–3) ........................... Room 103 (lower level)
Trinity PW
Evening Circle
About six women have expressed some interest in a
Presbyterian Women circle to meet in the evening.
There will be a "first" (of many we hope) meeting on
Tuesday, December 2 at 7:00 p.m. at the church.
It will be a chance to pick a more regular monthly
date beginning in January and decide on how the
group wants to proceed. If you are interested, or
want to suggest someone to be invited, please call
Mary Louise Forsythe at 684-0643.
“My idea of Christmas, whether oldfashioned or modern, is very simple:
loving others. Come to think of it, why
do we have to wait for Christmas to do
that?”
― Bob Hope
“Christmas is the season for kindling the
fire of hospitality in the hall, the genial
flame of charity in the heart. ”
― Washington Irving
Pa ge 12
Session Notes
Continued from Page 3
~
Completing an annual self-evaluation and working on
annual reviews for our Nursery staff
Our Advent theme for this year is Peace on Earth,
Goodwill to All, and our Advent calendar of worship
and events is on page five.
3. Trinity will be celebrating its 50th Anniversary in 2015.
Volunteers will be sought to be part of a Task Force to
plan appropriate celebrations of this event.
4. Trinity will host the Quarterly Western North Carolina
Presbytery Meeting on July 28, 2015. Volunteers will be
Stewardship Report: Bob Forsythe shared that Trinity
needed to support this event.
received 121 Estimates of Giving on November 9 at our
Consecration Sunday. He expects to receive at least 43
Ministry Reports:
more Estimates of Giving which would total 164 giving units.
1. Personnel: the Ministry recommended that under the
Communications:
Medical Plan coverage for Mark and Dwight, that Mark
and Dwight share half the expense for dependent care
The Clerk reported that a transfer of new Trinity members
with Trinity. This expense of $27.81/month for Dwight
from another Presbyterian Church was accomplished via
and $47.545/month for Mark may be offset by allowing
email (a first), saving time, energy and stamps for both
the maximum Flexible Spending Account pre-tax
churches.
contribution of $2250/year to be sued to pay this
Unfinished Business:
expense.
1. Visioning: Review of Mission Initiatives, # 5 Initiative.
2. Building and Grounds: AT&T has finally found the
We shall expand our offering for faith conversation and
problem that has caused telephone disruption during
fellowship.
rainstorms.
Some of the ways that we have been incorporating this
3. Administration: New guidelines will be established in
initiative: Mark’s Bible Studies, Joe Gernoske’s
the New Year to help keep down copying costs.
proposed Men’s Breakfast Group with faith discussions,
4. Trinity Preschool: The Board was thrilled with the
Proposed new Presbyterian Women’s Night Circle,
results of the annual Yard Sale, and thanks all who
Fellowship to consider forming small groups (support
shared in this success. Linda and Glenn Walker
groups)
have agreed to chair the Yard Sale again in 2015.
2. The Session approved the Rev. Dr. Mark Stanley to
Pastor’s Concerns:
perform the wedding service for two of his friends, the
Rev. Sandi Rice and Carlene Wood who are ‘friends of With the resignation of Paul Bennett from the Session,
Trinity’.
the Nominating Committee will work to find someone to
New Business:
complete Paul’s term of office.
1. Duane Johnson was elected to be the new Clerk of
Session beginning in January 2015.
Mark Stanley closed the meeting with prayer at 9:06
p.m.
2. Date for the Annual Congregational Meeting was set for The next Stated Session Meeting will be December 9, 2014.
January 25, 2015 during the Learning Hour in
Edie Clark,
Fellowship Hall. February 1, 2015 will be the alternate
date.
Clerk of Session
Hymn of the Month
Pa ge 13
Awake! Awake, and Greet the New Morn (#107)
C
hristmas is known for its carols; Advent, for its hymns.
The difference is primarily one of musical style. The word
“carol” roots in the Greek chore, the root from which we get
our word “choreography.” While hymns can be solemn and
majestic, the music of a carol makes us want to get up and
dance.
Originally, Marty Haugen wrote the words and music that
now appear as #107 in Glory to God to be a Christmas
carol. His family was celebrating a tradition of making rather
than buying gifts for one another, and he composed the
song as a Christmas gift for the family member whose name
he had drawn.
But on further thought, Haugen realized that the world was
already full of Christmas carols, and almost devoid of carols
for Advent. So he changed a few words of his original text.
What started out as “Rejoice! Rejoice” (the two words by
which the tune is still named) became instead, “Awake!
Awake.” What had been “Sing out your joy, for now he is
born” was altered to “for soon he is born.” The whole text
was put into the future tense, to convey a sense of eager,
Advent waiting for a birth that is yet to come.
By the tender mercy of our God,
the dawn from on high will break upon us,
to give light to those who sit in darkness and
in the shadow of death,
to guide our feet into the way of peace
(Luke 1:78-19)
Similar imagery runs throughout Haugen’s text. Stanza 1
summons us to “greet the new morn.” Stanza 2 reminds us
that the child Emmanuel is coming “to all in sorrow and
fear.” Stanza 3 assures us that “in darkest night his coming
shall be,” and Stanza 4 urges us to “take heart in the night,”
because “the rising sun” will soon bring its light to the world.
Other images from the prophets appear in Haugen’s Advent
carol. The mute will “break forth in song, the lame shall leap
in wonder” (Isaiah 35:6). Weapons will be “broken
asunder” (Isaiah 2:4, Joel 3:10, Micah 4:3). Mary’s canticle,
the Magnificat, is echoed as well: the weak will be raised
above the strong (Luke 1:52-53). The dawning for which we
wait during the season of Advent is thus to usher in new day
of healing, peace, and justice.
Marty Haugen is responsible for nearly a dozen hymns,
carols, and songs that appear in Glory to God. While he
The imagery of “Awake! Awake” is thoroughly biblical. One grew up as a Lutheran and currently worships in a UCC
of the earliest songs ever to be sung about the anticipated congregation in Minnesota, his composing played a key role
birth of the Christ child was the canticle of Zechariah. When in the Roman Catholic liturgical renewal of the late 20th
Zechariah learned that his son John was to be the herald of century. One of his closest colleagues is David Haas,
the coming Messiah, he sang a song (now known as the
author of our hymn of the month for October (“Come! Live in
Benedictus) which includes these lines:
the Light”).
Preaching Schedule
December 7 ................ Mark Stanley
December 14 .............. Leah Epps
December 21 ............... Mark Stanley
December 24 .............. 7:00 p.m. Christmas Eve Candlelight Service
December 28 .............. Joe Gernoske
M
A New Painting
erritt Roach, one of our congregational artists, has recently presented the church with the gift of a beautiful
landscape pastel of our western North Carolina mountains. This art-work now hangs in the Lounge and bears the
following especially appropriate inscription from scripture: "I will lift up mine eyes unto the hills-from whence cometh my
strength? My strength cometh from the Lord who made heaven and earth." (Psalm 121) Please take a moment to view
this inspirational work and to thank the artist.
Pa ge 14
Bible Word Search: Christmas
Advent, Angels, Beauty, Birth, Cards, Carols,
Census, Children, Christ, Church, Creche,
December, Family, Feast, Festival, Garland,
Giving, Goodwill, Herod, Holiday, Holly, Holy,
Icicles, Jesus, Joseph, Joy, Lights, Love, Magi,
Manger, Mary, Merry, Music, Nativity, Noel,
Pageants, Peace, Prayer, Santa, Season,
Shepherd, Sleigh, Snow, Star, Stocking, Trees,
Yule
Please, cut here and return to church office
or place in offering plate.
Christmas Poinsettias
If you would like to contribute to the fund for the church’s holiday decorations
(poinsettias and wreaths), please place your check (marked “greens”) and this
form in the offering plate or bring it to the church office .
Name ______________________________ Amount__________
In memory/honor of ___________________________________
I shall take my poinsettia(s) (red only), at $6.00 each, after the Christmas Eve
service Yes ___ No___
Please give my poinsettia to someone. Yes ____ No _____
Page 12
Our Guatemala Partnership
Pa ge 13
“that we may be mutually encouraged by each other’s faith” Romans 1:12
F
Report on November 2014
Trip to Guatemala
ollowing a late (one hour) departure from Asheville due to
snow the Education Committee members from WNC and the
Health Committee and Presbyterian Woman’s Chairs all joined
together in Antigua for a night of rest before leaving the
following morning on a four hour drive to the Presbyterian
Seminary in San Filipe.
Two days in San Falipe were spent by the Education Committee reviewing the 2014 reports of the three partner committees:
Sur Occidente, Suchitepequez, and WNC; meeting with an
education psychologist to arrange testing for presbytery
scholarship applicants; discussing financial needs of the joint
education committee and of the church education committees;
developing suggested policies concerning scholarships in the
churches; discussing the possible development and support of
“Libros para ninos” a program to establish read-aloud libraries
in the church/school communities; and in developing requests
to be approved by the Joint Partnership Committee. The
Education Committee members from Guatemala left the following morning and meeting of the Joint Partnership Committee
began.
The visit to Tecun Uman began by a visit to an interfaith immigration house near the Mexican border. This was a very
informative and spiritually moving experience for all of us!
Lunch at Iglesia Horeb consisted of grilled Tilapia; pan-fried
potatoes, and a small salad. This was followed by
presentations of the scholarship programs from two of the
churches in the presbytery.
The Joint Partnership Committee resumed its meeting on
Friday morning as reports were received from the Health,
Presbyterian Women, and Education Committees. This was
followed by further discussion on the Abundant Life of God and
continued discussion steps toward a year of discernment
based on prayer, reflection, and action. That evening, worship
to celebrate the 20th Anniversary was held. Bobbi White
(Presbytery Exec WNC) gave the sermon and shared God's
vision of the Abundant Life that we are working together to
create and share with others here in Guatemala, in the USA
and around the world! Our WNC Art work was on display prior
to and following worship. I wish to thank Bill Campbell for
his painting,
depicting abundant life as seen by the tomato harvest in Mills
The first meeting of the Joint Partnership Committee was spent
River. The painting was then taken to our partner church as a
in devotion and discussion of how our partnership has glorified
gift from Trinity. Dinner following worship was provided by Sur
God in the past twenty years of partnership and the areas that
and Suchi Presbyteries and consisted of a variety of foods that
need improvement. Discussion of the theme for the year 2015,
had been prepared in their community and brought to the
and the beginning of a new covenant followed this. It was
seminary, including: tamalitas, refried beans, tamales, fruits,
decided that the year 2015 is to be one of Prayer and
and cooked vegetables.
Discernment on what God’s plan for the Joint Partnership is to
look like. It was further decided that a committee of nine (three Saturday to Monday morning was spent traveling to and
from Sur, three from Suchi, and three from PWNC) would
visiting our partner churches. Next month I will report on the
develop this idea.
visit to Fuente de Vida. In the meantime please keep the
partnership and Hermana Manuela Martinez who is undergoing
In an effort to view accomplishments and improvements in the
chemotherapy due to breast cancer in your prayers.
partnership, visits to the community of Santo Domingo in Suchi
presbytery and to Tecun Uman in Sur had been planned. In
The entire group of twenty-one from WNC consisted of Bobbi
Santo Domingo we enjoyed a demonstration by a first grade
White and a group of delegates who came mostly to visit their
teacher and his students who were on vacation, but came to
partner church, the Education Committee and members of the
be with us. Demonstrations on their reading program and their Partnership Leadership Team.
hands on math program were given. It is planned that this
I wish to express much appreciation to Trinity and to the Global
school will be our first attempt at development of the “Libros
Ministry for your support that allowed be to make this trip and
para ninos” or reading-aloud program. Following the morning
for your prayers that upheld me during this trip.
visit to the school we were treated to a lunch consisting of
foods and drink made from soy. Soy is now being used to
Respectfully,
develop higher levels of nutrition in the communities. We also
watched demonstrations on the construction of wood burning
Carole Ball
stoves, and bio-sand water filters.
Lectionary Readings
Pa ge 16
Second Sunday of Advent Third Sunday of Advent
Fourth Sunday of Advent Christmas Eve
December 7
December 14
December 21
December 24
Isaiah 40:1–11
Psalm 85:1–2, 8–13
2 Peter 3:8–15a
Mark 1:1–8
Isaiah 61:1–4, 8–11
Luke 1:46b–55
1 Thessalonians 5:16–24
John 1:6–8, 19–28
2 Samuel 7:1–11, 16
Luke 1:46b–55
Romans 16:25–27
Luke 1:26–38
Isaiah 9:2–7
Psalm 96
Titus 2:11–14
Luke 2:1–14 [15–20]
Christmas Dawn
Christmas Day
First Sunday after Christmas Day
December 25
December 25
December 28
Isaiah 62:6–12
Psalm 97
Titus 3:4–7
Luke 2:[1–7] 8–20
Isaiah 52:7–10
Psalm 98
Hebrews 1:1–4 [5–12]
John 1:1–14
Isaiah 61:10—62:3
Psalm 148
Galatians 4:4–7
Luke 2:22–40
Once again, our Trinity Family has reached out to us in a
time of need and we thank each of you. Your words of
encouragement, cards, visits and prayers during my time
of healing have been so appreciated. What a blessing it is
to be a part of such a loving and wonderful church family!
Thank you,
Pricilla and Tom Karvonen
If you would like your article in Tidings,
Email to: newsletter@trinitypresnc.org
By the 15th of the previous month.
Weekly Prayer Persons
December 7
Ed & Betty Lockwood .........692-7269
19 Winter Holly Lane
Hendersonville, NC 28739
December 21 Jim & Bev Luzadder ........... 890-4404
1461 Mountain Meadow Dr.
Hendersonville, NC 28739
December 14 Bill & Barbara Garrison....... 696-1793
1 Garrison Lane
Flat Rock, NC 28731
December 28 Dieter & Sue Hammer ....... 694-3686
18 Legendary Rd.
Hendersonville, NC 28739
December 2014
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The TIDINGS of
Trinity Presbyterian Church
900 Blythe Street
Hendersonville, NC 28791
Rev. Dr. Mark Stanley
Senior Pastor
Dwight Christenbury
Associate Pastor
Joe Gernoske, CLP
Parish Visitor
Stephen Klein
Organist/Adult Choir Director
Bettye Young
Executive Secretary
Peggy Hunnicutt
Preschool Director
Dr. Fred Van Itallie
Web Master
LeAnn Godsey
Tidings Editor
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TRINITY M ISSION STATEM ENT
Trinity is a family of faith called to make the Word known to all ages,
to grow in faith together, to minister to those in need, and to do all these things
with joy, love, and compassion in the name of Christ the Lord .